Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

True Crime: New York City places you in the shoes of Marcus Reed, a one-time gangster turned cop who isn’t afraid to bend the rules. From the moment you join the Organized Crime Division of the NYPD, the game offers a compelling blend of open-world freedom and structured missions. You’ll pursue high-profile crime bosses in cinematic story missions, but just as often you’re out on routine street patrols—breaking up fights, defusing bombs, and chasing down speeders. This variety keeps the action fresh and ensures you’re never far from a new adrenaline rush.

Beyond the main storyline, Marcus can frisk pedestrians, search vehicle trunks for contraband, and issue traffic citations. These side activities aren’t mere time fillers; they contribute to your reputation and street cred, unlocking special weapons and upgrades. Of course, Marcus has a more “creative” approach to policing—bribery, extortion, and evidence-planting are always on the menu when you need an extra payday or a faster career boost. This moral flexibility gives you room to craft your own brand of justice in the sprawling boroughs of New York.

The combat mechanics support both stealthy takedowns and full-blown shootouts. Aiming feels responsive with a variety of firearms—from standard pistols to outrageously over-the-top weapons like RPGs and flamethrowers. Melee combat is equally satisfying: you can disarm thugs, break up brawls with a few well-placed punches, or tackle enemies to the ground. While some missions steer you down a linear path, the core city map remains open throughout, letting you pursue side objectives or simply roam the streets in search of trouble.

Graphics

When it launched, True Crime: New York City boasted one of the most detailed renditions of Manhattan ever seen in a video game. The city’s skyline, from the towering skyscrapers of Midtown to the brownstones of Brooklyn, feels expansive and alive. Day-night cycles and dynamic weather add atmosphere—rainy nights can turn rooftop chases into slippery, heart-pounding affairs, while bright afternoons showcase the vibrant colors of Times Square.

Character models and NPCs are highly detailed for their era, and Marcus Reed himself is remarkably expressive. Facial animations and voice performances work in tandem to sell key story moments, whether you’re brooding over a fallen partner or interrogating a shifty suspect. Pedestrians react to your actions: an aggressive pursuit will see crowds scattering in panic, while a respectful arrest will earn nods of approval from bystanders.

That said, the game isn’t without its technical quirks. Occasional frame-rate dips can occur during heavy firefights, and clipping issues sometimes let cars pass through solid objects. These hiccups rarely break immersion fully, but they do remind you that you’re exploring a digital recreation of New York City. Overall, the visual presentation still holds nostalgic charm for fans of early open-world titles.

Story

The narrative of True Crime: New York City centers on Marcus Reed’s pursuit of redemption and power. After his mentor is gunned down, Marcus vows to take down the city’s crime syndicates from within the NYPD. This personal vendetta drives the plot forward, delivering high-stakes shootouts atop moving trains, tense bar brawls in Hell’s Kitchen, and undercover operations in the heart of Little Italy.

Supporting characters range from loyal partners who question Marcus’s unorthodox methods to ruthless crime lords who see him as just another cop to be outplayed. Dialogue is punchy and well-paced, mixing humor, grit, and occasional moments of genuine pathos. You’ll feel the weight of your choices too—whether you choose to follow standard procedure or latch onto the darker side of law enforcement, the story shifts subtly to reflect your actions.

While the main plot is engaging, some side missions delve into more generic “stop the heist” or “escort the VIP” territory. These filler missions don’t detract too much from the overall arc, but they can feel repetitive if you focus on them in bulk. Fortunately, the strong central narrative and Marcus’s internal struggle keep you invested until the climactic showdown against New York’s most formidable crime boss.

Overall Experience

True Crime: New York City offers an intoxicating blend of open-world freedom, morally ambiguous policing, and high-octane action. The ability to navigate nearly every building in Manhattan gives the game a level of verticality and exploration that few titles of its time matched. Whether you’re leaping from rooftop to rooftop or tailing suspects through subway tunnels, there’s always a new corner of the city to discover.

Despite its technical stumbles, the game’s vibrant world and diverse mission lineup make it a memorable journey for fans of crime dramas and open-world adventures. Marcus Reed’s dual identity as both ex-gangster and NYPD officer provides a unique twist on the standard cop narrative, inviting players to decide just how far they’re willing to go for justice—and profit.

For anyone who’s ever dreamed of patrolling New York City with a badge in one hand and a flamethrower in the other, True Crime: New York City remains a cult classic. Its strengths in storytelling, environment design, and gameplay variety outshine its occasional flaws, delivering an experience that’s as ambitious as the city it portrays.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10