Payback is an action-adventure game set across four different cities, spanning over 100 square kilometers of landscape. The game's story revolves around the player taking on various illegal activities to achieve wealth, including carjackings, murders, shootings, and run-overs.
The gameplay focuses on stealing vehicles, which are essential for completing missions. These vehicles have unique handling characteristics, ranging from trucks to buses and even boats. Players can obtain dozens of missions by interacting with phone boxes, similar to the original Grand Theft Auto . The mission structures are non-linear, affecting the outcome of later parts based on previous performance.
The game features Perspective Corrected 3D graphics, including realistic shadows and rotational effects, as well as a full 3D soundtrack with aggressive rap and mid-tempo rock. This immersive experience brings the city to life, allowing players to navigate its 100 square kilometers of landscape.