Mafia stands as one of 2K's greatest franchises. Its rich storylines and detailed open worlds deliver an immersive experience few games match. The remake, Mafia Definitive Edition, perfected what made the original special.

Not all open-world games deserve your time, though. Here are 5 exceptional open-world games that capture what makes Mafia great:

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

2. Yakuza 0

3. GTA V

4. Watch Dogs 2

5. L.A. Noire

In this article, we’ll break down each game's retail price, available platforms, and what makes them stand out as worthy alternatives to the Mafia series.

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1. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $59.99

• GameBoost Deal: RDR2 Ultimate Edition Key for $15.65

Red Dead Redemption 2 is Rockstar's masterpiece with 92% positive Steam reviews and a 97 Metacritic score. Its must-play badge and numerous awards confirm its place among gaming's elite.

The game excels across all elements - combat feels responsive yet challenging, while characters develop with emotional depth rarely seen in gaming. Arthur Morgan's journey creates genuine emotional investment.

RDR2's world sets new standards for detail. From mud accumulating on clothes during storms to realistic animal behavior, the environment feels alive. For Mafia fans, RDR2 delivers similar period authenticity and narrative depth, just in a frontier setting rather than urban crime.

Side activities like hunting, fishing, and bounty hunting integrate naturally into the experience. For open-world enthusiasts who appreciate Mafia's story-driven approach, RDR2 represents gaming at its finest.

2. Yakuza 0

• Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $19.99 / Available on Game Pass

• GameBoost Deal: Yakuza 0 Steam Key for $14.70

Yakuza 0 is an action-adventure game developed by Sega that serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series. Set in 1988 during Japan's economic bubble, it follows Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they navigate the Japanese criminal underworld.

Like Mafia, Yakuza 0 drops players into a historically inspired open world with crime at its center. While Mafia recreates 1930s America in Lost Heaven, Yakuza 0 transports players to 1980s Japan through the districts of Kamurocho (fictional Tokyo) and Sotenbori (fictional Osaka).

Both games excel at creating dense, authentic environments that capture their respective periods. Players who enjoy Mafia's criminal narrative will find Yakuza 0's dual protagonist approach delivers compelling storytelling with surprising emotional depth.

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3. Grand Theft Auto V

• Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $29.99

• GameBoost Deal: GTA V Premium Online Edition for $10.38

GTA V showcases Rockstar Games' mastery of open-world design. Set in fictional San Andreas, the game follows three distinct protagonists—Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips—as they execute heists while managing personal struggles and criminal adversaries.

Like Mafia: Definitive Edition, GTA V centers on crime-driven storytelling. Both games explore loyalty, betrayal, and criminal life consequences through compelling narratives. Their shared emphasis on detailed open-world environments enables immersive exploration complemented by refined driving and shooting systems.

GTA V expands beyond Mafia's more focused approach with multiple protagonists and a modern setting. Players who enjoy Mafia's crime saga will find GTA V delivers similar themes on a larger scale with greater gameplay variety.

4. Watch Dogs 2

• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $49.99

• GameBoost Deal: Watch Dogs 2 Key for $6.66

Watch Dogs 2 puts players in control of Marcus Holloway, a hacker working with DedSec in a fictional version of San Francisco. The game focuses on hacking, exploration, and combat across its open-world environment.

Both Watch Dogs 2 and Mafia feature expansive open worlds for players to explore. Each centers on crime-focused narratives, though Watch Dogs 2 tackles modern digital crime rather than traditional organized crime. Players challenge corrupt corporations and government systems through hacking rather than physical violence alone.

The games share similar mission structures, balancing main story objectives with side activities that flesh out the world. Mafia fans will appreciate Watch Dogs 2's detailed urban environment and emphasis on using intelligence and strategy alongside combat.

Also Read: 5 Must-Play Games Like Alan Wake 2

5. L.A. Noire

• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $39.99

• GameBoost Deal: L.A. Noire Complete Edition for $11.25

L.A. Noire puts you in the shoes of Cole Phelps, a detective climbing the LAPD ranks in 1947 Los Angeles. You'll solve cases across the Traffic, Homicide, Vice, and Arson departments through investigation, interrogation, and detective work.

Like Mafia, L.A. Noire recreates post-war America with historical accuracy. Both games feature period-appropriate vehicles, landmarks, and cultural references that enhance immersion.

The games share narrative-driven gameplay with complex characters and intricate plots. L.A. Noire differentiates itself by focusing on solving crimes rather than committing them, using unique interrogation mechanics and evidence collection systems.

Mafia fans will appreciate L.A. Noire's attention to historical detail and its character-driven storytelling in a richly realized urban environment.

Final Words

These five games offer compelling alternatives to Mafia while delivering their own unique experiences. Red Dead Redemption 2 provides unmatched historical detail and storytelling depth. Yakuza 0 transports players to Japan's criminal underworld with intense combat and eccentric side activities. GTA V delivers a modern crime saga with unprecedented freedom. Watch Dogs 2 brings hacking mechanics to an open world, while L.A. Noire flips the script by putting players on the right side of the law.

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