Anywhere City, prominently featured in Grand Theft Auto 2 (GTA 2), is a distinctive urban landscape set in a vaguely futuristic time frame. Whether in the years 2013 or 1999, the city’s setting remains ambiguous, adding to its mystique. Anywhere City is affectionately referred to as “The City” and “The Town” within the game.
A Retro-Futuristic Haven
Anywhere City embodies a retro-futuristic aesthetic, heavily influenced by iconic cyberpunk themes from movies such as Batman, Blade Runner, and Akira. The cityscape is adorned with retro-modified classic cars and trucks from the late 1960s, and the architecture predominantly features postwar designs, blending old-world charm with advanced technological elements.
Development and Inspirations
The introduction movie for GTA 2 was shot in New York City, though this does not imply that Anywhere City is based on New York. According to the official GTA 2 Design Document, the city is not modeled after any specific real-world location. Interestingly, the city’s layout shares similarities with Liberty City in the 3D Universe, comprising Industrial, Commercial, and Residential districts. The GTA 2 Design Document, shared by DMA Design programmer Mike Dailly, reveals that the diverse areas of Anywhere City draw inspiration from various American megalopolises, including neighborhoods reminiscent of Los Angeles.
Dark Retro-Future Environment
The atmospheric setting of Anywhere City is influenced by Frank Miller’s Hard Boiled comics and Terry Gilliam’s 1985 film Brazil, creating a moody and immersive environment. Anywhere City is divided into three main districts, each patrolled by the Anywhere City Police Department.
The Three Districts
Downtown District
The Downtown District is where players begin their journey as Claude Speed. This area features major office buildings, high-rise flats, a university, and small outdated docks. Here, Claude can accept missions from gang leaders, including the Yakuza (led by Johnny Zoo), the Loonies (led by Elmo), and The Zaibatsu Corporation (led by Trey Welsh). The maximum wanted level in this district is 4, with the SWAT team as the highest police force encountered.
Residential District
The Residential District is the next area Claude explores, characterized by numerous flats, shops, and key locations like the police headquarters, Alma Mater Prison, a military base, Zaibatsu Village, Mobile RV Park, and the SRS Scientists laboratory. Claude can take on missions from the Scientists (led by Dr. LaBrat), the Rednecks (led by Billy Bob Bean), and The Zaibatsu Corporation (led by Red Valdez). The maximum wanted level here is 5 (or 6 in the PSX version), with Special Agents as the highest police force.
Industrial District
The Industrial District is the final area Claude explores, dominated by factories and flats, with the small village of Mad Island in the northwest. Mad Island is home to a gang that always attacks Claude, regardless of his respect level. In this district, Claude can work for the Hare Krishna (led by Sunbeam), the Russian Mafia (led by Jerkov), and The Zaibatsu Corporation (led by Uno Carb). The maximum wanted level here is 6, with the Army actively pursuing Claude.
Unseen Districts and Areas
Several districts and areas mentioned in promotional materials and game files do not appear in the final game:
- Chernobyl Docks (promo movie)
- Barking, Kyabetsu, Romanova, Azimuth (game files)
- Noxxa (promotional website – Zaibatsu section)
- Little Nagasaki (promotional website – Yakuza section)
Conclusion
Anywhere City in GTA 2 offers an enthralling retro-futuristic experience. Its diverse districts, inspired by various American megalopolises, combined with a unique mix of old-world and futuristic elements, make it an unforgettable setting. As players navigate the complex web of gang territories and law enforcement, they will find themselves deeply immersed in the captivating world of Anywhere City.
