Kentzz reviews | True Crime: Streets Of L.A. on PS2 | [ENG]

There is no stopping the flood of games that have been influenced by the now iconic and groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto 3 title. The PS2 has already seen these clones, and most of the fans have loved them for the very same reason as they adored the GTA games with full control over what you should do and when. True Crime: The streets of LA trying to deliver something a little new because they're all pretty familiar with the gamers who are fans of the mayhem on the streets. But is this game enjoyable enough to be deemed a worthy brother to the GTA games or just a badly crafted clone? I'm proud to say that True Crime is definitely a game worth mentioning in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game, though obviously playing in the same area, is actually a more original imitator with a distinctive personality of its own. Yeah, faithful reader, this title cheerfully combines a variety of various gameplay styles (it's a driving simulator, a kung fu combat game, and a fancy shootout game). It's a wonderful game with an outstanding plot, too.

You play Nick Kang, a Los Angeles police officer who unexpectedly finds himself joining the Prestigious Operations Division, which is concentrating its efforts on Asian crime syndicates in the region. With violence on the rise and sudden moves between the Chinese Triads and the Russian mafia, Nick's unflinching attitude to police corruption and his itchy trigger fingers make him the best leader to bring a stop to such criminal gangs who have their own evil agenda. As I said earlier, the game uses the same Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City formula, so the game would most certainly sound very familiar to the gamers who have played Rockstar's classic games. The only thing that really sets this game apart is the fact that you're playing the role of a police cop, and the fact that the main character is very talented when it comes to kicking bad guys with the use of professional martial arts moves. The game also includes a lot of shootouts, so a separate gunplay system is used.

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The missions of the game are separated into chapters and following each quest route is not a prerequisite, but rather a recommendation, since this is the only way to progress the plot. You can leave the various missions only to waste it running through the city and answering 911 calls ranging from mugging to retrieving a stolen car driven by an insane ex-convict. You also have the right to frisk people off the sidewalks, though you will also find that doing so will also lead to arrests, as even pedestrians violate the law by possessing illicit drugs and guns. Or you can forget the dispatcher and just stick to the task – the decision is completely up to you.

Each project circles around Nick's many talents. There are missions that need you to be quite a driver in order to make it within a certain timeline. There are also assignments where you have to bring your twin weapons to use or missions where you have to use your martial arts skills against gangs of bad guys. Luckily, you have access to 24/7 facilities that are used to upgrade your weapons, to perfect your kung fu moves, or to show you new driving skills. This RPG-like quality builds up your character, and this is most certainly needed in this game, particularly for the tougher missions of the game. As far as controls are concerned, Real Crime is familiar and understandably so, but luckily the game is running smoothly. Pulling out your weapons or getting into a vehicle only makes it simple when the regulation system is being done properly. Nick can shoot short bursts or aim the gun on the target more precisely by pressing and holding the fire button. You can also dive in slow motion a feature that has been used in many games before but is still very useful.

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Graphically speaking, the game is actually the most exciting PS2 game. Not only does the game just catch the spirit and virtually every street corner in Los Angeles, but watching it from Nick's point of view is also an achievement. The streets are alive with random things going on in every corner of the street, and just seeing things unfold around you is a special treat indeed. The characters also look nicely detailed, particularly the main character in the action as well as in the cut-out scenes. Overall, we're talking of a well-done job.

True Crime's sound is very street-like and strongly laced with the thumping rhythms of hip-hop – with a light splash of hard-hitting tracks just to add variety. Most of the time, you'll find that the car's stereo plays hip-hop while the cut scenes are followed by a well-functioning film score. And speaking of cinema, the work of the voice is done by some quite familiar actors who are very surprised to see it here. Gamers will find Christopher Walken's voice as the main narrator of the video, and the wonderful voice of action star Russell Wong. Sound effects are very stellar, too. True Crime: Streets of LA is a fast-paced adventure game that really deserves its own spot in a genre we've all grown to enjoy. Although the theme of the game owes something to the Grand Theft Auto series, this is a game with a lot of heart and a lot to do with it.