Breaking Bad stands out as one of the most iconic TV series of the last decade. Despite some controversial character arcs, it’s hard to dispute the show’s brilliance and cultural impact. However, an interesting observation is that there hasn’t yet been a video game adaptation that fully encapsulates its thrilling drug trade dynamics and intense character narratives.
While an exact 1:1 video game experience mirroring Breaking Bad is hard to find—likely due in part to the sensitive subject matter of drug production—there are several games inspired by its themes that you may find enjoyable. Whether you channel your inner chemical genius like Walter White or take on the role of the determined Hank Schrader, there’s a range of games to explore.
This curated list includes various genres and multiplayer options, enabling you and your friends to build your own criminal enterprises together. Below are some standout suggestions:
8 Payday 2
An Unrivaled Criminal Co-Op Experience
Payday 2 is a cooperative shooter and heist game that promises hundreds of hours of content, featuring a meth-cooking mission that’s particularly reminiscent of the series. In this first-person shooter, players can adopt various approaches to heists, making strategic thinking just as essential as firepower.
The exciting “Cook Off”mission tasks players with successfully cooking meth while avoiding disastrous explosions in the lab. The gameplay loop of Payday 2 is noted for its addictive nature as players earn continuous rewards for their efforts. However, be cautious about Payday 3—many longtime fans believe its predecessor offers a richer experience.
7 Grand Theft Auto V
Come Get Your Shark Cards
The Grand Theft Auto V franchise is unparalleled when it comes to exploring criminal life. While any entry in the series could fit into this list, GTA V stands out due to its immense online features and an expansive, immersive world.
This sprawling narrative follows Franklin, a petty criminal who gets entangled with the experienced criminals Michael and Trevor. Players can switch between characters, which opens up a myriad of engaging side activities. Moreover, GTA Online offers a wealth of content, capable of keeping players entertained for thousands of hours.
6 Drug Dealer Simulator
On The Nose
Drug Dealer Simulator has been one of the most straightforward ways to experience elements connected to Breaking Bad. Players step into the shoes of a drug dealer working to expand their empire and grow their clientele.
Despite some repetition, the gameplay loop is rewarding and engaging, likening it to a cozy game experience. You can even experiment with mixing products, which adds another layer of complexity. However, the game has recently faced controversy due to potential legal issues stemming from another project, impacting its reputation.
5 LA Noire
Look At Me, I Am The DEA Now
While many of the games on this list feature criminal protagonists, Hank Schrader stands as the true hero of Breaking Bad, as he tirelessly works to bring down the notorious Heisenberg. In L. A.Noire, you take on the role of Cole Phelps, a policeman tackling the crime scene in Los Angeles.
The game is renowned for its engaging detective interactions, where the player must determine if suspects are telling the truth while solving intricate cases. It’s reminiscent of Hank’s struggles with criminal masterminds like Gustavo Fring.
4 Red Dead Redemption 2
One Of The Best Games Of The Generation
Red Dead Redemption 2 may seem thematically distant from Breaking Bad, yet its storytelling resonates on similar levels. You embody Arthur Morgan, a character who justifies his heinous acts as being for the ‘greater good.’
As Arthur develops, players explore moral ambiguity in a world that is as immersive as it is captivating. This compelling narrative draws parallels to the struggles faced by Walter White, making it an unforgettable gaming experience.
3 Saints Row 2
Rule The Streets
Saints Row 2 offers a bold take on open-world gameplay, embodying the chaotic nature of crime in a manner that many series avoid. As my favorite in the franchise, it delivers a mix of gang battles and drug trade challenges.
In this open-world adventure, players can engage in a wide range of criminal activities, including protecting dealers in drug trafficking missions. The latest title in the series, simply titled Saints Row, even includes overt Breaking Bad references, such as a meth lab set within an RV.
2 Basement
Crime For Thinkers
|
Key Information |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
Halfbus |
|
Genre |
Management/Strategy |
|
Release Date |
November 2019 |
Basement is a distinctive management simulator allowing players to build a drug empire from the comfort of their subterranean hideaway, inspired heavily by Breaking Bad. Players will set up a fully functional drug operation, complete with chemists and security personnel to guard their illicit dealings.
Beginning as a modest marijuana dealer, players quickly transition to heavier drugs, including meth. The straightforward mechanics provide an accessible introduction to management games, though it’s recommended to start in Sandbox mode due to some challenging spikes in the Story mode.
1 Schedule I
You Saw This One Coming
Schedule I recently gained attention as a viral hit, drawing in players with a unique approach to the drug-dealing simulator genre. In a rags-to-riches tale, you begin selling drugs from a run-down motel, building your empire from the ground up.
The game captures the thrill of progression as players deal drugs and tend to their customers while mixing new concoctions, resulting in an engaging gaming experience. You even have the opportunity to name your own creations and sell them on the streets, adding a personal touch to your criminal enterprise.
For anyone seeking a game reminiscent of Breaking Bad, Schedule I is an excellent choice that offers depth, creativity, and entertainment.
Leave a Reply