Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999): Story, Gameplay & Review

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Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999): Story, Gameplay & Review
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Table of Contents

Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999) – The Game That Introduced Anywhere City

After taking players through the streets of the original Grand Theft Auto and the historic setting of London, Rockstar returned with a new chapter in the series in 1999. This time, the action moved away from the real-world-inspired locations of the earlier games and entered a fictional city filled with rival gangs, dangerous criminals and a futuristic atmosphere.

Grand Theft Auto 2, commonly known as GTA 2, is an action-adventure game developed by DMA Design and published by Rockstar Games. It is the second main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series and the first mainline GTA game released under the Rockstar Games publishing label.

Set in a fictional metropolis called Anywhere City, the game puts players in the role of Claude Speed, a criminal trying to build his reputation and make money by working for different gangs. However, this city is not controlled by just one criminal organisation. Seven different gangs compete for power, and the player’s decisions can affect how these groups treat him.

One of the most interesting features of GTA 2 is its gang-respect system. Players can work for different criminal organisations, but helping one gang can damage their relationship with its rivals. This creates a different kind of challenge because every mission can affect the player’s position in the city’s criminal world.

Although Grand Theft Auto 2 keeps the classic top-down camera and gameplay style of the earlier games, it introduces several improvements, including new weapons, better graphics, more detailed missions, additional vehicles and a more active city environment.

Grand Theft Auto 2 – Game Details

Game TitleGrand Theft Auto 2
Also Known AsGTA 2
Release Year1999
DeveloperDMA Design
Additional Version DeveloperTarantula Studios (Game Boy Color)
PublisherRockstar Games
DirectorJim Woods, David Jones
WriterDan Houser
DesignersStephen Banks, William Mills, Billy Thomson
GenreAction-Adventure, Open-World
Game ModeSingle-player and Multiplayer
PlatformsWindows PC, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color
SettingAnywhere City
Playable CharacterClaude Speed
Number of GangsSeven
Camera PerspectiveTop-Down (2D)
Universe2D Universe
Game EngineProprietary engine
Original ReleaseOctober 1999

Grand Theft Auto 2 Release Dates and Platforms

Grand Theft Auto 2 was initially released for PC and the original PlayStation in October 1999. It later arrived on Sega Dreamcast and Game Boy Color in 2000. Each version brought the same basic GTA 2 concept to a different gaming platform, although the Game Boy Color version had a more limited presentation and different technical features.

PlatformRelease Period
Windows PCOctober 1999
PlayStationOctober 1999
Sega DreamcastMay 2000
Game Boy ColorDecember 2000

Release dates can differ between regions and historical game databases. The dates above show the general release periods rather than claiming that every regional version launched on the same day.

What Is Grand Theft Auto 2 About?

Grand Theft Auto 2 is an open-world crime game where players take control of a criminal named Claude Speed. The main objective is to earn money, complete missions and build a reputation among the different gangs operating in Anywhere City.

Unlike games that follow one continuous story with a large number of cinematic scenes, GTA 2 focuses mainly on missions and player freedom. Players can explore the city, steal vehicles, fight rival gang members, escape from police officers and accept jobs from different criminal organisations.

The game does not force players to follow only one gang. Instead, they can work with several groups, depending on their reputation and the missions they choose. However, this freedom comes with consequences because the gangs have their own rivalries.

Helping one organisation may make another group hostile towards the player. As a result, players must think carefully about which missions they accept and how their actions affect their standing with each gang.

Story and Setting – Welcome to Anywhere City

The biggest change in Grand Theft Auto 2 is its setting. Instead of returning to Liberty City, Vice City or London, the game introduces a completely fictional metropolis called Anywhere City.

Anywhere City has a dark, futuristic atmosphere. Its streets are filled with criminals, gang-controlled territories, dangerous vehicles and different types of businesses. The city feels more advanced and unusual than the locations seen in the original Grand Theft Auto.

The game is often described as having a retro-futuristic setting. Its visual design combines elements of urban life, technology, crime and science fiction. This gives GTA 2 a different identity from the earlier games.

Anywhere City is divided into three major districts. Each district has its own environment, gangs, missions and challenges. Players gradually progress through these areas as they complete missions and earn enough money.

1. Downtown District

Downtown is the first district players explore in Grand Theft Auto 2. It introduces the basic gameplay systems, including mission selection, vehicle stealing, combat, police pursuits and the gang-respect mechanic.

The district has busy roads, commercial buildings and several gang-controlled areas. Players become familiar with the city’s criminal organisations while completing easier assignments.

It is also where players begin learning how their actions affect the different gangs. Completing missions for one group can improve their reputation, while attacking its rivals can create new enemies.

2. Residential District

The Residential District is the second major area in GTA 2. It has a different atmosphere from Downtown, with residential locations, industrial-style spaces and areas controlled by other criminal groups.

As players move into this district, the challenges become more demanding. Missions can require better planning, stronger weapons and careful driving.

The relationship between gangs becomes even more important because hostile groups may attack the player when they enter their territory.

3. Industrial District

The Industrial District is the final major area of Anywhere City. It contains industrial locations, factories and other dangerous environments.

By this stage, players are expected to understand the gang system and have experience with the game’s missions, weapons and vehicles.

The missions in this district provide tougher challenges and require players to manage their money, reputation and survival skills carefully.

Claude Speed – The Main Character of GTA 2

Claude Speed is the main playable character in Grand Theft Auto 2. He is a criminal who arrives in Anywhere City and attempts to build his reputation by completing jobs for different gangs.

Unlike the main characters in later GTA games, Claude Speed does not have a long cinematic storyline with detailed conversations and character development throughout the game. Most of his personality is presented through the missions, gameplay and the short live-action introduction associated with GTA 2.

The name Claude Speed is also important because he is associated with the original GTA 2 promotional film. The film presents a version of the character played by actor Scott Maslen.

Claude Speed should not automatically be treated as the same character as Claude from Grand Theft Auto III. Although both characters share the name Claude, the games belong to different GTA universes.

The Seven Gangs of Grand Theft Auto 2

The gang system is one of the biggest features that makes Grand Theft Auto 2 different from its predecessor. Anywhere City is controlled by seven criminal organisations, each with its own territory, identity and enemies.

Players can accept missions from different gangs and improve their reputation with them. However, the organisations have rivalries, meaning that helping one group can damage the player’s relationship with another.

1. Zaibatsu Corporation

The Zaibatsu Corporation is one of the most powerful organisations in Anywhere City. Unlike a traditional street gang, it operates more like a criminal business corporation with a strong influence over the city.

Its members are involved in various illegal activities, and the organisation has a presence across all three districts. The Zaibatsu is particularly important because it appears throughout the game rather than being restricted to just one district.

Players can work for the corporation and complete its missions, but doing so can create problems with its rival gangs.

2. Loonies

The Loonies are a gang associated with the Sunnyside Asylum. Their behaviour is unpredictable, and their unusual identity makes them one of the more memorable organisations in GTA 2.

The gang operates in the Downtown District and has its own collection of missions and territory. Players who work with the Loonies must also consider their relationship with rival groups.

3. Yakuza

The Yakuza are a Japanese criminal organisation operating in Anywhere City. They are involved in organised crime and have their own territory, missions and rivalry with other gangs.

Their presence gives the city another criminal organisation with a distinct identity. Players can earn their respect by completing jobs for them and carrying out actions that benefit the group.

4. SRS Scientists

The SRS Scientists are a group connected to scientific research and advanced technology. They are based around a research facility and bring a different type of criminal organisation to the game.

Their missions involve the unusual scientific side of Anywhere City. Their identity also supports the futuristic atmosphere that separates GTA 2 from the earlier games.

5. Rednecks

The Rednecks are a gang associated with a trailer park and a more rural style of criminal life. Their identity is different from the corporate, scientific and organised-crime groups found elsewhere in the city.

They operate in the Residential District and have their own missions and enemies. Players must be careful when entering their territory if their relationship with the gang is poor.

6. Russian Mafia

The Russian Mafia is another criminal organisation featured in Grand Theft Auto 2. It operates in the Industrial District and is involved in the city’s criminal power struggle.

The organisation adds another layer to the game’s gang system. Players can complete assignments for the Russian Mafia, but their actions can affect relationships with rival groups.

7. Hare Krishna

The Hare Krishna group is one of the most unusual gangs in GTA 2. It takes inspiration from the Hare Krishna religious movement but is presented in the game as a fictional criminal organisation.

The group has its own identity, territory and missions. Its inclusion is an example of the dark humour and exaggerated characters that are part of the early Grand Theft Auto games.

Gang Respect System – Respect Is Everything

The gang-respect system is arguably the most important gameplay feature in Grand Theft Auto 2. It changes the way players approach missions because their relationship with each organisation directly affects the experience.

Each gang has its own respect level, which can increase or decrease depending on the player’s actions. Completing missions for a gang generally improves its opinion of the player, while attacking its members or helping its rivals can damage that relationship.

This means players cannot simply accept every mission without thinking about the consequences. A decision that helps one gang may create problems with another.

How Does the Respect System Work?

  • Complete gang missions: Completing jobs for a gang increases its respect towards the player.
  • Attack rival gangs: Fighting the enemies of a gang can improve the player’s standing with that organisation.
  • Attack your employers: Killing members of a gang or working against its interests can reduce its respect.
  • Enter hostile territory: Gang members may attack the player if their respect level becomes too low.
  • Unlock harder missions: A better reputation can give players access to more difficult and rewarding assignments.

The respect system creates a constant balance between different criminal organisations. Players must decide which groups they want to support and which ones they are willing to turn against.

Why Is Gang Respect Important?

Gang respect is not just a decorative feature. It directly affects the missions available to the player and how dangerous certain areas become.

For example, if a player earns the respect of the Zaibatsu Corporation but becomes an enemy of the Yakuza, entering Yakuza-controlled territory can lead to an attack. The situation can become even more difficult when rival gang members use stronger weapons.

This makes Anywhere City feel like a place where criminal organisations are constantly fighting for influence.

Missions in Grand Theft Auto 2

Missions are the main way players progress through Grand Theft Auto 2. Instead of following a single fixed story path, players receive jobs from different gangs and complete them to earn money, respect and points.

Most missions are obtained through coloured payphones placed around the city. These phones are connected to different gangs and offer assignments based on the player’s reputation.

Green, Yellow and Red Payphones

The coloured payphone system gives players different levels of mission difficulty.

  • Green Payphones: These generally offer easier missions that are suitable for players starting in a district.
  • Yellow Payphones: These provide medium-difficulty missions and usually require a better relationship with the gang.
  • Red Payphones: These offer harder missions with higher rewards and generally require a strong level of gang respect.

This system encourages players to build their reputation before attempting the most difficult assignments.

Types of Missions

Grand Theft Auto 2 features different types of criminal assignments. The objectives can change depending on the gang and the district.

  • Elimination Missions: Find and eliminate specific enemies or rival gang members.
  • Vehicle Missions: Steal, deliver or use particular vehicles to complete an assignment.
  • Destruction Missions: Destroy vehicles, buildings or other targets connected to a mission.
  • Delivery Missions: Transport objects or vehicles to a specified location.
  • Gang Missions: Complete assignments that support a particular criminal organisation.
  • Timed Missions: Finish objectives within a limited amount of time.

Some assignments also introduce new locations, vehicles or weapons. This helps the game gradually expand the player’s access to different parts of Anywhere City.

Money, Points and Multipliers

Money and points play an important role in GTA 2. Players earn rewards by completing missions, performing criminal activities and achieving certain objectives.

The game also uses a score multiplier system. Completing missions helps increase the multiplier, allowing players to earn more points from later activities.

Reaching the required score is important for progressing through the game. Players who complete missions efficiently can build their score faster and move towards unlocking the next district.

Weapons and Combat in GTA 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 expands the weapon selection compared with the original game. Players can use different weapons to fight rival gang members, complete missions and escape from dangerous situations.

The combat system remains simple because the game uses a top-down camera, but the larger selection of weapons provides more ways to deal with enemies.

Weapon Types

  • Pistols: Basic firearms used during combat.
  • Machine Guns: Weapons that provide faster firing and greater firepower.
  • Shotguns: Powerful weapons useful during close-range encounters.
  • Flamethrowers: Weapons that can set enemies and vehicles on fire.
  • Grenades: Explosive weapons used against groups of enemies and vehicles.
  • Molotov Cocktails: Fire-based weapons that can create dangerous areas.
  • Rocket Launchers: Heavy weapons capable of destroying vehicles.
  • Tasers: Electrical weapons that can temporarily disable targets.

Different weapons are useful in different situations. Players must consider their ammunition, position and the number of enemies around them before choosing how to approach a fight.

Vehicle Combat

Vehicles are not just a way to travel around Anywhere City. They can also become important tools during combat.

Players can use vehicles to escape from enemies, run over opponents and complete assignments that involve dangerous driving. Some vehicles also provide special abilities or equipment that can help during particular missions.

Police and Wanted Levels

As in the earlier Grand Theft Auto games, police officers play an important role in GTA 2. Criminal activities can attract law enforcement, and players must escape before they are caught.

The wanted system becomes more dangerous as players continue committing crimes. More serious activities can increase police attention and bring stronger law enforcement units into the chase.

Depending on the situation, players may face regular police officers, specialised law enforcement units, the FBI and even the military.

Escaping the Police

Escaping from the police requires more than simply driving in a straight line. Players need to use the roads, vehicles and available surroundings to avoid being caught.

Changing vehicles, taking alternative routes and moving away from heavily watched areas can help players survive a pursuit.

Police chases are particularly dangerous when players are already involved in a gang conflict. In such situations, they may have to deal with law enforcement and hostile gang members at the same time.

Vehicles in Grand Theft Auto 2

Vehicles are one of the most important parts of the Grand Theft Auto experience. GTA 2 offers a wide selection of cars and other vehicles that players can steal and use throughout Anywhere City.

The game includes ordinary road vehicles, faster sports cars, vans, emergency vehicles and specialised vehicles. Some vehicles are connected to particular missions or activities.

Vehicle Categories

  • Standard Cars: Everyday vehicles used for travelling around the city.
  • Sports Cars: Faster vehicles useful for escaping enemies and completing driving challenges.
  • Vans: Larger vehicles that can be used for transportation and certain missions.
  • Emergency Vehicles: Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks.
  • Heavy Vehicles: Larger and more powerful vehicles, including tanks.
  • Special Vehicles: Vehicles with unique functions or connections to particular missions.

Stealing and Using Vehicles

Players can steal vehicles from the streets and use them to travel across the three districts. Different vehicles have different speeds, handling characteristics and durability.

Choosing the right vehicle can make a big difference during missions. A fast car may be useful when escaping from police officers, while a stronger vehicle can be helpful during dangerous encounters.

Special Vehicles and Bonus Activities

Beyond the regular missions, Grand Theft Auto 2 includes additional activities that encourage players to explore the city.

Kill Frenzies

Kill Frenzies are timed challenges in which players must eliminate targets and cause destruction within a limited period. These activities reward players for completing objectives before the timer runs out.

Collectible Tokens

GTA 2 includes collectible tokens placed around the districts. Players can search for these items while exploring the city.

Collecting tokens adds another challenge outside the main missions and encourages players to investigate different parts of Anywhere City.

Wang Cars Side Mission

The Wang Cars activity is another optional challenge associated with the Residential District. Players must find specific GT-A1 vehicles as part of this side mission.

Completing this activity provides access to special vehicles and gives players another reason to explore the district.

Bonus Stages

On the PC version, completing a district can unlock bonus stages. These include challenges involving the destruction of ice cream vans and time-based activities.

These extra challenges provide a change from the regular missions and give players more opportunities to earn points.

Saving Progress – Jesus Saves

One of the unusual features of Grand Theft Auto 2 is its saving system. In the PC version, players need to find a location known as Jesus Saves to save their progress.

Saving is not completely free. Players must pay $50,000 to save the game, making money management an important part of the experience.

Players can locate the church by listening for the organ music or by using a television van to help identify its direction.

This saving system is very different from modern GTA games, where progress is usually saved automatically or through simple menu options.

The Game Boy Color version uses a password system instead of the same traditional save method.

Soundtrack and Radio Stations

Music is another important part of the Grand Theft Auto experience. GTA 2 continues the radio station system introduced in the original game and provides different music styles while players drive around the city.

The game features a total of eleven radio stations, with five stations available in each district. The available selection can vary depending on the area and the vehicle being used.

Players can switch between radio stations while driving most vehicles. This creates a more personal experience because players can choose the music they want to hear during their journeys.

Head Radio

Head Radio returns in Grand Theft Auto 2. It is one of the recognisable radio stations in the early GTA games and helps maintain a connection with the original release.

Gang Radio Stations

Some radio broadcasts are connected to the gangs operating in Anywhere City. These stations are limited to particular areas, adding another connection between the city’s music and its criminal organisations.

Emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and tanks do not play the regular radio stations.

Music and Audio Design

The soundtrack uses different musical styles to match the game’s futuristic urban setting. Music, vehicle sounds, weapons and police sirens all help make Anywhere City feel more active.

The soundtrack was one of the elements praised in several contemporary reviews of Grand Theft Auto 2.

Graphics and Visual Presentation

Grand Theft Auto 2 keeps the top-down camera perspective of the original game, but its visual presentation is more developed.

The city contains more detailed environments, improved lighting and a stronger sense of atmosphere. The futuristic appearance of Anywhere City also gives the game a different visual identity.

Players can see vehicles moving through the streets, pedestrians walking around and different criminal activities taking place throughout the city.

Although the graphics may look simple by modern standards, the game was an improvement over the first Grand Theft Auto in several visual areas.

Live-Action Introduction – GTA 2: The Movie

One of the most unusual features connected to Grand Theft Auto 2 is its live-action introductory film. Instead of using only animated game footage, the introduction features real actors and filmed locations.

The short film follows Claude Speed, played by actor Scott Maslen. It presents his criminal activities and his involvement with the gangs operating in the city.

As the story develops, Claude works for different criminal organisations. However, his actions eventually lead to serious consequences when the people he has betrayed turn against him.

The film was directed by Alex De Rakoff and based on a screenplay by Dan Houser. It has an approximate runtime of eight minutes and was created as a promotional and introductory companion to the game.

This live-action introduction is an interesting part of GTA 2’s history because it gives players a different look at the game’s criminal world.

Multiplayer Mode

Grand Theft Auto 2 also includes multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to experience its open-world action with other participants.

The PC version supports multiplayer matches, with players competing in the same city environment. Depending on the multiplayer setup, they can drive vehicles, use weapons and fight against one another.

This feature added another reason to play GTA 2 beyond its single-player missions. It also showed how the early Grand Theft Auto formula could work as a multiplayer experience.

Multiplayer availability and features depend on the platform and version. The PC version is particularly associated with the game’s multiplayer support.

Development of Grand Theft Auto 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 was developed by DMA Design, the Scottish studio responsible for the original Grand Theft Auto. The development team built on the ideas introduced in the first game and attempted to improve the overall experience.

The sequel was designed around the same top-down open-world structure, but it introduced more complex mission progression, improved graphics, a larger collection of weapons and the gang-respect system.

One of the most important changes was the introduction of Anywhere City. Rather than using a location based on a real American city or London, the developers created a fictional environment with a futuristic atmosphere.

The game was also the first mainline Grand Theft Auto release to carry the Rockstar Games publishing label. The original GTA had been released before Rockstar became the main publishing identity associated with the franchise.

Why Was the Game Called Grand Theft Auto 2?

During development, the game was reportedly considered under the working title Eh Stole E’ Motur. The developers eventually chose Grand Theft Auto 2, keeping the name connected to the original game and making its identity clear to players around the world.

Game Boy Color Version of GTA 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 was also released for the Game Boy Color in 2000. This version was developed by Tarantula Studios and adapted the game for Nintendo’s handheld system.

Because the Game Boy Color had much more limited hardware than PC, PlayStation and Dreamcast, the handheld version had to make changes to the presentation and gameplay.

It retained the basic GTA 2 concept of exploring a city, stealing vehicles and completing criminal missions, but it was not identical to the versions available on more powerful platforms.

The Game Boy Color version also used a password-based progress system instead of the same saving method found in the PC version.

Grand Theft Auto 2 Reception and Reviews

When Grand Theft Auto 2 was released, it received a mixed response from critics. Many reviewers appreciated its soundtrack, gang system, additional weapons and improvements to the original GTA formula.

However, some critics felt that the sequel did not change enough from the first game. Its top-down perspective, controls and overall mission structure remained familiar, and some players expected a more significant step forward.

GameSpot’s contemporary review discussed the improvements to the graphics, music, weapons and mission structure while noting that the basic gameplay remained similar to the original. The review also highlighted the importance of earning respect from the different gangs.

The game was a moderate commercial success. Take-Two Interactive’s historical financial reporting stated that GTA 2 shipped more than one million copies during the financial year ending October 31, 1999.

Its reception was not equally positive across every platform. The Game Boy Color version received a more negative response than the main console and PC releases.

Grand Theft Auto 2 vs Grand Theft Auto 1

Grand Theft Auto 2 builds on the foundation of the original Grand Theft Auto but introduces several important changes.

FeatureGrand Theft Auto (1997)Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
SettingLiberty City, San Andreas and Vice CityAnywhere City
CameraTop-downTop-down
Playable CharacterEight selectable charactersClaude Speed
Gang SystemCriminal contacts and gang missionsSeven gangs with a respect system
Mission SelectionPhone-based missionsColoured payphones based on difficulty
WeaponsBasic weapon selectionExpanded weapon selection
EnvironmentThree fictional American citiesOne fictional futuristic metropolis
ProgressionScore-based progressionScore, money and gang respect
RadioMultiple radio stationsEleven stations across the districts

The biggest difference is the gang-respect system. The original Grand Theft Auto already featured criminal organisations, but GTA 2 made the player’s relationship with the gangs a much more important part of the gameplay.

Is Grand Theft Auto 2 Part of the 2D Universe?

Yes. Grand Theft Auto 2 belongs to the 2D Universe of the Grand Theft Auto series.

Although its graphics and environments are more detailed than those of the original game, it still uses a top-down camera perspective and the gameplay structure of the early GTA titles.

The 2D Universe is separate from the 3D Universe and HD Universe used in later games. Characters, locations and story details should not automatically be treated as part of the same continuity across these different universes.

GTA 2 is particularly interesting because its setting is not clearly connected to the cities seen in the other early GTA releases. Anywhere City has its own identity and fictional history.

Why Grand Theft Auto 2 Is Important to the GTA Series

Grand Theft Auto 2 played an important role in the development of the franchise. It improved the original game’s formula while experimenting with new ideas that made the gameplay more complex.

The gang-respect system was one of its most memorable features. It allowed players to build relationships with several criminal organisations and experience different consequences depending on their actions.

The game also introduced a more detailed city environment, a larger selection of weapons, additional vehicles and a more developed mission structure.

Another important part of its history is that it was the first mainline GTA game published under the Rockstar Games name. This made it an important release in the early history of the publisher and the franchise.

GTA 2 was followed by Grand Theft Auto III in 2001. That game moved the series into a fully 3D world and began a new era for Grand Theft Auto.

Is Grand Theft Auto 2 Worth Playing Today?

Grand Theft Auto 2 is worth playing if you enjoy retro games or want to understand how the Grand Theft Auto series developed before its move to 3D.

Its biggest strength is its gang system. The ability to work for different organisations while managing their respect creates an interesting challenge that makes the game feel different from the original GTA.

The soundtrack, weapons, vehicles and futuristic city also give it a unique personality. Anywhere City is not as recognisable as Liberty City or Vice City, but its unusual setting makes the game stand out.

However, modern players may find the top-down camera, older controls and dated graphics difficult to get used to. The game also has a different approach to storytelling, with most of the experience focused on missions rather than long cinematic scenes.

For fans of the original GTA games, Grand Theft Auto 2 is an important part of the series and a worthwhile retro gaming experience.

Final Verdict

Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999) is an important sequel that takes the original GTA formula and makes it more detailed and challenging. Its fictional Anywhere City, seven rival gangs, respect system, new weapons and improved mission structure give the game its own identity.

Although it does not completely change the gameplay formula of the original release, it introduces enough new ideas to make the experience more interesting. The gang-respect system is particularly memorable because it makes players think about the consequences of their decisions.

GTA 2 may not have the fully 3D world or cinematic storytelling of later releases, but it remains a significant part of Grand Theft Auto history. It represents the final mainline top-down GTA experience before the series moved into a new era with Grand Theft Auto III.

For anyone exploring the complete GTA release order, Grand Theft Auto 2 is an essential game to understand before moving on to the 3D era.

Grand Theft Auto 2 Gameplay Video

Watch Grand Theft Auto 2 gameplay and explore Anywhere City, complete missions, steal vehicles, fight rival gangs and experience the classic top-down action of this 1999 GTA release.

GTA 2 – Full Game Walkthrough [All Missions]


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Grand Theft Auto 2?

Grand Theft Auto 2 is a 1999 action-adventure game developed by DMA Design and published by Rockstar Games. It is the second main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series and is set in the fictional Anywhere City.

2. When was GTA 2 released?

Grand Theft Auto 2 was originally released in October 1999 for PC and PlayStation. It later arrived on Dreamcast and Game Boy Color in 2000.

3. Who developed Grand Theft Auto 2?

Grand Theft Auto 2 was developed by DMA Design. The Game Boy Color version was developed by Tarantula Studios.

4. Who published GTA 2?

Grand Theft Auto 2 was published by Rockstar Games. It was the first mainline GTA game released under the Rockstar Games publishing label.

5. Where does Grand Theft Auto 2 take place?

GTA 2 takes place in Anywhere City, a fictional metropolis with a futuristic atmosphere. The city is divided into Downtown, Residential and Industrial districts.

6. Who is the main character in GTA 2?

The main playable character is Claude Speed, a criminal who works for different gangs and tries to build his reputation in Anywhere City.

7. How many gangs are there in Grand Theft Auto 2?

There are seven gangs: Zaibatsu Corporation, Loonies, Yakuza, SRS Scientists, Rednecks, Russian Mafia and Hare Krishna.

8. What is the gang-respect system in GTA 2?

The gang-respect system measures how much each organisation likes or dislikes the player. Completing missions for a gang can increase its respect, while attacking its members or helping rivals can reduce it.

9. How many districts are there in GTA 2?

Anywhere City has three main districts: Downtown, Residential and Industrial.

10. What are the green, yellow and red payphones in GTA 2?

These payphones offer missions at different difficulty levels. Green phones generally provide easier missions, yellow phones offer medium missions and red phones provide harder assignments with greater rewards.

11. What weapons are available in Grand Theft Auto 2?

The game features several weapons, including pistols, machine guns, shotguns, flamethrowers, grenades, Molotov cocktails, rocket launchers and tasers.

12. How do you save the game in GTA 2?

In the PC version, players must find the Jesus Saves church and pay $50,000 to save their progress. The Game Boy Color version uses a password-based system.

13. How many radio stations are in GTA 2?

Grand Theft Auto 2 features eleven radio stations in total, with five available in each district.

14. Is Claude Speed the same character as Claude from GTA III?

They should not automatically be considered the same character. GTA 2 belongs to the 2D Universe, while Grand Theft Auto III belongs to the 3D Universe.

15. Is Grand Theft Auto 2 an open-world game?

Yes. Players can freely explore Anywhere City, steal vehicles, interact with gangs, fight enemies and complete missions throughout the three districts.

16. Is GTA 2 part of the 2D Universe?

Yes. Grand Theft Auto 2 is part of the 2D Universe and uses the classic top-down camera perspective of the early GTA games.

17. Is Grand Theft Auto 2 available on Game Boy Color?

Yes. A Game Boy Color version was released in December 2000. It was developed by Tarantula Studios and adapted for the handheld console.

18. What game comes after Grand Theft Auto 2?

Grand Theft Auto III (2001) is the next mainline game after GTA 2. It introduced a fully 3D open-world environment and started the 3D Universe era of the franchise.

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