A game now exists which combines elements from the “Grand Theft Auto” and “Max Payne” series.
Activision’s “True Crimes: Streets of L.A.” not only is an action game involving fists and guns, but it allows a player to drive around hundreds of square miles of Los Angeles streets.
Gamers assume the role of Nick Kang, an ex-cop now asked to head an undercover task force in Los Angeles to stop Chinese and Russian gangs from tearing the city to shreds.
Kang’s hot temper makes him the perfect candidate while facing his demons in the sudden disappearance of his father years ago.
Players may think this is just a “Grand Theft Auto” rip-off, but fortunately, this game has its own complete identity.
For starters, the game is mission-based, driving home an intricate storyline.
Players have the choice to continue with the story even if a mission is not completed. The storytellling is alerted with every route gamers take.
This gives the game a higher replay value because no mission will be repeated during the game.
Every action taken has consequences on the story because of a Good Cop/Bad Cop rating system.
If a gamer kill civilians or cops, ratings go down and the character becomes a bad cop.
Some parts of the story are unavailable to players unless they are good cops – altering the storyline once again.
Many options are available while driving the streets of Los Angeles.
Players can drive to their next destination point or solve street crimes.
While driving, reports come over the radio of various crimes including prostitute turf wars, illegal street races and drug busts.
Solving these crimes and arresting perpetrators improves the cop rating while awarding badge points.
Earning 100 badge points gives players a badge, which the character can use in 24/7 training facilities throughout the city.
These facilities unlock skills to improve driving, fighting and shooting such as targeting specific body parts while shooting or learning stronger moves to use against an opponent.
The beginning of the game can be deceptively easy, but as the game continues, these skills make gameplay much easier.
Missions can be replayed from any point in the episode once the mission is completed. This allows players to improve the cop rating along with earning 100 percent for the episode, which earns bonus play, which can unlock faster cars, better guns or lethal throws.
“True Crimes” is not entirely perfect because of some glitches and camera control problems, but these are soon forgiven.
Unlike GTA, there is no loading time when driving from downtown L.A. to Beverly Hills.
Also, the seamless transition from getting out of a car to throwing kicks and punches to firing a gun is remarkable.
The true beauty of the fighting engine comes with tougher opponents who can block and counterattack your punches and kicks.
On the reverse side, blocking and countering opponents’ attacks are not too difficult and make the fights look spectacular if done right.
“True Crimes” also features bullet-time a la “The Matrix” where players can see the bullets fly toward their target.
“True Crimes” utilizes the voice talents of some of Hollywood’s hottest stars including Christopher Walken, Gary Oldman, Michael Madsen and Michele Rodriguez.
Some of the in-game dialogue can get aggravating and corny at times.
For all the good lines Kang says while playing, there are lines like, “It’s dim sum time,” while fighting members of the Chinese gangs.
Kang can frisk anyone walking on the street for illegal drugs or weapons.
After frisking a hooker, she will say things like, “That’s still going to cost you $5.”
Also, the detail of Los Angeles is remarkable.
All the streets are where they should be, depicting famous landmarks like the Staples Center, Mann’s Chinese Theater and the infamous Hollywood sign.
This game also has a hot soundtrack featuring Ice-T, Westside Connection, N.E.R.D, BONE Thugs-N-Harmony, Snoop Dogg and more.
Speaking of Snoop Dogg, if a player collects 30 dog bones scattered throughout L.A., Snoop becomes a playable character.
All this and more including excessive, but often humorous, foul language, outstanding sound effects and audio mixes and originality make “True Crime: Streets of L.A.” one of this year’s best games.
Players just have to get out of the “Grand Theft Auto” mindset.