American Fugitive

Main Game 4/5 Achievements 4/5 Achievements: 46/46 (100%) American Fugitive is a game I've now completed multiple times across different platforms, which probably tells you everything you need to know about how much I've enjoyed it. The biggest draw for me was always the concept. It feels like a modern take on the classic GTA 1 and GTA 2 formula, bringing that top-down crime game style into a more modern package while still feeling unique enough to stand on its own. The gameplay can take a little adjustment at first. The driving feels slightly sluggish until you get used to it, and the combat can feel awkward in the opening hours. Neither of these are deal breakers, and after a short time everything starts to feel natural. The story is good without ever being exceptional. It won't leave a lasting impression in the same way as some larger open-world crime games, but it does its job well. The tone strikes a nice balance between serious and light-hearted, and the game never takes itself too seriously. One of my favourite parts of the game is the burglary system. Breaking into houses, looking for valuables and avoiding detection adds a fun layer to the gameplay and gives you something worthwhile to do outside of the main missions. The police system can be a little inconsistent. Sometimes escaping them feels incredibly easy, while other times they seem permanently attached to your rear bumper and refuse to leave you alone. It can be frustrating, but it also creates some memorable chases. Visually, the game looks fantastic for what it is. The art style suits the game perfectly and the world is packed with charm and personality. I split my playtime between PC and Steam Deck, and the game felt perfectly suited to both. In fact, it's one of those games that feels ideal for relaxing on the sofa with a handheld. It's almost a cosy game in a strange way. Despite the crime-filled setting, there's something relaxing about driving around, exploring the map and slowly ticking off objectives. Achievement-wise, the list is generally enjoyable. Most achievements come naturally through normal play, although there is a noticeable amount of cleanup required after finishing the story. A handful of achievements felt a little grindy, but nothing ever became frustrating enough to stop me pursuing 100%. My biggest criticism is that I felt there was still untapped potential in the world. Certain locations, such as the military base, felt underused and left me feeling like the developers could have done even more with the concept. American Fugitive isn't trying to compete with GTA, Mafia or other major open-world crime games. Instead, it delivers its own smaller, focused experience, and it does so very well. If you enjoy classic GTA-style gameplay and can pick this up during one of its frequent sales, it's absolutely worth your time.