The game style of running and gunning changed forever after the release of “Grand Theft Auto 2” (GTA 2). Originally released on PC, Sega Dreamcast and yes, the original PlayStation, “GTA 2” was considered one of the top games on my shelf for a good year. That is, until “GTA 3” debuted.

“GTA 2” took the birds-eye view of “Grand Theft Auto” and added complexity to the gameplay by adding rival gangs to the story and increasing the strength of the cops that follow you on many side missions.

Names like General Lee and Johnny Zoo and Claude Speed may not ring a bell, but the game’s large map, assortment of weapons and familiar foul-mouthed exchanges probably will. Playing “GTA 2” is a fun way to spend time while waiting for class to start. Hearing the sounds of cops chase your character in a newly stolen car is still exciting even 12 years after this game’s release.

A free PC download of “GTA 2” is available at RockstarGames.com, the website of the “GTA” series producers, Rockstar Games. Otherwise, while not easy, finding the original PlayStation or Sega Dreamcast game on disc is possible.