Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999) – Gameplay & Review

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 – Taking the GTA Experience to 1960s London

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999) is an expansion pack for the original Grand Theft Auto released in 1997. Developed by Rockstar Canada and published by Rockstar Games, the game takes players away from the fictional American cities of the first GTA and introduces a new setting based on London, England, during the year 1969.

Instead of exploring Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City, players enter a fictional version of late-1960s London, complete with British vehicles, familiar city landmarks, period-inspired music and local expressions. The gameplay follows the same top-down action style as the original game, allowing players to steal vehicles, complete criminal assignments, earn money and work their way through London’s criminal underworld.

Officially titled Grand Theft Auto Mission Pack #1: London 1969, this release was an important early expansion in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. It introduced 32 new missions and 30 new vehicles, while retaining the main gameplay structure of the 1997 game. Its British setting gives it a personality of its own, making it different from the American locations featured in the first instalment.

London 1969 also holds a special place in the franchise because it was the first Grand Theft Auto expansion pack and one of the earliest examples of Rockstar expanding an existing game with a new location, missions and vehicles. It belongs to the 2D Universe and was followed by another London-themed release, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, later in 1999.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 – Game Details

Release Date and Platforms

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 was released in April 1999 for personal computers and the original PlayStation. The PC release supported MS-DOS and Windows, while the PlayStation version brought the expansion to console players.

The PC and PlayStation editions were released as expansion products for the original Grand Theft Auto. The release was also made available as part of Grand Theft Auto: Director’s Cut, a compilation that included the original game and London 1969.

Some historical release listings give different April dates for the PC and PlayStation versions. For that reason, April 1999 is the safest general release information to use when referring to the expansion as a whole.

What Is Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 is an expansion pack that builds on the original Grand Theft Auto rather than introducing a completely new numbered game. It uses the same basic gameplay foundation but replaces the American city environments with a fictional version of London in the late 1960s.

The game was designed for players who enjoyed the original GTA and wanted more missions, vehicles and locations to explore. Instead of changing the entire gameplay system, the developers focused on creating a fresh atmosphere through its British setting and period details.

Players still control a criminal character, accept jobs from different contacts, steal vehicles and complete assignments to earn points. The main objective remains reaching the required score to progress through the game’s stages. The difference is that the entire experience now takes place in a London-inspired environment.

The expansion also makes use of British expressions, different vehicle designs, left-hand road traffic and music that matches the period. These changes help make London 1969 feel like a distinct part of the franchise rather than simply another collection of missions using the original American locations.

Story and Setting

The game takes place in a fictional version of London during 1969. The city is presented as a busy criminal environment where different crime figures and organisations offer work to people looking to build a name for themselves.

Players take the role of a criminal who wants to move up through London’s organised crime world. The game does not follow the same kind of detailed, character-focused story found in later Grand Theft Auto titles. Instead, the player’s progress is built around completing jobs and earning enough points to advance.

Different criminal contacts provide assignments through the game’s familiar mission system. These jobs involve a range of criminal activities, including vehicle theft, driving tasks and other dangerous assignments. Successfully completing them helps the player earn money and increase their score.

The London setting is one of the most important parts of the experience. The streets, vehicles, language and cultural references are designed around the late 1960s. The game also uses the British pound as its currency and follows left-hand traffic, making the setting feel different from the American cities in the original GTA.

London in 1969 – The Main Location

Unlike the original Grand Theft Auto, which featured three fictional American cities, London 1969 focuses on a single main location: London. The game presents a fictionalised version of the real city, using streets, districts and recognisable landmarks as part of its overhead map.

The setting is not intended to be an exact modern representation of London. It is a game world inspired by the city during the 1960s, with a mixture of familiar references and fictional areas designed for the gameplay.

The London environment is central to the game’s identity. Players drive through its streets, travel between different areas, take on assignments and encounter police officers and other characters. The city’s layout provides the environment for the missions and gives the expansion a different atmosphere from the original game.

A Different City from the Original GTA

The first Grand Theft Auto introduced Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City. These locations were fictional interpretations of major American cities. London 1969 changes the setting completely by bringing players to a city based on a real-world location.

This change also affects the way the game feels. The road system follows British driving conventions, vehicles reflect the period and the dialogue uses expressions associated with British English. These details help create a more recognisable London atmosphere.

1960s British Atmosphere

The year 1969 gives the game a strong period identity. The setting draws on the popular image of late-1960s Britain, including its vehicles, music, fashion references and crime-related culture.

The game also includes references to British popular culture and crime films. Its atmosphere is designed to feel different from the more modern American crime environments that players experienced in the original game.

Gameplay and Main Features

The gameplay in Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows the same basic formula as the original GTA. Players explore an open city environment from a top-down camera perspective, take control of vehicles, complete criminal jobs and try to earn enough points to progress through the game.

The expansion does not replace the original gameplay system with a completely new one. Instead, it uses the existing mechanics and gives them a new setting, additional missions and more vehicles.

Top-Down Open-World Gameplay

London 1969 uses a top-down camera view. This means the camera looks down at the city from above, allowing players to see the streets, vehicles, buildings and characters from an overhead angle.

This camera style was a defining feature of the early Grand Theft Auto games. It allows players to navigate the city and understand the surrounding road layout while driving or moving around on foot.

Unlike later GTA titles, the game does not use a third-person camera positioned behind the main character. Its visual presentation is closer to the original 1997 game, with the focus placed on the city map and the action taking place within it.

Criminal Missions and Assignments

Missions are the main part of the game’s progression. Players receive jobs from criminal contacts and must complete the required objectives to earn points. These assignments can involve stealing vehicles, driving to specific locations and carrying out other criminal activities.

As players progress, the jobs become part of a larger sequence of assignments. Completing the required objectives helps unlock further stages and moves the player’s criminal career forward.

The mission structure is familiar to anyone who has played the original Grand Theft Auto. The expansion keeps the phone-box mission system, allowing players to begin jobs by answering ringing telephone booths placed around the city.

Vehicle Theft and Driving

Vehicles play a major role in London 1969. Players can steal cars and use them to travel through the city, complete assignments and escape dangerous situations.

The expansion introduces 30 new vehicles, giving players more options than the original game. Their designs are inspired by the vehicles associated with the period and the British setting.

Driving is more than just a way to move between mission locations. Some assignments require players to use particular vehicles or complete driving-related objectives. The streets also provide opportunities to explore the city and discover different routes.

Left-Hand Traffic

One of the most noticeable differences between London 1969 and the original GTA is the road system. Since the setting is London, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, following the real-world traffic system used in the United Kingdom.

This small but important detail helps the game feel connected to its British location. Players familiar with the original American settings will notice the change when navigating the streets.

Police Pursuits

Police attention remains an important part of the gameplay. Criminal activities can attract law enforcement, and players must find ways to escape when officers begin pursuing them.

The police system follows the general approach established in the original Grand Theft Auto. Players need to avoid being caught while completing their assignments and travelling through the city.

London 1969 also uses British police language. For example, the familiar American expression “Busted” is replaced by “Nicked”, giving the game another small detail that matches its setting.

Scoring and Progression

The game’s scoring system is based on earning points through missions and other activities. Players need to reach specific score targets to complete stages and continue progressing.

Successful jobs can increase the player’s score multiplier, allowing them to earn more points as they continue completing missions. This encourages players to complete assignments successfully and maintain their progress.

The scoring system is carried over from the original Grand Theft Auto, so the expansion remains familiar to players who have already experienced the first game.

32 New Missions

One of the main reasons to play Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 is its collection of 32 new missions. These assignments give players additional objectives and expand the original game’s criminal gameplay into a new location.

The missions are designed around the London setting and the different criminal contacts found in the game. Players take on jobs that involve driving, stealing vehicles and completing criminal assignments.

Instead of introducing a completely different mission system, the expansion uses the familiar structure from the original Grand Theft Auto. Players start jobs through ringing phone boxes and work towards the score targets required to finish each stage.

The addition of 32 missions gives the expansion a substantial amount of new content for players who want to continue exploring the original GTA formula.

30 New Vehicles

Vehicles are an essential part of the Grand Theft Auto experience, and London 1969 introduces 30 new vehicles. Their designs reflect the period and help distinguish the expansion from the original game.

The vehicle selection fits the late-1960s British setting. Players can explore the city using different cars and other vehicles while completing missions and travelling between locations.

The addition of new vehicles is important because driving is one of the main activities in the game. It also gives players more variety when exploring the streets and completing assignments.

Characters and Criminal Organisations

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 features a criminal underworld made up of different contacts and organisations. Players work for people involved in London’s organised crime scene as they attempt to build their reputation.

Unlike modern Grand Theft Auto games, the expansion does not place the same emphasis on a single fully developed protagonist with a detailed personal history. The player’s character is mainly defined by the jobs they complete and the progress they make through the criminal world.

The game uses its contacts and mission structure to introduce the player to different parts of the criminal environment. The assignments provide the main connection between the player and the people offering work around the city.

The characters and organisations help give the missions context, but the main focus remains on the player’s activities, the city and the progression system.

British Slang and Cultural References

One of the most memorable features of London 1969 is its use of British expressions and cultural references. The developers used the setting to introduce language and details that were different from those found in the original American-based game.

Police officers use the word “Nicked” instead of “Busted” when the player is arrested. Other dialogue includes expressions such as “Oi!” and “You’re brown bread!”, reflecting the game’s use of British slang.

The game also makes references to British popular culture and crime films. Its period setting draws inspiration from the style and atmosphere associated with late-1960s London.

These details help make the expansion more than a simple change of map. They give the game a distinct personality and make its setting an important part of the overall experience.

Music and Soundtrack

Music is an important part of the atmosphere in Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. Like the original game, it uses radio stations to provide music while players are driving around the city.

The soundtrack is designed to suit the late-1960s setting. Its musical style helps create the feeling of travelling through London during that period, making it different from the radio experience in the original American-themed game.

The game also received recognition for its sound. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 won the 1999 BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award in the Sound category. This award is an important part of the game’s history and recognises the contribution of its audio presentation.

The soundtrack and sound effects help establish the game’s identity. From the music playing while driving to the voices and police announcements, audio is an important part of the experience.

Development of Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 was developed as an expansion to the original Grand Theft Auto. Rather than creating a completely new game engine and gameplay system, the developers built on the technology and mechanics already established in the 1997 release.

Rockstar Canada handled the main development of the expansion, while Runecraft was responsible for the PlayStation port. The project focused on adding a new location, additional missions and vehicles while keeping the familiar top-down gameplay.

The game assets were also created using GTACars, a third-party utility associated with modifying the original Grand Theft Auto. This helped with adapting the game’s vehicles and other assets for the London setting.

The development approach allowed the expansion to retain the original game’s identity while introducing enough new content to give returning players a different experience.

Rockstar Canada’s Role

Rockstar Canada was responsible for developing London 1969. The studio was part of the wider Rockstar Games development network and worked on bringing the expansion to players in 1999.

The PlayStation version was handled by Runecraft. This distinction is important because the PC and PlayStation editions had different development responsibilities.

PlayStation Version

The PlayStation edition brought the London expansion to the original Sony console. It was developed by Runecraft and released in 1999.

The PlayStation release was initially designed as an expansion that worked with the original Grand Theft Auto. Players needed the original game’s disc to play the expansion on the console.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Special Edition

A standalone PlayStation release known as Grand Theft Auto: London – Special Edition was released in the United Kingdom in 2000.

This version was different from the original expansion release because it could be played without requiring a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto disc. It gave players a more convenient way to experience the London expansion as a standalone product.

The Special Edition is an important part of the game’s release history because it provided another way to access the London content after the original 1999 release.

Grand Theft Auto: Director’s Cut

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 was also included in Grand Theft Auto: Director’s Cut, a compilation that brought together the original Grand Theft Auto and its London expansion.

The compilation allowed players to experience the original American city environments and the London expansion as part of one collection. It is another example of how Rockstar expanded the original GTA experience through additional releases and bundled editions.

Connection to Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is the follow-up expansion to London 1969. It was released later in 1999 as a free downloadable PC expansion.

As its title suggests, London 1961 takes place eight years before the events of London 1969. It uses the same London map and characters but presents them at an earlier point in time.

London 1961 is shorter than London 1969 and was designed as an additional expansion for players who already had access to the earlier London content. It was released through Rockstar’s website and was connected to the original Grand Theft Auto expansion setup.

The two London releases are important parts of the 2D Universe. They show how Rockstar used the original game’s foundation to explore a different city and historical setting.

How London 1969 Fits into the GTA 2D Universe

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is commonly divided into three fictional universes: the 2D Universe, the 3D Universe and the HD Universe. These labels describe different generations of the franchise and their separate fictional continuities.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 belongs to the 2D Universe. It follows the original Grand Theft Auto and is set in a different location and time period. Its top-down camera and gameplay style are consistent with the early games in the franchise.

The London releases are especially interesting because they use a real-world city as the inspiration for their setting. Most other GTA games focus on fictional cities inspired by real places, whereas London 1969 directly uses London as its main location.

Differences Between Grand Theft Auto (1997) and London 1969

Although London 1969 uses the same basic gameplay foundation as the original Grand Theft Auto, there are several noticeable differences. The biggest change is the setting, but the expansion also introduces additional missions, vehicles and period-inspired details.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers appreciated the new setting, British atmosphere, additional vehicles and music. However, others felt that the expansion did not change enough of the original game’s gameplay.

One of the main points of criticism was that the expansion retained the same basic mechanics as the 1997 release. Players who expected a completely new gameplay experience could find the familiar mission structure and controls less exciting.

On the other hand, the London setting provided a fresh atmosphere for players who enjoyed the original game. The British road system, period-inspired vehicles, local slang and soundtrack gave the expansion its own identity.

The game also received recognition for its audio presentation, winning the 1999 BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award in the Sound category. This achievement remains one of the notable highlights in its history.

What Made Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Special?

London 1969 stands out because it takes the original GTA formula and places it in a completely different cultural and historical setting. Instead of simply adding more American streets, it introduces a fictional version of London during the late 1960s.

The left-hand traffic system, British expressions, period-inspired vehicles and music help create a different atmosphere. These changes may seem small individually, but together they give the expansion a clear identity.

Its 32 missions and 30 new vehicles also provide additional content for players who wanted more from the original game. The expansion demonstrates how a familiar gameplay system can feel different when the setting and atmosphere are changed.

Another important aspect is its place in the history of downloadable and expansion content. It was an early example of the Grand Theft Auto franchise extending an existing release through a separate mission pack, rather than immediately replacing it with a new numbered game.

Is Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Worth Playing Today?

For players who enjoy retro games and want to understand the early history of Grand Theft Auto, London 1969 is worth exploring. It offers a different setting from the original game while retaining the familiar top-down gameplay that defined the early 2D era.

Players who enjoy the original GTA will recognise the mission structure, vehicle controls, police pursuits and score-based progression. The London setting adds variety through its British atmosphere, new vehicles and additional assignments.

However, players who are familiar with modern GTA titles should understand that this is a product of the 1990s. It does not include the fully 3D environments, cinematic storytelling, detailed character animations or advanced vehicle physics found in later games.

The camera remains overhead, the mission system is relatively simple and the gameplay can feel repetitive compared with modern open-world releases. These are part of the game’s original design rather than features that should be judged by the standards of newer titles.

Its main appeal is the opportunity to experience a different chapter in the franchise’s early history. The London setting, period details and additional missions make it a distinctive expansion for fans interested in the 2D Universe.

Final Verdict

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 is a memorable expansion that takes the original Grand Theft Auto experience to a new location and time period. Its fictionalised London setting, British slang, left-hand traffic, period-inspired vehicles and soundtrack help it stand apart from the American environments of the first game.

The addition of 32 new missions and 30 new vehicles gives players more content while keeping the original gameplay structure intact. Although it does not introduce a completely new engine or a major change in mechanics, it succeeds in giving the early GTA experience a different atmosphere.

For fans of the original game, London 1969 is an interesting continuation of the 2D-era experience. It also provides useful context for understanding how Rockstar expanded the franchise before the major move to fully 3D environments with Grand Theft Auto III.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Gameplay Video

Watch Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 gameplay and explore its top-down city environment, British-inspired vehicles, criminal missions and classic 1960s atmosphere.

GTA London 1969 – Full Game Walkthrough [All Missions]

GTA Mission Pack #1 – Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Full Movie Walkthrough / Guide

GTA Mission Pack #1 – Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 Full Movie Walkthrough / Guide video with all 42 Phone Missions and Secret Missions – 1080p Full HD [Played on PC]

Introduction

• 0:00 Introduction

LONDON CHAPTER 1: BOYS WILL BE THIEVES

• 0:29 Northeast Chelsea Phone – Harold Cartwright Cutscene

LONDON CHAPTER 2: MODS AND SODS

• 2:33 Southwest City Phone #1
• 6:09 Southwest City Phone #2
• 8:38 Southwest City Phone #3
• 12:05 Southwest City Phone #4
• 14:42 Northwest Westminster Mission
• 18:52 East Westminster Phone
• 22:03 South Angel Mission
• 25:04 Southeast Chelsea (Bus)
• 27:40 Northwest Bermondsey (Three Beagles)
• 32:49 Northwest Bow Phone
• 34:13 North Chelsea (Royal Stretch)
• 35:18 Northeast Brixton (Ranger)
• 36:30 North Soho (Crapi)
• 37:25 Mods and Sods Ending (South Mile End) – Jack Parkinson Cutscene

LONDON CHAPTER 3: CHELSEA SMILE

• 38:22 Northwest Bow Phone #1
• 41:47 West Angel Mission
• 44:57 Central Camberwell Mission
• 47:51 Northwest Bow Phone #2
• 52:05 Central City Mission
• 57:01 West Chelsea Mission
• 1:01:36 Northwest Bow Phone #3
• 1:05:22 Northwest Bermondsey Mission
• 1:09:10 East Brixton Mission
• 1:13:06 Southwest Bermondsey (Ranger)
• 1:14:17 Southwest Westminster (Copper)
• 1:15:30 Central Bow (Tanker)
• 1:16:41 Chelsea Smile Ending (Northeast Bow) – Crisp Twins Cutscene

LONDON CHAPTER 4: DEAD CERTAINTY

• 1:17:41 West Angel Phone #1
• 1:21:41 Southwest City Mission
• 1:24:02 West Angel Phone #2
• 1:26:00 West Battersea Mission
• 1:30:24 West Angel Phone #3
• 1:33:04 South City Mission
• 1:38:12 West Angel Phone #4
• 1:40:19 West Bermondsey Mission
• 1:44:07 Southwest Bermondsey Mission
• 1:45:52 North Brixton (James Bomb)
• 1:48:38 Northwest Southwark (Sweets Van)
• 1:50:01 Southeast Bow (Myni)
• 1:50:49 Southeast Hyde Park (Double Decker)
• 1:51:59 Dead Certainty Ending (North Mile End) – Crisp Twins Cutscene

Game Credits

• 1:52:43 Game Credits

Played, recorded & edited by: Pluton_GTA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 released?

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 was released in April 1999 for MS-DOS, Windows and PlayStation. Different historical listings give different April dates for the individual releases.

2. Is Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 a full GTA game?

It is an expansion pack for the original Grand Theft Auto released in 1997. Its official title is Grand Theft Auto Mission Pack #1: London 1969.

3. Who developed Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

Rockstar Canada developed the expansion. The PlayStation port was handled by Runecraft.

4. Who published Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

The expansion was published by Rockstar Games.

5. What is the setting of London 1969?

The game takes place in a fictionalised version of London, England, during the year 1969.

6. How many missions are in Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

The expansion introduces 32 new missions.

7. How many new vehicles are included in London 1969?

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 adds 30 new vehicles inspired by its late-1960s setting.

8. What platforms was London 1969 released on?

It was released for MS-DOS, Windows and the original PlayStation.

9. Does Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 use a top-down camera?

Yes. It uses the same overhead camera perspective as the original Grand Theft Auto.

10. Does London 1969 have a different gameplay system from GTA 1?

It retains the original game’s basic gameplay mechanics, including missions, vehicle theft, driving, police pursuits and score-based progression. Its main additions are the London setting, new missions and new vehicles.

11. Do vehicles drive on the left in London 1969?

Yes. The game follows the left-hand traffic system associated with the United Kingdom.

12. What does “Nicked” mean in Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

“Nicked” is a British expression meaning arrested. The game uses it instead of the American expression “Busted” found in the original Grand Theft Auto.

13. Is Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 part of the 2D Universe?

Yes. It belongs to the 2D Universe of the Grand Theft Auto franchise and uses the top-down gameplay style of the early games.

14. What game comes after Grand Theft Auto: London 1969?

Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is the follow-up expansion. It was released later in 1999 and takes place eight years before the events of London 1969.

15. What is Grand Theft Auto: London – Special Edition?

It is a standalone PlayStation version released in the United Kingdom in 2000. Unlike the original expansion release, it can be played without requiring the original Grand Theft Auto disc.

16. Did Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 win any awards?

Yes. It won the 1999 BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award in the Sound category.

17. Is London 1969 based on a real city?

Yes. The game uses a fictionalised version of London, England, as its setting. Its streets and atmosphere are inspired by the city during the late 1960s.

18. Is Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 connected to the original GTA?

Yes. It is an official expansion pack for the original Grand Theft Auto from 1997 and uses the same basic gameplay foundation.