Final Verdict

In many ways, True Crime: Streets of LA is an interactive movie, which is quite appropriate given the level of music and actor talent behind the game. Unfortunately, it’s during those cut scenes that the game is at its best. The in-engine rendered cut scenes are extremely well done with character animation meshing well with the voice actors’ delivery.

It’s apparent that a good deal of effort was put into each gameplay mode, but every one of them falls short of being truly deep and enjoyable. The shootout scenes are packed with action, but the aiming system can often work against you. The auto-targeting is great if you’re taking on one or two enemies at once, but once more show up, it’s cumbersome to change the focus of your fire. Squeeze the fire trigger for a second too long and you’ll enter into a precision aiming more where you’ll stand absolutely still, serving only as target practice for those shooting at you.


The fighting engine is simplistic and becomes an exercise of just mashing the attack buttons. You do gain additional combos and grapples, but you’ll only be able to put those into use after getting your opponents in a daze, usually after lots of button mashing.

The driving and free roaming mode is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of True Crime, and that’s a good thing, as you’ll spend most of your gameplay time driving around town busting drug dealers and rapists. The in-car gameplay is simple, with upgrades only adding some Crazy Taxi moves into the mix.


Despite gameplay bordering on being shallow, True Crime is still very worthwhile of your time because of the experience of brings. It’s a Hollywood cop movie where you’re in the driver’s seat, and it has the acting to back you up. Besides, where else can you fight crime as Snoop Dogg?