Artist: Video Game ReviewTitle: True Crime: New York CityRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Alejandro Mojado
Players wield the ultimate power as one of NYC’s finest in True Crime: New York City (Activision; PS2). Gamers assume the role of Marcus Reid, a former criminal turned cop. True Crime: NYC is a vast improvement over its predecessor, True Crime: Streets of LA. This latest version is more in depth, giving gamers the chance to explore an expertly recreated Manhattan island while fighting crime in your own morally ambiguous way.
True Crime: NYC takes you on a unique journey through the eyes of an NYPD cop with criminal ties and background. As Marcus players bust criminals, take down gangs, extort, interrogate, search and seize and dispense justice, either by the book or by indulging in the temptations of the job. However, your choices do affect the city, if crime goes unchecked, the crime rate will soar and the streets will fill with trash, potholes and unsavory characters.
Gameplay this time around is much better; developers have improved most aspects of the game from hand-to-hand combat to gunplay and driving. Environmental interaction allows players to access almost everything in the game that can assist, from listing stovetops to locking suspects in freezers. And you get to do it all with an all-star cast that includes the voice talents of Laurence Fishburne (“Cornbread!”) and the original Frank White, Christopher Walken. Plus, with more than 80 songs, the in game soundtrack is off the hook, featuring music from DMX, Redman and Jay-Z (to name a few). If you are familiar with the past version of True Crime you will be pleasantly pleased with the new and improved New York City.
The game carries an “M” rating and more than likely should have a parental advisory sticker as well for language and content. Kids should definitely check with parents before getting this one. Nonetheless True Crime: New York City is a solid game and should provide hours of entertainment while you bust, shake down, and grill ingrates to a hot soundtrack.
