Crime is a popular theme in video games and fiction in general, perhaps because of its inherent conflict. Games that feature heavy amounts of criminal activity in their gameplay,such asGrand Theft Auto, have proven to be particularly popular.
Many crime-themed games also put players on the side of law enforcement, which provides players with a different experience altogether. Indie games such asShadows Of Doubtare great examples of crime-themed indie games that put players in the shoes of the law. However, there are a variety of indie crime games that put players in the role of the criminal. While some of these games are light-hearted and/or casual experiences, many of them do little to hide the brutal violence often associated with crime.
This sequel toTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasionis a tremendously fun and light-hearted game that ports the series into a rogue-lite structure. Because of this new structure,Turnip Boy Robs A Bankhas a much stronger focus on action than its predecessor. The gameplay loop ofTurnip Boy Robs A Bankis, as its title suggests, centered around breaking into and robbing a large bank. This involves stealing as much money as possible while battling off a variety of enemies ina top-down shooterstyle.
Turnip Boy Robs A Bankis far from the gritty, grungy experience that players may expect from a crime-themed game. However, it could be argued that this is what makes it such a refreshing experience. All in all, the combination of acute and colorfulart style with a unique blend of humor and a surprising crime theme makes Snoozy Kazoo’sTurnip Boya fun and easy-going game.
4Thief Simulator
A Specific Experience That Delivers On Its Premise
Thief Simulatoressentially does exactly what it says on the tin, providing players with a specific experience that does very little else. This isn’t a bad thing, however, asThief Simulatordoes a great job of delivering on its relatively simple premise. It does this through a variety of simulated mechanics, an array of tools,and sandbox elementsthat give it a little extra replay value.
However,Thief Simulatoris a relatively uneven experience that’s unfortunately a little rough around the edges. Regardless of this, though, players looking for an intense crime game that focuses on stealth rather than combat should still get a kick out ofThief Simulator.
This stylish top-down stealth game tasks players with pulling off a variety of heists either alone or with a handful of friends. The game features stylized lighting and shadows that sometimes make the game less readable, but do a great job of limiting the visibility of players in order to increase tension. AlthoughMonacocan be played in single-player, it’s arguably more chaotic (and more fun) when played in online co-op with a handful of friends.
Monaco: What’s Yours Is Minefeatures a variety of playable classes that improvethe game’s replay valueand add a layer of strategy to the overall experience. In total,Monaco: What’s Yours Is Minefeatures eight unique classes that spice up the gameplay in different ways, allowing each player to fulfill their own role in each heist.
2Intravenous
A Gritty Action-Stealth Revenge Story
This top-down action-stealth game plays like a combination ofHotline Miamiand old-schoolSplinter Cell.Intravenousalso features intelligent AI opponents and a gritty story and tone, allowing it to stand out from its influences. The game takes place predominantly in the criminal underworld, and puts players in the shoes of a vigilante on a murderous spree, seeking revenge for the killing of his brother.
While the plot is fairly cliche, and not everyone will get along with it, the gameplay ofIntravenousis both well-crafted and consistently engaging. The aforementioned AI opponents are a key factor in the fun ofIntravenous, and they often prevent the player from brute-forcing each encounter. However,Intravenousis primarilya slow-burning stealth game, and gameplay is often methodical, so players who prefer a more action-packed experience may want to look elsewhere.
Hotline Miamiis an iconic top-down shooterpublished by Devolver Digital. The game is best known for its vibrant pixel-art visuals, brutally violent gameplay, and thumping vaporwave soundtrack. The player’s activities throughoutHotline Miamiare consistently dubious, with the game’s narrative being fed to the player through small and often vague breadcrumbs. The plot of this hyper-violent title is centered around Jacket, who sets off on a brutal killing spree with the player behind the wheel.
This at-times uncomfortable level of criminal violence blends perfectly with the game’s visuals, sound, and narrative, providing a massively synergistic experience. It’s this synergy that arguably makesHotline Miamiso timeless, and the game is still worth playing through even today. The game also has a sequel in the form ofHotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, though it’s arguably not quite as memorable as the first game.
