Grand Theft Auto 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 is a mission based crime game set in a single, large city of the near future. The urban environment is segmented into three distinct districts downtown, residential, and industrial which become accessible sequentially as the player progresses.

Progression is tied to a score system, where points are accumulated by completing criminal missions and general acts of lawbreaking. Missions are typically initiated by answering public telephones scattered throughout the city. A core strategic element involves managing relationships with seven different gangs, as performing tasks for one faction will negatively impact standing with its rivals.

The player has significant freedom to explore the city from an overhead perspective within a 3D landscape. A key activity is commandeering any vehicle encountered, with some new models featuring mounted weapons like flamethrowers or machine guns. Committing crimes attracts police attention, which escalates through increasingly challenging response tiers from local officers to SWAT teams, special agents, and finally the military if the player remains at large.

Beyond main missions, optional activities include operating a taxi for income. The game allows saving progress by donating money at a church. Visual presentation varies by platform, with the PC version offering a choice between noon and dusk lighting, while the PlayStation and Dreamcast releases are locked to a single time of day.