Grand Theft Auto 2
- January 4, 2008
- Rockstar North
- 1h median play time
Get on SteamGrand 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.
PC
Windows
Dreamcast
Reviews
- GTA2 introduced a more complex gameplay with a faction system, allowing players to build respect with different gangs and complete varied missions.
- The game retains a nostalgic charm with its top-down perspective, chaotic mechanics, and humorous radio stations, making it a fun experience for fans of retro gaming.
- Despite its age, GTA2 is considered a classic that laid the groundwork for future open-world games, offering a sense of freedom and exploration in a vibrant city.
- The controls are clunky and frustrating, often leading to difficulties in navigation and combat, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The visibility issues and outdated graphics make it hard for new players to appreciate the game, as the top-down view can obscure important elements of gameplay.
- Many missions feel repetitive and lack depth, leading to a tedious experience that may not hold the attention of players accustomed to modern gaming standards.
- story72 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story of GTA2 revolves around Claude Speed, an aspiring thug navigating a criminal underworld dominated by rival gangs, where gaining respect is crucial for mission access. While the narrative builds on the foundation of its predecessor, it lacks depth and coherence, often feeling repetitive and disconnected from the missions themselves. Despite this, the game introduces engaging mechanics like factional missions and a humorous atmosphere, making it a notable evolution in the series, even if the missions can become tedious and frustrating.
“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.”
“Some didn't care for the changes in this one but I loved the factional mission idea and I enjoyed the darker, grittier tone of it all.”
“The missions themselves don't feel particularly attached to the people giving them out.”
“There's no real story - it's just an arcade free-roaming rampage mayhem.”
“The save feature and the ability to retry failed missions helps a lot, but in the end, GTA2 just feels more tiresome (yet more thought-out) than its predecessor did.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are often described as outdated yet charming, reflecting the limitations of its 90s origins while still managing to evoke nostalgia for players. Many reviews highlight the improvements made over time, such as the transition from software rendering to more versatile graphic engines, which enhance playability on modern PCs. Despite some criticisms regarding unresponsive controls and simplistic visuals, the overall sentiment is that the graphics, while not cutting-edge, contribute to the game's classic appeal and memorable experience.
“Legendary storyline, evolutionary graphics, amazing soundtrack!”
“A great variety of vehicles and weapons, with pretty good graphics for 1999.”
“Even today it remains a great game, it serves as an example for new generations to feel the fantastic graphics of the 90s.”
“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.”
“It is obviously due to its intense graphical requirements.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the franchise has evolved significantly, with early installments praised for their innovation but criticized for controls and perspective issues. Players appreciate the improved mechanics and the introduction of side missions, while some find the repetitive nature of tasks and the save system frustrating. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a blend of nostalgic charm and modern enhancements, making it engaging despite some lingering flaws.
“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.”
“Love the top-down style of play, the art style, and the chaotic mechanics.”
“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.”
“Mechanics and perspective were too annoying for me.”
“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.”
- humor13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and entertaining elements, with many players highlighting the hilarious missions, unique gang interactions, and amusing radio stations, particularly the Russian one. While some consider it a classic with a cheap and cheesy charm, others appreciate its pioneering role in indie gaming and its distinct comedic style that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. Overall, the game is recognized for its ability to evoke laughter and provide a fun atmosphere.
“A timeless classic, absolutely funny and entertaining to play.”
“This game in particular had some of the most hilarious missions and gangs in the series.”
“However, it has an amazingly fun sense of humor not found outside of the GTA franchise.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many players highlighting the nostalgic impact of the soundtrack, particularly the intro song and the late 90s techno influences. Reviewers appreciate how the music enhances the overall gameplay experience, making it memorable and enjoyable despite the game's dated graphics. The combination of engaging sound effects, like police sirens and screeching tires, further contributes to the immersive atmosphere.
“Bloody hell... I thought GTA 1 was kicking a lot of nostalgia dust up in the air but this... GTA 2 now that hit me like a DeLorean at 88 mph... the intro, the menu... the music... omfg~!!”
“Obviously you shouldn't expect much from a game made in the 90's graphics-wise but I genuinely really enjoy the soundtrack of the game (which is made up of late 90's to early 2000's techno-type amalgams).”
“The radio music, the sound of screeching tires, the police sirens.”
“Worth the pain of patching the game just for that intro song alone.”
“The only possible way I know to get this game on Steam is to buy the Grand Theft Auto collection key from the Green Man Gaming website. As of last year October, they still sell the old version of the GTA collection with GTA 1 and GTA 2.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its engaging mood, high-quality sound design, and vibrant humor, contributing to an immersive experience. Despite being considered the black sheep of the franchise, its unique overhead mechanics and quirky ambiance help to overshadow some repetitive gameplay elements.
“The absolutely awesome atmosphere and mood this game has.”
“The atmosphere, sounds, gang wars, humor, and 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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often likening it to marathon runs of repetitive tasks that can feel exhausting. 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.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers 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 accessibility enhances the overall experience and encourages players to revisit the game.
“The game offers a fresh experience with each playthrough, thanks to its dynamic storylines and character choices.”
“With multiple endings and various paths to explore, I find myself coming back for more every time.”
“The replayability is fantastic; I can try different strategies and approaches, making each session feel unique.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that while the multiplayer experience can be enjoyable, it is often hindered by bugs that affect overall stability.
“The multiplayer can be fun, albeit buggy.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy.”
“I experienced constant lag and disconnections during gameplay.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering enhanced mechanics, visuals, and performance, which leads to a positive recommendation 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.”
