The mobile gaming industry has seen a significant surge in popularity for 3rd person mobile crime games. These games blend open-world exploration, engaging storylines, and action-packed gameplay, giving players the chance to dive into the gritty, often dangerous world of crime and urban chaos from a dynamic third-person perspective. This perspective enhances immersion by allowing players to see their characters fully as they navigate through city streets, undertake missions, and interact with the environment. In this article, we will compare some of the best 3rd person mobile crime games available, focusing on their core features, gameplay mechanics, and overall player experience.
What Defines a 3rd Person Mobile Crime Game?
Before diving into specific titles, it’s important to understand what makes a 3rd person mobile crime game distinct. These games typically feature:
- A third-person viewpoint, providing a broader visual field that showcases the player character and surroundings.
- Crime-themed narratives or settings, often involving gangs, heists, police chases, and underground activities.
- Open-world or semi-open-world environments allowing exploration and freedom of choice.
- Mission-based objectives ranging from story-driven quests to side activities.
- Real-time combat and driving mechanics that test player reflexes and strategic thinking.
Now, let’s look at some of the standout titles in this genre.
Key Games in the 3rd Person Mobile Crime Game Genre
1. Gangstar Vegas
One of the pioneers in the mobile crime game scene, Gangstar Vegas by Gameloft, has maintained a strong player base due to its engaging open-world gameplay and expansive content. The game takes place in a sprawling city modeled loosely after Las Vegas, filled with diverse missions and numerous side activities.
Features
Gangstar Vegas offers a rich storyline revolving around a boxer caught in the crossfire of criminal gangs. Players can engage in shooting, driving, and hand-to-hand combat, all from the third-person perspective. The game boasts over 80 missions and numerous side quests, including races, heists, and mini-games.
The character customization is also a highlight, letting players alter the appearance and skills of their protagonist. Multiplayer modes allow users to challenge other players or cooperate in special events, adding replay value.
Gameplay
The controls are well optimized for mobile devices, featuring a virtual joystick and action buttons that enable smooth combat and navigation. The game’s world is vibrant, with traffic, pedestrians, and dynamic weather effects enhancing immersion. Combat mechanics involve shooting with various weapons and melee attacks, while driving mechanics allow for high-speed chases and stunts.
2. Payback 2
Payback 2 offers a different but equally exciting take on the mobile crime game experience. It features multiple game modes including free roam, capture the flag, and demolition derby, all in a variety of maps reminiscent of urban and suburban environments.
Features
The game stands out with its wide variety of vehicles and weapons, from sports cars to tanks, and sniper rifles to rocket launchers. The mission system includes bank robberies, gang battles, and assassination contracts. Payback 2 also supports multiplayer modes where players can compete online in chaotic and fast-paced matches.
Gameplay
Controls are intuitive with options for automatic or manual driving, and shooting mechanics that are responsive and satisfying. The third-person view provides clear visibility of surroundings, critical during shootouts and vehicle chases. Its open-world sandbox mode encourages exploration and creative gameplay, such as creating your own havoc or just cruising around.
3. Grand Gangsters 3D
Grand Gangsters 3D is a compact but enjoyable 3rd person mobile crime game that channels the spirit of classic crime shooters with a focus on simple yet engaging gameplay.
Features
This game provides a series of missions involving car theft, assassinations, and fighting rival gangs. Although smaller in scale compared to some other games, it offers solid mechanics and an immersive city environment. The game emphasizes driving and shooting, with a decent selection of weapons and vehicles.
Gameplay
The controls are user-friendly, designed for quick learning and fast action. Players get to navigate through the city performing tasks like chasing down enemies or escaping police. The third-person perspective allows better spatial awareness which is crucial for combat and evasion sequences.
Comparing Features Across These Games
Open World Exploration
All three games offer open-world or sandbox environments, but the level of detail and scale vary. Gangstar Vegas provides the largest and most detailed map, filled with varied locations and activities. Payback 2 focuses more on smaller, diverse maps suited for quick matches and varied game modes. Grand Gangsters 3D has a compact map but still manages to offer enough variety to keep players engaged.
Combat and Controls
Gangstar Vegas and Payback 2 have more polished combat systems, with diverse weapons and more complex enemy AI. Gangstar Vegas adds hand-to-hand combat and stealth elements, whereas Payback 2 leans heavily into vehicular combat and explosive mayhem. Grand Gangsters 3D keeps combat simple and direct, making it more accessible to casual gamers.
Control schemes in all these games are tailored for touchscreens, with virtual joysticks and buttons. Gangstar Vegas and Payback 2 offer customizable controls, allowing players to adjust sensitivity and button placement for comfort.
Missions and Storylines
Gangstar Vegas features the deepest storyline, with narrative-driven missions that develop the character and plot. Payback 2 offers more variety with multiple modes but less emphasis on story. Grand Gangsters 3D provides straightforward mission-based gameplay without a complex narrative.
Graphics and Sound
Gangstar Vegas shines with detailed graphics, realistic animations, and a rich soundscape that includes ambient city noises, dialogue, and music tracks. Payback 2 uses cartoonish graphics with a focus on fun and chaotic gameplay, while Grand Gangsters 3D sticks to simpler graphics that run smoothly on lower-end devices.
Why Choose a 3rd Person Mobile Crime Game?
The appeal of 3rd person mobile crime games lies in their balance of action, freedom, and storytelling. The third-person viewpoint allows players to feel more connected to their character and better appreciate the game’s world and visual design. Players enjoy the thrill of evading law enforcement, planning heists, and engaging in urban warfare, all packed into the convenience of a mobile platform.
These games often feature a blend of shooting, driving, and exploration, making gameplay varied and dynamic. Additionally, many support multiplayer modes, fostering community interaction and competition.
Conclusion
When comparing the best 3rd person mobile crime games, each title brings something unique to the table. Gangstar Vegas stands out for its expansive open world, deep storyline, and diverse gameplay mechanics. Payback 2 excels with its variety of modes and chaotic multiplayer experiences. Grand Gangsters 3D offers a simpler, accessible experience focused on straightforward crime action.