I want to make a case for Saints Row IV: it is my go-to relaxing game. I have it installed on my PS4. The game has a GTA-esque setting and gameplay style, but where GTA is a clever satire of the real world, SR IV doesn't concern itself with the limits of reality: in fact, You play as the President of the US (with super-powers) and your main opponent is an alien overlord - with a pretty good voice actor. Now a lot of people tell me that SR III is the far better title and I bet it is, but if you haven't played the 4th installment I suggest you give it a try. It has a special feel to it that keeps me coming back. Not for the story, but for the happy accident that produced an almost meditative game. I love running through the city, killing aliens and causing all kinds of mayhem. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this title.
Everything about it is dumb fun. Who cares if it doesn't have the same gravitas that GTA has, it's still fun, dammit.
I know some people complain that the superpowers totally invalidates the use of vehicles, but imo it just adds to the repertoire of mayhem at your disposal.
Whenever I do play this game again, I usually try to see how much chaos I can cause before the game tries to stop me (it can't, I stomp every brute that pops up).
Yeah people who say that don't mention that the game also gives you superpowered vehicles too.
An actual flying saucer, a jet that looks like a bald eagle that can destroy an entire city block in seconds (that one is technically DLC, but still)
I think the fact that it doesn't have the same gravitas GTA has is part of the reason why it's so good.