GameNow Review

Grand Theft Auto III review

9.5Critic average / 10
86.5%Steam positive reviews · 15K
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
Rockstar North, Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games, Capcom
Genres
action-adventure game
Systems
iOS, Android · PS2, PS3, PS4 · Windows, macOS · Xbox
Image credits

Resized and compressed; display crop may vary.

At a glance

Grand Theft Auto III is a must-play for fans of open-world games and those who appreciate innovative gameplay. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its dated controls and system requirements, its impact on the gaming industry and its immersive world make it a landmark title.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Engaging and varied gameplay
  • Immersive open-world design
  • Praised audio and sound design

What doesn’t

  • Mixed reactions to control system
  • Demanding system requirements for PC port

GameNow review

Grand Theft Auto III review: A Landmark in Open World Gaming

Grand Theft Auto III revolutionized the open-world genre with its expansive cityscape and innovative gameplay, earning critical acclaim for its sound design and mission variety.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Gameplay and Systems

Critics praised Grand Theft Auto III for its engaging gameplay and open-world design. The missions were noted for their creativity and variety, offering both challenging objectives and numerous side activities. However, reactions to the control system were mixed, with some finding the driving mechanics responsive but the combat clunky. The game's 3D graphics were a significant improvement over its 2D predecessors, though some reviewers felt they fell short of other contemporary titles like Gran Turismo 3 and Ico. The Windows port introduced enhanced visuals and control improvements but faced criticism for its demanding system requirements.

[1] [2]

World and Story

The game's immersive cityscape was a highlight, with critics describing it as stunning in scope and detail. The story was praised for its pacing and coherence, drawing comparisons to a mob film. However, the plot was not the primary focus, with the open-world exploration and mission variety taking precedence. The mobile port maintained the game's iconic world but faced criticism for its touchscreen controls.

[1] [2]

Presentation and Audio

Grand Theft Auto III's audio was a standout feature, with critics praising the soundtrack, voice acting, and sound design. The in-game features, such as the radio stations and sound effects, were described as meticulously delivered, enhancing the overall experience. The Windows port improved the audio quality but faced criticism for its demanding system requirements.

[1] [2]

What works

  • Engaging and varied gameplay
  • Immersive open-world design
  • Praised audio and sound design
  • Creative mission variety

What doesn’t

  • Mixed reactions to control system
  • Demanding system requirements for PC port

Verdict

Grand Theft Auto III is a must-play for fans of open-world games and those who appreciate innovative gameplay. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its dated controls and system requirements, its impact on the gaming industry and its immersive world make it a landmark title.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. Grand Theft Auto III — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. 그랜드 테프트 오토 III — Wikipedia (ko) ko.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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