This is the start of a series of articles on Grand Theft Auto 2, a game thought by some to be revolutionary and others to be mindless violence. To me, it is both.
There is something about GTA 2 which makes it very playable. As with many commercial games, it makes you want to go back and play more. Yet the game is very simple. It's a top-down game where you just run around with guns, steal cars and get chased by cops. So what makes it so great?
For me, it's probably just how interactive the game. There are people walking around and cars driving constantly. Whatever you do causes reactions. People will shout at you. Cars will try to swerve around you. Gangs will get angry or pleased with you.
Although it seems that GTA 2 is very simple, it is surprisingly complex. The AI is pretty smart and the respect system of the gangs is quite difficult to crack at times. It's as if the game system was random. Except it isn't. It's programmed to give you a unique game every time but still keep the same core ideas. The direction that you go on at the start of a level may affect your whole game, but you can still play to the style you want.
Graphically, GTA 2 is very pleasing. Although many (including me) complain that the graphics could be much better, they are still really suitable for the environment. The 3D walls also add something to the whole feel giving you a slightly more realistic setting.
The sounds of the game are good, though there are not many of them. One thing I feel that's missing from the second in the Grand Theft Auto series to later games is the car radios. Driving to good music is very important to me in such a game and I like to have fitting music blasting out as I'm chased by cops. I hope to publish in the future a list of appropriate tunes to listen to when playing so keep an eye out for that.
The downside of GTA 2 is, of course, the violence and exposure to crime which you get in the game. For younger people, it's not a good idea to play. I certainly wouldn't let my son or daughter play it. As well as graphic violence, there are very many indecent words and ideas. It is an adult game and really should stay that way.
Overall, I really do love GTA 2. It's not as good as later games but it's the only one in the series I have, so it's still a great game. You can do what you want with it - follow the missions or just drive around and wreck havoc. Both are great fun.
If you're interested in getting GTA 2 for yourself, go to the Official Rockstar Games Website where you can download if completely legally and free of charge. Have fun and stay safe!
