The following adrenaline-pumping games like GTA 4 will have you exploring dangerous terrains and facing some ruthless opposition.
Most of the games listed below also allow you to drive around town in an abrasive manner, with total disregard for the law.
They incorporate everything you love about the game in question here and even attempts to bring their own individual flavor to the forefront.
And if you’re an ardent fan of the GTA series including the IV iteration, then you’ll surely appreciate the open world and action-adventure elements thrown into the games listed right here.
1 – Just Cause 2:
Agent Rico Rodriguez zips back for round 2 with the action-adventure sequel to Just Cause which released in 2006.
This time around he’s out to take on his friend and mentor, Tom Sheldon as well as the evil dictator Baby Panay.
Stepping into the shoes of the brave agent himself, you’ll get to embark on missions that’ll hurtle you across land, air and sea.
You can control more than 100 vehicles, which include jet fighters and tactical jeeps.
Developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Eidos Interactive, the game takes you to the 400 square mile island nation of Panau that’s packed with snow-capped peaks and scorching deserts. Just Cause 2 is available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
2 – Sleeping Dogs:
Get ready to experience the likes of a vibrant neon city that’s located in Hong Kong. Here you take on the role of an undercover cop named Wei Shen who’s tasked with taking down the dangerous criminal organization, the Triads.
Now in order to succeed in his endeavor, he must pose as one of the ruthless members and work his way to the top.
This means he’ll have to conduct brutal criminal activities without blowing his cover.
The fresh storyline is an amalgamation of intense gunfights, deadly martial arts and brutal takedowns.
And what’s an action-adventure game without the mention of exotic cars, speedboats and super-bikes?
Well, you’ll be able to espy plenty of those as well as illegal races, karaoke bars and gambling on cockfights.
Published by Square Enix, Sleeping Dogs is out on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
3 – Saints Row The Third:
Released just a couple of years ago, this entrant in our games similar to GTA 4 roster also falls under the action-adventure and open-world genres.
Here you’ll get to explore the fictional city of Steelport, a place that’s buzzing with an urban gang war between the Saints and a trio of gangs namely, the Deckers, Morningstar and Luchadores.
And besides just playing through a captivating main mission, there are also plenty of side quests that are up for grabs along the way.
When assignments are successfully completed, you’ll be able to enjoy your spoils which include in-game cash, weapons, cars, and gang respect.
Similar to the other names found here, Saints Row The Third too is compatible with the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
4 – Red Dead Redemption:
It’s now time to saddle up and step into the cowboy boots of protagonist John Marston as you mosey on into Red Dead Redemption from the house of Rockstar Games.
The heart-pounding scenario is set in the early 1900s where you can expect to see all things plucked right out of the Old West era.
This includes dramatic train robberies, gun battles and bounty hunting.
The game that’s fashioned for the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles also incorporates a multiplayer mode where up to 16 players can jump in and form groups of up to 8 individuals each.
5 – Mafia 2:
The third-person shooter, action-adventure game was unleashed in 2010 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.
Mafia 2 lets you get a good peek into the world of the Mafia where gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and vehicular exploration are no strangers here.
And that’s exactly what you can expect to see when you venture into this inclusion in our GTA 4 alternatives array.
You’ll be bombarded with an immersive gangster experience and tons of action-packed gameplay elements.
The storyline featured here is set in mid-20th century America and even incorporates the groovy tunes of that era.
6 – Payback:
After revealing a handful of PC games similar to GTA 4, it’s now time to shed some light on a couple of mobile options that allow you to take the road rage along with you.
Unveiled for iOS devices just a few years ago, Payback incorporates 11 expansive 3D environments that comprise of ice-covered lakes, desert badlands and crowded city streets.
As the developer states, there are loads of vehicle types to take advantage of like rocket cars and tanks.
The Payback game is further infused with visceral weaponry, different weather climates, complete soundtrack and an automatic save system.
You can pick up this one from the Apple App Store by shelling out just under $5.
7 – Gangstar Rio: City of Saints:
Our final contender transports you to the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where you can traverse across business districts, jungles, beaches and the favelas.
This portable game is filled to the brim with 3D indoor environments, more than 60 varied missions and random events that involve protecting witnesses, killing corrupt politicians and delivering special packages.
And as far as vehicles and weaponry are concerned, you can go behind the wheel of helicopters and tanks as well as wield bazookas and handguns.
This one too can be acquired for just under $5 from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Conclusion:
Also known as Grand Theft Auto IV, the game took the world by storm when it made its way to the virtual scene in 2008.
Published by Rockstar Games, this engaging iteration threw the focus lights on an eastern European veteran called Niko Bellic.
The game further incorporated an original soundtrack, a detailed city landscape and an immersive narrative experience.
It even earned the title of Highest Grossing Video Game in 24 Hours by Guinness World Records.
Now all of the aforesaid games like GTA 4 are packed to the hilt with similar elements so if you’re looking for something similar, these are your best bets.
Do leave your comments about your favorite ones in the space below.
