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  5. Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III

Overall Rating: 4.15 • 1625 reviews

Step into the bustling streets of Liberty City with Grand Theft Auto III, where every corner holds a new adventure and the freedom to choose your own path beckons. Discover a groundbreaking open-world experience that set the stage for countless games to come. Whether you’re navigating the city’s vibrant nightlife or plotting the perfect getaway, immerse yourself in a game that perfectly balances thrilling chaos with the art of storytelling. Perfect for those who cherish an engaging escape into virtual worlds that promise fun at every turn.

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Details

Some of the particulars and information about Grand Theft Auto III.
Developer: DMA Design
Release Date: October 22, 2001
How Long to Beat: 15 hrs

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for Grand Theft Auto III.
93 Metacritic
9.6 IGN
B Our Score

Genres

Action
Adventure
Open World
Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Here's where you can find Grand Theft Auto III and play.

ESRB: Mature

Content Rating
Violence
Animated Violence
Realistic Violence
Blood
Strong Language
Realistic Blood
Overview
Why Play?
How Much Time?
Overview

In the world of open-world gaming, few titles are as iconic as Grand Theft Auto III, a game that redefined the genre and set new standards for interactive storytelling.

Why Play?

For those who appreciate a world teeming with possibilities, Grand Theft Auto III melds the thrill of discovery with the freedom to roam, creating an adventure rich in unexpected twists and personal choices.

How Much Time?

The game's main storyline offers a substantial narrative experience that can take approximately 15 to 20 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Welcome to the Urban Jungle

Grand Theft Auto III immerses players in the seedy, yet vibrant, streets of Liberty City, a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. This iconic action-adventure game elevates the open-world genre by offering a rich and dynamic environment where every decision, from the cars you steal to the alliances you make, matters. With numerous missions and side activities, the game balances storytelling and freeform exploration. Players can tackle the main missions or indulge in unexpected escapades, lending the feel of a real-world sandbox. If you’re familiar with other titles like Vice City, you’ll appreciate how this game laid the groundwork for its successors.

Diverse Gameplay Awaits

The gameplay of Grand Theft Auto III offers far more than just driving cars and wreaking havoc. As you progress, you’ll find yourself engaging in heists, acting as a getaway driver, or simply exploring Liberty City’s vast districts bustling with life. Each mission is crafted to keep you on your toes, making use of the game’s sophisticated AI and physics engine. Players can enjoy the freedom of crafting their narrative or following the well-paced storylines that drive the action forward. The combination of thrilling missions and open exploration makes for a dynamic experience, something you’ll find familiar if you’ve delved into games like San Andreas.

An Unforgettable Soundtrack

One of the defining features of Grand Theft Auto III is its exceptional soundtrack, which elevates every moment spent in Liberty City. As you switch between hijacked vehicles, the radio stations serve eclectic mixes to suit any mood, from rocking out to classic tunes on Flashback FM to discovering new sounds on K-Jah. These tracks immerse players in the diverse culture of the city and add depth to the gaming experience. The meticulous attention to detail in the audio offers a multi-sensory journey, transforming routine in-game tasks into memorable events, which sets a precedent for later entries like Grand Theft Auto IV.

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Innovative Freedom and Player Choice

One compelling reason to play Grand Theft Auto III is its ground-breaking approach to player freedom and choice. At the time of its release, the scale and liberty it offered players were unparalleled, allowing you to interact with the game world in ways that were previously unimaginable. You decide how to navigate its urban labyrinth, whether diving headlong into the main storyline or engaging in casual side quests and mischief. Your choices shape your gameplay experience and influence the story progression, creating a personalized journey through Liberty City. This freedom makes the game an excellent choice for gamers looking to explore an open world at their own pace.

Memorable Characters and Narrative

Another reason players are drawn to Grand Theft Auto III is its memorable cast of characters and intriguing narrative. Each character you encounter adds depth and color to the story, offering unique missions and challenges that enrich your experience. The game is celebrated for its blend of dark humor and intense drama, creating an immersive narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish. These elements come together to produce an unforgettable adventure, one that not only entertains but also leaves you pondering your moral choices. The impact of the storytelling has resonated with gamers worldwide, making it a timeless piece in the series.

Innovating the Sandbox Genre

Grand Theft Auto III redefined the sandbox gaming landscape, making it a must-play for any fan of open-world adventures. Its large, interactive cityscape set the standard for future titles and subgenres, demonstrating how digital worlds could be detailed and responsive. The ability to interact with nearly every aspect of the environment was revolutionary, offering players endless opportunities for experimentation. Whether it’s testing the limits of in-game mechanics or simply enjoying the vibrant city, the sense of innovation remains a landmark achievement in gaming history. For gamers seeking a title that has reshaped the way we experience immersive environments, this game stands as a significant milestone in interactive entertainment.

Determining Playtime Based on Objectives

The time required to complete Grand Theft Auto III largely depends on how you choose to engage with the game. If your aim is just to finish the main storyline, you’re likely looking at approximately 15 to 20 hours of gameplay. This estimate covers all the primary missions without delving into additional activities, allowing players to experience the core narrative and a taste of Liberty City’s vibrant, yet treacherous atmosphere. The game’s structure offers a directed path for those eager to progress through the essential content effectively.

Exploring Side Missions and Activities

For those who prefer to soak in every aspect of Grand Theft Auto III, including side missions, optional tasks, and open-world exploration, your playtime will extend significantly. Engaging in these facets of the game can increase your total time spent in Liberty City to about 40 hours or more. This expanded playthrough lets players indulge in the rich, diverse landscape, interact with colorful characters beyond the main storyline, and discover hidden secrets scattered throughout the city. The additional content provides multiple layers of enjoyment and enhances the overall experience.

Completionist Enthusiasts and Total Playtime

If you’re a completionist aiming to extract every ounce of content from Grand Theft Auto III, be prepared to invest a substantial amount of time. Completing every mission, collecting all hidden packages, and fully experiencing the game’s myriad of challenges will likely take over 50 hours. This commitment showcases the depth of the game’s design and rewards dedicated players with a comprehensive view of what Liberty City offers. Embarking on this all-encompassing journey ensures an immersive adventure filled with unexpected twists and an appreciation for the intricate details embedded within the game.

Trailer

A Quick Look at Grand Theft Auto III

Curious what Grand Theft Auto III is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

Grand Theft Auto III Trailer
Videos

Related videos for Grand Theft Auto III

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Screenshots

Screenshots of Grand Theft Auto III

Want to see what Grand Theft Auto III actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of Grand Theft Auto III is like.

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Grand Theft Auto III
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Extras

Downloadable Content for Grand Theft Auto III

DLC just means more of a good thing. Here are some for Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition
Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition

Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition

Return to Liberty City in Style

Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition invites players back to the gritty streets of Liberty City in an all-new polished package. This definitive edition offers improved graphics, including enhanced textures and lighting that breathe new life into the familiar urban landscape. While preserving the original storyline that fans have cherished for years, this version seamlessly brings modern gaming conveniences to the classic experience. These updates ensure that both newcomers and longtime fans can enjoy the epic tale of crime and betrayal in a way that feels fresh yet nostalgic.

Refreshing Upgrades and User-Friendly Features

The definitive edition brings a slew of upgrades designed to enhance gameplay for today’s players. The overhauled controls mimic those of contemporary games, providing a more intuitive interface for navigating Liberty City’s sprawling playground. Players will appreciate the updated aiming mechanics which make combat more fluid and engaging. Furthermore, the improved mini-map provides better guidance, allowing you to set waypoints to your next big adventure easily. These thoughtful enhancements mean you’ll spend less time grappling with mechanics and more time diving into action-packed escapades.

A Gateway to Immersive Adventures

For those with limited gaming time, Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition offers a perfect balance of quick thrills and deep immersion. The open-world design allows for short bursts of play, making it suitable for players who want to jump in for a quick mission or explore the vibrant city at their leisure. The game’s compelling narrative and rich character development keep the stakes high, drawing players into an engrossing saga whenever they decide to log in. Whether planning daring heists or simply enjoying a midnight cruise through neon-lit streets, this definitive edition rekindles the excitement and unpredictability of Liberty City.

Articles

Read More About Grand Theft Auto III.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Grand Theft Auto III?

How do the combat mechanics work in Grand Theft Auto III?

Combat in Grand Theft Auto III involves both melee and ranged attacks. Players can engage enemies using a variety of weapons such as baseball bats, pistols, and machine guns. The game offers auto-aim functionality to assist with targeting enemies, which can be particularly useful during intense firefights.

What are the system requirements for Grand Theft Auto III on PC?

To run Grand Theft Auto III on PC, players need a system with at least a 700 MHz Intel Pentium III processor, 128 MB RAM, and an 8X CD/DVD drive. The game is compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, and requires 500 MB of free disk space, as well as a 32 MB Direct3D video card.

How long is the storyline in Grand Theft Auto III, and does it offer replay value?

The main storyline of Grand Theft Auto III can take around 15 to 20 hours to complete, depending on the player’s pace and engagement with side missions. The game offers substantial replay value due to its open-world design, allowing players to explore Liberty City, complete various side activities, and experience different approaches to missions.

Does Grand Theft Auto III have any multiplayer features or online play?

Grand Theft Auto III does not include any built-in multiplayer or online features. The game is designed as a single-player experience, focusing on the player’s journey through the criminal underworld of Liberty City. However, the game’s immersive world and diverse missions provide a rich solo gaming experience.

On which platforms is Grand Theft Auto III available, and are there any differences between them?

Grand Theft Auto III is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS. While the core gameplay remains consistent across all platforms, the PC version is often noted for its higher-resolution graphics and modding community. The mobile versions provide touch controls and are optimized for portable devices, offering a slightly different experience.

Franchise

Explore More From Grand Theft Auto

There's more to Grand Theft Auto than Grand Theft Auto III. Check out some of the other games in the franchise.

Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto II
Grand Theft Auto
Learn More About the Franchise
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