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The year 2001 marked a turning point for the Grand Theft Auto franchise with the release of Grand Theft Auto III on the PlayStation 2. This groundbreaking title transitioned the series into 3D, offering players a new perspective with an over-the-shoulder camera, enhanced driving mechanics, and thrilling gunfights. GTA III‘s success laid the foundation for the open-world crime genre as we know it today. Two decades later, Grand Theft Auto III has been remastered for a new generation as part of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Developed by Grove Street Games, this remaster aims to revitalize the classic experience. This review will assess the game’s merits and drawbacks, focusing solely on the gameplay experience and refraining from commentary on business decisions or controversies surrounding Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive.

A Criminal’s Journey

Grand Theft Auto IIISet in 2001, the story follows Claude, who is betrayed by his girlfriend Catalina during a bank heist. Left for dead and subsequently arrested, Claude seizes an unexpected opportunity to escape and embarks on a journey through Liberty City’s criminal underworld, seeking revenge against Catalina.

Liberty City Revitalized

Grand Theft Auto IIIThe most significant improvement is the visual overhaul. Built on Unreal Engine 4, Grand Theft Auto III Remastered breathes new life into Liberty City. Buildings, streets, foliage, and even the vehicles have received a significant graphical upgrade, presenting a more realistic and detailed environment. The draw distance has been dramatically improved, eliminating the fog and pop-in that plagued the original release. The lighting system is also noteworthy, with realistic reflections, shadows, and even car interiors illuminating the surrounding streets. The increased pedestrian and vehicle density further enhances the city’s vibrancy, creating a more immersive and believable world.

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Quality-of-Life Enhancements

Grand Theft Auto III introduces several improvements for a smoother gameplay experience. A fully accessible map from the menu, complete with GPS navigation, makes traversing Liberty City much easier. Essential locations like paint shops and gun stores are now clearly marked. The weapon and radio station selection wheels from Grand Theft Auto V are also implemented, streamlining these actions. Autosaving after missions and the option to instantly restart failed missions eliminate frustrating trips back from hospitals or police stations. A modernized shooting mechanic with dedicated aim and fire buttons improves combat, and the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second (on tested PC hardware).

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Room for Improvement

Grand Theft Auto IIIDespite the enhancements, Grand Theft Auto III Remastered retains some shortcomings from the original. Health does not regenerate after saving, requiring players to seek out health pickups or visit hospitals, which aren’t marked on the map. The weapon variety remains limited, with only one option per weapon class. Character models are inconsistent; while Claude’s model showcases improved details, some supporting characters appear less polished. Claude’s inability to swim persists, hindering exploration and potentially causing mission failures. Some vehicles still render at close range, which can be problematic at high speeds.

Grand Theft Auto III

Finally, the increased traffic density, while enhancing the city’s vibrancy, also creates congestion on Liberty City’s narrow roads, making driving more challenging and potentially frustrating, particularly during missions involving chases or races.

Grand Theft Auto III

Conclusion

Grand Theft Auto III Remastered successfully revitalizes a classic, offering a visually stunning and more accessible experience. However, it doesn’t entirely escape the limitations of its predecessor. While the improvements enhance gameplay, lingering issues and design choices from the original may impact the experience. Ultimately, the remaster provides a nostalgic return to Liberty City, allowing both returning fans and newcomers to experience a landmark title in the GTA franchise.