True Crime: Streets of LA

Activision's open world adventure game puts players in the role of an undercover Los Angeles Cop.

Mac

PlayStation 2

GameCube

Xbox

Overview

True Crime: Streets of LA was developed by Luxoflux and published by Activision on the GameCube, Mac, PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. It was released on November 3, 2003.

True Crime: Streets of LA features hard-boiled cop Nick Kang-Wilson, son of Henry Kang-Wilson. The story involves Nick’s hunt for the top members of several gangs who have taken hold in Los Angeles. These gangs include the Triads and the Russian Mob. Throughout the game Nick is able to track down several men who may have information regarding his father’s mysterious disappearance.

Location

True Crime takes place in a simulated Los Angeles, California. Although not entirely accurate, the game features a 240 square mile re-creation of the city which features recognizable street names and land marks.

Gameplay

True Crime: Streets of LA is an open world sandbox style gameplay that puts the player in the role of an undercover police officer. While completing the story missions the player can also choose to assist other officers with various calls ranging from bar fights to high speed chases or bank robberies. During this process the player may also commandeer vehicles to assist in his or her duties.

Upgradable Skills

The game features upgradable skills that Nick can work on to improve his performance. The player can choose to complete challenges in the following categories: Driving, Shooting and hand to hand combat.

After completing a task in either category the player will be rewarded with an upgrade. This might be a better weapon, advanced driving techniques or a skilled grappling move.

Shooting Upgrades

Dual Target Aim
Aim Assistance
Fast Reload
Fast Aim Speed
Laser Sight
Flash Light
Scope
Top Accuracy
Hollow Point Ammo

Driving Upgrades

Peel Out
Rapid Stop
P.I.T. Maneuver
Downshift Boost
90 Degree Turn
Forward Switchblade
Backward Switchblade
Two Wheels
Nitro Boost

Fighting Upgrades

Running Attacks
Back Attacks
Ground Attacks
Tiger Sweep (combo)
Tiger Claw (combo)
Leaping Tiger (combo)
Dragon Kick (combo)
Dragon Fist (combo)
Flying Dragon (combo)

Moral Choices and Branching Story Line

True Crime features different story-lines and endings depending on the way the player acts. The game features a good cop / bad cop rating system which is based on the player's behavior, particularly in regard to whether they kill characters or let them live. Even in situations where players are required to shoot at a suspect, players are judged on whether they inflict a fatal injury (head shot) or an immobilizing injury (arms, legs, etc...). The player must also be careful not to accidentally kill civilians in the crossfire or damage city properly. The game features good, bad, and neutral endings.

Characters

Nick Kang

The main protagonist in the game. Suspended from the LAPD for his misconduct, has since been recruited into the E.O.D (Elite Operations Division) to help clean up the streets of Los Angeles.

Rosie Velasco

Rosie is Nick's partner, an ex-gang member recruited to the Elite Operations Division, however an injury lands her behind a desk for the majority of the story.

Chief Wanda Parks

Wanda is the Chief Detective of the LAPD and coordinated the operation of the E.O.D.

George

Mentor to Nick and a family friend, George also serves as the game's narrator.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is a hidden character in the game. He is playable and has his own minigames once the player collects thirty dog bones scattered throughout the city.

Rikimaru

Rikimaru from Tenchu is a hidden character in the game. He is playable if the player stealth kills all enemies in mission 6-G2. Ayame is also available.