Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: DMA Design | Release Date: 2001
Published by Rockstar Games, the game's set within the fictional Liberty City and follows Claude after he is left for dead and quickly becomes entangled in a world of gangs, crime and corruption.
Campaign
The story of Grand Theft Auto III follows Claude, a criminal betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend and accomplice, Catalina, after a bank heist. After escaping prison, Claude gets swept into the underworld of Liberty City, working with various crime syndicates while seeking revenge. The campaign is non-linear, allowing players to explore the city freely while tackling story missions at their own pace. Liberty City is divided into three distinct boroughs—Portland, Staunton Island, and Shoreside Vale—each with its own criminal factions and unique atmosphere.
While Claude is a fan-favorite protagonist, the decision to make him a silent character feels like a missed opportunity. It limits his personality and makes him feel empty compared to later protagonists like Tommy Vercetti (Vice City) or Carl Johnson (San Andreas). However, the game makes up for this with an excellent supporting cast, including mob bosses, corrupt officials, and eccentric criminals who bring life to the world. Catalina stands out as a ruthless and unpredictable antagonist, making for a compelling revenge narrative. Despite its strong storytelling and twists, the lack of a voiced protagonist holds the campaign back from being truly immersive.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Gameplay
Grand Theft Auto III revolutionized open-world gaming with its mix of action, exploration, and crime-driven gameplay. Missions range from simple deliveries to high-speed chases, assassinations, and intense shootouts. The difficulty ramps up as the story progresses, with some missions—especially timed ones—being frustratingly tough. Despite this, the freedom to tackle objectives in multiple ways adds replay value.
Players earn cash from missions, which can be used to buy weapons, vehicles, and safe houses. The city is packed with weapons that can be purchased or found in hidden locations. Favorites like the sniper rifle, Molotov cocktails, and flamethrower add variety to combat. The game also introduces a wanted system, where committing crimes escalates law enforcement response from local police to the FBI and military, leading to exhilarating pursuits.
Vehicle handling is diverse, with each car having its own speed, durability, and maneuverability. Players can repaint cars at spray garages to evade cops or repair damage. The small radar map aids navigation, making missions smoother.
Side activities significantly enhance the experience. Players can engage in vigilante missions by stealing a police car, act as a taxi driver, rescue people in ambulances, or put out fires in a fire truck. Hidden packages, stunt jumps, and secret objectives keep players engaged long after completing the main story. The sheer amount of content ensures Grand Theft Auto III remains a highly replayable experience.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production
As the first Grand Theft Auto game to transition into 3D, GTA III was groundbreaking for its time. Liberty City feels alive with its distinct districts, day-night cycle, and weather effects like rain and fog, adding depth to immersion. Pedestrians come in different shapes, sizes, and outfits, making the city seem populated and diverse. While the game's scale is impressive, character models and textures appear blocky and dated, especially by modern standards. Buildings and environments sometimes lack detail, and cutscenes suffer from awkward animations. However, these flaws don’t diminish the game's overall atmosphere.
The game’s sound design is exceptional. The radio stations, featuring licensed music, talk shows, and hilarious commercials, create an engaging background while driving. Each vehicle, weapon, and environmental sound is distinct, adding authenticity to the world. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing supporting characters to life. However, the decision to make Claude a silent protagonist remains a letdown, limiting player connection to the main character.
Despite some visual shortcomings, Grand Theft Auto III delivers an immersive and well-produced experience that set new standards for the gaming industry.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Grand Theft Auto III is a landmark title that redefined open-world gaming. While the graphics have aged poorly, the gameplay, story, and sheer amount of content make it a must-play. The freedom to explore, engage in crime, and experience an action-packed narrative ensures its place in gaming history. Grand Theft Auto III gets a solid 4 out of 5.
Comments
Post a Comment