Four open-world crime games to play while waiting for GTA VI

For those counting down to Grand Theft Auto VI's 19 November release on PlayStation and Xbox, a wave of earlier open-world crime games offers plenty of variety. While Rockstar's series defined the genre, several ambitious titles introduced distinctive settings and mechanics that still hold up. Here are four standouts worth revisiting.

Sleeping Dogs

Originally released in 2012 by United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs drops players into Hong Kong as undercover police officer Wei Shen infiltrates the city's Triad organisations. The game stands out for its cinematic martial arts combat, brutal environmental takedowns, and thrilling vehicle chases inspired by Hong Kong action cinema. Its neon-lit streets and bustling markets bring the city to life, while the tense storyline about Shen's divided loyalties adds depth. Originally conceived as part of the True Crime series, it remains a favourite for fans of the genre.

Saints Row 2

Volition's 2008 sequel, Saints Row 2, embraces absurdity as players rebuild the Third Street Saints gang in the fictional city of Stilwater. Activities range from spraying buildings with sewage to committing insurance fraud by throwing yourself into traffic. With extensive customisation and a co-operative campaign, it was a deliberately over-the-top counterpoint to the more grounded tone of contemporary Grand Theft Auto titles. Its unpredictable missions make it a refreshing change of pace.

Scarface: The World Is Yours

Radical Entertainment's 2006 game imagines an alternative ending to the 1983 film Scarface, letting Tony Montana survive the bloody conclusion and rebuild his drug empire in Miami. Beyond driving and shooting, players manage businesses and invest drug money, adding a satisfying progression loop that makes power feel earned. The game captures the excess of the film, from lavish locations to a memorable soundtrack, translating the source material into an open-world experience unusually well.

The Saboteur

Pandemic Studios' The Saboteur sets its open-world action in occupied Paris during the Second World War. Players control Irish racing driver Sean Devlin, who wages a personal campaign against the Nazis. The game's most striking feature is its visual presentation: areas under German control appear in black and white, with colour gradually returning as players liberate neighbourhoods. Activities include planting explosives, climbing buildings, stealing vehicles, and street races. Released shortly before the studio closed, its colour-return mechanic is still remembered fondly.

These titles may not match the polish of a modern Rockstar blockbuster, but each offers a distinct take on the open-world crime formula, perfect for filling the wait.