"Have a PC but not a PS2? Your wait is over, and
you shall be rewarded with a spectacular showing..."
Intro
As most of the readers will note, that this is a port from the now-classic Grand
Theft Auto II for the Sony Playstation 2. While many gamers don't see the
lure of having a game on two systems, this is the rare case where it is more
than worth it. You've read the articles, and heard the news reports. Heck, my
mom called me up after hearing about the game and promised to excommunicate me
if I purchased the game.
(I'm 28, so that was quite a laugh)
Briefly; GTA3 is the third making of an ongoing series that started years ago on
the Playstation. It's made it's way to the Sega Dreamcast; but the real
breadwinner was the third in the series which existed only on the PS2
console. When producers Rockstar Games (I sure wish I had stock with
them last year) announced that they will only be producing their games for
Sony; I was a bit let down. But, when the crossover to PC was in the workings; I
couldn't wait.
Here in my car, I feel safest of all...
Unless you have been living on a farm in Wyoming, you've heard about the
over-the-top gameplay of GTA3. It's basically become a household name in
politics and the media everywhere. You've heard about the carjacking, shooting,
prostitutes and cop killing... But, unless you have actually played the
game; you can't take it for face value.
Let's get one thing straight though. This is a game for the mature, and I highly
recommend not giving this to your eight year old for their birthday. With
that disclosure; everyone else should have a small shrine for the game somewhere
in their home. The first feeling you get when you enter Liberty City (where
the game takes place) is how big it is. The first time playing it, I
was simply overwhelmed. To add to my jaw-drop, was that there are two
other areas; which are just as big. The immensity of the game can really drown
people, and exploration is crucial. Where GTA3 shines is not just the
"bigness" of the environment, for many games can be equally as large.
What makes GTA3 like no other game is the fact that the city lives and breaths;
just like a real city. Many times you can get caught up into the actually
gameplay, but I encourage you to just stop once and take in everything
around you. Simply standing in the streets you will hear "normal" city
life changing around you. Cars obey traffic signals, people walk by making real
conversations; and people react perfectly to what is around them. A thug will
walk like a tough guy and brush against a commuter. That commuter will shrug
away, and the thug will raise his hand in the air... Not only are the physical
aspects all here, but also the sounds surrounding you. Standing near a hospital
or police station, you will hear radio dispatches; people crying and the sound
of people claiming their innocence. Depending on where you are in the game, also
depends on the crowd that will be there. In high crime districts, you will hear
gunshots and see punks "packing heat". Stand too long in the "Red
Light District", and prostitutes will... propositions you. This is
only a shred of the events that are surrounding you... and this is just
standing in one place...
Once you get over the behemoth of events that swirl around you, it's time to
take to the streets. Since the main hype is simply anarchy, let's not forget
that the game has more substance than a classic RPG. In Liberty City, there are
dozens of crime lords, all waiting to give you jobs. Some crime bosses have more
clout than others, and you need to earn respect until they offer you anything.
These "jobs" can range from simply escorting someone from point A to
point B, to heisting a shipment of drugs. Things you've always wanted to do if
you were a professional bad guy are all here. Things like "teaching someone
a lesson" by breaking their legs, to even plant a bomb in a mafia
tyrant’s car. The jobs are very unique, engaging and simply a blast to play.
Doing these jobs for different mob types, does come at a price. Since different
gangs have their own turf, treading on their streets is serious business. Taking
one job from one crime boss, means certain death if you come across their rival.
Playing your cards right, is vital to the longevity of your career. Pick you
battles wisely, and try not to step on too many toes... unless that's something
you want to do...
If you are one who simply wanted to "beat" the game, expect a good 30
hours to just do that. But, I highly advise you to rush through the game; for
you will lose so much enjoyment. Since the game is so large, you basically never
become bored. Half of the entertainment comes from browsing the neighborhoods,
searching for bonuses and locating unique items. With over 80 different vehicles
scowering the streets; you'll never lack for a ride. With the name "grand
theft auto" where would it be without "borrowing" some
wheels? You can either carjack someone, and take their vehicle; or steal one
that is parked casually on the corner. This doesn't range from generic Pintos;
you can acquire anything from a hotrod to a Hummer and everything in-between. To
add even more depth to the game, stealing certain vehicles can bring up
sub-plots; which are equally as enjoyable. Stealing a taxi gives you the option
to make some cash by picking up and dropping off pedestrians. Steal a fire truck
and you can put out local fires. A police car? Vigilante style of course. Want
to be a paramedic? Steal an ambulance and pick up injured citizens and speed
them to the hospital. These sub-missions are just about as fun as the regular
game.
When it comes to freedom, there is basically nothing you can't do. If you
can think it, you can do it. Running low on energy? Wait until nighttime and
pick up a "lady of the evening". Drive to a deserted ally, and watch
your health (and car) go up... and your money go down. Was it worth the
$500? No? Pull out your bat, and (clears throat) "demand" a
refund. Don't you hate those wanna-be-gangsters strutting down the road? Heck,
put them in check with your fists. What about those guys who cut you off? Let
your road rage run free! Pull them out of their ride, beat them down and take
their wheels for a joyride. Having a bad day? Try tossing a grenade into a busy
intersection. Don't you just hate those pompous tarts in business suits on cell
phones? Light up your flamethrower and watch them scream... Priceless...
Even for you psychopaths who hate little old ladies... You can run them over
without remorse or even give them a good whack to the head.
All of this chaos does come at a price, however. The "star"
meter, is at first shaded out. But, the more naughty things you do, the more
stars that light up. This "wanted meter" also shows how bad the cops
want to get you. One star and they will simply want to arrest you. Two and they
get a bit more serious. Three and it's "shoot-to-kill". Four? Bring in
the helicopters. Five?? National Guard... You get the picture. This meter can
really affect your missions, however. If the cops are on your tail, it is often
difficult to successfully complete your mission. Take a break, hang out and
eventually that star will fade away.
What about my con-troll-wah?
The PS2 controller is one of the greatest controllers ever produced. For console
players, most can stomach the controls that a PC brings. The same goes for PC
players. PC players love the customability and depth of a keyboard and feel
confined when using a controller. I usually prefer a keyboard and mouse, but
have switched back and forth when it comes to GTA3.
The biggest flaw of GTA3 on the PS2 was the semi-awkward targeting system. If
you use a keyboard, this really solves most of the issues you come across. Using
"mouse look" allows you to precisely target enemies (or whatever)
you may face. Moving your player is also easy, and if you play FPS on the PC you
can customize it as you normally would any other FPS game. The only drawback of
the keyboard mouse combo, is the driving sequences. Controlling the vehicles is
a bit tricky, but the good far outweighs the bad. However, I still find myself
using a Gravis Pad (which is nearly identical to the Dual Shock) more
often than not. I think if you have never played the game on the PS2, the
keyboard-mouse should work perfectly.
One other nice feature the PC version gives us is different views. There are
about a half dozen views you can choose. These range from classic first person,
to an overhead shot. This is good when running missions, and allows you to
customize the paths to your liking. Some may say it draws away from the original
intentions of the creators, but I found it only compliments it. Still, I find
myself clinging to the original view the most, but I enjoy the "cinematic
view" to get that true movie feel.
Since this is a PC game, expect the various PC problems. The box
recommends at least a Pentium 400 mHz, but I doubt it would be playable. Even
with a 933 Celeron with 256 MB of RAM and a phat GeForce card, I experienced
noticeable slowdown. Running XP also threw a few wrenches into the mix, but was
easily solved by downloading a file after visiting their website. Performance
was generally good, once you played with the settings; and ran just as well or
better than the console version.
Blood. Mayhem. Music.
The PC version is a near carbon copy of the PS2 edition. Everything is basically
laid out exactly the same, and the graphics and audio are nearly identical. The
game oozes with detail, and the environments are simply breathtaking. Depending
on your PC's power, you can boost up the graphics and make them hands-down
better than the PS2 version. The textures are still a bit blocky, but bumping up
the resolution really makes a huge difference.
The animation, and variety is still what really gets you when you look at the
game. You can shoot off body parts, and watch them spray blood. Running over a
pedestrian, and then driving over them leaves a trail of blood covered tire
tracks. Every detail imaginable is here, which really adds to the overall
experience of the game. While the game doesn't showcase new imagery, it does
provide amazing lighting effects and superb attention to details. This also
includes a dynamic environment that changes according to the conditions around
you. These changes range from weather effects and explosions to riots and
various ongoing missions.
Probably the most impressive of the aesthetics is the amazing audio. I mentioned
the speech and voices of the city, but also the vast diversity on each street
corner. Sound effects also rank right up there with other top audio games; and
the soundtracks are just amazing. With a handful of changeable radio stations (in
a vehicle) you can listen to anything from hip-hop to classical, and my
personal favorite, a flashback 80's station. The music is catchy, but totally
hilarious. The same goes for the talk radio and the commercials throughout the
game. Listen carefully and they become believable but totally unbelievable.
Nevertheless, it is incredibly entertaining. Another PC exclusive feature is to
create a new radio station, in which you can import your own MP3's and
listen to them at your leisure. I really loved this feature, and was able to
customize the music to my liking and my mood.
66 Says:
Interaction. This is the bottom line here, folks. The interaction between player
and environment sets the bar so high for other games, that it is nearly
inaccessible. Pulling out a gun in a crowded street will cause pedestrians to
scream "He's got a gun!" and high tail it out of there. This is
a total must have for any PC owner, and if you don't have the luxury of having a
PS2; this is a must-have-or-die title.
I never appreciated the game until I spent 15 minutes doing absolutely nothing
in the game. Just watching life develop around you was well worth the price of
admission. Grand Theft Auto III is not just a game, but also truly an experience.
If you have yet to play the game, I highly recommend you to give it a shot.
Again, not for the light of heart and for mature audiences only. Killing in real
life is bad, ok?
9.8
