Family, respect, and honour are the key words in this best mafia games article.
The world of organized crime, or “Mafia”, has captivated audiences for decades, thanks in part to the immensely successful “The Godfather” film series and the intriguing history of Sicilian organized crime. This fascination with the mafia and its influence on popular culture eventually found its way into the realm of video games. From the gritty streets of 1930s America to the sprawling cities of modern-day crime, the mafia genre has left a permanent mark on the gaming industry and its games.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 mafia games that have fascinated players with their immersive narratives, intense action, and intricate ties to the world of organized crime also known as the mafia.
Just as a disclaimer, not all of the 10 game recommendations have the classic Italian-American mafia lore but are rather about organized crime as a whole, whether you’re part of Hong Kong’s Triads or the Japanese Yakuza, these games will fill in your craving for stepping up the not so “corporate” ladder of the streets.
Mafia
The Mafia series stands as the pinnacle of mafia gaming, with its remastered trilogy editions offering an exceptional experience. The original Mafia game and its remake provide an immersive journey through the 1930s, allowing players to become part of an Italian-American mafia organization. The Definitive Edition of Mafia is hands down the best experience if you’re a fan of The Godfather series and the mafia genre as a whole.
Mafia II and Mafia III are also stellar choices (especially Mafia II), but they take place in more modern times than the original game. One thing is for sure, the entire Mafia series is a MUST when taking mafia games.
The Godfather
Though lacking a remastered version, The Godfather game remains a classic. Inspired by the iconic film series, it invites players to rise through the ranks of the Corleone family and become a force to be reckoned with in the underworld.
Again, a shame the game did not get a remake or at least a remastered edition as the Mafia series did. There was even a petition circulating around asking the developers and publishers of The Godfather game to remaster the game. Fingers crossed for a reboot.
In the meantime, you can find used copies of The Godfather game for the Xbox, Xbox 360 or PS2 on Amazon or eBay.
Scarface: The World Is Yours
While not featuring a remastered edition, this game lets players step into the shoes of Tony Montana after the events of the 1983 classic film with the same name, Scarface. It offers a chance to rebuild his empire and seek revenge against those who wronged him, all through some really fun and innovative mini-games.
You can’t help but feel how Grand Theft Auto’s Vice City is 100% inspired by the Scarface movie. Even the two games share a lot of similarities is setting, storyline, tone, and gameplay. You could easily confuse the two if you weren’t paying attention for a few seconds.
Again, as there are no remastered or remake editions for Scarface: The World Is Yours, used copies of the title can be found on Amazon or eBay for the Nintendo Wii, PS2, or PSP.
Grand Theft Auto III
Although not solely focused on the Italian Mafia, GTA III draws heavily from the world of Sicilian organized crime. The game’s storyline and setting feature the Leone Crime Family, an Italian-American mafia group operating in the city of Liberty City, mostly on Portland island, the first area of GTA III’s map. You can now even try out the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy edition, which started off as a massive fail in terms of bugs and gameplay but was later fixed into a pretty good remastered version, like it should have been in the first place.
While on the Grand Theft Auto topic, it’s worth noting that all GTA games have a side of the Italian Mafia and are all about organized crime in the first place, as the title of the series suggests…
Grand Theft Auto IV and its DLCs (Balland of Gay Tony and The Lost and Damned) are probably the best examples of excellent organized crime storytelling in video games. With its gritty atmosphere and realistic storylines, GTA IV is a must-play when talking mafia game genre.
Sleeping Dogs
While set in Hong Kong, Sleeping Dogs captures the essence of the Triads, the Chinese organized crime syndicates. It provides an immersive open-world experience with a compelling narrative centred around undercover cop Wei Shen.
Sleeping Dogs is definitely one of my favorite organized crime games, with a unique world atmosphere and a superb radio soundtrack reminiscent of a GTA game. The game received in 2014 a Definitive Edition with better graphics, textures, models, and a ton of bug fixes, so if you decide to play this today, you’re in for a treat.
Max Payne 3
Another Rockstar Games home run in the mafia department is Max Payne 3, a gritty third-person shooter, that immerses players in the dark and violent world of the titular protagonist. While not strictly a mafia game, Max Payne 3 incorporates elements of the genre with its depiction of the Brazilian favelas mafia. The game’s narrative follows Max Payne as he confronts corruption and organized crime in Sao Paulo.
With its intense gunplay, cinematic storytelling, and noir-inspired atmosphere, Max Payne 3 captures the essence of the franchise while evolving the series with improved mechanics and stunning visuals. The game’s exploration of the Brazilian underworld adds a unique twist to the mafia games genre, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling action and emotional depth.
Omerta – City of Gangsters
Omerta: City of Gangsters is a strategy game that immerses players in the world of organized crime and the mafia. Set during the Prohibition era in Atlantic City, players assume the role of a fledgling gangster aiming to build their criminal empire. Through strategic planning, resource management, and tactical combat, players navigate the treacherous world of bootlegging, racketeering, and political corruption.
With its focus on criminal activities, turf wars, and the rise to power, Omerta: City of Gangsters embodies the essence of the mafia game genre. The game offers an engaging blend of strategic decision-making, economic simulation, and intense turn-based combat, providing a compelling experience for fans of mafia-themed games.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a captivating entry in the Yakuza series that falls within the mafia game genre. Set in the fictional city of Yokohama, players assume the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza member seeking redemption and vengeance.
Like other games from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Yakuza: Like a Dragon explores the criminal underworld and features themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal. With its immersive open-world environment, engaging storytelling, and intense combat, the game offers a thrilling experience for fans of the mafia game genre. Yakuza: Like a Dragon, along with other titles from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, serves as an excellent choice for those seeking captivating mafia-themed gameplay.
Saints Row
Known for its over-the-top and self-aware style, Saints Row incorporates elements of the mafia game genre in a unique and comedic manner. The series revolves around organized crime groups fighting for control of territories, exploring themes of corruption and power struggles. While maintaining a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere in its writing and storytelling.
Saints Row retains the essence of the mafia genre with its focus on criminal activities and the pursuit of dominance. Despite its exaggerated and unconventional approach, the game series offers players a chance to engage in the world of organized crime in a playful and entertaining way, making it a notable entry in the genre.
Empire of Sin
Empire of Sin is a strategy game that immerses players in the heart of the mafia games. Set during the Prohibition era in 1920s Chicago, players take the role of a crime boss striving to build and control their own criminal empire. With a focus on strategic decision-making, resource management, and tactical combat, Empire of Sin captures the essence of organized crime and the power struggles within the mafia underworld.
As players navigate the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and illicit activities, they must make ruthless choices to rise to the top of the criminal hierarchy. Empire of Sin offers a compelling and immersive experience for fans of the mafia game genre, delivering a richly detailed world filled with danger, intrigue, and the pursuit of power.
A brief history of the mafia games genre
The mafia genre in gaming has thrived due to its ability to immerse players in the secretive and dangerous world of organized crime. Inspired by the success of “The Godfather” series and the historical roots of Sicilian organized crime, these games provide a thrilling experience with gripping narratives and intense action.
Whether you prefer the historical backdrop of 1930s America in the Mafia series, the iconic world of The Godfather, the scarred legacy of Tony Montana in Scarface: The World Is Yours, or the dynamic open worlds of Grand Theft Auto III and Sleeping Dogs, there is no shortage of captivating experiences in the mafia game genre.
For those seeking a darker and more introspective journey, Max Payne 3 offers a gritty and noir-style tale set in the Brazilian underworld, while Omerta – City of Gangsters provides a strategic blend of turn-based combat and city management during the Prohibition era.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes players into the world of the Japanese Yakuza, showcasing the global reach of organized crime and offering a mix of engaging storytelling and dynamic combat. The Saints Row series, known for its over-the-top and comedic style, adds a unique twist to the genre, combining action, humor, and the quest for territorial control.
Finally, Empire of Sin transports players to 1920s Chicago, allowing them to build their criminal empire and navigate the treacherous world of prohibition-era organized crime.
The mafia game genre has carved its place in gaming history by delivering immersive narratives, intense action, and the allure of organized crime. Whether you’re drawn to the historical settings, iconic film adaptations, or the sheer thrill of exploring the criminal underworld, these top 10 mafia games provide an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre. So don your fedora, step into the shadows, and prepare to make your mark in the world of organized crime.
