| Grand Theft Auto III |
| A brief Introduction The most best-selling and controversial game is now finally released for the PC. Now in its third installment, the gameplay still remains as original as ever. I must admit that I did not complete the first and second game in the trilogy. Probably because I was not used to the top-down view of the first two games. But now in part 3, the view has been changed to third-person which to me, is the most appropriate way to play this game. What is the game about ? Well, you play a nameless and dumb (your character doesn't talk at all ! ) criminal who has just escaped. From then onwards, you find work with various gangs in order to earn cash. Best Features Part of the reason why gamers love this game is not because of the story but of the amount of freedom that this game has. Don't want to fulfill the mission objectives ? No problem, do what ever you want - Steal cars, beat up anyone you like, etc... The makers of this game have also realized this and have inserted some mini-games. There is the crazy-taxi type of game ( by stealing a taxi, ambulance or police car ), and bonus rounds. Also, scattered about in the living, breathing city are ramps for you to execute some amazing stunts that will earn you cash. And did I mention that you can steal any car you want ? Not just parked cars, but any car on the street. There are so many cars to choose from : sports cars, four wheel drives, limousines, trucks.... (unfortunately, there are no bikes, this was added in GTA : Vice City) Another nice feature is the damage and physics of the vehicles. Drive too wrecklessly and the car will burst into flames ! Oh yeah, if you are feeling bored of driving around, why not turn on the radio in the car you are driving in ? Tune in to the chatterbox - Hilarious ! The graphics are now more detailed than the Playstation2 version. But I encountered a bit of slowdown on my Pentium4 1.6Ghz with a 64MB Geforce2 MX200 graphics card. Complaints Although this is a 4 star game, it still has some shortcomings. Some arcade sequences are unrealistic and can be difficult at times because of the time-limit. There is also not much of a story that will encourage you to finish the game. Overall, if you have not played this game on the playstation2 and have a powerful PC, you should own and play this game. Pros : Original and fun(ny) gameplay, freedom to do whatever you want. Cons : Lack of story, some frustrating arcade sequences. |
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| Year : 2002 Genre : Action Rating : **** Links GTA3 Gameguide (from gamespot) |
| Can an excellent game be even better ? Yes, indeed. Even though the gameplay still remains the same and with some minor improvements here and there, this game is still a must-play. Similar to Grand Theft Auto III but set in the 1980's, Vice City is sort of like a prequel to GTAIII. But unlike the latter, this game has a better storyline and your character finally can speak. In this game, you play as Tommy Vercetti (voiced by actor Ray Liotta) who, after just being released from prison, wants his share of the loot. But in order to do that, he must take control of vice city. Although the missions are mostly identical to GTAIII (illegal racing, beating up people, destroying property) somehow it is still fun to play and not repetitive at all. But some missions can be quite tough (especially the controlling of the RC-helicopter and plane) and there are still some time-based challenges here. Another improvement is the option to buy various properties in vice city. If you have the cash, you can buy either an apartment (so that you can save your progress there instead of going back to the same place) or business buildings such as a car showroom or nightclub so that you can collect protection money. There are also additional vehicles that you can drive such as the motorbikes and a helicopter(which, in some missions, are very useful) The music in this game is also very familiar if you have lived in the 80's as all of them are the original songs / singer. But if you want your own tunes, you can load up your own mp3's. Its amazing how a game can be this original and fun (not to mention controversial). It will surely become a classic in the years to come. |
| Grand Theft Auto : Vice City |