I just found a pretty cool way to sneak ahead in GTA3. I took a screenshot of where you can run and jump from the broken Callahan bridge to reach Staunton Island early. Once you get there, you can also take the tunnel near the hospital to reach Shoreside Vale or the Airport! I figured since I had restarted a new game, I would see how many hidden packages, unique jumps, rampages, etc I could complete before starting any missions for the bosses. Since you have access to all the islands this way, you can pretty much complete everything without fear of being killed by rival gangs. Of course, those cartel guys are always pissed at you in this game, but luckily they are isolated to small parts of the latter islands. If you haven't been busted or wasted in Portland before trying this trick, you'll get yanked back there for the busted/wasted tutorials.
