Sony's London Studios has tried their best at open-world action with The Getaway and The Getaway: Black Monday. Those games had flaws, but to the fan base, they were passable take on the genre Grand Theft Auto dominates.
In many ways, Gangs of London shares many traits — good and bad — of its older relatives. Besides the flaws, Gangs of London is going to be compared to last year's Liberty City Stores, and the just released Vice City Stories.
But, fans can look past the flaws. When Gangs does work, it is great. Plus, I am all for new IPs on the PSP, the system no doubt needs them.
Besides your standard Story Mode, you have Free-Roaming, Gang Battle, and The Pub. Gang Battle offers the most potential, as it is a turned-based Risk-like take on the main Gangs game.
There is actually the threat of losing turf in Gang Battle, something that really never materializes in Story Mode. Those hoping for Saints Row-like turf skirmishes will not find them in Story Mode.
You do have Defend missions, but you never feel as though the other rival gangs are out to take your land.
Free-Roaming Mode includes seven different ways to experience London. The game boasts 25 square miles, and it is a shame the main game does not allow you to truly enjoy it all - Free-Roaming allows you to do that.
In Free-Roaming you can enter Free Drive, London Tourist, Speed Trap, Riot Control, Getaway, Four Weeks Later, and The Knowledge.
London Tourist shows the most promise, and is a good diversion, as you have many landmarks around London to take photos of. Four Days Later, a total zombie-fest, is also fun.
The Pub is the last minigame Gangs has, and includes well know parlor games. Included is Darts, Skittles, UK 8-Ball, US 8-Ball, and an Arcade game that is very similar to Snake. The mechanics of the pub games work well, and make these an unexpected surprise.
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