As a passionate gamer and a dedicated fan, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the evolution from the gritty streets of the original game to the sprawling metropolises of the latest entries.
Each title offers a unique narrative and gameplay that reflects technological advancements and cultural shifts. This journey will take you from the series’ humble beginnings in the late 90s to the eagerly awaited upcoming release, showcasing the growth and transformation of this beloved franchise.
The Chronological Order
| Game Title | Release Year | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | PC, PlayStation, Game Boy Color |
| Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 | 1999 | PC, PlayStation |
| Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 | 1999 | PC |
| Grand Theft Auto 2 | 1999 | PC, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color |
| Grand Theft Auto III | 2001 | PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, iOS, Android, macOS |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 2002 | PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, iOS, Android, macOS |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 2004 | PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, iOS, Android, macOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Grand Theft Auto Advance | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories | 2005 | PSP, PlayStation 2, iOS, Android |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories | 2006 | PSP, PlayStation 2 |
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned | 2009 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony | 2009 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars | 2009 | Nintendo DS, PSP, iOS, Android |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition | 2021 | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
My Personal Favorite
Among all the titles in the series, one holds a special place in my heart: Vice City. This gem, steeped in the neon glow and vibrant culture of the 1980s, has been a personal favorite since its release. Its rich narrative, inspired by the era’s most iconic films and television shows, spins an enthralling tale of ambition, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power.
Playing as Tommy Vercetti, navigating the criminal underbelly of a Miami-like virtual world. I was captivated by the storyline’s depth, dark humor, and satirical portrayal of the American Dream.
“Vice City is more than a game. It’s a trip to the 80s, full of bright lights, fast cars, and exciting stories.”
Even today, I occasionally revisit Vice City, drawn back by its timeless appeal. The game has left such an imprint that I’ve attended themed parties where it was the centerpiece. These gatherings were more than mere gaming events. They evolved into vibrant celebrations of an era, echoing the music and aesthetics of Vice City.
I played all versions of this game, and the fact that Vice City is my favorite doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed in other sequels. In the following sections, and I will share more about these games and my experience when I was playing them.
The Beginning Of the Amazing Story
Back in 1997, when the first game of the series was released, I was immediately hooked. This title was a game-changer, introducing an open-world concept that was new and exciting.
Playing through the fictional cities with a top-down view was a unique experience. I remember the sense of freedom it offered, allowing me to choose between following the storyline or just exploring the city. It was more than just a game; it was an adventure. The missions, the exploration, the action – all of it left a lasting impression.
London 1969 and 1961
In 1999, “Grand Theft Auto: London 1969” took me on a thrilling ride into the heart of 1960s London. This expansion pack, a unique twist in the series, captivated me with its authentic British setting and cultural references.
The iconic red buses and classic cars added an immersive touch, making it feel like a genuine trip back in time. The missions, infused with the era’s charm and a touch of British humor, were a delight. It was a fresh experience, differing from the American-centric narratives of other games in the series.
Following the engaging experience of London 1969,” the next one is “London 1961,”. Another expansion that further enriched the series’ exploration of the British capital.
This additional content, set just a few years earlier, provided more missions and a slightly different perspective on the swinging 60s of London. The attention to detail in recreating the city’s atmosphere was impressive. It felt like an extension of the 1969 experience, yet with its own unique flavor.
Grand Theft Auto 2
In 1999, “Grand Theft Auto 2” presented a leap forward in my gaming experience. This sequel expanded on the original’s open-world concept, offering a more polished and immersive experience. I was drawn to its futuristic, yet dystopian city setting, which was a stark contrast to the previous games.
The introduction of rival gangs and the innovative respect system added layers to the gameplay, making every choice impactful. I spent countless hours exploring the city, engaging in missions, and experiencing the game’s dark humor.
Grand Theft Auto III
This title revolutionized the series with its leap into a 3D world, offering a level of immersion I had never experienced before. The transition from top-down view to a fully realized 3D city was breathtaking.
Liberty City was a sprawling, living world with endless possibilities. For the first time, I could explore a realistic urban landscape, interact with diverse characters, and experience a rich, engaging storyline. The freedom to approach missions in various ways and the game’s attention to detail made it a groundbreaking experience.
It wasn’t just a game, it was a window into the future of gaming. It set new standards for open-world games, redefining what they could be and how they could be experienced.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Choosing a favorite between San Andreas and Vice City was a tough call for me. San Andreas, with its vast, diverse world, was a game-changer. It introduced an expansive map that spanned three major cities and the countryside in between, each with its unique vibe and challenges.
“San Andreas was more than a big map. It changed gaming with new ways to customize your character, drive different cars, and do fun missions.”
The level of detail in this game was astounding. I spent countless hours not just following the main storyline, but also exploring every nook and cranny of the game’s world. From engaging in side missions to customizing cars and participating in various activities, there was always something new to discover.
Grand Theft Auto Advance
When “Grand Theft Auto Advance” was released, I was curious to see how the series would adapt to the Game Boy Advance. While I was never a big fan of the handheld device, I gave it a try. Playing it, I appreciated how it brought the essence of the series into a portable format.
It was a great option for those who loved their Game Boys, offering a slice of the GTA experience on the go. This game was also a significant step for gaming developers. It showed the potential of adapting major titles to different platforms, paving the way for the future of cross-platform gaming.
Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories
The game brought back the classic GTA feel with its compelling storyline and engaging missions. Playing it on the PS2 was an immersive experience, with the console’s capabilities enhancing the game’s dynamic environment.
The next expansion, “Vice City Stories” felt like revisiting an old friend with new stories to tell, each mission adding to the rich tapestry of the Vice City universe. It was a wonderful blend of nostalgia and new experiences, cementing Vice City’s place as one of my favorite gaming destinations.
GTA IV
Playing as Niko Bellic, a character with a complex backstory, I was drawn into the game’s world like never before. The storyline, infused with themes of the American Dream and moral choices, resonated deeply. The city itself felt alive, with its bustling streets and detailed environments.
“GTA IV was the first game in the series to feature a fully realized internet within the game world, complete with websites that players could actually visit through the in-game computers.”
The introduction of new gameplay elements, like the cover system in combat and an improved driving mechanic, made the experience more immersive. This game also marked a leap in graphics, delivering a level of realism that was astounding at the time.
The Lost and Damned Expansion
It brought a fresh perspective to the already rich world of GTA IV. Playing as Johnny Klebitz, a member of the biker gang The Lost, offered a distinct contrast to Niko’s story.
The biker culture was brought to life with incredible detail, from the gritty clubhouses to the roar of the motorcycles. The expansion introduced new gameplay elements, like gang wars and bike handling, which added a new layer of excitement.
The Ballad of Gay Tony
As Luis Lopez, I navigated the high-stakes world of nightclubs and celebrity, a stark difference from the gritty biker life in “The Lost and Damned.” This game introduced exhilarating new activities, like managing nightclubs, which were both thrilling and a fresh change of pace. The storyline, filled with humor and drama, offered a unique take on the city’s elite.
“The Ballad of Gay Tony introduced base jumping as an activity in the series, allowing players to leap from tall buildings and landmarks across Liberty City, adding an adrenaline-fueled dimension to the exploration of the game’s urban landscape.”
The colorful visuals and upbeat soundtrack perfectly captured the party atmosphere, making every moment in the game feel like a celebration. It was a standout experience, showcasing the diversity and depth of the game’s world.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
While the game was praised for its innovative use of the handheld consoles‘ features, like the touchscreen on the DS, I found the transition to the smaller screens a bit challenging. The gameplay, with its engaging missions and storyline, was classic GTA, but the experience differed from playing on larger consoles.
Nevertheless, I appreciated the game’s creativity and its attempt to bring a full-fledged GTA experience to a handheld format. However, like it was the case with GTA Advance, handheld consoles simple aren’t my cup of tea when gaming.
GTA V
I think “GTA V” is one of the best games ever made, and I have experienced its greatness myself. It has an amazing open world that is huge, realistic, and fun to discover. The game has three different heroes that you can control, and they all have their own stories and personalities that make the story more rich and lively. You can change between them anytime, which is a new and cool feature that makes the game more interesting and enjoyable.
“Grand Theft Auto V” holds the Guinness World Record for the largest voice cast in a video game, with over 1,000 credited voice actors contributing to the game’s diverse and immersive world.
The game is very detailed and well-made. You can see and do many things in the city and the countryside. The missions are different and thrilling, and they have a lot of humor and criticism of today’s society.
I have spent countless hours in the world of “GTA V,” and I’m still playing it today while waiting for the next installment. The game’s longevity is boosted by the ever-evolving GTA Online, which adds a whole new dimension of community and creativity.
The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition
This bundle, including remastered versions of “Grand Theft Auto III,” “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” aimed to bring the iconic titles to modern platforms with enhanced visuals and gameplay improvements.
As a long-time fan of the series, revisiting these beloved games in a fresh light was an exciting prospect. While the release was met with both enthusiasm and some technical issues, it was a testament to the enduring popularity of these timeless classics.
“Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition” included an Easter egg that paid homage to the infamous “Hot Coffee” controversy from the original release of “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.”
Exploring the familiar streets of Liberty City, Vice City’s neon-soaked atmosphere, and the sprawling world of San Andreas with updated graphics was like reuniting with old friends. It was a journey down memory lane, reminding me of the incredible impact these games had on the gaming industry and my own gaming experience
FAQs
Why GTA V is perfect?
Some possible reasons why GTA V is considered a perfect game by many are:
- It has a vast and immersive open-world experience, with diverse locations, activities, and characters to explore.
- It has an engaging and dynamic storyline, with three playable protagonists, multiple endings, and branching missions.
- It has stunning graphics and sound design, with realistic physics, animations, and weather effects.
- It has a robust and popular online mode, GTA Online, that offers endless multiplayer fun, customization, and content updates.
- It has a rich and satirical commentary on politics, pop culture, and society, with humor, irony, and parody.
Which GTA is most popular?
According to various sources, GTA V is the most popular and best-selling GTA game of all time, with over 185 million copies sold as of 2024. It is also the best-selling console game of all time, and one of the most successful entertainment products across all mediums. It ranks among the most played games on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and has a huge fan base and online community.
Will CJ be in GTA 6?
CJ, or Carl Johnson, is the protagonist of GTA: San Andreas, which was released in 2004 as part of the 3D Universe of GTA games. GTA 6, however, is set in the HD Universe, which is a separate continuity from the 3D Universe. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that CJ will have a significant role in GTA 6, since his game took place in a different universe and era. However, there is a possibility that he could make a cameo appearance or be referenced as an Easter egg, as a nod to the fans of the franchise.
When will GTA 6 be released?
Rockstar Games has officially announced that GTA 6 will be released in 2025, along with the first trailer that was released in early December 2024. A specific date within 2025 has not been revealed yet, but some fans are hopeful for an early launch, potentially in February or March 2025. GTA 6 will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and will return to Vice City, the franchise’s stand-in for Miami, which is set within the broader map of Leonida (Florida).
The Bottom Line
As a passionate gamer and fan of the series, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the evolution of GTA firsthand. From the top-down 2D universe to the immersive 3D and HD worlds, each installment has brought its own charm and innovation.