The Best Sandbox Video Games - Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360

Sandbox games are one of the most popular genres in the world of gaming. This generation has seen more great sandbox games than other. The fact of the matter is, gamers love running around huge open-worlds with levels of freedom unheard of in previous generations. For those unfamiliar with the 'sandbox' genre- the phrase usually applies to a game with open-world freedom, optional story progression, and the ability to freely interact with the world around you. Unlike 'open-world' games like Legend of Zelda or most RPGs, sandbox games tend to have a more violent, potentially criminal element to them. I give you, the best of the best when it comes to the sandbox genre on Wii, PS3, and 360.

Mafia II
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: No
Open-World Rating: 7 playboy magazines out of 10.

2010 saw the release of a number of great sandbox titles. Mafia II released to a somewhat mixed reaction. The game put its plot and characters first- its sandbox elements second. It was a little disappointing that Vito's story was one written in stone with little to do other than advance to the next chapter. Graphically the game was very impressive with a welcome change brighter world as opposed to the gritty, dark releases usually seen in the genre.

The authentic WWII era city was a treat to cruise through and some of the criminal elements such as lock-picking and plate-changing were a nice touch. The game is certainly a fun ride for any fan of the mob/Mafia genre of entertainment. However, those looking for a ton of side quests, controllable chaos, or multiplayer action will be disappointed. There's also the annoyance that goes along with the auto-save system and the occasional cheap death. As a single player experience and tribute to the Mafioso world, it's a great title.

Saint's Row 2
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 10 pimp cane shotguns out of 10.

While the original Saint's Row was a bit disappointing with its uninspired story, hit or miss humor, and lackluster presentation- the sequel went the extra mile to make up for it. Introducing the ability to finally play as a female character in a decent sandbox game- Saint's Row 2 is often the go-to title for women looking for the open-world experience. The character customization is extremely intricate- as is the world itself. The city is immense with plenty to do and tons of aesthetic variety. Each district has its own look, feel, and experience.

Saint's Row 2 gave gamers exactly what Grand Theft Auto IV failed to. It gave us a near endless array of side missions, gameplay variety, and arcade-styled fun. In Saint's Row 2 you'll find huge explosions, extremely fast cars, over-the-top weapons, and always some new, crazy activity to do. While some don't appreciate the bright, stylized world or the lack of realism- for many it is a godsend. For sandbox fans looking for an addictive game with tons of variety, a mass of fun cheat codes, and a great soundtrack to top it off- look no further.

The Godfather: Blackhand Edition
Console: Nintendo Wii
Multiplayer: No
Open-World Rating: 8 Molotov cocktails out of 10.

While the other versions of 'The Godfather' video game were fun though a little forgettable- the Wii version was fantastic. The excellent motion controls, precision IR aiming, and extra content all catapulted the Wii's special edition of The Godfather to record heights. Your created character was put right in the Godfather storyline as an influential background character. It was you that delivered the horse's head, you that rushed Vito to the hospital, and you that won back New York for the Corleone family.

With fantastic controls, impressive visuals, and a huge open-world- The Godfather: Blackhand Edition has remained a favorite title for older Wii owners. What stole the show was the 'shop owner' system in which you could persuade or intimidate businesses through various tactics. Though it didn't offer multiplayer and the plot wasn't as compelling as the source material, it's still a fine example of how to reinvent a genre on the Nintendo Wii.

The Godfather II
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 7.5 alcoholic capos out of 10.

While a letdown in terms of a sequel, The Godfather II still managed to carve out its place in the sandbox gaming world. The character creation was revamped, a Risk-like business system was added, and the story missions were improved. In exchange, the world was split into three somewhat small areas- New York, Florida, and Cuba. The voice acting and character models were improved, but the controls weren't as intuitive. Online play was implemented, but the side missions were scaled down. Thankfully The Godfather II did do two accomplish at least two things fantastically.

The new mobster recruitment system made the game much more enjoyable and tactical. Players can recruit members for their own family- though only male Mafioso, unlike the previous game. It's up to decide who should be in your crew- the arsonist, medic, bruiser, engineer, the demolitions expert? Up to three members could follow you and your orders at a time. The other great addition? The business/territory system. Like the board game, Risk, any controlled territory could be lost to rival families if not properly defended. This added layer of strategy and replay value caused many to forgive the game's shortcomings and accept it.

Grand Theft Auto IV
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer:
Open-World Rating: 9 annoying phone calls out of 10.

Though it suffered some hefty backlash from fans after getting far too many undeserving perfect scores, GTA IV is still a great time-killer. It cut out some of the previous freedom in favor of a tedious friend system and realism, but managed to retain the addictive elements of its predecessors. Niko's story isn't always fun to delve into, but it is a fascinating one. The free roam online play is fantastic, the city and its inhabitants all feel very much alive, and causing wide-spread chaos is always fun. All in all, while it has some shortcomings, it's hard not to pop in GTA IV now and then for some mindless violence and destruction.
Make sure you checkout the open-world games list!