The game uses a top-down perspective as players move on foot or in stolen vehicles across three cities. Progress comes from completing phone missions, earning money and points, and advancing through increasingly dangerous assignments. Police response escalates when crimes are committed, so players must manage wanted pressure by changing routes, switching cars, or breaking line of sight. Outside missions, the cities can be freely explored for shortcuts and hidden content.

Protagonist

The player-controlled unnamed criminal who rises through the underworld by completing jobs across the cities.

Contacts

Various mission-giving figures who provide objectives and guide the player through the city story structure.

Learn the city layout early and memorize fast routes, shortcuts, and escape paths. Bring a useful vehicle before accepting dangerous jobs, and keep an eye on police attention so you can disengage quickly. If a mission becomes messy, retreat, reset your position, and return with a clearer route rather than forcing a bad chase.

Tips and tricks

Save before difficult missions whenever possible.

Tips and tricks

Use alleys, overpasses, and tight streets to shake pursuit.

Tips and tricks

Remember where you can find weapons and replacement cars.

User Reviews

A bold and highly original crime sandbox for its time.

User Reviews

The top-down city chaos gives the game a distinct identity.

User Reviews

Still remembered as the beginning of a hugely influential series.