System requirements:
PS2
PS2 8 MB Memory Card
Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller
ERSB Rating: Mature
BBFC Rating: 18 +
Game Description:
In my own personal opinion, I think
that this is one of the best games
out for the PS2 at this time, (and I can
safely say that you agree with me, as this
game has sold over 6 Million units! This
game has a range in missions, starting easy,
but progressively getting harder, making you
use your brain more (which, for some, can
be a challenge without cheating!). I think that
the graphics are exceptional, for the game's
predecessors, although, there could be some vast
improvements.
The graphical improvements, from the original 2D version,
make this game a lot easier to play, after all, you do get
a better view of all the killing, and blood-baths, yet
for all of you who prefer the original 2D view, this option
is still available.
When this game was first released, R* did get a lot of angry
mothers complaining, due to the over-the-top violence, yet
this didn't stop the games developers. (Remember, any
publicity is good publicity)
The game begins with an opening cinema showing you and
your girlfriend in the middle of a bank robbery. But it's a set-up.
Your girlfriend pops a shot into you and runs off with the money
as you're lying on the ground with a gun in your hand. The cops
come soon after and throw you in the back of their van ready to
haul you off to jail. As the van is en route something happens but
I'll let you find out what that something is for yourself.
After the âsomething' happens you find yourself at Luigi's, the
first person that will give you some things to do in your new
life. The opening mission involves picking up a girl and taking
her back to Luigi's. The real beauty of this game is that this
can be done in so many ways. You could steal a taxi and go
straight to picking her up or you could carjack a Banshee and
cruise around a bit before meeting up with her. After you
complete your objectives whatever they may be you are
given another mission.
Although Rockstar has made the missions more of a priority,
you are allowed to do whatever you please in between
missions so the game never gets stale. It's amazing how huge
the game world is. Liberty City actually feels like a living breathing
place. Hundreds of people crowd the sidewalks and dozens of cars
stop at red lights and turn at intersections. The best part is that
you can interact with all of it. Want to blow up a car at the corner
of 5th street and 2nd? Go ahead. Want to attack some old ladies
walking in front of a payphone in Chinatown? Fine.
Keep in mind that this means this game is not for children.
You can run over innocent pedestrians walking down the street,
ram a semi-truck into the back of a station wagon until it blows up,
or walk down the street pumping out shotgun shells and never
really get penalized. Yes, you will be attacked by the police
if something like this happens, but this, more often than not,
just results in more bloodshed. If the words ''Grand Theft Auto''
create a picture in your mind of someone doing something that
benefits society than you need your head checked.
The visuals in this game are absolutely superb. Everything has
somewhat of a cartoon feel to it and it works. The game is
streaming off the disc so most load times are usually less than
five seconds. And even if Liberty City is so huge, the frame rate only very rarely suffers.
Likewise, the sound is great as well. Rather than having a
set soundtrack, GTA3 features digital radio stations. Each
station covers a different variety of music and is complete
with a DJ and commercials. I love this because it enables
you to listen to what you want when you want. Have I
mentioned the great voice acting yet? The voiceovers
are done by some of Hollywood's best including Joe
Pantoliano, Robert Loggia, and Michael Madsen. This
makes the game all that much better and definitely
gives it a more polished feel.
Beyond all the cool missions and the gigantic landscape,
GTA3 gives us tons to do. There are hidden packages
to be found all over the city. Secret missions can be
opened up by jacking certain vehicles. The game also
keeps track of all your kills and other statistics, such
as your best ''stunt'' in an automobile. The driving
system is in itself fantastic, as all the different cars
have a different feel to them, and they break apart
in ways no other driving game has done.
Although extremely violent and bloody, GTA3 is one
of those games that you actually feel like you're a
part of. Every component of the game fits together like
a puzzle and combines to engulf you in an amazing experience
. No other game can match Grand Theft Auto 3's ambition.
Rockstar set out to make a worthy successor to the series,
and they not only succeeded but created one of the best games
I have ever had the pleasure of playing.
Ratings: (Scale Of 1-9)
Graphics: 9
Sound effects and music: 10
Originality: 10
Challenge: 9
Overall: 9.5
Ben Simms - Part of jasonsgamingmag.tk
If you have any questions - please email me - bensimms2002@hotmail.com
There will soon be an FAQ / Walkthrough - If you want to ask any questions, or give any hints or tips, use the above
email address to contribute.
