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True Crime: Streets of LA

Apr 13, 2005 21 years ago
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Type Base game 2003 Genres AdventureFightingRacingShooter Companies Exakt Entertainment · Developer · Luxoflux · Developer · Activision · Publisher · Aspyr Media · Publisher Follow Log in to follow

True Crime: Streets of LA is a free-roaming driving and action game similar in concept to Grand Theft Auto III. The game's structure is mission-based; most of the missions are dictated by the story and initiate following a cutscene that advances it. Failing a mission still allows the player to continue playing through the chapter and undertake subsequent missions; in some cases this will lead to branching paths and optional missions. However, in order to complete the whole chapter the player must eventually succeed in all the main missions.

What it’s like

True Crime: Streets of LA offers a gritty, satirical take on the open-world formula, casting you as Nick Kang, a rogue LAPD detective hunting down crime syndicates in a stylized version of Los Angeles. The experience is defined by its chaotic blend of mechanics: high-speed car chases, third-person shooting, and surprisingly deep martial arts combat that allows for fluid hand-to-hand takedowns. The tone balances dark humor with serious crime drama, supported by a licensed hip-hop soundtrack and celebrity voice acting that grounds the absurdity. While the narrative follows a standard detective structure with branching elements, the true strength lies in the sandbox freedom. You can explore the city, engage in random street justice, or tackle structured missions. The game captures the energy of early 2000s action cinema, prioritizing visceral fun and variety over narrative cohesion or technical perfection.

Strong in Exploration / WorldAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCombatGameplay / MechanicsProgression / Replayability

Keep in mind The shooting mechanics are widely criticized for being clunky and imprecise compared to contemporaries like GTA III. · Significant technical issues, including frame rate drops and repetitive mission design, may frustrate players seeking polish.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, honestgamers.com, mobygames.com, gamespot.com, en.wikipedia.org.

Screenshots

Releases

PlatformRegionTypeDate
Nintendo GameCube Worldwide Full release Nov 03, 200323 years ago
PlayStation 2 Worldwide Full release Nov 03, 200323 years ago
Xbox Worldwide Full release Nov 03, 200323 years ago
PC (Microsoft Windows) Worldwide Full release May 11, 200422 years ago
Mac Worldwide Full release Apr 13, 200521 years ago

Reviews

74Critics · 3 70Players · 107

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