Activision is taking on the Russian and Chinese mobs with the announcement of True Crime(tm): Streets of L.A.(tm) for the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft and the Nintendo GameCube(tm).

Inspired by Hong Kong action films, the game lets players assume the role of tough-as-nails detective Nick Kang, bent on settling a personal vendetta with the L.A. underworld. As Kang, players will be able to dispense their own personal brand of justice through automotive combat, a variety of rib cracking martial arts moves and the business end of dual 45s. True Crime: Streets Of L.A. has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

"Mission-based driving and action adventure collide in this bold new direction for interactive entertainment," states Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "Infused with the unique flair of Hong Kong action films, True Crime: Streets of L.A. allows players to experience first-hand the car stunts, close calls, quick wit and high-action that are synonymous with this distinct style of cinema."

Developed by Luxoflux, the creators of the successful Vigilante 8 series, the game blends multiple genres into a single cinematic action game. Car chases, shootouts, foot pursuits and hand-to-hand combat are all in a day's work when it comes to taking down the mob. More than 20 branching missions and 100 sub-missions lead gamers down dozens of possible paths and outcomes. Busting a robbery could tip players off to a future crime, or a foul-up could just as easily get an informant killed. As players cruise the mean streets, random missions can also pop-up on the car radio adding even more gameplay to the immense adventure.

Featuring a powerful 3D engine, True Crime: Streets Of L.A. allows players to move freely through a 400 square mile living, breathing re-creation of the City of Angels. Players will be able to visit popular L.A. landmarks, or buy services from local gun merchants, mechanics or doughnut shops to and improve Kang's abilities by visiting auto simulators, dojo's and gun ranges around town. True Crime: Streets Of L.A. is slated to ship in 2003.