This main game title, originally released in 2001, established a new benchmark for open-world gaming. It immerses players in a fully realized 3D city, offering a blend of narrative-driven missions and open-ended exploration. Players are placed at the center of a criminal underworld, where their actions have tangible consequences within a dynamic urban environment.

The game features a wide variety of vehicles, from cars to buses and boats, alongside an extensive arsenal of weapons. Its soundtrack comprises over 3 hours of music spanning multiple genres, enhancing the atmospheric experience of the city.

The Premise and Setting

The narrative follows a protagonist who has been betrayed and left for dead, embarking on a quest for revenge within a city plagued by crime and corruption. Players must navigate a dangerous landscape populated by mobsters, corrupt officials, and rival street gangs. Survival and progression often require engaging in criminal activities, including theft and violence, while evading law enforcement and other threats.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay loop centers on driving and combat within a large, explorable urban setting. Players can freely roam the city, undertaking missions that advance the storyline or engaging in various side activities. The game emphasizes player freedom, allowing for emergent gameplay scenarios that arise from player interaction with the environment and its inhabitants. A diverse selection of vehicles and a wide array of weapons are fundamental to the player's interaction with the game world.

What Makes This Game Unique?

This title is distinguished by its pioneering open-world design, providing an unprecedented level of freedom and interactivity for its era. The ability to explore a detailed, three-dimensional city, combined with a mature storyline and a focus on player choice, significantly influenced the genre. The game's meticulous depiction of an urban environment, complete with traffic, pedestrians, and dynamic events, was a key factor in its impact.

Available Content

This main game title does not include any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions. While there are no remakes, one remaster is available, offering an updated rendition of the original experience.

Platform Availability

This game is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, iOS, Xbox, Android, and Mac.

Release Information

The original release date for this game was October 22, 2001.