True Crime: Streets of LA
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| True Crime: Streets of LA | |
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| Developer(s) | Luxoflux |
| Publisher(s) | Activision |
| Release date(s) | US November 4, 2003 2004 |
| Genre(s) | Third-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Mature (M) PEGI: 16+ CERO: 18+ |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Mac, Xbox, PS2, GameCube, Mobile Phone |
True Crime: Streets of LA is a video game developed by Luxoflux and published by Activision for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube in 2003. Activision later released versions for Windows and the Mac in 2004.
A sequel, True Crime: New York City, was released in Fall 2005 for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube.
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[edit] Plot
The player assumes the role of Nick (Kang) Wilson, a young part Chinese-American detective and the living bane of every police chief, because of his highly unorthodox and destructive means of catching criminals — the maddening part being that he always gets his man. When the game begins, Kang returns to Los Angeles after being suspended for going after a suspect and disobeying a direct order from his superiors.
Kang is at a police shooting range practicing his two-fisted technique when the Chief of the E.O.D (Elite Operations Division), Wanda Parks, enters. Parks welcomes Nick back to the fold and asks his assistance in solving a rash of bombings of local businesses in the Chinatown district. Though seemingly unrelated, the pattern of the crimes indicate the work of one or more of the Chinese Triad groups. At first, Nick is uninterested in the case, wanting to focus on his personal matters; Parks subtly coerces him to help out, on one condition — he does things his way. Despite Kang's reputation, Parks quickly agrees to this.
Parks partners Nick with Rosie Velasco; when Nick teasingly remarks how she's a "good girl", Rosie angrily responds, saying that before going straight and becoming a detective, she "ran with more than a few Latino gangs in her time." Like others in the department, Rosie is uneasy about Nick and his reputation, but for Rosie it's more personal — if Nick goes wild again, she doesn't want to get dragged down with him.
As Nick unravels the thread tying the smaller criminal dealings together throughout the game, he faces Triad thugs, as well as crime lords like Jimmy Fu, Big Chong, the mysterious and legendary Ancient Wu, Rocky (a member of the Russian Mafia) and Han Yu Kim (a general of the Korean People's Army).
[edit] Character relationships
Why Nick first refused, and then accepted this case is personal; his father, Henry Wilson, was an exceptional police officer who was involved in a major drug operation in the 1970's; one day, he disappeared, and was never found. Soon afterwards, Internal Affairs found a stash of cocaine in his locker, bringing his motives and role in the situation into sharp question. Though heartbroken by his father's disappearance, Nick refuses to believe this.
Although branded as every police officer's worst nightmare, Nick Kang is secretly highly respected by a number of his peers. His relationship with Rosie begins extremely shakily, but develops into a firm bond based on mutual respect. On two occasions, Nick directly places himself in harm's way to protect the life of his partner.
Rosie learns the story of Nick's father, and that when he died, Nick and his brother Cary had traveled to Hong Kong to grieve. Nick then returned for revenge while solving another case. His methods grew increasingly reckless in his pursuit of "justice". FBI agent Masterton distrusts Nick Kang. Masterton wants him off the case, yet is unable to do anything because the Bureau has a contract with Wanda Parks. He grows even more frustrated as Nick embarrasses him with his sarcastic sense of humor.
Both Nick and his brother Cary are accomplished martial artists, but Nick makes a personal vow to himself to protect his younger brother from harm, because of what happened to their father. He is unable to keep him from being attacked by Rocky's thugs, though, and pursues him relentlessly (in a possible side story, Nick fails to protect his brother, leading to his death. Enraged, Nick vows to avenge him and singlemindedly goes after Rocky, losing sight of the truth).
Nick went under the surname "Kang" when his father Harry Wilson died, because he couldn't live up to or match his father's expectation and reputation as a great cop. He shares this feeling with George, his father's best friend.
[edit] Branching Storylines
In the game, the plot takes one of three different turns: Bad, Average, and Good. Nick's actions and his good/bad cop rating decides the course. Each ending path concludes with a one-on-one brawl.
Bad Ending: Nick faces off with Han Yu Kim at the top of a high-rise bank, after shooting his way through the General's mercenaries. If Nick loses the final fight, he is thrown off the building and only wakes up in time to realize his fate, as the General escapes. If Nick wins, the General falls off the building. Rocky is also dead and the case is closed, leaving many questions unanswered.
Average Ending: Rosie is kidnapped by Rocky, who forces Nick to drive an armored car full of counterfit money to the Chinatown Plaza, in exchange for her life. After being ambushed and killing the General's mercenaries, the two have a final fight. If Nick loses, he dies and Rocky escapes. If Nick wins, Rocky surprises him and is about to stab him to death, when he is shot down by Rosie. Earlier, he had taunted Nick about knowing the truth about his father; however, the secret died with him.
Good Ending: After battling through Ancient Wu's trials, the truth is revealed: Rocky was formerly a plant by the KGB, who quickly turned criminal when given the opportunity, along with Rafferty, Henry's former partner. Kang tracks the two to the Santa Monica airport, but is surprised and knocked unconscious. Coming to, Rocky reveals the rest of the story: when Henry refused to be turned by Rocky or Rafferty, Rocky shot him in the head and dumped his body in the ocean. He is about to shoot Nick when Rafferty leaps in front of him and takes the bullet, moments before Nick is freed from his bonds and attacks Rocky, before having to fight off the General's mercenaries.
He manages to kill them and escape the hangar where he was being held, just in time to see Rocky escaping in a private plane. Nick follows in a nearby car, shooting the engines and causing the plane to explode, killing Rocky. The only one left in the case is the General, who commissioned Rocky to launder counterfit bills made in North Korea for actual money, in order to rebuild their economy. The involvement of the Triads and the Russians were to mask their actions. However, Rocky decided to keep the money, leading to the General becoming directly involved. The two have a final battle next to the ruins of Rocky's jet.
Branching storylines in True Crime involve performing many "Good Cop" tasks, to reach the higher paths.
[edit] Cops and criminals
- Nick (Kang) Wilson:
Although he was recently suspended indefinitely from the police force due to repeated incidents of excessive brutality, property damage, and refusing to follow orders, Nicholas Kang (Wilson) was recruited into the E.O.D. as the group's first field agent. The same over-the-line methods that got him thrown off the force enable him to succeed at the E.O.D.; his arrest record speaks for itself. Kang's skills in martial arts are only matched by his ability to expertly dual-wield firearms and drive like a Hollywood stuntman.
- Rosie Velasquez:
An ex-gangbanger turned straight, Rosie Velasquez is determined to prove herself worthy of her badge; unfortunately, she's just been partnered with Nick Kang, and isn't too happy about hitting the streets with a loose cannon. Nick isn't too happy about it either, but when their first meeting together concludes with her being wounded in a shootout, she winds up behind a desk working intel for the rest of the case — which in the long run, is probably safer for the both of them.
- Chief Wanda Parks:
Wanda Parks is the Chief Detective in the LAPD, as well as head of the Elite Operations Division, with jurisdiction over the entire City of Angels. She has two decades of law enforcement experience and is one of the most well respected officers on the police force. Parks puts up with Nick's brash and over-the-top nature because she knows that when all hell breaks loose, Nick is the only man who consistently delivers.
- George:
An old friend of Henry's, and a father figure and mentor to Nick. He reveals the backstory of the Wilson family to Rosie, and serves as a narrator at the beginning and end of Nick's quest.
- Rasputin "Rocky" Kuznetskov:
Not much is known about Rocky at the beginning of the game, except he is a member of the Russian Mafia and is involved with the Chinese Triads in some matter. As the game progresses, more about this character is revealed, including his perculiar habits...
- Agent Masterton:
He is called on the scene to oversee the case that the EOD is working on throughout the game. He doesn't like working with the EOD, especially because of Nick, but he will eventually learn that all is for the best within their precinct.
- Rafferty:
An old friend and partner of Henry's when they were working on the drug case, Rafferty knew the Kang brothers as they were growing up. It is eventually revealed that he was corrupted by Rocky, and went along with his drug smuggling and money laundering operations. Though Rafferty attempted to turn Henry, he refused and was subsequently murdered.
- Misha:
Rocky's bodyguard, visible a number of times throughout the game. Depending on the path Nick takes, he may have to fight him.
- Han Yu Kim:
A General from North Korea, seeking to strengthen his country's position in the world scene through illegal means. To this end, he is working with Rocky and his Mafia connections, as well as the Chinese Triads. He is seen in all three endings, and fought as the last boss in two; his ultimate goals are only revealed in the true ending, however.
- Ancient Wu:
This mysterious figure is said to be the creator of the Chinese Triad, though many view him only as a myth or a legend. Nevertheless, Nick will learn the truth of this legend as he pursues Rocky and the Triads...
- Jimmy Fu:
Jimmy Fu is a lesser Triad crime lord, working for Big Chong. Nick sneaks into his warehouse, but is trapped and forced to shoot his way through Jimmy's men. After killing his attackers, Nick is about to question Jimmy, but is forced to defend himself against a sniper determined to silence Fu. If Kang fails, his vest saves him, but Jimmy will be killed, and Nick is yelled at by a furious Rosie who reveals Jimmy's last words as the next link in the case. If Kang drives off the sniper, Jimmy is arrested, and under heavy interrogation spills the name of his boss: Big Chong.
- Big Chong:
A crime lord from Ancient Wu's gang, Nick tails him from his house to the Cyrus Hotel where Nick loses him. Nick then finds out that he is at the Russian spa, having a meeting with Rocky. Nick then jumps from where he's spying Rocky and Kang is to shoot through Chong's crew who die. Chong comes out to kill Nick himself, but Chong dies.
- Cary (Kang) Wilson:
Nick's little brother, owner of a vast chain of 24-hour dojos throughout the city, where Nick can improve his fighting ability for a price. Nick is very protective of his younger brother, who for his father's sake, he has vowed to defend with his life.
- Jill:
Rocky's girlfriend; she uses her charm to trap and lead Nick astray more than once.
Snoop Dogg is a unlockable playable character in the game, possessing his own minigame and quotes. He is unlocked by either collecting 30 Dogg Bones scattered throughout Los Angeles, or by entering a cheat code.
[edit] Voice cast
- Russell Wong: Nick (Kang) Wilson
- Christopher Walken: George
- Gary Oldman: Rasputin "Rocky" Kuznetskov, Agent Masterton
- Michael Madsen: Rafferty
- Michelle Rodriguez: Rosie
- CCH Pounder: Chief Wanda Parks
- Ron Perlman: Misha
- Mako: Han Yu Kim
- James Hong: Ancient Wu
- Keyone Young: Jimmy Fu, Big Chong
- Ryun Yu: Cary Wilson
- Grey Delisle: Jill, Lola
- Snoop Dogg: Himself
- Vernee Johnson-watson:dispatcher
[edit] Technical Limitations
There are several technical issues and glitches with the game, such as the U.S. Bank Tower's graphic. All versions of the game has also been known to freeze the computer and console systems after playing for long periods of time.
[edit] Trivia
- True Crime went platinum for the PlayStation 2 in 2004.
- The slow-motion action (during "Gun Mode") is a play-off of the bullet time from the game Max Payne and The Matrix films.
- Rapper Snoop Dogg's hidden character is unlocked by either collecting 30 Dogg bones or entering a special cheat. Dogg has a special mode known as "Dogg Patrol" where he patrols the streets and rids the streets of all crimes. Dogg voices this hidden character.
- Michelle Rodriguez provides the voice for a law enforcement character. She previously starred as a law enforcement/military officer twice, in the films S.W.A.T and Resident Evil, and later starred as a former law enforcement officer on the television series Lost.
- Nick Kang resembles Russell Wong's character in the movie Romeo Must Die, especially when Nick wears his alternate costume in nightclub missions.
- A billboard advertising jockstraps in the game, designed to imitate Rockstar Games' logo, was rebuffed by Rockstar in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas with a "True Grime: Street Cleaners" billboard.
- The Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X version contained various extras, such as multiplayer games, unlockable characters, training videos, and songs.
- Working title of game was "Nick Kang: Kung-Fu Detective"
- On the dispatcher, one can occasionally solve crimes involving a stolen truck full of Activision games, or the shooting of a movie called Vigilante 8. Vigilante 8 is also the name of an Activision game.
- The Spike TV Video Game Awards gave True Crime: Streets of LA the award for best game of 2004, yet strangely when awarded the game had yet to be released as it came out later that month.
- One of the lines that Nick Kang says throughout the game is "I am an E-O-D Agent! Open up!" - a parody on a line said in a movie named Point Break. The movie, which Keanu Reeves starred in, had the original line of "I am an FBI agent." However, the mock tone and style Kang says it in is easily identifiable.
- The game is related to the real city of Los Angeles, the main website says that you shouldn't follow what the game map has.
- The US Bank Tower is seen in the game, but is not featured in any missions.
- A goof from the game is when nick is racing through the rain, when the stars are visible and there is a sunset.
[edit] Soundtrack
True Crime has around 50 songs. In addition to those 50, more songs were added to the PC version of the game.:
- 6 'iN The Morning (Performed by Ice T)
- I'm Your Pusher (Performed by Ice T)
- What U Wanna Do (Performed by [Warren G])
- Foe Tha Love Of $ (Performed by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
- Peace Sells... (Performed by Megadeth)
- Symphony Of Destruction (Performed by Megadeth)
- Bruises (Performed by Unloco)
- City of Angels (Performed by The Distillers)
- Hall of Mirrors (Performed by The Distillers)
- You Want to Get Me High (Performed by The Donnas)
- Who Invited You (Performed by The Donnas)
- Would (Performed by Alice in Chains)
- Them Bones (Performed by Alice in Chains)
- Not Like You (Performed by Systematic)
- The Formula (Performed by The D.O.C.)
- Poem (Performed by Taproot)
- Flashlight (Performed by Parliament)
- Minerva (Performed by The Deftones)
- (Not Just) Knee Deep (Performed by Funkadelic)
- Thuggish Ruggish Bone (Performed by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
- Saint Tropez is not Far (Performed by Plastina Mosh)
- It's Funky Enuff (Performed by The D.O.C)
- Afroman (Performed by Plastina Mosh)
- Rockstar (Performed by N.E.R.D)
- Lapdance (Performed by N.E.R.D)
- Foe Life (Performed by Mack 10)
- Levitate (Performed by I Mother Earth)
- Rain Will Fall (Performed by I Mother Earth)
- The Snow (Performed by Audiobullys)
- We Don't Stop (Performed by Soul Star)
- Live And Learn (Performed by Ha Loco feat. Pomona City Rydaz)
- Compton (Performed by Cavie)
- Play Like We Do (Performed by Casino Mafia featuring Baby S)
- Ring King (Performed by Mausberg)
- Let Me See Sump-thin' (Thug Night) (Performed by Jay O Felony)
- Thug The Club (Performed by South Central Cartel featuring Tha Flock)
- Watch Out Now! (Performed by Chyneezy featuring Ms. Toi and Sylk-E-Fyne)
- Don't Fight The Pimpin' (Performed by Suga Free)
- Mo Money (Performed by Styliztik featuring Dirty Rat)
- Goon Squad (performed by Goon Squad)
- Lights Out (performed by Westside Connection
- Let's Get It Poppin (performed by Bishop feat. Bookey Loc and Trek Life)
- Bitch Ass Niggaz (performed by Goon Squad)
- Consequences (performed by Lil Eazy)
- Hollywood (performed by Bizzy Bone)
- Shine (performed by Prototype)
- Pure (performed by Prototype)
- Trinity (performed by Prototype)
- Relativity (performed by Prototype)
- Mind in Motion (performed by Prototype)
- In Da Streets (performed by Kings of LA feat. Lil Eazy)
- T.R.U.E (performed by Pomona City Rydaz & Big Tray Deee)
- I'll Do Anything (performed by Damizza & N.U.N.E.)
- The Only(Performed By Static X)
A CD soundtrack is available.
