Crime Life: Gang Wars is a mission-based street combat game set in a fictional city called Grand Central. The story follows Tre, a new member of the Outlawz gang as he rises to power amidst rival gangs and corrupt cops.
The player must control Tre through twenty-five story-based missions, with additional mini-missions that allow for exploration and unique challenges like fighting whilst drunk or taking control of rival turf. The gameplay is influenced by classic beat-em-ups, focusing on hand-to-hand combat.