Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Editionhas arrived, and it remasters three classic games for modern generation gaming systems.Grand Theft Auto: Vice Cityoften gets praise for its stylistic encapsulation of 80s Miami and its eye-catching aesthetics.Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasalso gets plenty of applause for its intricate gameplay mechanics, enthralling story, and unforgettable missions. However,Grand Theft Auto 3is also a vitally important title in the history of video games, even if it often gets overshadowed by its successors.
With the recent remaster of theGTAtrilogy,GTA 3has received an opportunityto bask in the limelight again. Hopefully, this will give the game an opportunity to find as much public adoration as its successors. In addition to launching theGTAfranchise into mainstream popularity, the original game also features some well-made aspects that have resulted in the game ageing far better than the titles that came after it.
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GTA 3 - Claude the Silent Protagonist
One of the mostnoteworthy features ofGrand Theft Autogamesis the wide array of interesting characters that are on display. Every title in the series has presented eccentric figures such as Trevor Philips or villains like Officer Frank Tenpenny who gamers love to hate. Within this crazy cast,GTA 3’s protagonist stands out because he is entirely silent. ThroughoutGTA 3’s entire playtime, Claude does not say a single word as he embarks on his mission for revenge. This is referenced inSan Andreaswhere Carl Johnson refers to Claude as a snake without a tongue.
While it may make Claude seem strange at first, having him mute is a great choice. While protagonists such as CJ and Tommy Vercetti continue to show their age through the dated language that they use, Claude remains timeless simply by shutting his mouth. Consequently, players from any year can jump intoGTA 3and identify with Claudewithout feeling like they are dealing with an unrelatable character from a different time period. Silent Claude remains an everyman, albeit one who is a tad more prone to crime than most.
GTA 3 Has Less Bloat
With each new entry intheGTAseries, a slew of new features is added. Most of these features are beneficial ones that expand how much freedom players have. This includes the ability to change clothing, get tattoos, and hit the barbershop for a stylish haircut. However, there has also been a number of features added that seem to take away from the gaming experience.
A lot of thesefeatures are found inGTA: San Andreas. This is to be expected becauseSan Andreasis by far the most daring and ambitious title in the trilogy.San Andreashas light RPG elements that were amazing at the time of the game’s release. If CJ eats too much, he gets overweight which slows down his running speed, while working out allows him to gain muscle. Spending time cycling will improve CJ’s cycling skills, and improvements in driving skills will be gained by putting in some driving hours. While these may seem like wonderful features at first, in practice they do little to actually increase the fun factor of gameplay. Making CJ fat and maintaining his weight takes a ton of effort, and so does maintaining a muscled body. Ultimately, it is easier to just forget about these mechanics that add an unnecessary layer of complexity.
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Fortunately,GTA 3features none of this bloat, and that works to the game’s advantage. Claude needs no feeding, he does not need to hit the gym, and he is not outjuggling girlfriends like CJ inSan Andreas. Claude just needs his health high enough to deal with the next mission, and he needs to occasionally stop at his safe house to save his progress. The streamlined gameplay, in the end, allowsGTA 3to age more gracefully than its successors.
GTA 3 Tells a Timeless Tale
Inasmuch asSan Andreashas one of the most compellingand daring stories available in gaming, it is also a very temporally situated story that draws from historical events and certain moments in America’s history. The riots that take place in the game are an allusion to the 1992 LA riots, while the tension between the Grove Street Families and other gangs mimics the effects of the crack epidemic during the 1980s and 1990s. While it is certainly laudable for a video game to tackle social issues and historical events, it does have the effect of dating the game. As time progresses and older generations make way for newer ones, the impact of the events being alluded to is lessened and new social issues make it to the forefront.
The sameproblem arises withVice City. While it beautifully captures a moment in time through its visuals and its stellar soundtrack, many of those finer details and movie references may be lost on a newer generation who have not been exposed to those cultural influences. Hence, although the game does a good job of offering a snapshot of Miami, it may not be the Miami modern gamers are familiar with.
In comparison,GTA 3seems to be less boggeddown by dated references and attempts to capture specific moments in time. Although there are obvious references to gangster movies such asThe Godfather, the parody of New York which is presented is one that is still as resonant today as it was decades ago whenGTA 3was originally released. New York is still the same bustling city that requires street smarts to navigate, the urban landscape is ruled by the law of survival of the fittest, and there is still a seedy underworld lying just beneath the hyper-capitalistic surface.
The wonderful thing is that the remasteredGTAtrilogy features all three games. Hence, players get to jump into their favorite title whether it isGTA 3,GTA: Vice City, orGTA: San Andreas. However, for those inclined to overlookGTA 3because it is the oldest title in the trilogy, perhaps it is worth giving this gem a second chance.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionis available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Android and iOS ports are scheduled to release in early 2022.
