Not long ago, there was a game released called Grand Theft Auto III. Critically acclaimed to be one of the best games ever due to its large open environments, realistic graphics, and "crime simulation" type gameplay where you could do pretty much anything pleased, GTA came out for the PlayStation 2, and Xbox gamers anxiously waited for an Xbox release. Suddenly, what seemed like an Xbox owner's nightmare, it turned out Sony had grabbed exclusive rights to the Grand Theft Auto franchise in an agreement that would last for years. This is where True Crime: Streets of L.A. comes in.
Just like Grand Theft Auto, the game is a combination of driving, fighting, and of course, shooting. True Crime: Streets of L.A. takes concepts from the Grand Theft Auto games and expands. In the game, you play the role of an ex-rogue Elite Operations Division (E.O.D.) operative Nick Kang, a no-holds-barred badass who has been ordered to take down the Chinese Triad and Russian Mafia cartel. These groups have turned the city of Los Angeles into a war zone.
Unlike GTA, you'll take part in gun battles with DOUBLE fisted firepower meaning the game will have the ability to make your character hold two different weapons at the same time. This gives you the ability to have a rifle in one hand and a pistol in another, a pistol in one hand and a shotgun in another, or just duke it out any way you wish. With this you can target two enemies at the same time. Similar to Namco's Dead to Rights, you'll be able to dive in slow-motion and more easily take out all your foes.
In True Crime: Streets of L.A., players will engage in wild car chases, on-foot pursuits, and even hand to hand combat in the effort to take out criminals. In total, the game will include over 100 missions plus free-roaming random missions. The Xbox version of True Crime: Streets of L.A. will like other games, be the best version of the game. Not only can you expect superior graphics with better frame rates but a heck of a lot faster loading times. Though your character is fighting crime, you'll still have the ability to jack or ermm- "borrow" cars from the everyday civilians you encounter on the streets. With that said, you're free to explore 250 square miles of L.A. which have been accurately portrayed in the game. If you know your way around in L.A., you'll know directions in game. Everything has been realistically represented in True Crime: Streets of L.A. from West Hollywood to Beverly Hills to Hollywood & Santa Monica.
The hand to hand combat system will be far superior to that of GTA's. There won't be simple punching and kicking. Your character will have the ability to wield all sorts of items including pool sticks, windows, tables, and even chairs. The game will feature super blows, counter-attacks, and even finishers.
Something unique you'll find in the game is the "Badge" feature. For example, say a carjacking occurs and you take out the criminal. By passing the mission, you'll earn "Badge Points". These points aren't for you to brag to your friends that you're better then them but for improving your character's skills. For one, there are "auto shops" where you can spend these points to improve your driving skills. Other things include a dojo master who will teach you karate for improving your hand to hand combat skills.
Slated for release sometime in November, True Crime: Streets of L.A. looks to be that GTA killer that Xbox fans everywhere have been waiting for. Stay tuned at Xbox Central for any more information released on the game, and enjoy the screenshots!
