Grand Theft Auto III

"Genius. Sheer Genius."

Grand Theft Auto III
Genius. Sheer Genius.

Introduction
Oh yes, Grand Theft Auto 3, the legendary crime simulator that started the whole “free roaming crime game” craze. This Mafioso masterpiece is still argued to be the greatest game of all time…even AFTER the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Grand Theft Auto 3 revolutionized the gaming world with massive upgrades to the already great Grand Theft Auto 2, starting with the new third person view.

If you have the opportunity, do NOT pass this game up. It is definitely worth trying, even with alternatives like The Getaway and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City available. It can still compete with recent games, which is quite a feat nowadays. Definitely give this one a chance if you have not already (which I seriously doubt that you haven’t at least played it once).

Visuals
The detail taken in the graphics is absolutely mind boggling. Each building has a different look, and for the most part everything looks real in this game. Each car looks different than the others, and they are depicted rather realistically. One sports car (the “Cheetah”) looks sleek and fast, while one of the vans (the “Pony”) looks sluggish and ugly. The weapons also look different while in the character’s hand. The man uses one hand to tote a pistol, and two hands to lug around the rocket launcher.

The graphics are fantastic in this game; truly one of the stronger points of the game.

Audio
It doesn’t get any worse when it comes to the Audio portion. Grand Theft Auto 3 comes with not only excellent voice acting, but also with radio stations that touch upon virtually every genre of music. Not only does it have good, addicting songs (“She’s on fire!”) but it also comes with absolutely ridiculous commercials that will make you laugh no matter what you’re doing at the time. The sheer wit used in the pedestrian’s comments when you come close to them as well as the commercials adds on even more to the greatness of this game. The audio portion of this game is damn near perfect.

Gameplay
This is what makes the game as classic and legendary as it is. This new, refreshing gameplay changed the gaming world forever, and I’ll make an attempt to delve into it.

First off, let me get the thing that displeases me most out of the way. The missions are too monotonous and repetitive, often demanding the same objectives for your to fulfill mission after mission after mission. These random missions seem to have no relation to the plot either (except for Toni’s missions, where you engage in a war with…well, I’ll let you figure that out). There are just too many missions, and not enough of them pertain to the plot which detracts from it’s movie-like feel.

Now, let’s get on with the good stuff. First, the random insanity that takes place on the streets adds that feeling that anything could happen at any given moment. If you punch someone, sometimes they will attack you back, or they might flee (although you can probably tell who will do what by their appearance, with some humorous exceptions). Also, if you shoot a rocket at a crowd of innocent civilians, some bystanders will attack you in the aftermath and some will flee (yelling and screaming of course). Or maybe your in a shoot out with the police, and a stray bullet of yours hits a gang member. All of a sudden, you’re surrounded by both Police and rabid gang members who want you dead. You’re never safe.

The driving in this game is fairly realistic. It’s a little too easy in my opinion, but it serves well. Each car has its own dynamics and varying attributes that make each test drive a different experience than the last. Each one has different capabilities for causing its own chaos on the streets of Liberty City. The same is true with weapons. If you travel down a street with an Uzi, you’ll almost certainly have different results if you do it again armed with a pistol. This makes the gameplay truly magnificent, and makes this game one of the best games ever created.

Story
In Grand Theft Auto 3, you play as a nameless thug who tries to work his way up to the top of Liberty City (which was modeled after New York City, I hear), the regular city that includes an industrial area, and urban area and the rich suburbs. You start off robbing a bank with another guy and a woman named Catalina. After the robbery of the bank, during the escape, Catalina shoots both you and the other guy in all of her greed. You get convicted, and you are sent to do time.

However, fate decides to intervene. Well, more like the Cartel. During the transfer of you to another prison in Liberty City, the Cartel stops the transportation vehicle on a bridge, and removes a prisoner from the captivity of the truck. After intercepting the transport, and removing the prisoner, the Cartel drives off leaving an explosive device lying on the bridge (to get rid of evidence). You and another man (dubbed “8-Ball”) take out a few shaken cops, and escape from the scene.

Another convenient event occurs too. The Cartel hacked into the Liberty City Police Department’s records so that they couldn’t find out who was on the transport. It’s now just you, 8-Ball, and some clothes that were loaned to you (black jacket and green pants – YEAH BABY!) trying to take the city by storm.

Your fate is up to you.

Replayabililty
There is really no end to this game. As preposterous as that sounds, it’s entirely accurate. There is so much to do in this game, that you’ll never be bored while playing it. Whether you’re wreaking havoc around town or running errands for the local mob bosses, you’re not likely to be in a dull spot in the game. The city is absolutely massive, each part different than the others, which leaves the possibilities endless. Just the way it should be.

Final Recommendation
Grand Theft Auto 3 is a game that will never be forgotten by anyone who has played it. The revolutionary gameplay leaves barely anything to be desired, and you will find yourself popping GTA3 in your PS2 to relive some past glory a few years down the road. It’s THAT damn good.

PROS:
Some great things about this game are:

+ Third person view instead of Grand Theft Auto 2’s Birds Eye View
+ Three unlockable islands
+ Massive city to explore
+ Exciting missions
+ Infinite replayability
+ Great music by (some) big name musicians
+ Good graphics, both in gameplay and cut scenes.

CONS:
Some things that need improvement are:

- When trying to aim at an opponent, it’s hard to distinguish the target
- Exiting boats is an irritation
- Police don’t arrest any other citizens; only pursue when fired at.
- Missions aren’t tied into the plot real well
- The plot is not that great
- The main character does not have a name, and he does not talk either. You control a faceless guy with no personality.

Graphics: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Gameplay: 10/10
Story: 7/10
Replayability: 10/10

This is the type of game that makes people want to buy a Play Station 2. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why Grand Theft Auto 3 is one of the best games ever made.

Final Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/19/03, Updated 03/19/03