PAKO 4

PAKO 4, developed by Tree Men Games, is an action-packed indie crime simulator that brings the signature arcade mayhem of the series into a more expansive, mission-based structure. Moving beyond the pure, frantic car chases of the original games, PAKO 4 throws players into the shoes of a petty criminal navigating the gritty, neon-soaked streets of North Paw.

The core gameplay is a mash-up of retro aesthetics and modern chaos. Players are able to ditch the traditional top-down, endless chase mechanics for a more varied experience. You can now walk freely around the city with an NPC accomplice, enter and exit any vehicle you find, and engage in twin-stick shooting combat. This blend gives the game an unmistakable early 2000s crime sim vibe, reminiscent of classic action-adventure titles.

The game is centered around missions that range from simple bank robberies and car theft to escorting people and performing various other forms of high-jinx. These missions often have multiple phases, challenging the player to master both the fast-paced, bumper-to-bumper driving mechanics and the on-foot combat. If your ride gets totaled, the escape isn't over—you simply bail out and continue the chase on foot, grabbing the next available set of wheels.

Key Features and Mechanics:

• Open City Structure: Drive and walk around the large North Paw area, exploring various locations.

• Action Variety: Mix of driving, running, and twin-stick shooting against the police and other NPCs.

• Drivable Cars: Every car in the game is usable, ensuring the chaos never stops.

• Crew Members: Pick up and work alongside an NPC buddy to help complete your criminal objectives.

• Retro Style: The game features retro-inspired graphics and an in-game radio that blasts "bangers," enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere.

Currently available in Early Access on Steam, the developers are actively soliciting community feedback to refine the game, expand the map, and add more features before its full release, which is currently estimated to be by the end of 2025. PAKO 4 is all about embracing the fun of "doing crimes" and causing general mayhem in a stylish, action-packed indie package.