In the game, you control the fearless hitman The Hammer and help him in his quest to cleanse the city of Los Santos of bad guys. The Hammer has 30 missions to complete and does this by destroying or killing the number of targets shown on the left side of the interface and on the minimap.
The action is shown from a third-person perspective and can be controlled by responsive aiming and running controls. The Hammer can shoot targets with his standard gun or pick up different weapons and even grenades. He can enter vehicles such as cars, and tanks, he can also enter turrets, which sometimes provide a lot more firepower.
The Hammer also possesses a special power called Hammer Time, in which time slows down, and he can pick up special gadgets that help him or improve his weapons.
The main goal is to collect as much money as possible and become the most powerful person in Los Santos.