Gangstar New Orleans is an open world action-adventure game developed by Gameloft, released on March 30, 2017, for Android and iOS devices.
As a successor to Gangstar Vegas, the game brings a larger map, improved mechanics, and unique features that set it apart in the mobile gaming world.
Set in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, players step into the shoes of an ambitious gangster looking to dominate the city’s criminal underworld. The game offers a thrilling mix of story-driven missions, side activities, and competitive gameplay elements, making it one of the most engaging mobile crime simulators.
What is Gangstar New Orleans?
Gangstar New Orleans is a crime-based open-world game that lets players roam freely in a massive, interactive city filled with missions, vehicles, and activities. Unlike many other mobile action games, it provides an expansive world, a dynamic combat system, and RPG-style character progression.
Comparison to Gangstar Vegas and GTA
Fans of Gangstar Vegas or the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series will find familiar elements in Gangstar New Orleans, such as:
- Open-world exploration with driving, shooting, and hand-to-hand combat.
- Story missions involving criminal activities and underworld power struggles.
- Side activities like street racing, gang battles, and heists.
- Customizable characters, vehicles, and weapons.
However, Gangstar New Orleans introduces unique elements like Turf Wars, a system where players must conquer and defend territories from rival gangs to expand their influence.
Player Role and Storyline
Players take on the role of a rising gangster aiming to take over New Orleans’ crime scene. The game begins with small-time criminal activities but quickly escalates into turf battles, high-speed chases, and intense shootouts. Players can choose their own playstyle, whether it’s aggressive combat, stealth, or strategic takeovers.
Key Gameplay Features
Expansive Open World
Gangstar New Orleans features the largest open world in the Gangstar series, offering an incredibly detailed city to explore. Some of its key locations include:
- French Quarter – The heart of New Orleans, filled with nightlife, bars, and jazz music.
- Bayou – A dangerous swamp area with hidden secrets and unique challenges.
- Industrial Areas – Home to criminal enterprises and high-stakes missions.
With no loading screens between locations, players can freely roam, engage in random street fights, or simply enjoy the game’s realistic city life.
Story Missions and Side Activities
The game provides a mix of main missions and optional side content, ensuring hours of entertainment.
- Story Missions: Progress through the criminal underworld, facing off against rival gangs and corrupt officials.
- Side Activities:
- Street racing – Compete for cash and reputation.
- Heists – Rob banks, armored trucks, and other high-value targets.
- Bounty hunting – Track down and eliminate targets for rewards.
Turf Wars Mechanic
One of the standout features is Turf Wars, where players can:
- Capture and defend territories from rival gangs.
- Form alliances with other players for strategic advantages.
- Earn rewards based on territory control and influence.
This competitive system adds a long-term progression element, keeping the game exciting beyond the story mode.
Character and Weapon Customization
Customization is a major highlight in Gangstar New Orleans. Players can:
- Personalize their character with unique outfits and accessories.
- Upgrade and modify vehicles for better performance.
- Craft weapons to suit different combat styles, from snipers and shotguns to RPGs and melee weapons.
Driving, Shooting, and Combat Mechanics
The game provides a varied gameplay experience, combining:
- Third-person shooting with intuitive touch controls.
- Diverse vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and helicopters.
- Melee combat and special weapon abilities for close-range battles.
Whether you prefer high-speed chases, explosive shootouts, or tactical gunplay, the game offers a well-rounded experience.
Graphics, Sound, and Performance
Gangstar New Orleans features AAA-quality graphics for mobile, with:
- High-resolution textures and detailed character models.
- Dynamic lighting effects that enhance realism.
- Seamless open-world rendering for an immersive experience.
The soundtrack also plays a key role, featuring a mix of jazz, hip-hop, and action-packed scores that fit the New Orleans setting.
Despite its ambitious design, the game runs smoothly on most modern smartphones, though some users report occasional frame drops and optimization issues on lower-end devices.
Critical Reception
Gangstar New Orleans received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised:
Expansive open world with impressive city details.
Diverse missions and side activities.
Fun combat and driving mechanics.
However, some common criticisms include:
Energy-based system that limits continuous play.
Repetitive mission structure over time.
Player Opinions
Despite some flaws, Gangstar New Orleans has built a strong fan base, with many players appreciating its free-to-play model and frequent updates.
Updates and Community Engagement
Gameloft has continued to support the game with regular updates, adding:
- New weapons, vehicles, and missions.
- Seasonal and time-limited events with exclusive rewards.
- Bug fixes and performance improvements based on community feedback.
The developers also engage with players through social media, forums, and in-game announcements, keeping the community involved.
Tips and Tricks for Players
Mastering Gangstar New Orleans requires a combination of strategic planning, efficient resource management, and choosing the right tools for the job. Here are some essential tips and tricks to dominate the game:
Winning Turf Wars and Expanding Influence
- Attack weaker gangs first – Don’t go for heavily fortified territories right away. Start by capturing easier zones.
- Upgrade defenses – Once you claim a turf, reinforce it with stronger defenses to prevent rival takeovers.
- Use allies – Team up with other players to coordinate attacks and defend your holdings effectively.
- Maximize influence – Conquering turfs gives you more resources and in-game advantages, so prioritize expansion.
Earning In-Game Currency Efficiently
- Complete daily missions – They offer quick cash and experience points.
- Participate in events – Time-limited challenges often come with high payouts and unique rewards.
- Sell unwanted items – Trade or sell weapons, vehicles, and gear you no longer need.
- Watch ads and bonus offers – While not exciting, this is an easy way to get free gold and in-game currency.
Best Weapons and Vehicles for Missions
- Weapons:
- Shotguns – Great for close-range combat.
- Sniper Rifles – Essential for long-range eliminations.
- Rocket Launchers – Best for taking down vehicles and groups of enemies.
- Automatic Rifles – Good all-around weapons for most missions.
- Vehicles:
- Fast cars (like muscle cars and sports cars) – Ideal for getaways.
- SUVs and armored trucks – Provide durability in high-risk missions.
- Boats and helicopters – Useful for escaping when land routes are blocked.
Is Gangstar New Orleans Worth Playing?
Gangstar New Orleans is a great choice for fans of open-world crime games, especially those who enjoy GTA-style gameplay on mobile.
Who Should Play?
- Fans of action-packed open-world games with immersive city environments.
- Players who enjoy crime-based storylines with gang wars, heists, and missions.
- Gamers who like customization options for characters, vehicles, and weapons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Massive open world to explore.
Exciting Turf Wars mode for strategic gameplay.
Diverse missions and activities beyond the main story.
Impressive graphics and engaging soundtrack.
Customization for characters, weapons, and vehicles.
Cons:
Energy-based system limits long play sessions.
Repetitive mission structure over time.
Occasional performance issues on lower-end devices.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an action-packed, open-world experience on mobile, Gangstar New Orleans is definitely worth trying. While it has some limitations, its free-to-play model, regular updates, and immersive gameplay make it an exciting choice for crime game enthusiasts.
Alternatives to Gangstar New Orleans
If you enjoy Gangstar New Orleans but want to explore similar games, here are some great alternatives:
1. GTA: Vice City (Mobile)
- Classic open-world gameplay inspired by the 1980s crime scene.
- More refined story and missions compared to Gangstar New Orleans.
- Paid game but no energy system or in-app purchase restrictions.
2. MadOut2 BigCityOnline
- Massive online multiplayer mode with up to 100 players.
- Similar crime-based, open-world gameplay with vehicles and weapons.
- Less polished graphics but offers a sandbox experience.
3. Rebel Inc.
- Not a direct crime game but offers strategic warfare mechanics.
- Focuses on controlling regions and maintaining stability.
- Great for players who enjoy the tactical aspects of Turf Wars.
Comparison of Features
| Feature | Gangstar New Orleans | GTA: Vice City | MadOut2 BigCityOnline | Rebel Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open-world gameplay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Story-driven missions | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online multiplayer | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Customization | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Strategic elements | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Free-to-play | ✅ | ❌ (Paid) | ✅ | ✅ |
Each of these games offers a different experience, so your choice depends on whether you prefer crime-based action, open-world freedom, or strategic gameplay.
Conclusion
Gangstar New Orleans is a feature-rich open-world crime game that offers:
Expansive city environments filled with missions and activities.
Customization options for characters, vehicles, and weapons.
A competitive Turf Wars system that adds strategic depth.
Regular updates with new content to keep the gameplay fresh.
Despite some limitations like energy-based progression, the game remains a top choice for mobile open-world action fans. If you enjoy GTA-style gameplay, it’s definitely worth a try on Android and iOS.
FAQ Section:
1. Can Gangstar New Orleans be played offline?
No, Gangstar New Orleans requires an internet connection to play, as it features online elements like Turf Wars and updates.
2. Is Gangstar New Orleans free to play?
Yes, the game is free to download and play, but it includes optional in-app purchases for weapons, vehicles, and in-game currency.
3. What platforms is Gangstar New Orleans available on?
Gangstar New Orleans is available on Android and iOS devices. You can download it from the Google Play Store or App Store. Visit official Gangstar New Orleans website to see more.
4. How does Turf Wars work in Gangstar New Orleans?
Turf Wars allows players to claim and defend territories, forming alliances or battling rival gangs to expand their influence and resources.
5. What are the best weapons and vehicles in Gangstar New Orleans?
The best weapons include shotguns, sniper rifles, and automatic guns, while fast cars and helicopters are ideal for high-speed missions.