Mike
The playable protagonist, drawn into Liberty City’s criminal underworld while investigating Vinnie’s death.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move Mike or steer a vehicle |
|---|---|
A | Enter vehicles and perform context-sensitive actions |
B | Attack on foot; brake or reverse in a vehicle |
L | Cycle weapons |
R | Cycle weapons |
Start | Pause the game |
Select | Open the map or status display |
Control notes
Vehicle and on-foot functions change according to context.
Button assignments refer to the Game Boy Advance version.
How it plays
How does Grand Theft Auto Advance play?
The game uses a top-down perspective. Players guide Mike through Liberty City on foot or in vehicles, completing missions for criminal contacts. Objectives include driving, escapes, deliveries, thefts, shootouts, and targeted attacks.
The city is divided into districts connected by roads and waterways. Story missions advance the plot and unlock further content, while side activities and collectible packages provide optional challenges. Vehicles can be hijacked, damaged, and replaced, but the handheld presentation is more compact than the console Grand Theft Auto games.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Grand Theft Auto Advance?
Save money and armor before starting difficult mission chains, and learn the quickest routes between districts. Vehicle choice matters: use fast cars for timed escapes and durable vehicles when gunfire is unavoidable.
When a mission fails, identify whether the problem is speed, health, or weapon range rather than repeating the same approach. Explore between missions to find weapons, armor, health, and hidden packages, but avoid unnecessary police attention before a story objective.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Vinnie
Mike’s partner, whose apparent death sets the main story in motion.
8-Ball
An explosives expert and recurring ally who provides missions and technical assistance.
Asuka Kasen
A Yakuza leader who becomes one of Mike’s important criminal contacts.
King Courtney
A Yardie gang leader who assigns work to Mike.
Cisco
A Colombian criminal contact involved in the city’s underworld.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the map frequently to plan routes before accepting time-sensitive missions.
- 2
Keep a reliable vehicle nearby before beginning missions that require a fast escape.
- 3
Explore side streets for hidden packages and useful pickups.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A technically ambitious handheld adaptation with a strong top-down crime-game structure.
Its compact presentation and controls are less polished than the console entries.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0