Grand Theft Auto 2

Review

by Chris Simpson

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to murder 60 people in three minutes with a flamethrower, and now, that dream is possible. Grand Theft Auto 2 brings you to a city divided by gang conflict and full of rooftops brimming with semi-automatic machine guns and missile launchers.

GTA2 provides the player with numerous advancements from the original. Mainly, you are self employed this time, fighting for the respect of the established gangs that run the city. Each organization has its own color and section of the city. The better you perform, the more jobs you will get. Anger a certain gang too much, and beware when you enter into their domain.

The gameplay in GTA2 is very similar to the first one. Run and jump across the city stealing cars and blowing people up. Watch out for the cops, however, because they don't approve of such behavior. Answer the ringing phones to receive instructions on what dirty deed to perform next.

The viewpoint is the same overhead perspective as in the original, but the graphics are improved. The lighting effects on the police vehicles and ambulances are excellent. Skid marks from speeding cars and the fire from burning buildings are also more realistic.

The control took a few minutes to get accustomed to, but after stealing a few cars, it becomes second nature. The movement is also much more defined, so it's easier to take aim and shoot innocent bystanders and to maneuver your way out of a traffic jam.

The worst part of the game, however, is the sound. Out of a car, there is nothing but regular city noises like honking cars and yelling. When you jack somebody's car you are treated to one of several fictional radio stations that inform you of supposed traffic problems. Perhaps an energetic metal or techno soundtrack would have served the game better.

Basically, I was unable to take Grand Theft Auto 2 seriously as a game. I found it much more rewarding and fun to ignore the jobs from the gangs and just shoot as many people as possible before the fuzz brought me down. The most annoying aspect of the game is the ability of the police to open your door as you try to drive off. I'm pretty sure I would lock the doors if the cops were after me for a killing spree. I do recommend Grand Theft Auto 2 for a good time, but not if you're looking for a serious game.