Grand Theft Auto: 3 (PS2)

I have never been a fan of games whose content was too realistic (or bizarre) to make me feel comfortable. So I was wary when I picked up GTA3 knowing that this game really deserved its mature rating more than any other game. I was not expecting however for it to be so much fun!

You start off as a petty crook running errands for a night club, to put it lightly. Soon you're picking up payments and leaving car bombs. Each mission get progressively harder with no great leaps in difficulty in between. Also each mission is unique, I have yet to find one to be tedious. However, if going from mission to mission is not your scene, you will find there is plenty to do in Liberty City to keep you busy. Mugging the random person is a quick way to get cash, though it eventually brings the law down on you depending on the severity of the crime. You can carjack a random taxi and deliver people for fares. Steal into an ambulance and take wounded pedestrians to the hospital. Become a temp firefighter or (my personal favorite) jump into a police cruiser and drive around as a vigilante collecting bounties.

The graphics are fantastic. The sheer size of Liberty City will make your jaw drop. You can drive or walk/run anywhere, though it is a shame you can't enter any of the buildings. Pedestrians wander the sidewalk while stray leaves and newspapers blow across the ground. It is not uncommon to spot a jetliner flying overhead, or the glint of the setting sun in your eyes.

Sound wise this game is hard to beat. You hear what you would expect to hear depending on your location. Seagulls are heard over the waves by the docks. Chinatown sounds differ from the sounds you hear in Portland. Though I have to admit the best sounds come from the radio which you can change at anytime while driving. Rap, R&B, techno, it's all there. Included is a talk show that is hysterical to listen to as well as all the commercials. In all, you would swear the designers recorded all you hear directly from a major city.

The only gripe I have is the control while running around on foot. Often you are attacked from all sides and fleeing becomes the better part of valor. Unfortunately this becomes very difficult when you end up fighting the controls and the odd hook-up in the graphics. I will say if this does happen, get into the first car you see (sans cop cars). It is the easiest way to escape.

I give Grant Theft Auto 3 a 9 out of 10, the game is that good. Be warned, this is not a game for children or minors! Heck there are adults out there who should stay clear of this title. However, if you are mature enough to handle the content and realize it is just a game...it is one hell of a ride.

9 out of 10 - AC

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