Ready To Countdown The Best Games Like Shenmue?
10) Sleeping Dogs
“Sleeping Dogs” Gameplay
Sleeping Dogs takes players through the streets of Hong Kong as Wei Shen, an undercover cop. Shen is on a mission to infiltrate and eradicate the Sun On Yee crime syndicate. Players can choose to do missions to advance the main story, or they can choose to explore the open map and participate in legal/illegal activities. In combat, players can either fight with melee attacks, like punches and kicks, or pick up weapons to use. With the amount of freedom allowed in this game, players have the chance to create their own unique gaming experience, as well as play through a captivating storyline.
Outnumbered? No problem! Power through fights with melee combos
Take a virtual trip to Hong Kong without ever going outside
9) GTA Online
“GTA Online” Gameplay
This is the online version of GTA V and it’s meant to allow players to enjoy the game, as additional content is added. GTA Online allows free range for players to design their own experience. The game allows 30 players at a time to explore the open world map and participate in co-op matches, or PvP. Unlike other games in the GTA series, players can gain experience by successfully completing different activities/quests. If you want to take a break from the regular GTA agenda, and want to have more freedom, grab your friends and give GTA Online a try.
Cool cars and lots of firearms, just like a classic GTA game
Rocket launcher target practice
8) Saints Row: The Third
“Saint Row: The Third” Gameplay
Appropriately named, Saints Row: The Third is the third installment of the Saints Row series. The game follows the same plot as the previous games, in which the player leads the Third Street Saints gang in a turf war with other gangs. The map is open, unrestricted, and boasts a wide variety of weapons with customizable options for players. New to this installment, players can make decisions within the game that completely change the story, gain experience levels, and upgrade weapons. Saints Row: The Third gives players the freedom to become a part of the game and improves on the individuality factor not seen as much in the previous versions.
Things get crazy in this turf war
Choose from various weapons and tools to help you survive
7) Scarface: The World Is Yours
“Scarface: The World Is Yours” Gameplay
Rather than being an adaptation of the classic movie, Scarface: The World Is Yours is more like a sequel, if the movie ended in a different way. You play as Tony Montana as he sets out on a mission to get revenge and bring back his drug empire. The gameplay is like GTA’s, where players can go around in cars or on foot, interact with NPCs, and go through a wide range of weapons. The map is open world, but there is a clear mission in place: revenge. Scarface fans, this game is for you if you ever wanted to know what it was like to become Tony Montana.
When you’ve been through it all, nothing gets to you
Say hello to my little friend!
6) Yakuza 0
“Yakuza 0” Gameplay
Yakuza 0 takes place in Japan, before the events in the Yakuza series. Players join Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they investigate the events related to the Empty Lot incident, which was the main reason for the power struggle between all the dark organizations in Japan. As the game progresses, players switch off between the two characters at several pre-determined parts of the storyline. Unique to Yakuza 0, players can switch between battle styles of the two characters, with one being more of a melee attacker, and the other specializing in weapons. Yakuza 0 provides a robust storyline, that is filled by the ability to see different sides unfold from different points of view, and it is well worth your time to give it a try.
Is it really a Yakuza-based game if you don’t see a briefcase full of money?
No holds barred in battle and this one looks like it hurts
5) Yakuza Kiwami
“Yakuza Kiwami” Gameplay
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first Yakuza game. The plot is essentially the same, with players becoming Kazuma Kiryu as he goes on a quest to find his childhood friend. Kiwami expands on some aspects of the storyline, so players replaying the series don’t have to worry about being bored. Kiwami also has a fighting system like that in Yakuza 0, where players can switch between four battle styles while fighting. The game also introduces the “Majima Everywhere” combat game where Goro Majima, Kiryu’s rival, will appear in random places throughout the journey, and players are rewarded if they defeat him. Fans of the original series and newer prequel will enjoy Kiwami, especially if they want to watch a deeper level of character development.
Majima really takes hide and seek seriously
Plenty of street fights ahead, and all of them in style
4) Red Dead Redemption 2
“Red Dead Redemption 2” Gameplay
Despite the title, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. It is a western game set in 1969, and follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. The Van der Linde gang bounces around from heist to heist to avoid law enforcement and fund their operations. The game revolves around player story choices and missions. Players can also interact with NPCs without restrictions and they can even fight NPCs to loot them for their money. Red Dead Redemption 2 takes classic elements from the original game, develops them, and puts them all together in a compelling tale bound to keep players engaged for hours to come.
Travel through beautifully rendered terrains on your journey
Not sure how all the bullets missed him, but the guys in the back aren’t so lucky
3) Hitman 2
“Hitman 2” Gameplay Walkthrough
Hitman 2 is the seventh installment in the Hitman series, and it is a direct sequel of the 2016 Hitman game. Continuing the story, Agent 47 is on a mission to hunt down the “Shadow Client” and destroy his militia. The gameplay is like its prequel, with a few variations for combat. Players can now use concussive gadgets and it brings back the use of the briefcase to hide large weapons in public. If you played the prequel, you have to check out the sequel to see how the story plays out.
The best way to hide anything
Enjoy the battle variety, as well as the variety of hats worn during them
2) Max Payne 3
“Max Payne 3” Gameplay
Players become Max Payne, an ex-detective turned vigilante as a result of the murder of his family. The game is set nine years after Max Payne 2, and Payne is now working in São Paulo, Brazil as a security contractor. His boss’ wife is kidnapped, leading Payne into a long adventure through the murky underworld of São Paulo. This installment introduces the use of the environment for stealth and for avoiding damage from enemies. It’s a fun third-person shooter, and it doesn’t have any loading screens between cutscenes and normal action, giving players a more realistic feel. Max Payne has started a new chapter in his life, but old problems seem to follow him, and players should be there to see how this new story unfolds.
There will be many opportunities for cool jump shots like this one
Guess if you’re going to get caught, might as well wear a fun shirt
“Mafia 2” Gameplay
Set in a rendition of New York City, players become Vito Scaletta, a military vet who unwittingly becomes tangled up with the Mafia. Scaletta goes through the game performing deeds for the Mafia so he can save up money to get rid of his father’s debt. Police awareness is a huge part of the game, as the more illegal activities Scaletta commits, the higher he goes on the “Wanted” list. Weather also plays a role in the game, as different weather conditions can affect how you drive, just like in real life. Mafia 2 gives players a classic game experience, where they get to feel like they are really in control of their outcomes.
This is a blast from the past, even down to the cars
Use the environment to your advantage for stealth and defense
You may also be interested in:
