The game uses a top-down perspective. Tanner drives through city areas, follows or intercepts targets, avoids police and enemy vehicles, and leaves his car for on-foot combat or investigation sequences.

Missions provide specific objectives such as reaching destinations, destroying or escaping vehicles, collecting evidence, and defeating enemies. Progression follows the campaign, with later missions increasing the demands on driving, shooting, and route planning.

Learn the layout of each city section before attempting difficult timed objectives. Use wide routes when being chased, because tight corners can make the vehicle difficult to control.

During combat, keep moving and use cover or obstacles where available. Save ammunition for mission-critical enemies, and restart quickly when an early mistake makes a timed objective unrecoverable.