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Grand Theft Auto 2 Game Cover

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Grand Theft Auto 2 is a single player and multiplayer open world shooter game. It was developed by Rockstar North and was released on January 4, 2008. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Grand Theft Auto 2 is set in a near-future city, divided into three districts. Players steal vehicles and complete missions to increase their score and unlock new areas. The game is viewed from an overhead camera in a 3D landscape, allowing players the freedom to explore the city. Reaching a certain score is necessary to advance to the next district.

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89%
Audience ScoreBased on 266 reviews
story10 positive mentions
monetization4 negative mentions

  • GTA2 is a chaotic, fun experience that captures the essence of open-world gameplay with its freedom to cause mayhem and interact with various gangs.
  • The game features improved graphics and gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor, making it more enjoyable for players who appreciate retro gaming.
  • The humor, unique atmosphere, and memorable radio stations contribute to a nostalgic experience that many players cherish, making it a classic in the gaming community.
  • The controls and camera angles can be frustrating, making it difficult to navigate and enjoy the gameplay, especially for modern players unfamiliar with older mechanics.
  • The save system can be punishing, requiring players to spend in-game currency to save progress, which can lead to repetitive gameplay and frustration.
  • Technical issues, such as crashes and compatibility problems on modern systems, detract from the overall experience, making it less accessible for new players.
  • story
    103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in GTA 2 is largely considered thin and unimportant, serving primarily as a backdrop for chaotic gameplay rather than a compelling narrative. Players take on the role of Claude Speed, navigating a world filled with rival gangs and completing missions that often feel repetitive and disconnected from the characters. While the missions offer some variety and challenge, the overall plot is overshadowed by the game's focus on mayhem and action, leading many to prioritize gameplay over story.

    • “The story is just an excuse to run riot through a city full of over-the-top, insane gang members who hate you, love you, and want to blow your face off with a bazooka all at the same time.”
    • “Many modern story-rich games can definitely be traced back to this early part of the series where you can align with various factions, climb the ranks, and become a big-time player.”
    • “The player plays the role of Claude Speed, an aspiring thug hoping to make it to the top of the criminal world by completing various missions for gangs, earning respect along the way.”
    • “The story: 'yeah, sure, it's about crime—who cares?'”
    • “The plot is thinner than the paper used to print your dad’s old 'for mature audiences' VHS tapes.”
    • “There's no real story - it's just an arcade free-roaming rampage mayhem.”
  • graphics
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the graphics have seen significant improvements, with sharper visuals, better lighting, and more detailed environments that enhance the gameplay experience. While some older titles are considered graphically outdated, they still hold a nostalgic charm and are appreciated for their artistic style and fluidity. Newer entries in the series showcase a leap in graphical fidelity, making the worlds feel more alive and immersive.

    • “The graphics took a significant leap forward from the first game, with better lighting, smoother animations, and more detailed environments.”
    • “The graphics were more detailed, featuring a day-night cycle that added some more variety to the city and made it more believable.”
    • “To top it all off, the graphics for Grand Theft Auto 2 is a massive upgrade from its predecessor.”
    • “The graphics sucked, the controls were unresponsive and tank style, and the sole voice actor had probably never done voice acting before in his life.”
    • “Graphically this thing has aged and it's amazing this thing runs at all on a modern PC.”
    • “Wonderful game with outdated graphics, but starting point of one of the best franchises.”
  • gameplay
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved mechanics, sharper graphics, and the engaging world that feels alive, particularly in the context of the Grand Theft Auto series. While some players enjoy the satisfying shooting and driving mechanics, others criticize the repetitive nature of missions and the frustrating save system. Overall, the introduction of new features like gang reputation and side missions adds depth, but the gameplay still retains some elements that may not appeal to everyone.

    • “The graphics were sharper, the gameplay was more varied, and the world felt more alive, even with its intentionally exaggerated and absurd tone.”
    • “It's timeless and challenging gameplay which stands out despite its old graphics.”
    • “Driving and overall gameplay is much improved compared with the first game.”
    • “Unfun and repetitive gameplay with the infuriating cherry on top in the form of a save system that requires you to pay quite a bit of in-game currency.”
    • “Even though GTA 2 is sort of the black sheep of the franchise, it is easy to fall in love with its easier overhead driver/shooter mechanics and zanier atmosphere that manages to hide the issue of repetitive missions and tiresome platforming sections.”
    • “Mechanics and perspective were too annoying for me.”
  • humor
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its dark and irreverent tone, effectively parodying consumer culture and corporate greed through clever radio ads and billboards. Players appreciate the game's unique and entertaining missions, vibrant world, and the standout comedic elements that have become a hallmark of the series, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience. Overall, the humor is described as cheap, cheesy, and consistently funny, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “The humor is dark, and the world doesn’t take itself seriously, which is part of its charm.”
    • “For example, ads on the radio and billboards parody consumer culture and corporate greed in hilarious ways.”
    • “This game in particular had some of the most hilarious missions and gangs in the series.”
  • music
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in GTA 2 is widely praised for its diverse and energetic soundtrack, featuring various genres like rock, techno, and funky lounge music that enhance the chaotic gameplay experience. While some players lament the absence of music in the menu and intro, the in-game radio stations and sound effects, such as screeching tires and police sirens, contribute to a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, adding significant enjoyment to the game.

    • “The soundtrack is another highlight.”
    • “Each car you steal plays a different radio station, featuring genres like rock, techno, and even funky lounge music.”
    • “Soundtrack is chaotic fun, fitting the wild tone.”
    • “The music in GTA2 is like a non-stop techno party in hell, and honestly?”
    • “And to make matters worse... there is no music playing in the menu and much less... an intro from DMA Design or Rockstar in the game... which is missing.”
    • “The radio music, the sound of screeching tires, the police sirens.”
  • monetization
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy for the game is praised for avoiding microtransactions and additional DLC purchases, focusing instead on enhancing the gameplay experience without exploiting players financially. The inclusion of satirical advertisements within the game cleverly critiques consumer culture, adding depth to the overall experience rather than serving as a mere cash grab.

    • “The game offers a fair monetization model that doesn't pressure players into spending money.”
    • “I appreciate that there are no aggressive microtransactions, allowing me to enjoy the game fully without additional costs.”
    • “The monetization strategy is transparent and respectful, making it easy to support the developers without feeling exploited.”
    • “No need for microtransactions and subsequent DLC purchases as a means of GAAS because the studio needs more money in order to keep working on their unfinished and already released game.”
  • atmosphere
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its unique and immersive qualities, characterized by vibrant neon lights, engaging sounds, and a blend of humor and action. Despite some gameplay criticisms, the distinct mood and setting create a captivating experience that resonates with players.

    • “Driving through the city at night, with neon lights reflecting off the streets, adds a surprising amount of atmosphere.”
    • “The absolutely awesome atmosphere and mood this game has.”
    • “The atmosphere, sounds, gang wars, humor, bonus missions are all top quality.”
    • “Even though GTA2 is sort of the black sheep of the franchise, it is easy to fall in love with its easier overhead driver/shooter mechanics and zanier atmosphere that manages to hide the issue of repetitive missions and tiresome platforming sections.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that the game offers improved replayability on modern systems, eliminating the need for additional fixes that were necessary for earlier versions like GTA 1. This enhancement allows for a smoother and more accessible experience, encouraging players to revisit the game.

    • “The game is incredibly replayable, with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh and exciting.”
    • “Every time I play, I discover new secrets and strategies, making it feel like a completely different experience.”
    • “The variety of characters and storylines ensures that no two runs are ever the same, enhancing the overall replay value.”
  • stability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game runs smoothly on the deck, but users have reported that the multiplayer experience can be enjoyable yet prone to bugs.

    • “Runs great on deck!”
    • “The game maintains a smooth performance without any noticeable lag.”
    • “I've experienced no crashes or bugs, making for a stable gaming experience.”
    • “The multiplayer can be fun, albeit buggy.”
  • grinding
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often likening it to marathon runs of repetitive tasks that can feel overwhelming. Many suggest that emulating the game may provide a more enjoyable experience than playing it on PC due to the grind-heavy nature of the missions.

    • “This becomes extra tedious as the missions themselves tend more towards marathon runs of task after task before that job complete message will finally grace the screen.”
    • “Well, it's kinda tedious to play; you are probably better off emulating it on EPSXe than trying to run it on PC.”
  • emotional
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game evokes a strong initial connection, but this can quickly shift to feelings of discomfort and moral conflict, as players grapple with the implications of leading a criminal life.

    • “To be honest, I loved it at first but really hated it later... it made me feel like I was leading a criminal life.”
  • optimization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the optimization of the game is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, with enhancements in mechanics, visuals, and performance, making it a recommended experience despite any minor issues.

    • “I still recommend this, however, due to the fact that it is a mechanical, visual, and performance upgrade from the first GTA.”
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70%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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1h Median play time
1h Average play time
13h Main story
27h Completionist
1-1h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Theft Auto 2 is a open world shooter game.

Grand Theft Auto 2 is available on PC, Windows and Dreamcast.

The main story can be completed in around 13 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 27 hours to finish. On average players spend around 1 hours playing Grand Theft Auto 2.

Grand Theft Auto 2 was released on January 4, 2008.

Grand Theft Auto 2 was developed by Rockstar North.

Grand Theft Auto 2 has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its monetization.

Grand Theft Auto 2 is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Grand Theft Auto III, Driver® Parallel Lines, Shakedown: Hawaii, Saints Row 2, Mafia and others.