Gaming Target - GameCube: True Crime: Streets of L.A.

Written by D'Marcus Beatty on October 28, 2003

First Impressions: This is not your father's Grand Theft Auto.

There is no denying it. Grand Theft Auto III changed the face of gaming. The deep, innovative, and free-roaming play mechanics combined with mature, realistic storylines and unquestionably addictive gameplay has made a great game into a phenomenon. There has been a nigh-literal flood of games attempting to find and utilize the same insanely enjoyable formula that GTA has made famous. Among these copycats, True Crime stands out, giving the fans of GTA everything that made the game a blast to play and even attempting to take it a step beyond.

True Crime follows the story of ex-cop Nick Kang, recently dismissed because of charges of excessive force. However, instead of allowing Kang to waste his policing skills, an undercover division decides to recruit him and make use of his more aggressive style of Уprotecting and servingФ. This sets the stage for True Crime, which follows the GTA style completely.

Although gameplay is similar to GTA in many respects, there are also a number of differences where True Crime is attempting to outdo its predecessor. Combat is one area where TC may just be deeper than GTA. Kang will sport many more moves than Tommy Vercetti or the nameless protagonist of GTA III, with separate buttons for punching and kicking. Kang is trained in martial arts, so players will have the opportunity to perform throws and grapples in addition to basic moves. Kang can also pat down pedestrians, simultaneously violating civil rights and procuring new weapons.

Another ability of Kang's that would make Vercetti green with envy is the ability to utilize two guns, John Woo style. Kang will be able to use a gun in either hand, ensuring some intense firefights. The guns do not have to be the same, so Nick may be firing a shotgun and an assault rifle at the same time. To add to the cinematic feel, True Crime will feature a Уbullet timeФ effect, much like that found in Max Payne, which will allow Kang to temporarily slow time down during gunfights. All this, in addition to diving attacks, and the ability to jump from around corners while firing guarantees some gun battles that may shame GTA.

The driving sequences have an arcade feel to them, with quick, fast paced races from destination to destination. Nick will have the ability to fire his weapons from his vehicle as well. When his default vehicle suffers too much damage, or doesn't seem fit for the job, Kang can УcommandeerФ vehicles to help him. Also, in between missions, Nick will take the opportunity to fight random crime, such as muggings, drive-by shootings, robberies, and car-jackings. Solving these cases earns Nick badge points, which he will be able to use like experience points, allotting them to improve his skills, such as learning new moves at the local dojo.

True Crime's soundtrack will feature many well-known west coast rappers, including Snoop Dogg, Jayo Felony, Westside Connection, Bizzy Bone (of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony), and Warren G. Unlike GTA's more eclectic musical selection, True Crime will focus exclusively on gangsta rap for its soundtrack.