Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a popular video game franchise that has evolved significantly since its inception in 1997. From its humble beginnings as a top-down, 2D game, to its latest incarnation as an open-world, 3D game, the series has undergone many changes and innovations. In this article, we will explore the evolution of GTA, from its early days to its current state as one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.

The Original GTA (1997)

The first Grand Theft Auto game was released in 1997 for MS-DOS and later ported to PlayStation. Developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North), the game was a top-down, 2D action-adventure game that took place in a fictional city called Liberty City. Players assumed the role of a criminal who committed various crimes, such as stealing cars and robbing banks, while avoiding the police. The game was well-received, with critics praising its innovative gameplay and open-world design.

GTA II (1999)

The second GTA game, released in 1999, was similar in design to its predecessor but with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. The game was set in a different city, Anywhere City, and featured new gameplay elements such as gang warfare and the ability to bribe police officers.

GTA 3 (2001)

GTA 3 was a game-changer for the series. It was the first game to feature a fully 3D open-world environment, which allowed players to explore a detailed cityscape and interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) in a more immersive way. The game was set in Liberty City, a fictionalized version of New York City, and the story followed the protagonist Claude as he worked his way up the criminal underworld. GTA 3 was a critical and commercial success and is still considered one of the best games of all time.

GTA Vice City (2002)

GTA Vice City was a spin-off from GTA 3, and was set in a fictionalized version of Miami in the 1980s. The game was heavily inspired by classic 80s movies such as Scarface and Miami Vice, and featured a vibrant color palette and iconic soundtrack. Players took on the role of Tommy Vercetti, a former mobster who is released from prison and tasked with building a criminal empire in Vice City. The game was another critical and commercial success, and is often regarded as one of the best games in the series.

GTA San Andreas (2004)

GTA San Andreas was the largest and most ambitious game in the series at the time of its release. It was set in a fictionalized version of California in the early 90s, and featured three distinct cities, each with their own unique style and culture. Players took on the role of Carl "CJ" Johnson, who returns to his hometown of Los Santos after his mother is murdered. The game featured a vast open-world, with a wide variety of activities such as driving, shooting, and even RPG-style elements such as customizing CJ's appearance and stats. GTA San Andreas was another critical and commercial success, and is still regarded by many as the pinnacle of the series.

GTA 4 (2008)

GTA 4 marked a departure from the series' previous games in several ways. It was set in Liberty City once again, but this time the city was much more detailed and realistic. The game also had a more serious tone than its predecessors, with a storyline that dealt with themes such as friendship, betrayal, and the American Dream. Players took on the role of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who comes to Liberty City to start a new life but becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld. The game received critical acclaim, but some fans criticized it for being too different from previous games in the series.

GTA 5 (2013)

GTA 5, released in 2013, was a massive open-world game set in a fictionalized version of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. The game featured three playable protagonists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with their own unique storyline that intertwined throughout the game. Players could switch between the characters at any time, which added a new level of gameplay and storytelling. The game also introduced several new features, such as a dynamic weather system and a first-person mode, which allowed players to experience the game from a new perspective. GTA 5 was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling games of all time.