Grand Theft Auto III Review

By Julius Cruz

Grand Theft Auto, when it was released in 1997, was a game like no other. You could move around the map and do literally whatever you want. For that reason alone, it was a popular game for PC and PS1. Rockstar released a sequel in 1999, GTA 2. It was more or less the same thing, but they added in new game mechanics such as a gang respect system and more than a 4 star wanted level. Rockstar wanted to go to the next level by bringing this series in 3D. They started work on this game in 2000, and a year later, it was finally released as a PS2 exclusive. (though, it would eventually come to PC, Xbox, and mobile) This is known to be one of the greatest games of all-time. Why is that?

+: The game is now in full 3D. This includes the characters in-game and the vehicles. There is also a story to this game this time around. You play as Claude, a silent but violent criminal in Liberty City, as he is betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. Claude’s main goal is to find her, and get his revenge. There are more vehicles, weapons, missions and side missions than the first 2 games. You can drive vehicles such as a sports car, a van, a bus, a plane, and even a tank! You have weapons such as your fists, baseball bat, a pistol, an Uzi, an AK-47, a M16, a rocket launcher, a sniper, a flamethrower, Molotov cocktails, and grenades. People who are part of a gang (expect for Donald Love) will give you missions if you visit them. Side missions include finding hidden packages scattered all over the map, rampages which involve you killing a number of gang members for money, and driving people in a taxi to their destinations, also for money. As you complete missions and side missions, you will unlock something new, such as a new part of the map, the ability to have a 5-star and 6-star wanted level, and buy more weapons at AmmuNation.

-: As you progress though the game, some gangs will attack you if they see you. Worst case scenario is at Saint Marks, which is Mafia territory. Once you kill their leader, Salvatore, the Mafia will now carry shotguns. The shotgun knocks down anyone it connects, and it can blow up vehicles with only a few shots. To add on to this, you also cannot bail out of any vehicle, which can seal your fate if you’re not lucky. You cannot swim either. If you touch any part of water, you will instantly die. You have to be extra careful where you’re driving and walking as you can accidently step on water, and drown.