Gangstar: West Coast Hustle is likened to another Gameloft game, Gangstar: Crime City. It plays like a GTA clone with gameplay similar to that of the Grand Theft Auto series. Players take the role of a gangster called Pedro (P, P-Thug) accompanied by his friend Juanito. The pair recently escaped from a Mexican prison and have come to Los Angeles. They are then tasked with many different missions to complete as players work through the story. The game is free roaming in a 3D world while players control Pedro by a virtual joystick on the touchscreen. Players earn money by completing missions or murdering citizens. Players can steal and drive a variety of cars by either using the accelerometer or by sliding a steering wheel on the touch screen. Criminal acts will result in a wanted level in the form of 1-5 badges on the screen, this causes pursuit from the police and, if caught, arrest and a fine