The smash hit Grand Theft Auto 3 series is a gaming phenomenon. Millions of players have thrilled to the series where you can smash and dash through vast 3D cityscapes destroying everything in your path.

But the early pre-3D games were classics too – and now you can get them for FREE courtesy of Rockstar. We take the underrated GTA2 for a vintage spin…

Does it look the part?

GTA2 has the same top-down city view as the original GTA. But it’s spiced up with better explosion and lighting effects. It’s all a bit more cartoon-ish than the current games, and obviously far less sophisticated.

Realistic simulation or arcade fun?

Huge great sweaty dollops of bonkers fun.

In each of the three cities you have to court the favour of three different gangs: as one starts to respect you more, another will make you a marked man and take pot-shots at you when you stray onto their turf.

The top-down view takes a little getting used to if you’ve only played the 3D versions. But it’s nice to play a game where, for once, there’s fewer buttons to press than you have fingers.

How does it play?

The recent GTAs hold your hand through the more difficult missions – GTA2 is trickier. It’s much easier to get nicked by the police and saving your game costs 50,000 of your hard-won dollars, making it harder to complete.

It’s hilariously good fun though, with a decidedly twisted bent. In one mission the Soviet gang makes you round up pedestrians, hoard them into a hot dog machine and feed them to the troops – it’s dementedly, deliciously sadistic.

How much gaming will you get out of it?

In true GTA tradition there’s loads of missions and tons to do around the cities – special weapons, tokens and cars are hidden all over the place. And the final city is seriously tough.

Pole position or flaming wreck?

9/10. It’s difficult but the infectious combination of comedy and anarchy will keep you coming back again and again. Plus did we mention it’s free?

Head on over to www.rockstar.com/classics for your copy. Or I’ll turn you into hot dog meat.

Author – DMA Design
Publisher – Rockstar
Available format(s) – PC (download)
Price(s) – Nothing!
Format tested – PC
Review by Keith Collantine

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