Provide a Map/Mission Editor.
Where'd they hide the record/replay function?
"Jagged Alliance"TM-style combat system
(as in "Attack on Metavira" or "Deadly Games").
Some people would like to have good close-combat mechanics with
jumps etc.; perhaps have the game zoom even more when that happens.
If you didn't like those, you could avoid them - I would, probably.
You ought to be able to fire a pistol from open cars. You
ought to be able to use the tank cannon or the fire truck water
cannon when stationary or with another person aboard; while driving
alone, you'll be too far from the controls to operate them. Knife
powerups. Exploding a tanker with a car bomb under a building should
always have that building explode. New roof-mount rocket powerup; as
long as you're in that car, wanted level is raised by 2 because you
and your intentions are too easy to spot. Pushing cars and people in
the water should "count" like a hit'n'run; maybe a mission
where you have to drown someone in the bay with cement stockings.
"Witnesses": anybody who sees a crime committed
heads for the nearest telephone and calls the cops; if he succeeds,
instant heat! Cops radio in incidents that they witness, not only
when their car gets a dent... They should be out of witnessing range
for spray shops and doors to be effective when you're wanted.
Witnessing range might differ with the crime; knifings have a small
range, machine guns a wide one. Added benefit: witnesses running for
a telephone makes them appear as if they left the crime scene in
fright; better use for that multitude of telephones!
The guys you have to follow (like the lawyer you have to
kill) should be more intelligent - they never steal cars, get on
subways etc. That would make it hard!
Car drivers should free center lanes when they hear sirens.
Graphics: Indicators, headlights, and darkness at night!
Cracked windshields (sound!) when hit by bullets. More color changes
when respraying cars.
Movement mechanics: Cars flipping over in a smash or on a
ramp (as seen in any movie car chase), ramp objects for jumps (and
flips if you botch it), riding a bike with the front wheel raised to
jump on other cars. Car transporter with ramp in the back to drive
on for special missions.
Climbing a fence when you're on foot or
smashing one with a heavy car. Jump on/over big vehicles (truck,
bus) to reach fire exit ladders, then climb to the roof. Jump from
roof to roof if buildings are close enough. Parachute Powerup to get
down anywhere safely. Trucks with trailers. Wrecks stay underwater
to build "bridges" if piled high enough.
Controversial "Junior Mission": Using skateboard,
rollerblades, go-cart, bike or push-bike you run "junior"
errands for the mob: participate in frameups, dispose of murder
weapons, exchange attache cases, vandalize telephones, spray
graffiti on enemy headquarters, peddle drugs in schools and so
forth. Weapons include water pistol, pocket knife, rubber band
shooter. Steal an ice cream wagon for bonus points!
