View source for Grand Theft Auto 2

{{Short description|1999 action-adventure game}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = GTA2 Box art.jpg
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[DMA Design]]|[[Tarantula Studios]] (GBC)}}
| publisher = [[Rockstar Games]]
| director = {{ubl|Jim Woods|[[David Jones (video game developer)|David Jones]]|Simon Crisp (GBC)}}
| designer = {{ubl|Stephen Banks|William Mills|Billy Thomson}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Keith R. Hamilton|Martin McKenzie {{small|(GBC)}}}}
| artist = {{ubl|Ian McQue|Russell East {{small|(GBC)}}}}
| writer = [[Dan Houser]]
| composer = {{ubl|Colin Anderson|Craig Conner|Bert Reid|Stuart Ross|Paul Scargill|Anthony Paton (GBC)}}
| series = ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]''
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[Windows]]|[[Dreamcast]]|[[Game Boy Color]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|22 October 1999}}
| '''PlayStation''', '''Windows'''
| 22 October 1999
| '''Dreamcast'''
| {{Video game release|NA|1 May 2000|EU|20 May 2000}}
| '''Game Boy Color'''
| December 2000
}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Grand Theft Auto 2''''' (stylised as '''''GTA2''')'' is a 1999 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[DMA Design]] and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. It is the sequel to 1997's ''[[Grand Theft Auto (video game)|Grand Theft Auto]]'', and the second main entry in the [[Grand Theft Auto|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]]. Set within a [[Retrofuturism|retrofuturistic]] metropolis known as "Anywhere City", the game focuses on players taking the role of a criminal as they roam an [[open world]], conducting jobs for various crime syndicates and having free rein to do whatever they wish to achieve their goal. The game's intro is unique for a title in the series, as it involves live-action scenes filmed by Rockstar Games. The game was released for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] and [[Windows]] in October 1999 and for the [[Dreamcast]] and [[Game Boy Color]] in 2000.

''Grand Theft Auto 2'' received mixed reviews for most platforms, and negative reviews for the Game Boy Color, but was a moderate commercial success. While the soundtrack and some gameplay elements, such as the gang loyalty system, were praised, the graphics, controls, and setting received a more mixed game response. The game was also criticised for failing to innovate the formula established by its predecessor, despite several improvements it brought. ''Grand Theft Auto 2'' was followed by 2001's ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', which started a new era for the series, while the game itself was re-released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] in January 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steam |author-link=Steam (service) |date=4 January 2008 |title=News – Rockstar Games Brings Full Line-up to Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/1395/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820162759/http://store.steampowered.com/news/1395 |archive-date=20 August 2010 |access-date=5 February 2011 |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:GTA2 PC in-game screenshot.jpg|thumb|''Grand Theft Auto 2'' being played at "dusk" in the Windows version]]
Players begin a game with one character (six in the Game Boy Color version). Like its predecessor, the game focuses on players completing a series of levels, each requiring a set target [[Score (game)#Video games|score]] being achieved to progress to the next stage. Points are awarded from various criminal actions, such as destroying cars, selling vehicles, and completing [[Quest (video gaming)|missions]] for various crime syndicates, with the latter awarding more points than doing simple criminal actions. Creating chaos from their crimes will cause the player to be wanted by the police, who will hound the player to arrest or kill them, with higher wanted levels increasing the level of response used. Being arrested or dying loses the player any equipment they found, and impacts their multiplier bonus.

''Grand Theft Auto 2''{{'}}s setting is unique for the series: a [[Retrofuturism|retrofuturistic]] metropolis referred to as "Anywhere, USA",<ref name="rockstargames.com">{{Cite web |title=GTA2 – Individual Police Files |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/gta2/journal/journal_list.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203122255/http://www.rockstargames.com/gta2/journal/journal_list.html |archive-date=3 February 2009 |access-date=29 April 2007 |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]}}</ref> which is divided into three districts (Downtown, Residential, and Industrial) that players will switch between as they progress through the game. The time period the game is set in is not specified—conflicting sources suggest anything from "three weeks into the future",<ref>{{Cite web |title=GTA2 – Frameset |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/gta2/frameset.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229094813/http://www.rockstargames.com/gta2/frameset.html |archive-date=29 December 2010 |access-date=5 February 2011 |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]}}</ref> to the year being 2013,<ref name="rockstargames.com" /> despite in-game references to the "new millenium" that is coming (implying the game takes place around its time of release, in 1999).

The game introduced several features and improvements to the series. Players can [[Saved game|save their game]] during a level playthrough by visiting the church where they start, but must pay a set number of points to do so. Jobs on offer come from three different syndicates—each level features two unique syndicates, alongside a third syndicate present in all levels. By doing jobs for a syndicate and completing them, the player gains respect with that syndicate, allowing them to take on tougher jobs with enough respect, but lose it with their chief rivals, locking them out of their jobs and making the syndicate's members hostile to the player. Other improvements include vehicles and pedestrians being more interactive with the game's environment—such as gang members engaging in fights with police—the presence of other criminals (such as muggers),<ref name="IGN">{{Cite web |last=Blevins |first=Tal |date=18 November 1999 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 – IGN |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/161/161648p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213210410/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/161/161648p1.html |archive-date=13 February 2008 |access-date=29 April 2007 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> a [[Health (gaming)|health meter]], garages that can modify vehicles with special improvements, a selection of side missions ranging from running a taxi to driving a semi-truck, and groups of 'hidden' [[Item (gaming)|packages]] to find across the level.

== Development and release ==
''Grand Theft Auto 2'' was developed by [[DMA Design]] in [[Dundee]] under the lead programmer Keith Hamilton. The team initially intended to call the game ''Eh Stole E' Motur'' but later believed this name could hamper the game's international appeal.<ref name="The Herald: Diary">{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12340120.diary/ |title=Diary |date=3 March 1999 |website=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]}}</ref>

''Grand Theft Auto 2'' was released for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] and [[Windows]] on 22 October 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 1999 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s Rockstar Games Division Announces its GTA2 has Gone Gold and Will Ship Worldwide on October 22 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Take-Two+Interactive+Software+Inc.%27s+Rockstar+Games+Division+...-a056248278 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055514/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Take-Two+Interactive+Software+Inc.'s+Rockstar+Games+Division+...-a056248278 |archive-date=3 December 2018 |access-date=8 July 2019 |publisher=[[Berkshire Hathaway]] |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=13 October 1999 |title=Rockstar's GTA2 Goes Gold |url=http://headline.gamespot.com:80/news/99_10/13_vg_gta/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000416145000/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_10/13_vg_gta/index.html |archive-date=16 April 2000 |access-date=8 July 2019 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> More than 1.2&nbsp;million copies of the game were shipped to retailers worldwide upon release, expected to contribute over {{USD|33 million}} in gross revenue.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.'s Rockstar Games Division Begins Global Shipment of GTA2 |publisher=[[Take Two Interactive]] |date=21 October 1999 |location=New York |id={{Gale|A56690333}} |via=[[Business Wire]] }}</ref> It was released for the [[Dreamcast]] on 1 May 2000 in North America<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2000 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.'s Rockstar Games Launches GTA2 For the Sega Dreamcast; Grand Theft Auto Franchise Makes Sega System Debut |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Take-Two+Interactive+Software%2C+Inc.%27s+Rockstar+Games+Launches+GTA2...-a061826045 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055443/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Take-Two+Interactive+Software%2C+Inc.%27s+Rockstar+Games+Launches+GTA2...-a061826045 |archive-date=3 December 2018 |access-date=8 July 2019 |publisher=[[Berkshire Hathaway]] |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref> and 20 May in Europe.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=GTA2 |pages=60–61 |last=Warren |first=Alex |magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]] |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |issue=9 |issn=1466-2388 |date=28 May 1999 }}</ref> A [[Game Boy Color]] version, developed by [[Tarantula Studios]], was released in December 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=19 December 2000 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 |url=http://pocket.ign.com/reviews/15416.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010619031657/http://pocket.ign.com/reviews/15416.html |archive-date=19 June 2001 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

==''GTA 2 – The Movie''==
The game was developed with an eight-minute [[short film]] of [[live-action]] footage, filmed within New York City. The short film was devised as an introductory sequence for the game, and was made available on [[Rockstar Games]]'s website. The film follows a criminal named Claude Speed (played by [[Scott Maslen]]),{{efn|Not to be confused with Claude, the protagonist of ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]''}} who conducts jobs around Anywhere City for several criminal syndicates, until his actions eventually catch up and he is killed by an assassin from one of the gangs he robbed. The film was based on a screenplay by [[Dan Houser]], and directed by [[Alex De Rakoff]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/revisiting-grand-theft-auto-2-the-weirdest-gta-of-them-all/ |title=Revisiting ''Grand Theft Auto 2'', the weirdest ''GTA'' of them all |last=Kelly |first=Andy |work=[[PC Gamer]] |date=5 August 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a516113/gta-5-best-celebrity-appearances-in-the-game-series/ |title=''GTA 5'': Best celebrity appearances in the game series |last=Sperling |first=Daniel |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=18 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/reinstall-grand-theft-auto-2/ |title=''Grand Theft Auto 2'' marked the end of ''Grand Theft Auto'' as a pure chaos sandbox |last=Davies |first=Marsh |work=[[PC Gamer]] |date=29 October 2013 }}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
Each area features five radio stations from a pool of eleven, one of which is heard as the player drives most vehicles in-game. Changing radio stations based on preference is possible. "Head Radio" was present in other ''Grand Theft Auto'' games. Each gang has a radio station that transmits within a limited area. Police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and tanks could not listen to the radio channels. Instead, the player would hear the radio transmitter of the emergency services.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

All [[Video game music|music]] and the ads included in the game are exclusive, following the tradition of previous games. Craig Conner, Stuart Ross, Paul Scargill, Colin Anderson, Bert Reid, and [[Moving Shadow]] were responsible for the musical content. Some of these producers would keep their work on subsequent ''GTA'' releases.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The Game Boy Color version uses some real songs, one of which is a sped-up version of "[[Back in Black (song)|Back in Black]]" by [[AC/DC]]. The Character Selection theme is an old Brazilian song titled "[[Chega de Saudade]]".{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 71.50% (PC)<ref name="GR PC">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 for PC |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197478-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620024652/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197478-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |archive-date=20 June 2012 |access-date=12 August 2012 |publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br />70.80% (DC)<ref name="GR DC">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 for Dreamcast |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197479-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830094948/http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197479-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |archive-date=30 August 2012 |access-date=12 August 2012 |publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br />69.92% (PS1)<ref name="GR PS1">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 for PlayStation |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/185853-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905210433/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/185853-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |archive-date=5 September 2012 |access-date=12 August 2012 |publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br />35.00% (GBC)<ref name="GR GBC">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 for Game Boy Color |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/562989-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809001631/http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/562989-grand-theft-auto-2/index.html |archive-date=9 August 2012 |access-date=12 August 2012 |publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref>
| MC = 70/100 (PS1)<ref name="MC PS1">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 for PlayStation Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430224838/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/grand-theft-auto-2 |archive-date=30 April 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
| CVG = {{rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Scott |first=Dean |date=December 1999 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |pages=88–89 |issue=217}}</ref>
| GSpot = 6.9/10 (PS1)<ref name="GSpot PS">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 - GameSpot.com |url=http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/platform/ps/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303104321/http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/platform/ps/ |archive-date=3 March 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] }}</ref><br/>6.9/10 (DC)<ref name="GSpot DC">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 - GameSpot.com |url=http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/platform/dreamcast/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129180320/http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/platform/dreamcast/ |archive-date=29 January 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] }}</ref><br/>6.8/10 (PC)<ref name="GSpot PC">{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 - GameSpot.com |url=http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129182728/http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/ |archive-date=29 January 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] }}</ref>
| IGN = 7.3/10 (PC)<ref name="IGN" /><br/>6.8/10 (PS1)<br/>6.7/10 (DC)
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="Edge review" />
| NGen = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name="NG" />
}}

''Grand Theft Auto 2''{{'}}s computer version received a "Silver" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name="silverelspa">{{Cite web |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3942 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221154943/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |website=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]]}}</ref> indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name="gamasutrasales">{{Cite web |last=Caoili, Eric |date=26 November 2008 |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |archive-date=18 September 2017 |website=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref> The game's PlayStation version received a "Platinum" sales award (300,000 or more units in the United Kingdom) from ELSPA.<ref name="platinumelspa">{{Cite web |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |archive-date=15 May 2009 |website=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]]}}</ref>

''Grand Theft Auto 2'' was released to mixed reviews.<ref name="MC PS1" /> The game's graphics received mixed reactions from critics, who noted that they had barely any difference to the graphics in the [[Grand Theft Auto (video game)|original game]]. ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Tal Blevins called them "average at best", and that the scenery is "hard to appreciate".<ref name="IGN" /> [[Jeff Gerstmann]] of ''[[GameSpot]]'' said that the "graphics look a bit plain."<ref name="GSpot" /> The game's soundtrack received positive feedback, with Gerstmann calling it a "great soundtrack", and that it "closely [mirrors] the station-style of the original game".<ref name="GSpot">{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=22 October 1999 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 Review - GameSpot.com |url=http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/reviews/grand-theft-auto-2-review-2545965/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130826091059/http://au.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-2/reviews/grand-theft-auto-2-review-2545965/ |archive-date=26 August 2013 |access-date=26 August 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''IGN''{{'}}s Blevins called it "one of the best features" of the game.<ref name="IGN" />

''Grand Theft Auto 2''{{'}}s gameplay elements received mixed reactions. ''IGN''{{'}}s Jeremy Dunham said that the gameplay is "where the game really takes a punch to the stomach", and that it "could've been a lot better."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=8 May 2000 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 Review – IGN |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2000/05/09/grand-theft-auto-2-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130826091021/http://au.ign.com/articles/2000/05/09/grand-theft-auto-2-review |archive-date=26 August 2013 |access-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> Tal Blevins called it "simple, but effective."<ref name="IGN" /> Jeff Gerstmann said that "even though the gameplay is largely the same as in the previous ''GTA'', it's still a lot of fun."<ref name="GSpot" /> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' highlighted the game's story development and inventive missions, stating that ''Grand Theft Auto 2'' "manages to draw you deep into the complexities of its world".<ref name="Edge review">{{Cite magazine |date=December 1999 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |pages=80–81 |issue=79}}</ref>

Blake Fischer reviewed the Dreamcast version of the game for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'', rating it two stars out of five, and stated that it is "A great idea that, for one reason or another, never really gets into a must-play game."<ref name="NG">{{Cite magazine |last=Fischer |first=Blake |date=August 2000 |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |page=90 |volume=3 |issue=8}}</ref>

The Game Boy Color version received negative reviews. Craig Harris of ''IGN'' wrote, "I appreciate the desire to try and move games from the higher platforms to the Game Boy Color, but jeez, ''Grand Theft Auto 2''? The first one was bad enough. I will take this time to plead with Rockstar Games - just say no to ''GTA'' on GBA."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=19 December 2000 |title=Grand Theft Auto 2 |url=http://pocket.ign.com/reviews/15416.html | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010619031657/http://pocket.ign.com/reviews/15416.html |archive-date=19 June 2001 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book |last=Loguidice |first=Bill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TEp5AgAAQBAJ&pg=PT161 |title=Vintage Games: An Insider Look at the History of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the Most Influential Games of All Time |last2=Barton |first2=Matt |date=2012 |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |isbn=978-1136137570 |page=161 |access-date=6 January 2018}}
*{{Cite book |last=Garrelts |first=Nate |author-link=Nate Garrelts |title=[[The Meaning and Culture of Grand Theft Auto]] |date=2006 |publisher=[[McFarland & Company|McFarland]] |isbn=9780786428229 |location=Jefferson, North Carolina, United States}}
*{{Cite book |last=Kushner |first=David |author-link=David Kushner (writer) |title=Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto |date=2012 |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons|Wiley]] |isbn=978-0470936375 |location=Hoboken, New Jersey, United States}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|www.rockstargames.com/gta2/}}

{{Grand Theft Auto}}
{{Rockstar North}}
{{Rockstar Games}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Freeware games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color games]]
[[Category:Grand Theft Auto|2]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Open-world video games]]
[[Category:Organized crime video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Retrofuturistic video games]]
[[Category:Rockstar Games games]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Tarantula Studios games]]
[[Category:Top-down video games]]
[[Category:Video games about the Yakuza]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games set in 1999]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games written by Dan Houser]]
[[Category:Windows games]]