True Crime: Streets of LA (1992-)

November 2003 has proven to be an exciting month for fans of open-world action games, with the release of True Crime: Streets of LA giving the established Grand Theft Auto franchise a run for its money. Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series has long been celebrated for its chaotic freedom, dark humor, and sprawling cityscapes, culminating in hits like GTA III and Vice City. Yet, with Luxoflux’s latest entry into the genre, players now have a more story-driven and police-focused alternative to consider. Streets of LA offers a unique twist: instead of playing as a career criminal, gamers take on the role of Nick Kang, a rogue LAPD detective navigating a city full of gang violence, corruption, and crime.

One of the most obvious differences between the two franchises lies in their approach to narrative. Grand Theft Auto thrives on satire, presenting players with a morally ambiguous world where chaos is encouraged and the story often serves as a vehicle for mayhem. True Crime, on the other hand, offers a more structured and cinematic storyline, with missions and cutscenes that feel more like an interactive crime drama than an exercise in anarchy. For players who enjoy strong storytelling and character development, Streets of LA has a clear edge in terms of plot engagement.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, both titles offer a mix of driving, shooting, and exploration, but with distinct philosophies. GTA emphasizes sandbox freedom, allowing players to explore Liberty City or Vice City at their own pace, creating their own goals and chaos along the way. Streets of LA retains this open-world element but layers it with more mission structure, encouraging players to balance combat with investigative tasks, police chases, and the occasional moral decision of being a “good cop” or a “bad cop.” While GTA feels like a playground for player creativity, True Crime offers a more guided experience.

Combat and vehicular mechanics also set the two apart. Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City introduced rudimentary gunplay and driving physics that, while fun, often feel loose and unpredictable. True Crime pushes the envelope with refined hand-to-hand combat, the ability to disarm opponents, and a tighter integration between foot and vehicular combat. The driving in Streets of LA is also more nuanced, with a focus on police pursuits that require skill and strategy rather than pure recklessness. For players who enjoy a more controlled, tactical approach, True Crime provides an appealing alternative.

Graphically, the franchises are fairly comparable. GTA III and Vice City were revolutionary for their time, delivering stylized 3D cities that captured a unique atmosphere. Streets of LA makes a strong impression by recreating Los Angeles with a surprising level of detail, from recognizable landmarks to the varied neighborhoods. While it doesn’t entirely surpass the aesthetic charm of Vice City, its attention to environmental authenticity gives it a different kind of immersive appeal. The realism of the cityscape makes the world feel alive in a way that complements the narrative-driven gameplay.

However, True Crime is not without its shortcomings. Technical issues, such as clipping errors and occasional frame-rate dips, can occasionally disrupt the otherwise polished experience. Additionally, while the moral choice system adds depth, it may feel restrictive to players used to the absolute freedom of the GTA sandbox. Conversely, Grand Theft Auto’s longevity and refined mechanics mean it remains a more consistent and reliable experience, especially for players who favor open-ended exploration over story-driven missions.

The choice between the two franchises ultimately depends on the type of gameplay a player values. If you crave unrestrained freedom, dark humor, and the ability to create your own adventures, Grand Theft Auto remains the gold standard. Streets of LA, however, offers a compelling alternative with cinematic storytelling, tighter combat, and the novelty of playing as law enforcement rather than a criminal. For newcomers to the genre or those seeking a fresh perspective, True Crime may feel like a breath of fresh air in a familiar world.

In conclusion, while GTA still dominates in terms of cultural impact and player freedom, True Crime: Streets of LA has carved out a strong niche for itself. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines many aspects of the open-world formula while offering a unique perspective. For fans willing to explore a more structured, narrative-driven experience, Streets of LA is a worthy contender. In 2003, both franchises are worth playing, but the crown remains shared—GTA for freedom, True Crime for story and innovation.