Uncover thrilling alternatives that deliver the same heart-pounding action and open-world adventures as GTA IV

Grand Theft Auto IV, often abbreviated as GTA IV, is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North. Set in the expansive fictional city of Liberty City, modeled after New York City, the game follows the story of Niko Bellic, an immigrant from Eastern Europe who comes to the United States seeking the American Dream. Its compelling narrative, combined with groundbreaking graphics and an intricate open-world environment, solidifies GTA IV as a cornerstone in contemporary gaming. The title also features a multiplayer mode that allows players to engage in various competitive and cooperative activities, adding to its replay value.

If you find yourself intrigued by the immersive and expansive nature of GTA IV, you'll be pleased to know there are many similar games that might pique your interest. Titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Watch Dogs 2, and Sleeping Dogs offer a blend of open-world exploration, captivating storylines, and action-packed gameplay. Each game brings its unique flavor and setting, be it the Wild West, a high-tech San Francisco, or the bustling streets of Hong Kong. These games are excellent alternatives if you appreciate skillful storytelling, dynamic environments, and intricate mission structures.

Whether you prefer the gritty urban crime scenes of GTA IV or the factional struggles of medieval times, we've got a variety of options that cater to diverse tastes. There are so many action-adventure games out there that can provide hours upon hours of entertainment. If you're ready to dive deeper, we've compiled a full list of must-play titles and hidden gems in an extensive article. Keep listening to find out more...

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25. GTA V

If you enjoyed the gripping narrative and expansive open-world environment of GTA IV, you'll feel right at home with GTA V. Like its predecessor, GTA V offers a richly detailed city to explore—Los Santos, which vividly brings to life the essence of contemporary Southern California. You'll appreciate the return of Rockstar's signature storytelling, filled with intricate missions, memorable characters, and unexpected twists. The character development is particularly engaging, allowing you to immerse yourself deeply in the lives of three protagonists, each with their intricate backstories and unique motivations.

GTA V also builds upon the sophisticated gameplay mechanics that made GTA IV a standout. Driving feels every bit as realistic, with improved vehicle handling that enhances both high-speed chases and leisurely cruises around the city. Combat is another area where you'll notice familiarity; the cover system from GTA IV is refined and more fluid in GTA V, making shootouts more intuitive and dynamic. Moreover, you can still enjoy a variety of side activities such as street races, flying planes, and engaging in various sports, much like the rich, activity-filled world of GTA IV.

GTA V is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

24. Saints Row: The Third

If you loved the sprawling open world and rich sandbox experience of GTA IV, you'll find Saints Row: The Third equally captivating. Both games offer a massive urban landscape to explore, teeming with side activities, diverse vehicles, and a plethora of missions that keep you engaged for hours on end. Much like GTA IV’s Liberty City, the fictional city of Steelport in Saints Row: The Third is a bustling, living world where chaos and fun permeate every corner. You can hijack cars, get into exhilarating high-speed chases, and interact with a variety of NPCs, ensuring that no two gameplay sessions are the same.

One of the biggest highlights of both games is the ability to customize your experience extensively. In Saints Row: The Third, just like in GTA IV, you can tweak your character’s appearance, tailor your arsenal, and even upgrade vehicles to suit your style. Moreover, both games blend their narratives with a great sense of humor. While GTA IV has a more gritty and realistic tone, Saints Row: The Third embraces the over-the-top and often absurd aspects of its story, making for an exciting contrast. If you’re looking for more of that open-world mayhem and freedom that GTA IV offers, but with an added dose of wackiness and customization, Saints Row: The Third is a fantastic choice.

Saints Row: The Third is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and the remastered version is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $40 USD.

23. Mafia II

If you're a fan of the gritty, open-world experience of GTA IV, Mafia II is definitely a game you'll want to check out. Like GTA IV, Mafia II offers a richly detailed city to explore—Empire Bay, a rendition of mid-20th-century American urban life. The game is filled with period-accurate cars, music, and fashion, immersing you in a world that feels both authentic and engrossing. You'll enjoy the narrative-driven experience with missions that combine intense firefights, thrilling car chases, and strategic stealth segments, not to mention a compelling storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Moreover, Mafia II’s advanced graphics and attention to detail make it stand out, similar to what you enjoyed in GTA IV. The game engine delivers impressive weather effects and realistic character animations, adding depth to the overall experience. Driving in Empire Bay is as engaging as it is in Liberty City, with a variety of classic vehicles at your disposal. Additionally, the characters you interact with are well-developed, offering intricate backstories and dynamic dialogues that further enhance the immersive experience you loved in GTA IV.

Mafia II is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

22. Mafia III

If you enjoyed the open-world experience, rich storytelling, and atmospheric cityscapes of GTA IV, then Mafia III is a game that will undoubtedly catch your interest. Set in a meticulously crafted version of 1968 New Bordeaux, a reimagined New Orleans, Mafia III provides an immersive environment paired with a gripping narrative. Similar to GTA IV's Liberty City, New Bordeaux is full of life, featuring bustling streets, dynamic weather, and a variety of districts each with its own distinctive character. The game's attention to detail in recreating the era, from the music to the fashion, makes exploring the city an experience in itself.

In terms of gameplay, Mafia III takes many cues from the open-world design and mission structure seen in GTA IV. Players take on the role of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam war veteran, as he seeks revenge against the Italian mob. The story missions are compelling and often deeply personal, much like Niko Bellic’s journey in GTA IV. Additionally, Mafia III features a variety of side activities and missions, from taking down enemy rackets to managing your own criminal empire, ensuring that there's always something to do. The driving mechanics and on-foot combat's fluidity also bring that familiar GTA-like excitement to every chase and shootout.

Mafia III is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $29.99 USD.

21. Red Dead Redemption

If you loved GTA IV, then you're in for a treat with Red Dead Redemption! Both games are made by Rockstar Games, so you'll recognize the same amazing open-world freedom and richly detailed environments. You'll find that the story-driven experience is equally compelling, with well-developed characters and a plot that will keep you hooked. Just like in GTA IV's Liberty City, Red Dead Redemption's Wild West setting is teeming with lifelike details that make exploration a joy, whether you're following the main story or just roaming around.

The gameplay mechanics will feel familiar too. Expect the same fluid controls, with an added twist to fit the Western theme. Instead of cars, you'll be riding horses, and the gunfights are tailored to the period with satisfying, authentic weaponry. Much like GTA IV, you have side missions, random world events, and a variety of activities to keep you engaged. The moral choices you make in the game also impact your character's journey, adding layers of depth and replayability that you'll surely enjoy.

Red Dead Redemption is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and an enhanced version on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It's typically priced around $30 USD.

20. Red Dead Redemption 2

If you enjoyed the immersive open-world experience of GTA IV, then you'll find a lot to love in Red Dead Redemption 2. Both games come from the same developer, Rockstar Games, which means they share a commitment to creating highly detailed worlds with compelling narratives. Just like GTA IV's Liberty City, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vibrant and dynamic environment, but this time set in the expansive, breathtaking American frontier. Interactions with the game's world and characters are deep and varied, making every encounter feel unique and significant.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Red Dead Redemption 2 also shares a lot with GTA IV. You'll experience a variety of missions that blend action, strategy, and storytelling, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. The cover-based shooting system will feel familiar, yet enhanced with more intricate details and animations. Plus, the rich character development and morally complex decisions will remind you of Niko Bellic’s journey, letting you dive deep into the game's storyline while forging your own path through choice-driven gameplay.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $60 USD.

19. Watch Dogs

If you loved the open-world, city-based gameplay of GTA IV, Watch Dogs is definitely a game you'll want to check out. In both titles, you get to roam around a vibrant, living city filled with dynamic events and opportunities for mayhem. Just like in GTA IV, Watch Dogs allows you to steal cars, perform daring escapes, and engage in thrilling shootouts. The sense of freedom and the variety of missions ensure that there's always something exciting to do, keeping you hooked for hours on end.

While GTA IV placed you in the shoes of Niko Bellic navigating Liberty City, Watch Dogs introduces you to Aiden Pearce in a dystopian take on Chicago. One of the standout features of Watch Dogs is its unique hacking gameplay; Aiden can manipulate the city’s infrastructure to his advantage, from controlling traffic lights to hacking security cameras. This adds a fresh layer of strategy and immersion that complements the open-world chaos similar to GTA IV, making it a perfect next step for fans looking for both familiar and innovative gameplay elements.

Watch Dogs is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

18. Watch Dogs 2

If you're a fan of Grand Theft Auto IV, you'll feel right at home with Watch Dogs 2. Both games offer expansive open-world environments filled with dynamic elements and opportunities for exploration. Just like in GTA IV, you'll find yourself navigating a bustling city with a variety of missions, side activities, and interactive NPCs. One of the most thrilling similarities is the driving and combat mechanics. Watch Dogs 2 features a wide range of vehicles to hijack and drive, mirroring the exhilarating car chases and stunts you enjoyed in GTA IV. The game also incorporates a robust cover-based shooting system, making the combat sequences just as engaging.

Another compelling aspect of Watch Dogs 2 is its vibrant storytelling and memorable characters, reminiscent of GTA IV's well-developed narrative and rich cast. In Watch Dogs 2, you play as Marcus Holloway, a charismatic and tech-savvy hacker who is part of the DedSec group. The plot involves taking down corrupt corporations and exposing injustices, which adds a layer of modern relevance and depth. Like GTA IV, the game allows for player-driven choices and actions that impact the storyline. Plus, there's a multitude of fun, unpredictable moments that emerge from its sandbox world, keeping each playthrough fresh and exciting.

Watch Dogs 2 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

17. Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs is like Grand Theft Auto IV in many ways, making it a fantastic choice if you're looking for a similar gaming experience. Both games offer expansive open-world environments where you can explore bustling cityscapes, engaging in a variety of criminal activities and side missions. In Sleeping Dogs, the setting is the vibrant city of Hong Kong, which is teeming with life and cultural nuances much like Liberty City in GTA IV. You'll find yourself enticed by a deeply engaging storyline that revolves around undercover police work, blending dramatic narratives with moments of high-octane action.

Much like GTA IV, Sleeping Dogs excels in its level of detail and the freedom it gives players. You can hijack cars, engage in street races, and partake in a wide range of mini-games from karaoke to street fighting. However, one standout feature in Sleeping Dogs is its superior hand-to-hand combat system, which draws inspiration from martial arts, making melee fights particularly thrilling and dynamic. The game also offers a variety of upgrade paths for combat skills, driving abilities, and social status, contributing to a sense of progression and replayability.

Sleeping Dogs is available on platforms like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

16. L.A. Noire

If you loved GTA IV, you're definitely going to enjoy L.A. Noire. Both games are developed by Rockstar, ensuring the high-quality production and immersive experience you appreciated in GTA IV. In L.A. Noire, you get to explore an open-world environment, this time set in the meticulously recreated 1940s Los Angeles. Like GTA IV, you'll find yourself driving various vintage cars, interacting with a diverse cast of characters, and diving deep into a storyline filled with twists and turns. The game mechanics might feel familiar, yet fresh, with a strong focus on narrative and exploration, keeping you engaged just like GTA IV did.

Additionally, L.A. Noire adds a unique layer of detective gameplay. Unlike the criminal escapades of GTA IV's Niko Bellic, you'll be stepping into the shoes of Detective Cole Phelps, solving crimes across various departments, from traffic cases to arson investigations. The innovative face-scanning technology used in L.A. Noire allows for incredibly realistic facial expressions, making interrogations a thrilling and immersive experience where you need to read characters' emotions and reactions. This blend of action, narrative, and deduction offers a fresh yet familiar experience that should intrigue anyone who enjoyed the mix of storytelling and open-world freedom in GTA IV.

L.A. Noire is available on platforms such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

15. Just Cause 2

If you loved the open-world chaos and freedom of GTA IV, then Just Cause 2 is right up your alley! Just like GTA IV, Just Cause 2 offers a massive, open-world environment where you can go anywhere and do almost anything you like. Imagine the unpredictability of Liberty City, but on a tropical island with a variety of exotic landscapes. You'll find yourself hijacking cars, causing massive explosions, and creating general mayhem, all while enjoying a wide array of vehicles and weapons that make each encounter a new opportunity for excitement.

Another compelling similarity is the storyline and mission structure. While GTA IV weaves a complex tale through a series of missions, Just Cause 2 also offers a compelling narrative loaded with a variety of missions that challenge your creativity and strategy. The sandbox mechanics allow you to approach missions in multiple ways, giving you the freedom to tackle objectives head-on or use the environment to your advantage. Plus, with side missions and collectibles scattered across the map, there's always something to keep you entertained, much like how you could always find a new distraction in GTA IV's bustling Liberty City.

Just Cause 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, typically priced around $15 USD.

14. Just Cause 3

If you enjoyed the open-world freedom and action-packed missions of GTA IV, you'll find Just Cause 3 to be an exhilarating experience. Like GTA IV, Just Cause 3 offers a massive sandbox environment where you can explore, cause mayhem, and take on a variety of missions. The story revolves around Rico Rodriguez in his quest to liberate the Mediterranean island of Medici from a brutal dictator. The game's beautiful and expansive world provides countless opportunities for both creative destruction and high-octane stunts, much like the urban playground of Liberty City in GTA IV.

One of the biggest similarities is the focus on chaotic, over-the-top gameplay. Just Cause 3 takes this to the next level with its unique grapple hook and wingsuit mechanics, allowing you to traverse the landscape in style and invent new ways to interact with your environment. Additionally, both games offer a wide range of vehicles, from cars to helicopters, that you can steal and use at will, making for some wild chases and escapes. And much like GTA IV, the game includes a broad arsenal of weapons and gadgets, ensuring that you'll always have the right tools to cause maximum destruction while taking on missions or just exploring the world.

Just Cause 3 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

13. Just Cause 4

If you enjoyed the open-world chaos and freedom of GTA IV, then Just Cause 4 is going to be right up your alley! Both games offer expansive worlds filled with a mix of urban environments and rugged landscapes where you can engage in all sorts of shenanigans. Just Cause 4 ups the ante with its dynamic weather system, including tornadoes and lightning storms, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the mayhem. Like GTA IV, it gives you an unparalleled sense of freedom with countless missions, side quests, and secrets to uncover, ensuring that you'll never run out of things to do.

While GTA IV focuses more on a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime in Liberty City, Just Cause 4 delivers a more chaotic and action-packed experience. Think of it as GTA IV on steroids; you have access to a wide array of weapons, vehicles, and the iconic grappling hook that allows for some truly jaw-dropping stunts. Imagine being able to hijack cars, take down helicopters, and create massive explosions, all while being able to zip around using your grappling hook and parachute! The sheer level of freedom and the ability to cause widespread destruction will make you feel like you're in your own action movie.

Just Cause 4 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

12. The Saboteur

If you enjoyed the deep, immersive open-world experience of GTA IV, then The Saboteur might be right up your alley. Just like GTA IV, The Saboteur presents a sprawling, detailed cityscape to explore—in this case, the beautifully rendered streets of 1940s Paris. Both games share a compelling atmosphere filled with rich storylines and intricate plots. The Saboteur puts you in the shoes of Sean Devlin, a gritty Irishman bent on avenging his fallen friends and dismantling the Nazi regime. The open-world structure gives you the freedom to tackle missions at your own pace, much like in GTA IV, allowing you to indulge in side quests, engage with interesting NPCs, and discover hidden secrets throughout the city.

Moreover, The Saboteur and GTA IV both excel in providing a blend of action, driving, and stealth mechanics. Just as you drove through the streets of Liberty City, here you can take control of various vehicles to navigate through war-torn Paris. The combat is also reminiscent of what you found in GTA IV: a mix of gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and strategic planning. Additionally, The Saboteur introduces a unique 'Will to Fight' mechanic, which enhances your interactions within neighborhoods, making them more resistant against the occupying forces as you complete missions—a nuance that adds to the game's depth and makes the parallel to GTA IV’s evolving cityscape even more noticeable.

The Saboteur is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, typically priced around $20 USD.

11. Yakuza 0

If you're a fan of the open-world experience and gritty storytelling of GTA IV, then Yakuza 0 is right up your alley. Set in the bustling streets of Tokyo and Osaka, this game offers an immersive sandbox world brimming with activities, from engaging in intense street brawls to enjoying leisurely mini-games like karaoke and arcade classics. Much like GTA IV's Liberty City, the environment in Yakuza 0 feels alive and intricately crafted, with vibrant districts teeming with NPCs going about their daily lives, creating an atmosphere that is both energetic and captivating.

The narrative depth in Yakuza 0 is also comparable to GTA IV's gripping storyline. Yakuza 0 combines a deeply emotional plot with a cast of complex characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. The game's protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, faces moral and ethical dilemmas that echo the struggles of Niko Bellic in GTA IV. Both games layer their action with a rich narrative, focusing on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Additionally, side missions and sub-stories in Yakuza 0 add extra layers of depth and humor, much like the diverse and engaging missions found in GTA IV.

Yakuza 0 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

10. Yakuza Kiwami

Yakuza Kiwami and GTA IV both offer an immersive open-world experience where you can lose yourself in a richly detailed urban environment. If you enjoyed exploring Liberty City's streets, you're going to love Kamurocho, Yakuza Kiwami's fictional district based on Tokyo's red-light district. The game allows you to dive into various side activities, mini-games, and intricate storylines, giving you a well-rounded experience filled with both action and depth. The environments are extremely interactive, and you'll often find yourself busy with engaging missions, random street fights, or even karaoke sessions.

Both games also shine in their narrative depth and complex characters. Yakuza Kiwami places you in the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu, an honorable gangster much like Niko Bellic in GTA IV, dealing with issues of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The storytelling is mature and gripping, and you'll find yourself getting emotionally invested in the lives of the characters you encounter. Additionally, the combat mechanics in Yakuza Kiwami provide a satisfying, hands-on experience, featuring a mix of strategic beat-em-up action that rivals the intense gunfights of GTA IV.

Yakuza Kiwami is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox One, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

9. Yakuza Kiwami 2

If you enjoyed the open-world gameplay and gritty narrative of GTA IV, then Yakuza Kiwami 2 might just be the perfect next game for you. Like GTA IV, Yakuza Kiwami 2 immerses you in a bustling city environment teeming with detail and life. Instead of Liberty City, you'll find yourself navigating the richly recreated streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, filled with diverse characters and side activities. The freedom to explore, engage in side missions, and interact with the environment is a strong shared aspect between both games. You'll find yourself just as engrossed in Yakuza's world as you were in GTA IV's, with its seamless blend of story and free-form activities.

Another similarity is the narrative depth and character development. Yakuza Kiwami 2 tells the intense story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza, and his attempts to find peace while being drawn back into the underworld. Just like Niko Bellic in GTA IV, Kiryu is a complex protagonist with a rich backstory, engaging you in a compelling plot that's both emotional and action-packed. The game’s combat system also shares the gritty and visceral feeling found in GTA IV, albeit with a focus on intense hand-to-hand battles instead of gunplay. Plus, with a myriad of mini-games, side missions, and dynamic encounters, Yakuza Kiwami 2 ensures there's always something to keep you entertained beyond the main storyline.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

8. Scarface: The World Is Yours

If you enjoyed the open-world action and vibrant storytelling of GTA IV, you'll find Scarface: The World Is Yours to be a thrilling addition to your collection. Like GTA IV, Scarface offers an expansive environment for exploration, set in the dangerously exotic locales of 1980s Miami. You can indulge in all kinds of side missions and activities, whether it's taking on rival gangs, engaging in frenzied shootouts, or managing your own burgeoning criminal empire. The game also emphasizes a significant amount of player freedom, allowing you to shape Tony Montana's destiny with a wide array of customizable options and missions. The similarity in open-world design makes it easy for any GTA IV fan to dive straight into the action.

From the adrenaline-pumping action sequences to the deeply immersive narrative arcs, Scarface: The World Is Yours delivers an experience reminiscent of the gripping storyline offered by GTA IV. The game lets you take control of Tony Montana's life post the iconic film ending, providing a compelling narrative that drives you to reclaim lost glory and power. Its character-driven plot filled with drama, betrayal, and ambition mirrors the captivating storytelling of GTA IV, making it a perfect choice if you're looking to scratch that same storytelling itch. Furthermore, the in-game soundtrack and voice acting are top-notch, adding layers of authenticity and immersion that help make your journey through Miami memorable.

Scarface: The World Is Yours is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows, typically priced around $20 USD.

7. The Godfather II

If you loved the intricate storytelling and deep character development in GTA IV, you'll be absolutely captivated by The Godfather II. The game invites you into a sprawling, richly detailed world where you take on the role of Dominic, a rising mobster in the Corleone crime family. Much like Niko Bellic's journey through Liberty City, Dominic's rise to power is filled with morally complex decisions, engaging missions, and dynamic interactions with a colorful cast of characters. You'll be drawn into the narrative as you navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime, with every choice you make shaping your path to power.

The open-world mechanics of The Godfather II are also reminiscent of GTA IV, offering players immense freedom to explore, take on side missions, and build their criminal empire. The combat system is visceral and satisfying, blending hand-to-hand combat with strategic gunplay, much like GTA IV's mechanics. Additionally, managing businesses and taking over rival territories adds a layer of strategy, giving you even more ways to engage with the game's world. If the thrill of criminal conquest and open-world exploration was your jam in GTA IV, The Godfather II promises you a world of similar excitement, enriched by the legendary lore of the Godfather universe.

The Godfather II is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

6. True Crime: New York City

If you loved the open-world, action-packed experience of GTA IV, then True Crime: New York City is right up your alley! Like GTA IV, True Crime: New York City offers an immersive sandbox environment where you can explore a gritty urban landscape, complete with bustling streets, diverse neighborhoods, and lots of hidden surprises. As you navigate through the city, you'll have the opportunity to engage in various side missions, drive a wide array of vehicles, and interact with a dynamic world that reacts to your actions.

The storyline in True Crime: New York City also provides that same sense of engaging, crime-driven narrative that GTA IV fans enjoy. Playing as a former gang member turned cop, Marcus Reed, you delve into an intricate plot full of moral ambiguity, complex characters, and intense conflict. The game lets you choose between following the law or bending the rules, which affects how the story unfolds and how characters in the game world respond to you, much like Niko Bellic's journey in GTA IV. The combination of free-roaming, action, and a strong narrative makes for an experience that can keep you hooked for hours.

True Crime: New York City is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, typically priced around $15-20 USD.

5. True Crime: Streets of LA

If you've enjoyed GTA IV, you'll find True Crime: Streets of LA to be a thrilling alternative that offers a similar open-world experience. The game lets you roam freely through a massive, realistic rendition of Los Angeles, complete with its iconic landmarks, bustling traffic, and diverse neighborhoods. Much like GTA IV, you can engage in various side activities outside the main storyline, including street racing, martial arts brawls, and even playing as a vigilante cop enforcing the law. The dynamic weather and day-night cycle add to the immersive experience, making the city feel like a living, breathing environment.

Both games also feature compelling narratives filled with rich characters and unexpected twists. In True Crime: Streets of LA, you play as Nick Kang, a rogue cop with his own brand of justice, reminiscent of Niko Bellic's gritty quest for redemption in GTA IV. The combat system in True Crime: Streets of LA offers a mix of hand-to-hand fighting, gunplay, and driving mechanics, allowing for an action-packed experience that keeps you on your toes. Whether you're chasing down suspects, engaging in high-speed pursuits, or exploring the city for hidden secrets, the game provides a variety of missions and challenges that will keep you entertained for hours.

True Crime: Streets of LA is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

4. Bully: Scholarship Edition

If you loved the open-world exploration and detailed storytelling in GTA IV, then Bully: Scholarship Edition is definitely a game you'll want to consider. Developed by Rockstar Games, the same studio behind GTA IV, Bully brings that signature Rockstar style to a unique school setting. You get to roam freely around Bullworth Academy and its surrounding areas, interacting with a rich cast of characters and uncovering a variety of missions that are both engaging and humorously offbeat. The game combines mischievous fun with an intricate narrative, offering an experience akin to the crime-ridden streets of Liberty City, but set in a high school environment.

One of the most enjoyable similarities is the way both games allow for a mix of structured missions and freeform chaos. In Bully: Scholarship Edition, much like in GTA IV, you can choose to follow the main storyline or partake in a myriad of side activities, ranging from mini-games to collectibles. The missions are crafted to provide variety and capture your interest, ensuring you never run out of things to do. Plus, the game's sense of humor and attention to detail offer a delightful experience that's reminiscent of Nico Bellic's adventures, but with a youthful twist.

Bully: Scholarship Edition is available on Xbox 360, Wii, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

3. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

If you enjoyed the open-world experience of GTA IV, you're going to love Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Both games offer expansive worlds to explore with a plethora of side activities to engage in. Just like Liberty City, the Caribbean in Black Flag is brimming with life, featuring bustling towns, vast oceans, and dense jungles. These environments are immersive and detailed, allowing you to lose yourself in the exploration. The sense of freedom in choosing how to approach your missions, whether through stealth or all-out combat, echoes the liberty you felt while navigating the streets of Liberty City.

The storyline in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag also offers a rich tapestry of characters and plots, much like GTA IV's intricate narrative. You play as Edward Kenway, a pirate navigating a web of conspiracies during the Golden Age of Piracy. Though the setting is historical rather than modern, the game captures the same feeling of rising through the ranks in a criminal underworld, complete with naval battles, treasure hunts, and high-seas escapades. The attention to detail in character development and plot twists will keep you as hooked as Niko Bellic's journey did.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

2. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate

If you enjoyed the expansive open-world gameplay of GTA IV, you’ll find yourself right at home with Assassin's Creed: Syndicate. Just like in GTA IV, where you traverse the sprawling city of Liberty City, Syndicate grants you the freedom to explore Victorian-era London in its entirety. Imagine climbing Big Ben, commandeering horse-drawn carriages, or engaging in epic street brawls, much like how you roamed the streets of Liberty City. The level of detail and immersion is on par with what you loved in GTA IV, and you’ll appreciate how the historical setting adds a unique twist to the familiar open-world formula.

Both games also excel in their deep, engaging narratives that are rich with complex characters. In GTA IV, you followed Nico Bellic's intense story of crime and redemption, and in Assassin's Creed: Syndicate, you get to experience the dynamic duo of Evie and Jacob Frye. Their quest to liberate London from corrupt Templar control provides a compelling storyline filled with twists, intrigue, and emotional depth. The missions are varied and often give you the freedom to approach them in multiple ways, much like the diverse criminal activities you enjoyed in GTA IV, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout your adventure.

Assassin's Creed: Syndicate is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

1. Far Cry 3

If you loved the open-world freedom of GTA IV, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Far Cry 3. Both games offer expansive worlds where you can explore, engage in side missions, and get lost in a variety of activities. In GTA IV, you navigate the gritty urban landscape of Liberty City, whereas Far Cry 3 takes you to a lush tropical island with breathtaking environments. The scope of exploration in Far Cry 3 is immense, and like in GTA IV, you're not just sticking to the main storyline—you'll be uncovering hidden secrets, taking on random missions, and immersing yourself in the vibrant world around you.

The experience of dynamic gameplay is another key similarity. In GTA IV, the combination of mission-based objectives and spontaneous events keeps the gameplay exciting and unpredictable. Similarly, Far Cry 3 excels with its mix of story-driven missions and the freedom to approach objectives in multiple ways. Far Cry 3's combat is also more dynamic, featuring a rich arsenal of weapons and stealth mechanics that allow you to tackle challenges with creativity, much like choosing different vehicles and weapons in GTA IV to accomplish your goals. Plus, both games feature strong character development and engaging narratives, drawing you deeper into their respective worlds.

Far Cry 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, typically priced around $20 USD.

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