Grand Theft Auto (video Game) - Gameplay

Gameplay

Grand Theft Auto is made up of a series of levels, each set in one of the three main cities. In each level, the player's ultimate objective is to reach a target number of points, which is typically achieved by performing tasks for the city's local crime syndicate. Each level has its own unique set of tasks. Successful completion of a mission rewards the player with points and opens the opportunity to attempt harder missions for higher rewards, while failure awards few points and may permanently seal off opportunities for more tasks. Completing missions also increases the player's "multiplier", which increases the points the player gets for doing other tasks.

If the player is arrested then their multiplier is halved. Unlike in later games in the series, the player can be wasted in one hit without body armor. If the player is wasted then they lose a life. In both cases the player loses their current equipment. If the player is wasted too many times they lose and must restart the level from scratch.