The original release of Grand Theft Auto in 1997 sent the media into a frenzy over the nature of this title. Grand Theft Auto’s controversy factor, tagged with a BBFC 18 rating, spelled success. As unintentional as it may seem, GTA was marketed by the media. As they say, any publicity is good publicity. GTA’s success led to the release of GTA London, and finally, GTA 2 on PC.

Unsurprisingly, this desktop version of the controversial series is by far the most pleasing to the eye. You are a ... more >>

The original release of Grand Theft Auto in 1997 sent the media into a frenzy over the nature of this title. Grand Theft Auto’s controversy factor, tagged with a BBFC 18 rating, spelled success. As unintentional as it may seem, GTA was marketed by the media. As they say, any publicity is good publicity. GTA’s success led to the release of GTA London, and finally, GTA 2 on PC.

Unsurprisingly, this desktop version of the controversial series is by far the most pleasing to the eye. You are amongst seven gangs in a brutal power struggle, and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to work your way to the top of the crime ladder. This can be accomplished by completing tasks and avoiding the police, thus earning respect from your seniors. There are literally hundreds of missions to challenge your crime abilities. Transport within these missions is of vital importance, so vehicles such as corporate Limousines and ice cream trucks have been provided to aid you. The most valuable asset to GTA 2 is the game’s non-linear approach, giving a superior sense of freedom that will appeal to most players. What’s more, GTA 2’s urban environment is highly active, and responds to the players’ moves with surprising accuracy. A multi-player option over LAN is a desirable attribute to GTA 2 that may well prove to be the game’s primary selling point.

There is little doubt that Grand Theft Auto 2 will receive as much, if not more media attention that its predecessors did. Almost a guaranteed success is on the cards for Take 2 Interactive. << less