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Grand Theft Auto III

The GTA III cover art design that became standard for all regions in future games.
Developer(s) PS2 and Windows
DMA Design (now Rockstar North)

Xbox
Rockstar Vienna

Publisher(s) EU / NA Rockstar Games[1][2][3]
JP Capcom[1][2][3]
Series Grand Theft Auto
Engine RenderWare
Version 1. A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual that creates Video games A developer may specialize in a certain video Rockstar North Ltd (formerly DMA Design Ltd) are developers of computer and video games based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Rockstar Vienna (formerly neo Software Produktions GmbH) was a Vienna -based developer of Computer and video games, and a sub-division of Rockstar Games, (also known as Rockstar NYC) is a British -founded development division of Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. For the original NASA meaning see capsule communicator. is a leading Japanese International developer A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development of computer and video games RenderWare ( RW) is computer and Video game middleware from Criterion Software. 01
Platform(s) PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox
Release date
Genre(s) Action
Mode(s) Single player
Rating(s) BBFC: 18
CERO: D17+ (original)
CERO: Z18+ (re-rating)
ELSPA: 18+
ESRB: M
OFLC: RC (original/uncut)
OFLC: MA15+ (re-rating/cut)
OFLC (NZ): R18+[4]
PEGI: 18+
USK: 18+ (uncut)
USK: 16+ (cut)
Media 1 DVD (PS2, Xbox), 2 CDs or download (Windows)
System requirements Windows[5]
  • 450 MHz Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon CPU
  • 96 MB RAM
  • 8x CD-ROM drive
  • 500 MB hard disk space
  • 16 MB DirectX 8. In Computing, a platform describes some sort of Hardware architecture or Software framework (including Application frameworks, that allows Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. The Xbox is a sixth-generation Video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. The PAL region is a Video game publication territory which covers Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and varying European countries Events 740 - An Earthquake strikes Constantinople, causing much damage and death Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Steam is a Digital distribution, Digital rights management, Multiplayer Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 366 - The Alamanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers invading the Roman Empire. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " See also [[Game classification]] Video games are categorized into Genres based on their Gameplay interaction An action game is a game that challenges a player's speed dexterity and reaction time In video gaming, single-player refers to the variant of a particular game where input from only one player is expected throughout the course of the gaming session A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of Video games into suitability-related groups The British Board of Film Classification ( BBFC) originally British Board of Film Censors, is the organisation responsible for Film, DVD The ( CERO) is the Organization that rates video games and Computer Software in Japan with levels of rating that informs the customer The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association ( ELSPA) is an Organisation set up in 1989 by British Software publishers It The Entertainment Software Rating Board ( ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, Advertising guidelines and The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a Statutory Censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification The Office of Film and Literature Classification ( OFLC, Te Tari Whakaropu Tukuata Tuhituhinga is the government agency in New Zealand that is responsible for Pan European Game Information ( PEGI) is a European Video game content rating system. USK redirects here For the Usinsk airport see Usinsk Airport. Digital media (as opposed to analog media) usually refers to Electronic media that work on digital Codes. DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is A Compact Disc (also known as a CD) is an Optical disc used to store digital data, originally developed for storing digital audio The hertz (symbol Hz) is a measure of Frequency, informally defined as the number of events occurring per Second. Pentium III variants Katmai The first Pentium III variant was the Katmai (Intel product code 80525 Athlon is the brand name applied to a series of different X86 processors designed and manufactured by AMD. A megabyte is a unit of Information or Computer storage equal to either 106 (1000000 Bytes or 220 (1048576 bytes depending on CD-ROM (an initialism of "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory " is a pre-pressed Compact Disc that contains data accessible to but not writable A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device Microsoft DirectX is a collection of Application programming interfaces (APIs for handling tasks related to Multimedia, especially Game programming and 1 compatible graphics card
  • DirectX 8. A video card, also known as a graphics accelerator card, display adapter, or graphics card, is a hardware component whose function is to 1 compatible sound card
  • Windows 98/98 SE/Me/2000/XP
Input methods PS2 and Xbox: Gamepad
Windows: Keyboard, mouse, gamepad (optional)

Grand Theft Auto III (abbreviated as GTA III or GTA3) is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and video game developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North), and published by Rockstar Games. A sound card (also known as an audio card is a Computer Expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to/from a computer under Windows 98 ( codenamed Memphis) is a graphical Operating system released on 25 June 1998 by Microsoft and the successor to Windows 95 Windows 98 ( codenamed Memphis) is a graphical Operating system released on 25 June 1998 by Microsoft and the successor to Windows 95 Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me (IPA pronunciation, iː is a hybrid 16-bit / 32-bit graphical Operating system released on 14 September Windows 2000 (also referred to as Win2K) is a preemptive, interruptible graphical and business-oriented Operating system designed to work with Windows XP is a family of 32-bit and 64-bit Operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on Personal computers including home and A gamepad, also called joypad or control pad, is a type of Game controller held in the hand where the digits (especially thumbs are used to provide input In Computing, a keyboard is an Input device partially modelled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys In Computing, a mouse (plural mice, mouse devices, or mouses) A personal computer Game (also known as a computer game or simply PC game) is a Video game played on a Personal computer, rather A video game is a Game that involves interaction with a User interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual that creates Video games A developer may specialize in a certain video Rockstar North Ltd (formerly DMA Design Ltd) are developers of computer and video games based in Edinburgh, Scotland. A video game publisher is a company that publishes Video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a Video game developer Rockstar Games, (also known as Rockstar NYC) is a British -founded development division of Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive It is the first 3D title in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series and the third original title overall. 3D computer graphics (in contrast to 2D computer graphics) are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer It was released in October 2001 for the PlayStation 2 video game console, May 2002 for Windows-based personal computers, and in November 2003 for the Xbox video game console. Events Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts John Carmack of Id Software Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. A personal computer ( PC) is any Computer whose original sales price size and capabilities make it useful for individuals and which is intended to be operated The Xbox is a sixth-generation Video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. The game was preceded by Grand Theft Auto 2 and succeeded by Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Grand Theft Auto 2 (abbreviated as GTA2) is a Video game that was released worldwide on October 22, 1999, by developer Grand Theft Auto Vice City is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game designed by Rockstar North (formerly

The game centers on a nameless criminal[2] who was betrayed by his girlfriend in a bank heist, and is required to work his way up the crime ladder of the city before confronting her. Claude refers to a set of fictional characters in the Grand Theft Auto Video game series Like its predecessors, GTA III implements sandbox-like gameplay, where the player is given the freedom to explore a large city, complete missions, commit criminal acts, or complete side missions.

The game's concept and gameplay, coupled with the use of a three dimensional game engine for the first time in the series, contributed to Grand Theft Auto III's positive reception upon its release; it quickly became 2001's top selling video game[6] and is cited as a landmark in video games for its far-reaching influence within the industry. A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development of computer and video games [7] GTA III's success was a significant factor in the series' subsequent popularity; as of 2008, five GTA prequels set before events in GTA III have been released, with Grand Theft Auto IV being the first sequel. A prequel is a work that portrays events and/or aspects of a previously completed narrative but is set prior to the existing narrative GTA III's violent and sexual content has also been the source of moral panic and controversy. A moral panic can be defined as "the intensity of feeling expressed by a large number of people about a specific group of people who appear to threaten the social order at a given Similar to other forms of media Video games have been the subject of debate and Censorship.

Contents

Setting

Grand Theft Auto III takes place in Liberty City, a fictional city on the East Coast, which is loosely based on New York City, but also incorporates elements of other American cities. The East Coast of the United States, also known as the "Eastern Seaboard" or "Atlantic Seaboard" refers to the easternmost coastal states in the central and northern The City of New York [8] The timeline of the game was set at around the autumn of 2001, the present time around the first release of GTA III, October 22, 2001; this was indicated by the Liberty Tree website, which included plot points that connect to events in the beginning of the game, in its last existing monthly entry, dated October 18, 2001. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1009 - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a Christian church in Jerusalem, is completely destroyed by the Fatimid Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. [9]

Throughout the story, the protagonist is never named and never utters a single word, though he is often referred to as "Kid" and sometimes "Fido"[1]. Claude refers to a set of fictional characters in the Grand Theft Auto Video game series However, he's referred to as "Claude" in the prequel to the game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, in which he appears as an NPC. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game developed by Rockstar North A non-player character, often shortened to NPC, is a character that is controlled by the Gamemaster in Role-playing games or one that is not

Plot

The player character has robbed the Liberty City Bank with his girlfriend, Catalina, and a male accomplice. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and While running from the scene, Catalina turns to him and utters, "Sorry, babe, I'm an ambitious girl and you . . . you're just small-time". She shoots him and leaves him to die in an alley; the accomplice is also seen lying nearby. It soon becomes apparent that the player character has survived but has been arrested and subsequently found guilty and sentenced to jail. While he is being transferred, an attack on the police convoy aimed at kidnapping an unrelated prisoner sets him free. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and

With the help of a fellow escaped prisoner, the player character then takes on work as a local thug and rises in power as he works for multiple rival crime gangs, a corrupt police officer and a media mogul. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and Gangsters redirects here For the computer game see Gangsters (video game. In the process, Maria, the wife of a local Mafia boss, begins to take a liking to him. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and The Mafia leader, Salvatore, grows suspicious and lures the player to a death trap; but Maria saves him, remaining close to him throughout the storyline. He later goes to work for others, including the Liberty City Yakuza and media mogul Donald Love. Eventually, his exploits attract the attention of Catalina, now affiliated with a Colombian drug cartel, resulting in the kidnapping of Maria. This gives him the opportunity to face Catalina once more, which results in a large firefight and Catalina's death.

Characters

In addition to the exploits of the game's player character, the storyline, while not as integral to the game as its successors, depicts the character development of several non-player individuals and bosses, through cut scenes before the start of each mission, as the player progresses though the game. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and A cut scene is a sequence in a Video game over which the player has little or no control often breaking up the gameplay and used to advance the plot present Most of the characters encountered revolve around corruption, crime and a fictional drug called "Spank," which is a growing menace in the city. The term narcotic (ναρκωτικός is believed to have been coined by the Greek physician Galen to refer to agents that benumb or deaden causing loss

With the success of GTA III and its sequels, several of these characters or their relatives reappear in future GTA titles with major or minor roles, and their personal background expanded, particularly Leone family Don Salvatore Leone, media mogul Donald Love, Phil, the One-Armed Bandit, 8-Ball and Catalina. The Grand Theft Auto series of Video games features a myriad of Fictional gangs and criminal organizations of various ethnicities GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and A media proprietor is a person who controls either through personal ownership or a dominant position in a Public company, a significant part of the Mass media. GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and

The voice cast for the game's characters features several established celebrities. Notable voice actors include Frank Vincent, Michael Madsen, Michael Rapaport, Joe Pantoliano, Debi Mazar, Kyle MacLachlan, and rapper Guru. Frank Vincent (born April 4, 1939) is an Italian American Actor and Musician. Michael Soren Madsen (born September 25, 1958) is an American Actor and Poet. Michael David Rapaport (born March 20 1970) is an American Actor and a Comedian. Joseph Peter "Joe" Pantoliano (born September 12 1951) is an American film and television actor Deborah "Debi" Mazar (born August 15 1964 is an American actress, perhaps best known for her trademark Jersey Girl -type appearances and as edgy Kyle MacLachlan (born February 22 1959 in Yakima Washington) is a Golden Globe award winning American actor Guru (born Keith Edward Elam, July 17 1966 is an American Rapper, and the lyrical half of the hip-hop group Gang Starr, together with

Gameplay

Grand Theft Auto III inherits and modifies much of the gameplay mechanics from its predecessors, Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto 2, combining elements of a third-person shooter and a driving game in a new 3D game engine. For the television channel see GamePlay HD. Gameplay includes all player experiences during the interaction with game systems especially formal Grand Theft Auto ( GTA) is a computer and video game created by Scottish company DMA Design (now Rockstar North Grand Theft Auto 2 (abbreviated as GTA2) is a Video game that was released worldwide on October 22, 1999, by developer Third-person shooter ( TPS) is a genre of 3D computer and video games in which the Player character is seen at a distance from a number Many Board games can be said to be racing games such as Snakes and Ladders, Cribbage, or Formula Dé. The idea of using a 3D game engine in such a genre however is not new; the first game to combine elements of action, shooting, and multiple-vehicle driving in a 3D package was Hunter (1991). The first developed by DMA Design was Body Harvest (1998), for the Nintendo 64. Body Harvest is a Video game for the Nintendo 64 Video game console. The, often abbreviated as N64, is Nintendo 's third home Video game console for the international market Publicly debuted in 1995 at Nintendo's SpaceWorld video game trade show, Body Harvest was revolutionary for its time, but despite above average reviews,[10] the game sold poorly. is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Kyoto Japan founded on Space World was a Video game trade show hosted by Nintendo, typically to unveil new consoles or handhelds [11] GTA III takes the gameplay elements of Body Harvest and combines them with the GTA series' open-ended game design to create a level of freedom and detail that was unprecedented in 2001. [12]

On foot, the player's character has the additional ability to sprint (but is incapable of swimming), as well as use weapons and perform basic hand to hand combat; he is also capable of driving a variety of vehicles, (with the addition of watercraft and a fixed-wing aircraft). Hand-to-hand combat (sometimes abbreviated as HTH or H2H is a generic term for Close quarters fighting, particularly when the outcome is potentially fatal as in Melee A watercraft is a Vehicle, vessel or craft designed to move across (or through Water, including saltwater and freshwater for pleasure recreation physical Overview Fixed-wing aircraft range from small training and recreational aircraft to Wide-body aircraft and military cargo aircraft.

A screenshot of Claude running with a pistol in hand (PC version)
A screenshot of Claude running with a pistol in hand (PC version)

Criminal offences, such as carjacking, murder and theft will result in increasing levels of resistance from the authorities. Carjacking is a Crime of stealing a motor vehicle when the vehicle is occupied If the player's "wanted" level reaches certain levels, the police, FBI, and army will respond accordingly. When the player character collapses from his injuries or is arrested, he will re-spawn at a local hospital or police station respectively, at the expense of losing all weapons and armor and an amount of money for medical expenses or bribes. While this is similar to previous Grand Theft Auto games, the player character is essentially offered unlimited "lives," as opposed to the limited number of lives in GTA1 and GTA2. This allows the player character to "die" as many times as he pleases, and render it impossible to indefinitely lose in the game. Game over is a traditional message in video games which usually signals the end of the game

A major feature in GTA III's predecessors that allowed the player to obtain cash by committing petty crimes has been downplayed in GTA III, encompassing only car ramming, vehicle destruction and pedestrian killing. The amount of money in the player's possession is no longer a requirement to unlock new areas in GTA III. Instead, the completion of missions and unfolding of the game's storyline are now responsible for this role. Additionally, the player is allowed to return to all unlocked areas of the city. However, as new areas open up, access to other, previously available areas becomes more dangerous or less accessible, due to hostilities from enemy gangs.

The interface of the game has been significantly overhauled. In Video gaming, the HUD is the method by which information is visually relayed to the player as part of a game's User interface. The player-centered compass is replaced with a separate mini-map that also displays a map of the city and key locations (safe houses and contact points) or targets. Armour and health levels are now indicated in numbers, and a 24-hour clock is added. Gang behaviour is no longer dictated by "respect" meters used in GTA2; instead, the player character's progress through the story affects his view in the "eyes" of gang members. As the player completes missions for different gangs, rival gang members will come to recognize the character and subsequently shoot on sight.

Multiplayer modes from previous GTA titles were dropped, favouring single player gameplay only. A multiplayer game is a Game which is played by several players. However, third-party multiplayer modifications developed by members of the community are available. [3]

Missions, non-linearity and narration

A pre-release screenshot of the PlayStation 2 version depicting the player character, Claude roaming about outside Kenji's Casino.
A pre-release screenshot of the PlayStation 2 version depicting the player character, Claude roaming about outside Kenji's Casino.

A common trait GTA III shares with the rest of the GTA series is the considerably non-linear gameplay. Missions that are offered to the player primarily fall into two categories: storyline-based and side missions. While the game's linear set of storyline-based missions are required to advance the plot and unlock certain areas of the map, the player can choose to complete them at his or her own leisure. Additionally, many of them are not mandatory. Alternatively, it is possible to ignore the main missions and only play side missions. If the player acquires a taxi cab, he can pick up designated non-player characters as fares and drop them off at different parts of the city for cash; obtaining an ambulance allows the player to pick up injured non-player characters and drive them to the hospital for cash. A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of Public transport for a single passenger or small group of passengers typically for a non-shared ride A non-player character, often shortened to NPC, is a character that is controlled by the Gamemaster in Role-playing games or one that is not An ambulance is a Vehicle for transporting sick or injured people to from or between places of treatment for an Illness or Injury. Fire fighting and vigilante police missions are also available. However, if the player wishes, he or she may avoid all missions and instead choose to explore the city, stealing cars, running over pedestrians, and avoiding or opposing the police.

A new inclusion into GTA III's storyline is the use of cut scenes, which are triggered after entering a contact point, or during certain missions. A cut scene is a sequence in a Video game over which the player has little or no control often breaking up the gameplay and used to advance the plot present The cut scenes exist for multiple purposes: as a visual narration of the storyline, as formal directives of a mission, and as a visual assessment of a scene and objective. During gameplay, mission updates and messages are relayed through text-based instructions given in the form of on-screen subtitles, or on a few occasions, the player character's pager. A pager (sometimes called a beeper) is a simple personal Telecommunications device for short messages GTA III also includes one-time tutorial directives to familiarize the player with the game's controls and features. Academia In British academic parlance a tutorial is a small class of one or only a few Students in which the Tutor (a Lecturer

Weapons

A pre-release screenshot depicting the player character aiming for a drive-by shooting, a new feature in the series.
A pre-release screenshot depicting the player character aiming for a drive-by shooting, a new feature in the series.

The selection of weapons provided in the game consists of firearms and explosives, with the addition of two forms of mêlée attacks (hand to hand combat and baseball bat). A firearm is a Tool that projects either single or multiple Projectiles at high velocity through a controlled explosion An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise Energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied Melee (from the French mêlée meˈleː generally refers to disorganized Close combat involving a group of fighters Hand-to-hand combat (sometimes abbreviated as HTH or H2H is a generic term for Close quarters fighting, particularly when the outcome is potentially fatal as in Melee A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the game of Baseball to hit the ball after the ball is thrown by the pitcher. The weapons themselves are largely similar to the selection of weapons from GTA1 and GTA2, such as the pistol, the submachine gun, an AK-47 and an M16, the rocket launcher and the flamethrower from GTA1, and the shotgun and thrown weapons (Molotov cocktails and hand grenades) from GTA2. A submachine gun (SMG is a Firearm that combines the automatic fire of a Machine gun with the cartridge of a Pistol, and is The AK-47 (contraction of Russian Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года; Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1947 goda; "Kalashnikov's A shoulder-launched missile weapon is a Weapon that fires a Projectile at a target, yet is small enough to be carried by a single person and fired while A flamethrower is a mechanical device designed to project a long controllable stream of Fire. A shotgun (also known as a scattergun) is a Firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder which uses the energy of a fixed shell to fire a number The Molotov cocktail, also known as the booze bomb, alcohol bomb or Molotov bomb, is a generic name used for a variety of improvised incendiary The porting of GTA III into a three dimensional environment also allows access to a first-person view, making the inclusion of the sniper rifle and first-person aiming of the M16 and rocket launcher possible. A first-person shooter ( FPS) is an action Video game from the Shooter game The initial development of Maze War In Military and Law enforcement terminology a sniper rifle is a Rifle used to ensure Accurate placement of Bullets at longer In addition, it becomes possible in the game to perform drive-by shooting using the submachine gun, while the inclusion of magazine-based weapons introduces the need to reload weapons after a magazine has been depleted. A magazine is an Ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating Firearm. Additionally, wielding certain weapons now restricts movement. Weapons may be purchased from local firearms dealers and businesses, retrieved for free from certain dead gang members, mission-specific characters and law enforcers, or picked up in certain spots in the city.

All versions of GTA III allow the player to auto-aim using a gamepad with the push of a button, holding human targets at gun point using most firearms, with the exception of first-person aiming for the sniper rifle, M16 and rocket launcher, which are aimed using the analog stick or mouse as the player presses the same auto aim button. An aimbot (sometimes called " auto-aim " is a type of Computer game bot used in Multiplayer First-person shooter games to provide varying A gamepad, also called joypad or control pad, is a type of Game controller held in the hand where the digits (especially thumbs are used to provide input An analog stick, sometimes called a thumbstick, control stick, or occasionally In Computing, a mouse (plural mice, mouse devices, or mouses) The Microsoft Windows version includes the additional ability to look around and aim freely with a mouse while on foot; this control difference is seen in the console and Microsoft Windows ports of Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game developed by Rockstar North

Radio stations and other media

Stealing a "Stallion" car in the Microsoft Windows version.
Stealing a "Stallion" car in the Microsoft Windows version. The soundtrack of the game Grand Theft Auto III has found popularity outside the game's fanbase

One of the game's subtler inclusions was a variety of radio stations. The stations feature music specially written for the game (as well as many songs originating from the first two GTAs), but also includes licensed music, some of which were excerpts of several actual music albums; this combination differs from those of the game's predecessors, which featured entirely original soundtracks. One of the stations is a full-length talk show, and many of the callers are actually characters from the story missions, often demonstrating the same views and eccentricities that become apparent to the player during the missions. Another station "Flashback FM" features music heard throughout club scenes in the film Scarface, which had heavy influence on the game's sequel, Vice City.

Additionally, an online format of the fictional Liberty Tree newspaper, dedicated to events that took place within and outside Liberty City between February 2001 and October 2001, was made available months ahead of GTA III's release. The website, working in tandem with the official map-based website and sub-pages, also served to provide a back-story to GTA III, while evoking a sense that the reported events had actually taken place in real time, releasing monthly issues in its nine months of activity. In Narratology, a back-story (also back story or backstory) is the history behind the situation extant at the start of the main story The site also includes articles on criminal activities in the city and city development (i. e. delayed tunnel completion and the growth of Love Media in the city), and various advertising to fictional products. Pre-released screenshots of gameplay, the city's environment and characters were used as photographs for certain news articles.

Various commercials are featured on both the radio stations and the Liberty Tree website. Certain ads often referred to their advertisers' official websites, such as Petsovernight. com. All of these sites actually existed; they were set up to tie in with the game. However, although looking very much like genuine online stores, all links to purchase or order the products actually led to Rockstargames. com.

Game engine

Grand Theft Auto III's new game engine and graphics are significant departures from its predecessors, most notably for its use of a forward viewing perspective as the default view, similar to a majority of third-person shooters and driving games, and improved street-level graphics. A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development of computer and video games Third-person shooter ( TPS) is a genre of 3D computer and video games in which the Player character is seen at a distance from a number Many Board games can be said to be racing games such as Snakes and Ladders, Cribbage, or Formula Dé. The game also includes several additional camera views, including top-down perspective similar to that of GTA 2, and a cinematic view. Top-down perspective, also sometimes referred to as bird's-eye view, overhead view or helicopter view, Grand Theft Auto 2 (abbreviated as GTA2) is a Video game that was released worldwide on October 22, 1999, by developer The game is the last major title in the GTA series, with the exception of Grand Theft Auto Advance, to include top-down camera views. Grand Theft Auto Advance is a Handheld console game developed by Digital Eclipse, published by Rockstar Games, and released on October For console versions of GTA III, the game runs under a lower display resolution dictated by the console, while the Microsoft Windows version permits resolutions of up to 1600 by 1200 pixels. The display resolution of a Digital television or Computer display typically refers to the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. [13]

The environment in-game is primarily displayed through the use of level of detail (LOD), applied by allowing only areas directly surrounding the player to display objects in higher polygon counts (including vehicles, buildings and terrain) or minor props (e. In Computer graphics, accounting for level of detail involves decreasing the complexity of a 3D object representation as it moves away from the viewer or according other metrics Polygons are used in Computer graphics to compose images that are three-dimensional in appearance g. street furniture), while areas far from the player are displayed with lower polygons and the lack of details. As such, LODs aid GTA III in displaying a large environment with a further draw distance, while ensuring that the game's performance remains optimum. Draw distance is a computer graphics term defined as the distance in a three dimensional scene that is still drawn by the rendering engine. When travelling within an island in the city, the game consistently swaps models of varied detail as the player moves from one area to another. As the player travels into another island, the game is required to load detailed models files of the entire destination island while also loading low detailed models for the islands the player is leaving, requiring substantially more processing time; in the process, the game displays a "Welcome to. . . " screen for a short amount of time, before gameplay can resume.

As is the environment, vehicles and pedestrians are depicted in full three dimensional models, compared to flat top-down sprites in previous games. In Computer graphics, a sprite (also known by other names see Synonyms below is a two-dimensional/three-dimensional Image or Animation that Both vehicles and pedestrians are constructed from individual polygon parts with a central "core" (the wheels, engine, chassis and body of vehicles, and the torso of pedestrians). Torso is an anatomical term for the central part of the many animal bodies (including that of the human from which extend the neck and limbs The damage system of vehicles consists of representing the minor vehicle parts (doors, frontal quarter panels and bumpers) as undamaged, damaged or missing, based on the types of collisions detected on the vehicle; the core of each vehicle, remains visually unchanged despite heavy damage. On an automobile a quarter panel (or rear wing) is a body panel that covers the section between the door and the hood or trunk In Physical simulations Video games and Computational geometry, collision detection involves algorithms for checking for Collision, i As pedestrians in GTA III are made out of separate polygon parts (limbs, a head and a torso), it is possible to detach the limbs of a pedestrian or effectively "popping" the head of the pedestrian (through heavy firearms or explosives). A limb (from the Old English lim) is a jointed or Prehensile (as Octopus tentacles or new world Monkey tails Appendage of the This feature is evident in the Microsoft Windows version, but is not included by default in the PlayStation 2 version, It is unlocked through a cheat implemented into the game. Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. [4]

As the game runs in a 24 hour cycle and includes changing weather, the game engine is also required to simulate day and night periods, as well as weather effects. This is possible by adjusting surrounding visual effects and details in accordance to the time of the day and present weather. Other minor details, like a rainbow after a rain, and the sun, which moves from the northeast of the city in the morning to the southwest in the evening, are also present.

The game is the first in the series to use motion blurring (dubbed "Trails" in the Microsoft Windows and Xbox versions of the game), semi-transparently rendering the last in-game video frame to the current frame; the feature could be toggled on and off. Motion blur is the apparent streaking of rapidly moving objects in a still image or a sequence of images such as a movie or Animation. Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. A film frame, or just frame, is one of the many single photographic images in a motion picture.

Cuts, changes, and the 9/11 effect

Prior to the 2001 release of the final game, several modifications were made on Grand Theft Auto III. The changes were apparent as several promotional materials had previously displayed features that would be absent in the final version of the game. While cuts and changes are frequent during game development, the changes in GTA III were of note as they were made around the time when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred; this led some gamers to speculate that at least some of the changes were motivated by the attacks. Game development is the process by which a Game is produced Today this term most commonly refers to the development of Video games Overview Development Although little was disclosed about the types of changes to be made and when they were conducted, Sam Houser, the president of Rockstar Games (based in Manhattan, New York City), was quoted September 19, 2001 in mentioning a review would to be undergone for GTA III, in addition to confirming the delay of the game's release by three weeks[14][15][16] (the original, rough release date was suggested by Houser to be on October 2, 2001):[17]

. Sam Houser is a British computer game producer and developer He is the co-founder and president of Rockstar Games and one of the creators behind the Manhattan Island, in New York Harbor, is much the largest part of the Borough of Manhattan, one of the Five Boroughs which form the City of New York Events 335 - Dalmatius is raised to the rank of Caesar by his uncle Constantine I. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1187 - Siege of Jerusalem: Saladin captures Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader rule Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. . . our biggest games, including Grand Theft Auto [III], have been delayed slightly. This decision is based on two factors, firstly it has been a little difficult to get work done in downtown Manhattan in the last week since basic communications infrastructure has been intermittent at best, and secondly we felt that a full content review of all our titles was absolutely necessary for us in light of the horrifying event we all witnessed in NYC last week. As for Grand Theft Auto [III], since the game is so huge the review is no short process. So far we have come across certain small contextual references that we were no longer comfortable with, as well as a couple of very rare game play instances that no longer felt appropriate to us. We apologise to you and all the people waiting for this game to ship for the delays that have now ensued, but I'm sure you can understand our reasoning.
A comparison of the same present pre-release screenshot (as of April 2006) from GameSpot (top), among several gaming websites, and the official GTA III website (bottom). GameSpot's version depicts police cars resembling those of the NYPD pre-2000, while the official, edited version resembles those of the LAPD.
A comparison of the same present pre-release screenshot (as of April 2006) from GameSpot (top), among several gaming websites, and the official GTA III website (bottom). GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information GameSpot's version depicts police cars resembling those of the NYPD pre-2000, while the official, edited version resembles those of the LAPD.

The only change on the game that has been suggested to have been made shortly after 9/11 was of the police cars' paint scheme; the new color scheme of the LCPD is modeled in a panda-like black-and-white design similar to the LAPD, while the old color scheme of blue with white stripes (seen in previews and the manual map) resembles that of the NYPD. A police car is the description for a vehicle used by Police, to assist with their duties in patrolling and responding to incidents Pre-release screenshots in the game's official website depicting police cars had also undergone modifications, around a week after September 11. [18] The NYPD-like paint scheme would eventually be reintroduced in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Grand Theft Auto IV. Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories is a sandbox-style action-adventure Video game developed by Rockstar North and Rockstar

Another cut is that of Darkel[19][20], an in-game character, for the final version of the game. Mentioned in several early video game publications and websites, Darkel was to be a revolutionary urchin who vowed to bring down the city's economy. One mission involved stealing an ice cream van, using it to attract pedestrians, then blowing it up[21] (this mission would eventually be given by El Burro instead in the final version of game to kill a group of gang members). GTA III in 2001 and as such primarily discusses the characters based on information in GTA III and Darkel was also originally expected to give out Rampage-like missions,[22] and even had his voice recorded for this part. [23] Rockstar later decided that they would like to go back to the original system of giving out rampages as featured in Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto 2. Although Darkel and his missions were removed indefinitely, the character remains listed in the manual's credits, as well as having a character texture retained in the game's data files. [24] Another reminisce of Darkel's existence is an abandoned tunnel in the city, associated with the character in the official website, and includes four homeless people in a group wielding Molotov cocktails. Both the tunnel and the four homeless people are retained in the final version of the game.

The Dodo airplane, the only flyable aircraft in the game, was also a point of discussion; the wings of the vehicle were significantly short, while an uncontrollable full-winged version has been seen flying around the city. However, the plane, for months before 9/11, had a short wingspan, as evidenced from a preview in Game Informer (Issue #95), which indicated that the plane was to be used in a (now abandoned) mission to loft the plane high enough in its brief flight and reach new areas of the city. Game Informer (often abbreviated to GI) is an American -based monthly magazine featuring articles news strategy and reviews of [25] The Dodo is considerably difficult to control, usually resulting in short flights (although it is possible to fly the plane continuously around Liberty City when properly trained). Mods exist to give the Dodo a wider wing, though the outer sections are not solid. Otherwise, the aircraft would not be able to fit into the import/export garage at the docks in Portland Island.

Other changes included stopping the selection of certain character models when using cheat codes, removing the aforementioned ability to blow limbs off non-player characters in only the PlayStation 2 version of GTA III,[3] elderly pedestrians with walkers, school children as pedestrians (from GameSpot UK's preview and the Gouranga fansite) and a school bus (seen in eight screenshots[26]). A limb (from the Old English lim) is a jointed or Prehensile (as Octopus tentacles or new world Monkey tails Appendage of the A walker or walking frame is a Tool for Disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while Walking GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information

Reception, awards, and sales

Awards
GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001 Most Innovative Game,[27] Best Action/Adventure Game,[28] Best PlayStation 2 Game,[29] Game of the Year[30]
IGN's Best of 2001 Best Action Game for PlayStation 2 (Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice),[31] PlayStation 2 Game of the Year[32]

Upon its release, Grand Theft Auto III received very positive reviews; while minor problems and comments pertaining to graphics, performance and controls were noted, GTA III was touted as revolutionary by several game review websites and publications. GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video With reviews of 9. 6/10 from IGN[33] and GameSpot,[34] 8/10 from Edge, 10/10 from Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, 9. IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Edge is a multi-format Computer and video game magazine published by Future Publishing in the United Kingdom. Official US PlayStation Magazine (often abbreviated to OPM) is a now-defunct international Video game magazine, originally published by 4 from GameSpy[35] and an average score of 95%, according to Game Rankings,[36][37] the game won several awards, such as GameSpot's Console Game of the Year, Game of the Year from GameSpy and Cheat Code Central, and Best Action Game of 2001 by IGN. GameSpy, also known as GameSpy Industries, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related Game Rankings is a Website which keeps track of Video game reviews from other sites and combines them to present an average rating for each game The game's average review score of 97% on Metacritic[38] ties it with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 for the highest ranked game in PlayStation 2 history. Metacritic is a Website that collates reviews of music Albums games, movies, TV shows, DVDs and Books. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, often called THPS3 or Tony Hawk 3, is a Video game in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series It was also inducted into GameSpot's Greatest Games of All Time list. [12]

GTA III unexpectedly emerged as a smash hit at its initial US$49. A sleeper hit (often simply called a "sleeper" refers to a Film, Book, single, Album, TV show, or Video game The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been 95 price and became the #1 selling video game of 2001 in the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Later discounted to $19. 95 as part of Sony's "Greatest Hits" program, it continued to sell well and went on to become the second best-selling video game of 2002, behind only its sequel, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Grand Theft Auto Vice City is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game designed by Rockstar North (formerly GTA III was bundled with Vice City for the Xbox Double Pack, which enjoyed strong sales in December 2003, even though GTA III was two years old. The Double Pack's success for Xbox was due to several factors; the critical acclaim and controversial game content for the games, the graphical improvements specifically for the Xbox, and having two games in one, which led to GameSpy giving it their Best Value Award. [39]

As of September 25, 2007, Grand Theft Auto III is the ninth best-selling video game in the United States with 5. Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events March 14: Microsoft announces Games for Windows - Live, a version of Xbox Live for the Windows platform 7 million copies sold, behind its successors Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, according to the NPD Group. Grand Theft Auto Vice City is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game designed by Rockstar North (formerly Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game developed by Rockstar North The NPD Group Inc (formerly National Purchase Diary) is a leading global market research company founded in 1967 and provides consumer and retail information to manufacturers [40] As of September 26, 2007, Grand Theft Auto III has sold 12 million units according to Take-Two Interactive. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar dedicates a Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc ( is an American publisher, developer, and distributor of Video games and video game Peripherals [41] As of March 26, 2008, Grand Theft Auto III has sold 14. Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 5 million units according to Take-Two Interactive. [42]

Although the Grand Theft Auto series had been an underground hit prior to the release of GTA III, it was this game that first brought the series mainstream success and widespread accolades. The success of GTA III resulted in two console and Microsoft Windows sequels (Vice City, San Andreas), both of which were able to build upon GTA III's success, as well as three additional titles for handheld consoles (Grand Theft Auto Advance, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories). Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. A handheld game console is a lightweight portable electronic machine for playing Video games Unlike Video game consoles the controls screen and speakers Grand Theft Auto Advance is a Handheld console game developed by Digital Eclipse, published by Rockstar Games, and released on October Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories is a sandbox-style action-adventure Video game developed by Rockstar North and Rockstar Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories is a sandbox-style action-adventure Video game developed by Rockstar Leeds in association with The next generation in the series, Grand Theft Auto IV, was released on April 29, 2008. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

GamePro recently called GTA III the most important video game of all-time, explaining that the game's open-ended gameplay elements have revolutionized the way all video games are made. GamePro is an American Video game magazine published monthly The magazine was first established in Redwood City California in 1989 by Pat Ferrell [7] Similarly, IGN ranked GTA III among the Top 10 Most Influential Games. [43]

Video game critics and players have used the term "GTA clone" to describe the slew of video games released which attempted to emulate the sandbox gameplay of GTA III.

Reviews of the game had been generally positive; while minor problems and comments pertaining to graphics, performance and controls were noted. There are some glitches such as clipping (when characters and objects get "half-stuck" in walls and the ground), a bug which caused vehicles to disappear, relatively poor AI for NPCs; many of these issues were not fixed in Vice City. A non-player character, often shortened to NPC, is a character that is controlled by the Gamemaster in Role-playing games or one that is not Other complaints have come up when GTA clones have been released; GTA III and Vice City have comparatively fewer cars or pedestrians on screen, short view distances and "disappearing" cars, and very short-term street damage, when measured against Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven which featured many cars and pedestrians on screen at once, along with collateral damage lasting the length of a mission. Mafia The City of Lost Heaven is a sandbox-style Third-person shooter Video game initially made for PC and released in.

Controversy

Police trouble, Microsoft Windows version. The ability to kill police officers was one of the points of controversy for GTA III.
Police trouble, Microsoft Windows version. Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. The ability to kill police officers was one of the points of controversy for GTA III.

Grand Theft Auto III was and remains very controversial because of its violent and sexual content, and it generated outrage from many upon its release. Similar to other forms of media Video games have been the subject of debate and Censorship. Various critics hypothesized that if children were to play the game, they might acquire sociopathic attitudes toward others. Antisocial personality disorder ( APD) is a Mental disorder.It is defined by the American Psychiatric Association 's Diagnostic and Statistical

For examples of video game violence, many TV news channels often show a play session of GTA III where the main character is gunning down pedestrians and blowing up police cars. The player is rewarded with cash for various illegal and immoral actions. Frequently cited in the press is the opportunity for players to carjack a vehicle, pick up a prostitute, have (implied) sex with the prostitute, and then kill her and steal her money. Prostitution is the act of performing Sexual activity in exchange for Money. [44] This action, while permitted ("sex" restores the player's health, up to 125% of its normal maximum), is never actually required, nor is any particular suggestion made in the game that the prostitute should be killed. In addition, all in-game crimes incur the wrath of the police.

It was because of GTA III that the Wal-Mart chain of retail stores announced that, for games rated "M" by the ESRB, its stores would begin checking the identification of purchasers who appeared to be under 17. Wal-Mart Stores Inc (or Walmart as written in its new logo is an American public corporation that runs a chain of large discount department stores The Entertainment Software Rating Board ( ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, Advertising guidelines and

After its initial release in Australia, the game was banned for a period and a censored version of the game was to be released in its place. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. [45] A key reason why this course of action was taken was that Rockstar did not submit GTA III to the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), the body that, among other things, rates video games according to their content in Australia. The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a Statutory Censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Lacking a suitable R18+ rating (the highest rating being MA15+), the game was "Refused Classification" and banned for sale because they felt that the game was unsuitable for minors. Australia still does not have an R rating for video games like it does for movies. Among other things, the censored version had the gore (except for the “Gore Mode” cheat) and the ability to kill prostitutes immediately removed; however, it was later found that the uncensored version was also playable by changing the computer's time zone to that of the United States.

While the Australian version of the sequel Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was censored by Rockstar, the next sequel Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was not, despite featuring more "mature" content (although, later, San Andreas was once given a Refused Classification rating amid the "Hot Coffee" controversy).

On October 20, 2003, the families of Aaron Hamel and Kimberly Bede, two young people shot by teens William and Josh Buckner (who in statements to investigators claimed their actions were inspired by GTA III) filed a US$246 million lawsuit against publishers Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive Software, retailer Wal-Mart, and PlayStation 2 manufacturer Sony Computer Entertainment America. Events 1740 - Maria Theresa takes the throne of Austria. France, Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Rockstar Games, (also known as Rockstar NYC) is a British -founded development division of Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Take-Two Interactive Software Inc ( is an American publisher, developer, and distributor of Video games and video game Peripherals Wal-Mart Stores Inc (or Walmart as written in its new logo is an American public corporation that runs a chain of large discount department stores ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full [46][47] Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two, filed for dismissal of the lawsuit, stating in U.S. District Court on October 29, 2003 that the "ideas and concepts as well as the 'purported psychological effects' on the Buckners are protected by the First Amendment's free-speech clause. The United States district courts are the general Trial courts of the United States federal court system. Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the United States Bill of Rights that expressly prohibits the United States Congress " The lawyer of the victims, Jack Thompson, denied that and is attempting to move the lawsuit into a state court and under Tennessee's consumer protection act. John Bruce "Jack" Thompson (born July 25 1951 is an American Activist and former Attorney, based in Coral Gables, Tennessee ( is a state located in the Southern United States. [48]

Ports and remakes

Microsoft Windows version screenshot: from Dodo cabin, one may see all the three islands at once
Microsoft Windows version screenshot: from Dodo cabin, one may see all the three islands at once

Six months following the initial PlayStation 2 release of Grand Theft Auto III, versions for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox had been made available. Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. GTA III is notable for being the first game in the series to be released on a video game console before a PC version was available. Following GTA III, PlayStation 2 GTA games generally followed GTA III release pattern, in which the Microsoft Windows port is released within seven to eight months after the PlayStation 2 versions' release. [49][50][51]

The Microsoft Windows version of the game, released on May 21, 2002, has been criticized for performance problems, especially in light of the much smoother performance of Vice City. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. This was due to technical issues; the game engine rendered everything within the draw distance, even things hidden behind buildings or trees, whereas Vice City only rendered what could actually be seen. A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development of computer and video games Draw distance is a computer graphics term defined as the distance in a three dimensional scene that is still drawn by the rendering engine. [52] The Microsoft Windows version does, however, support higher screen resolutions, has more detailed textures, a customizable player skin, and a custom option for MP3s playback in cars. The display resolution of a Digital television or Computer display typically refers to the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a Digital audio encoding format using a form of Lossy data compression

The Xbox version was initially supposed to be released in spring 2002 but it was shelved when Sony signed an agreement with Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar Games' parent company), making the GTA series a PlayStation 2 exclusive until November 2004. ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full Take-Two Interactive Software Inc ( is an American publisher, developer, and distributor of Video games and video game Peripherals However, the agreement was amended in 2003 and the Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack containing both GTA III and Vice City was released for PS2 and Xbox in December 2003. The Xbox version of the Double Pack has improved audio, polygon models, and reflections over the Microsoft Windows and PS2 versions of the game. In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object The Double Pack was not released for the Microsoft Windows. In November 2005, GTA III was re-released again for the Xbox and PS2, this time bundled with Vice City and San Andreas in a trilogy compilation, dubbed Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy. There were no new changes, though the set retained Double Pack's graphical improvements for GTA III and Vice City. A Nintendo GameCube port of GTA III was also planned to be released alongside the Xbox version,[53] but was cancelled for unknown reasons. The, often abbreviated as GCN, is Nintendo 's fourth home Video game console and is part of the sixth generation console era.

Two handheld titles based on GTA III have also been released. Grand Theft Auto Advance was initially intended as a Game Boy Advance port of GTA III, but has since introduced a new storyline set in Liberty City, roughly one year before the events in GTA III. Grand Theft Auto Advance is a Handheld console game developed by Digital Eclipse, published by Rockstar Games, and released on October The Game Boy Advance (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed manufactured and marketed by Nintendo. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2005 and later ported to the PS2. Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories is a sandbox-style action-adventure Video game developed by Rockstar North and Rockstar The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a Handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game, which is also set in the same location as GTA III, takes place in 1998, three years before the events in GTA III.

Notes

  1. ^ a  Despite being officially nameless in Grand Theft Auto III, the player character's name is later revealed to be "Claude" in a brief cameo in the series' later game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas; because of this name he is theorized to be Claude Speed from Grand Theft Auto 2. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game developed by Rockstar North Claude refers to a set of fictional characters in the Grand Theft Auto Video game series Grand Theft Auto 2 (abbreviated as GTA2) is a Video game that was released worldwide on October 22, 1999, by developer
  2. ^  While the game lacks official support for multiplayer, user-made mods such as Multi Theft Auto enable players to play Grand Theft Auto III online against each other. Mod or modification is a term generally applied to Computer games especially First-person shooters RPGs and Real-time strategy games Multi Theft Auto ( MTA) is a mod ("modification" for the PC version of Rockstar North games Grand
  3. ^ a  In the PC and PlayStation 2 version of Grand Theft Auto III, it is possible to enable detachment of limbs and "popping" heads using a "nasty limbs" cheat code. Though there is no on-screen confirmation when entered successfully like other cheat codes, the cheat is still activated. However, the PC version already had detachment of limbs without the cheat entered.

References

  1. ^ a b c PlayStation 2 release dates. GameSpot. Retrieved on August 8, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c Windows release dates. GameSpot. Retrieved on August 8, 2006.
  3. ^ a b c Xbox release dates. GameSpot. Retrieved on August 8, 2006.
  4. ^ OFLC (New Zealand) rating. New Zealand Customs Service. Retrieved on August 26, 2006.
  5. ^ Windows port system requirements. Take-Two Interactive. Retrieved on August 29, 2006.
  6. ^ NPD Press Release, February 7, 2002. NPD Group. The NPD Group Inc (formerly National Purchase Diary) is a leading global market research company founded in 1967 and provides consumer and retail information to manufacturers Retrieved on 2007-08-06, 2006. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  7. ^ a b Feature: The 52 Most Important Video Games of All Time (page 8 of 8).
  8. ^ GTA IV: Building a Brave New World. uk. xbox360. ign. com (2008-03-28). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at
  9. ^ Liberty Tree, October 2001. "Rockstar News. " URL accessed on May 28, 2006. Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  10. ^ Body Harvest Reviews. Game Rankings. Retrieved on October 14, 2006.
  11. ^ Extreme M&A – Part One. www. gamesinvestor. com (first appeared in Develop) (June 2007). Retrieved on September 22, 2007.
  12. ^ a b Greatest Games of All Time: Grand Theft Auto III. uk. gamespot. com. Retrieved on September 22, 2007.
  13. ^ Grand Theft Auto III (PC) Review. IGN (2002-05-27). See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed Retrieved on September 24, 2007.
  14. ^ Take-Two to revise and delay two PS2 games. GameSpot. Retrieved on May 13, 2006.
  15. ^ Release Delay Confirmed. GOURANGA!. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  16. ^ Playing the Sensitivity Game. Wired News. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  17. ^ R* Clarifies Release Date Reports. GOURANGA!. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  18. ^ GrandTheftAuto3.com & L-Tree Updated!. GOURANGA!. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  19. ^ [1]
  20. ^ http://www.gouranga.com/images/gta3/gta3_character_darkel_02.jpg]
  21. ^ Grand Theft Auto: How Smart is the AI?. IGN. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  22. ^ Grand Theft Auto 3 Information (based on early pre-release game publications). GOURANGA!. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  23. ^ Bill Fiore at The Internet Movie Database. URL accessed on May 13, 2006. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  24. ^ Frequently Asked Questions for GTA III. GTAForums. com. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.
  25. ^ New GTA3 Details In Game Informer. GOURANGA!. Retrieved on October 25, 2006.
  26. ^ Features, Vehicles & Weapons. GOURANGA!. Retrieved on April 4, 2007.
  27. ^ GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001: Special Achievement Awards - Most Innovative. GameSpot. GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Retrieved on 2007-08-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed
  28. ^ GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001: Genre Awards - Best Action/Adventure Game. GameSpot. GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Retrieved on 2007-08-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed
  29. ^ GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001: Platform Awards - Best PlayStation 2 Game. GameSpot. GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Retrieved on 2007-08-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed
  30. ^ GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001: Top 10 Video Games of the Year. GameSpot. GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Retrieved on 2007-08-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed
  31. ^ IGN: Best Action Game of 2001 - PlayStation 2. IGN.com. IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video Retrieved on 2007-08-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting
  32. ^ IGN: PS2 Game of the Year. IGN.com. IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video Retrieved on 2007-08-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting
  33. ^ Grand Theft Auto III (PS2) Review. IGN. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.
  34. ^ Grand Theft Auto III (PS2) Review. GameSpot. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.
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  36. ^ Grand Theft Auto III Reviews. Game Rankings. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  37. ^ Grand Theft Auto 3 Awards. Take 2 Interactive. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  38. ^ PlayStation 2 games by score. Metacritic. Retrieved on December 20, 2006.
  39. ^ http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/grand-theft-auto-double-pack/499307p1.html
  40. ^ Jonathan Sidener (2007-09-25). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales. Signonsandiego. The San Diego Union-Tribune is a daily Newspaper published in San Diego California, by the Copley Press. com. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II
  41. ^ Take-Two Interactive Software at Piper Jaffray Second Annual London Consumer Conference (Webcast: Windows Media Player, Real Player). A webcast is a media file distributed over the Internet using Streaming media technology Thomson Financial (2007-09-26). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar dedicates a Retrieved on 2007-10-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II  “Grand Theft Auto III launched in 2001 and sold over 12 million units. We then shipped another sequel in 2002 which sold over 15 million units, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. And then in 2004 we shipped Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which sold a remarkable 20 million units. . . ”
  42. ^ Recommendation of the Board of Directors to Reject Electronic Arts Inc.'s Tender Offer (PDF) 12. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (2008-03-26). Take-Two Interactive Software Inc ( is an American publisher, developer, and distributor of Video games and video game Peripherals 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Retrieved on 2008-04-01. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne
  43. ^ Ryan Geddes and Daemon Hatfield (2007-12-10). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V IGN's Top 10 Most Influential Games. IGN.com. IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video Retrieved on 2007-12-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V
  44. ^ Comparative Media: Prostitution. Brett's Footnotes. Retrieved on December 11, 2006.
  45. ^ Australian GTAIII ban upheld. GameSpot. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  46. ^ Lawsuit filed against Sony, Wal-Mart over game linked to shootings. CNN. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  47. ^ Families sue over GTAIII-inspired shooting. GameSpot. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  48. ^ Rockstar seeks to dismiss GTAIII lawsuit. GameSpot. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.
  49. ^ GTA III's release information at MobyGames. URL accessed on June 11, 2006. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  50. ^ GTA: Vice City's release information at MobyGames. URL accessed on June 11, 2006. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  51. ^ GTA: San Andreas's release information at MobyGames. URL accessed on June 11, 2006. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  52. ^ Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Graphics Q&A with Aaron Garbut. GameSpot. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.
  53. ^ Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City on Nintendo GameCube. GameCubicle. Retrieved on May 6, 2006.

See also

External links


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