Activision today promised the most authentic depiction of the Big Apple ever to feature in a videogame with the forthcoming release of True Crime: New York City for the Playstation2, Xbox and GameCube.

Taking control of former gang-member turned NYPD cop, Marcus Reed, as he fights crime on the GPS-accurate streets of Manhattan, the game promises subways, hundreds of interiors, internationally recognised landmarks and real NY neighbourhoods including Harlem, Chinatown and Times Square. Players can navigate through the expansive city by taking rides in a cab, on the subway, walking or driving cars and motorcycles.

Luxoflux have been busy replicating the sights and sounds of New York, complete with the voices and likenesses of real New Yorkers, amidst the cacophony of ambient noises and bustling traffic unique to the city. In addition various areas will feature concentrations of characters specific to that particular place; so expect plenty of tourists in Times Square, while the locals hang-out in the brownstones of Harlem.

True Crime: New York City is scheduled for an Autumn 2005 release; we’ll have further coverage and a closer look soon.