Sometimes the fastest way to find something new to play is to look at Steam's recommendations. This is especially helpful if you’re in the mood for something similar to what you’ve just finished. It shows some unique choices based on the tags that Steam users apply to the games.
Of course, when you look for something similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 you’re going to see the obvious - Red Dead Redemption Online and GTAV. But what exists outside of the Rockstar Games bubble for you to play next?
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Konami’s last Metal Gear Solid outing took us into a more open-world setting for the series, rather than a linear progression through separate levels. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Snake has awakened after nine years in a coma, to do what he does best. This stealth action game wowed critics and fans alike upon release and gave us a story steeped in the perils of warfare. A game filled with memorable setpieces, Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain was a brilliant experience and one still worth checking out almost a decade later.
Ghost of Tsushima
If you’re looking for another expansive open-world filled with moments of wonder, Ghost of Tsushima has you covered. Of course, the core game is a little different - you’re swapping six-shooters for samurai swords - but there are still topics of loyalty and you can’t travel far without stumbling across a bandit camp. Samurai and Wild West stories often share some overlap, so it’s not as bizarre a choice as you might first think. If you imagine outlaws running rampant and a vigilante roaming the wilds looking to bring peace to villagers, then they’re an ideal double-bill.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
For more crime-based shenanigans, Mafia can offer a great deal. One day a taxi driver finds himself running with the wrong crowd and becomes immersed in the world of organised crime. This is a more traditional story than you’d find in a Rockstar Games title, it’s more concise and linear, despite the open-world trappings. In our review of Mafia: Definitive Edition we called it “lean and focused”, and it has a certain style with its 1930’s fashions and cities, providing a more particular experience. You’ll notice a lot of similarities to Red Dead Redemption 2 in the way the story is told and it’s well worth playing at least once.
Fallout 4
Open-World games are a lot more common nowadays, with so many franchises taking the leap and filling a world with gorgeous sights to see, as well as stacking you up with quests. They often become a whole character of their own, which is usually the case with the Fallout games. The destruction of the post-apocalyptic landscape is equally important as the story, or the cast. In Fallout 4, we got the chance to build our own settlements also, which made for a unique experience and rounded off another brilliant installment in the Bethesda series. Bringing a sense of humour also, Fallout 4 covers every facet of the RPG genre you could ever need.
Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord
Creating distinct time periods and transporting us away from our desks or sofas is something only games can achieve. It’s the interactivity we get when we see characters and landscapes that drown us in immersion that’s second to none. This is what you get with Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord. While the game couldn’t be more different - this is an action strategy game that has you conquering lands - there’s a sense of time and place here. It’s developed through the cast and the huge sandbox where medieval battles take place. Even if strategy games aren’t usually your cup of tea, this installment was very accessible and makes you feel like you can take over the world.
Hitman 3
The Hitman games have, over the years, earned a reputation for two things; outlandish humour, and the sandbox nature that allows you to tackle missions however you see fit. Hitman 3 is perhaps the pinnacle of what came before, combining ideas and features from myriad situations discovered throughout the game’s history. It’s in these linear mission structures that you can truly try anything to meet your goal and move on. While there is no open-world, it’s the freedom given that echoes that of Red Dead Redemption 2. Will you use stealth? Or do you prefer a more action-based approach?
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
Squad-based action is on the menu with Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. Now, while the more recent Ghost Recon games have kind of flown under the radar, there is still a dedicated fanbase who enjoy them. Much like the above Hitman 3, you’ll be given a mission and it’s up to you how you play it out. While some missions allow for blockbuster action, others will require a gentler touch. You can take your personalised Ghost through this series of trials set within a world of military struggles and mercs for hire. Definitely better with friends, so get a squad together and tackle each mission together.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Sure, being a superhero isn’t anything like being a cowboy, however, if you want a brilliant story, you can’t go wrong. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered gives a layer of polish to a superb tale of heroes and villains. Everything from the story to the sprawling version of New York will have you engaged and eager to play. Picture yourself web-swinging between skyscrapers, occasionally stopping off to help out a citizen in trouble, before speeding off to tackle one of Spidey’s infamous rivals. It’s comic book perfection that leaps from the pages to the screen effortlessly.
Featured Image Credit: Konami, Rockstar GamesTopics: Red Dead Redemption 2, Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar Games, Ghost Of Tsushima, Metal Gear Solid, Fallout, Marvels Spider Man, Steam, PC