Grand Theft Auto III

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1725 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,253 out of 1725
  2. Mixed: 398 out of 1725
  3. Negative: 74 out of 1725
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  1. SJ_pl
    Jan 31, 2012
    7
    It's quite funny but I don't quite get this phenomena. I mean this game is fairly good but it's not attractive for me in any way. When I was playing it I actually felt lured more by the gameplay possibilities rather then the quests or the story and I think that this is its main problem. I wanted to steal cars, smash them, kill people, buy some guns and then kill more people, then defendIt's quite funny but I don't quite get this phenomena. I mean this game is fairly good but it's not attractive for me in any way. When I was playing it I actually felt lured more by the gameplay possibilities rather then the quests or the story and I think that this is its main problem. I wanted to steal cars, smash them, kill people, buy some guns and then kill more people, then defend from the tank... etc. :) This was fun. I wanted to have some fun and by doing those stuff I was getting what I've wanted even though that game wasn't fully designed in such a way?!

    Gameplay 8/10
    Graphics 7.5/10
    Audio 8/10    … Expand
  2. Wiebe
    Feb 25, 2020
    7
    Cool game for its time, but a bit simple compared the to amazing installments that came later.
  3. mr-NachoMen
    Aug 14, 2019
    6
    Grand Theft auto 3 was a huge improvement in the gaming industry and for the new comer series, being a fully 3D open world game that improve what the last games in the series had already done. Unfortunately... GTA 3 is one of the most frustrated and hard games in the series.
    The huge tech improvement that the game made was changing the top down perspective to a third person view with full    Grand Theft auto 3 was a huge improvement in the gaming industry and for the new comer series, being a fully 3D open world game that improve what the last games in the series had already done. Unfortunately... GTA 3 is one of the most frustrated and hard games in the series.
    The huge tech improvement that the game made was changing the top down perspective to a third person view with full control of the camera to look at whatever direction the gamer desire, character models where more detail and had a full body instead of just seeing their head.
    But like i mention, the game is way too frustrating... police officers hates you, and when they chase you they will tear you car into peaces. In every "neighbourhood" every single gang will star shooting at you, even if you don't do anything bad to them. Cars will consume into flames too fast, just a couple of hits are enough. Health can run out too quickly... and you can't swim.
    The story was turning to be a bit more series than the last games and this was a good thing. The missions were mixed... the early missions were easy to take, but as you start to unlock more areas from Liberty City the more difficult this will get.
    GTA 3 is a good game, but it's unbalanced difficult makes the experience a pain in the ass.    … Expand
  4. NightGeisha
    May 25, 2019
    7
    Back in 2002 I was one of the many players that played this mark in the video game history, and I feel very nostalgic now, in 2019 when I replay it again for a few hours.
    GTA 3 was one of the first games that elevate the "open world games" to what they are today.
    For an updated computer with Windows 10 the game is strange to play, especially because the resolution is very low for today    Back in 2002 I was one of the many players that played this mark in the video game history, and I feel very nostalgic now, in 2019 when I replay it again for a few hours.
    GTA 3 was one of the first games that elevate the "open world games" to what they are today.

    For an updated computer with Windows 10 the game is strange to play, especially because the resolution is very low for today standards. But taking in account the 2002 standards, the game was amazing.

    This is a piece of the gaming history. A "must have" to any gamer collection. I fully recommend it!    … Expand
  5. RendRoy
    Jul 5, 2019
    7
    klasik bir gta oyunu kötü değil fakat mükemmel falan da değil. Bana soracak olursanız oynamazsanız çok bir şey kaybetmezsiniz.
  6. Diptanshu
    Dec 19, 2019
    7
    Its a nostalgic Game Ever but playing it in 2019 was not that satisfying! compare to trilogy its my least favroite as it contains no maps no directions as for a game of that time it was in developing stage so that might not come as bad aspect of the game but playing it now feels too irritating!i liked somethings in game which are you are playing a normal human as if youre having cheatIts a nostalgic Game Ever but playing it in 2019 was not that satisfying! compare to trilogy its my least favroite as it contains no maps no directions as for a game of that time it was in developing stage so that might not come as bad aspect of the game but playing it now feels too irritating!i liked somethings in game which are you are playing a normal human as if youre having cheat codes but bullets and physics is great compared to other gta"s! although its a classic but playing in 2019 makes us feel irritating!… Expand
  7. Genek13
    Nov 20, 2019
    7
    First GTA installment in 3D graphics and few new mechanics.
    Feels like GTA and plays same :)
    Didn't finish game because of technical problems on my PC with Windows XP, which was new back then.
  8. EsteticBomzh
    Jun 23, 2020
    6
    Неплохая игра, первая игра серии в 3D. На момент выхода наверняка была прорывной игрой. Из минусов довольно скучный сюжет и никакущий главный герой.
  9. lynxx
    Jun 24, 2013
    6
    Well... This game was a pretty big thing back at it's days but now it's just a mediocre game to play. If you want to play something better play Vice City or San Andreas.
  10. Alumin88
    Feb 5, 2015
    7
    You know, as much as I've enjoyed the GTA series GTA3 never really struck that much of a chord with me, my favorite entries would have to be (GTA1, Vice City, and San Andreas)

    It's a worthy title, don't get me wrong, and made the transition from top-down to full 3D TPS effortlessly. It's visuals I think are the main reasons why I don't like it as much as the others. Everything just    You know, as much as I've enjoyed the GTA series GTA3 never really struck that much of a chord with me, my favorite entries would have to be (GTA1, Vice City, and San Andreas)

    It's a worthy title, don't get me wrong, and made the transition from top-down to full 3D TPS effortlessly.

    It's visuals I think are the main reasons why I don't like it as much as the others. Everything just looks so dull. I understand it's supposed to be a gritty game, but everything really is just so dull looking and quite lifeless.

    For it's time the graphics themselves were great, pushing gaming foward etc, and I really am not someone who plays games solely for a pretty experience. I just don't feel entertained by GTA3 as much as the other titles, mainly for it's atmosphere I'd say.

    All your favorite mission types, gameplay elements are there which do a great job, radio stations return and can be pretty funny.

    I've just never been a fan of the dull, dark, rain all the time visuals.

    Give me Vice City any day!    … Expand
  11. ArrowToTheHead
    Jan 13, 2014
    6
    o.O
    were talking about the same game here? well i disagree.
    imo this thing shouldnt be rated so high... i cant remember the release very well, but it musthv been before san andreas and vice city...obv.. to those it is inferior in every point(not talking graphics): music- worse even than gta1/2(ok thats just me), story...well the guy doesnt even fing talk...controls are not very    o.O
    were talking about the same game here? well i disagree.
    imo this thing shouldnt be rated so high...
    i cant remember the release very well, but it musthv been before san andreas and vice city...obv..
    to those it is inferior in every point(not talking graphics): music- worse even than gta1/2(ok thats just me), story...well the guy doesnt even fing talk...controls are not very accurate at all, not with a pad, not in any other way...
    missions felt repetitive to me, and often unfair(not challenging)
    id even prefer the horrible gta4 if only...well maybe not, the writing in 3 was better

    6    … Expand
  12. metacritic1
    Apr 16, 2011
    7
    This game could have been much better. Still, the mood of liberty city and the music on the radio save the game. The missions have vague instructions and many are impossible to do on the first few attempts due to limitations put in by the game makers. Overall, the radio is great, some cars are nice, graphics not too good, and too many bad missions. The map is extremely bad and doesn't helpThis game could have been much better. Still, the mood of liberty city and the music on the radio save the game. The missions have vague instructions and many are impossible to do on the first few attempts due to limitations put in by the game makers. Overall, the radio is great, some cars are nice, graphics not too good, and too many bad missions. The map is extremely bad and doesn't help that much. Great voice acting by the street characters of liberty city and talk show radio people. A nice game overall, even with its issues. Rockstar games is one of the worst game makers out there. The metascore is way too much. Should be around 72, not more.… Expand
  13. GTArocks
    Feb 19, 2014
    6
    Though I am a fan of the franchise, I think this game deserves a 5 at best. Quite lacks stuff to do when you beat the short 4-5 hour long storyline. Though I like how hard and challenging this game is, I wouldn't recommend this. I really hate the soundtrack as we'll but don't worry because of the MP3 Player.

    Storyline: 8/10
    Fun: 7/10
    Soundtrack: 2/10
    Gameplay: 7/10

    Average: 6/10
  14. KingAndCountry
    Sep 13, 2016
    6
    This game was great for its time, but it has nearly no replay value nowadays. It's nearly plotless, the player character has no real defined traits, and the gameplay is subpar compared to San Andreas, which was only released two years later.

    If you're going on a nostalgia trip of older games, I wouldn't reccomend trying to play this. It hasn't aged well, and I didn't enjoy it nearly as    This game was great for its time, but it has nearly no replay value nowadays. It's nearly plotless, the player character has no real defined traits, and the gameplay is subpar compared to San Andreas, which was only released two years later.

    If you're going on a nostalgia trip of older games, I wouldn't reccomend trying to play this. It hasn't aged well, and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would.    … Expand
  15. Mobile
    Mar 15, 2018
    6
    ENG
    Stupid face of the main character, silent. Five songs on each radio station, which by the way a headache listening to throughout the game. There is no one interesting or amusing character, all the tasks are almost identical, only a couple of them to praise or find cool. Stupid system of cars, turned over and all the boom, during the job Oh as mad, or when you start ramming COP cars,    ENG
    Stupid face of the main character, silent. Five songs on each radio station, which by the way a headache listening to throughout the game. There is no one interesting or amusing character, all the tasks are almost identical, only a couple of them to praise or find cool. Stupid system of cars, turned over and all the boom, during the job Oh as mad, or when you start ramming COP cars, like a tractor and you can not turn aside. A sharp ending, tasks do not let her down and you do not even realize that all the end of the game. Of course it was a breakthrough after the first two GTA with a top view, but now it is not particularly want to play. This despite the fact that I'm not afraid and did not disdain to play the old and forgotten games.
    RU
    Тупое лицо главного героя, молчуна. По пять штук песен на каждой радиоволне, от которых кстати начинает болеть голова, слушая на протяжении всей игры. Нет ни одного интересного или забавного персонажа, все задания практически однотипны, можно лишь парочку из них похвалить или посчитать классными. Идиотская система машин, перевернулся и все бум, во время заданий ох как бесит, или когда тебя начинает таранить машина копов, будто трактор и ты не можешь повернуть в сторону. Резкая концовка, задания к ней не подводят и ты даже не понимаешь, что все конец игры. Конечно это был прорыв после первых двух GTA с видом с верху, но сейчас в это играть не особо хочется. Это при том что я не боюсь и не брезгую играть в старые, добрые и забытые игры.    … Expand
  16. Hayter
    Nov 10, 2019
    5
    Наконец-то я прошёл эту игру и смело и дерзко могу написать на неё обзор.
    Начну с того, что игру я прошёл от начала и до конца, поэтому я в полной мере могу заявить, что сюжет в ней крайне банальный, скучный и предсказуемый.
    МИНУСЫ: Ох, их здесь очень много - Главный герой - брат Гордона Фримена и Челл (потому что немой) - Конченный ИИ - Чрезвычайно много багов - Плохое управление    Наконец-то я прошёл эту игру и смело и дерзко могу написать на неё обзор.
    Начну с того, что игру я прошёл от начала и до конца, поэтому я в полной мере могу заявить, что сюжет в ней крайне банальный, скучный и предсказуемый.
    МИНУСЫ:
    Ох, их здесь очень много
    - Главный герой - брат Гордона Фримена и Челл (потому что немой)
    - Конченный ИИ
    - Чрезвычайно много багов
    - Плохое управление
    - Убогие текстуры
    - Кривое меню
    - Нет русских субтитров и озвучки
    - В этой игре всё против тебя
    К тому же игра очень сложная, самая сложная часть ГТА и с этим поспорит только конченый дурачок.
    - Но она же вышла в 2001 году, будь солидарнее и уважительнее
    - Отстань, я заплатил за неё 400 рублей и мне плевать когда она вышла, я высказываю своё мнение.
    ПЛЮСЫ:
    Ах да, их же здесь нет, какая жалость.
    ГТА 3 зарождение великолепной и легендарной серии игр, но саму её легендарной назвать нельзя, мне всё равно что будут кукарекать олды, я вправе полностью полить то, что они любят фекалиями, ведь я оценил эти самые фекалии.
    5/10 и то с натяжкой.    … Expand
  17. Horrux
    Oct 28, 2014
    5
    The missions and characters are fun.

    However, the game suffers from bad design, in that most of the sencond half missions are made on a "try again" basis. You woon't be able to complete them on the first try, because the game designers made damn sure of that. So between every mission, you have to go back home to save the game, then drive to whomever is giving you the mission. Cutscene    The missions and characters are fun.

    However, the game suffers from bad design, in that most of the sencond half missions are made on a "try again" basis. You woon't be able to complete them on the first try, because the game designers made damn sure of that. So between every mission, you have to go back home to save the game, then drive to whomever is giving you the mission. Cutscene (skippable, small mercies) for the mission, then drive to the mission, and fail. Try again.

    So yeah, you will get many hours out of the game, most of them driving to and from the actual action, and trying the same missions over and over again.

    Sure, some elements are fun, but I don't see why it is such a highly rated game. Saints' Row II was much, much better. So, to me, this game is the epitome of average. Some good, some bad, overall, meh.    … Expand
  18. BasilZero
    Mar 18, 2018
    7
    Game: Grand Theft Auto III
    Genre: Sandbox Action
    Developer: Rockstar North Publisher: Rockstar Games System: Steam (PC) Year of Release: 2002 Length of Playthrough: 18 Hours Total Score: 73/100 Value Score: 7.3/10 • Story: 7/10 • Characters: 7/10 • GamePlay: 6/10 • Graphics: 6/10 • Sound: 8/10 • Music: 7/10 • Length: 7/10 • Replay Value: 8/10 • Player Value: 7/10    Game: Grand Theft Auto III
    Genre: Sandbox Action
    Developer: Rockstar North
    Publisher: Rockstar Games
    System: Steam (PC)
    Year of Release: 2002
    Length of Playthrough: 18 Hours

    Total Score: 73/100
    Value Score: 7.3/10

    • Story: 7/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 6/10
    • Graphics: 6/10
    • Sound: 8/10
    • Music: 7/10
    • Length: 7/10
    • Replay Value: 8/10
    • Player Value: 7/10

    Pros
    +Multiple costumes
    +Decent story and cast of characters
    +Big size world for time of release spread across 3 sections which gets unlocked

    Cons
    -No in game map (you have to rely on the radar)
    -Icons for shops, etc disappear and you have to manually find shops like for ammunition
    -Limited cheats (Vehicles) unless you use mods
    -Usage of mods requires some third party programs
    -Mods need to be enabled to use controller properly and to have weather effects
    -Frustrating missions - some of the hardest missions in the series    … Expand
  19. XDavidX
    Nov 19, 2015
    5
    I dont liked this game so much, sure this is revolotiunary over 10 years ago but now its not. Its a average game. And after the storyline there's nothing to do.
  20. Marickk
    Jan 25, 2016
    7
    What a game, what memories. For the year 2002, this game was so, wow. I can't tell how much people liked this game. Otherwise , this was a good game, and a good start for Rockstar.
  21. russiangamer
    Nov 18, 2016
    7
    Спасибо за вклад в индустрию.
    Я признаю, что GTA 3 изменила игры навсегда, но она уже начинает стареть.
    По-скольку это первая 3D гта, то тут много всяких отсутствующих фишек или геймплейных особенностей, которые присутствуют в последующих частях и это отсутствие раздражает. Не совсем правильно сравнивать эту часть с другими, но уж так получилось, что перед этой частью я сыграл почти во    Спасибо за вклад в индустрию.
    Я признаю, что GTA 3 изменила игры навсегда, но она уже начинает стареть.
    По-скольку это первая 3D гта, то тут много всяких отсутствующих фишек или геймплейных особенностей, которые присутствуют в последующих частях и это отсутствие раздражает. Не совсем правильно сравнивать эту часть с другими, но уж так получилось, что перед этой частью я сыграл почти во все последующие. А так же игра купленная в стиме, не особо хорошо оптимизирована под новые системы.
    Игра довольна сложна, как и все части до GTA 4. Музыка в игре хороша, хиты прошлого века здорово бодрят во время погони. Сюжет нормальный, ни на что не претендует, просто нормальный.
    Вообщем игра уже начинает устаревать, если хотели поиграть, то лучше сделать это сейчас.    … Expand
  22. AZWification
    Dec 16, 2010
    6
    I am sorry but this dog smelly game is just bad compared to GTA 3 for the PS2!The PS2 is just good, but this one is just kinda........................I don't know......But play the PS2 version!It's worth!
  23. Fidelito
    Oct 7, 2021
    7
    Envejeció mal, ya empieza a oler rancio

    aged really bad, starting to stink
  24. Karlsefniy
    Jul 21, 2022
    7
    Grand Theft Auto III was a revolutionary game in 2002. Playing it now makes me feel weird but I can't deny that this game left its mark in videogame history.
  25. Mr_Nobody34
    Jan 14, 2022
    7
    Ratings for the time period it came out
    Story : 7
    Gameplay : 8
    Graphics : 8
    Fun Factor : 7
    Environment interaction : 7
    Sound effects : 7
    Overall Immersion : 7
    There's no such thing as a perfect game
  26. Izoeros
    Apr 26, 2022
    7
    ййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййййй
  27. ZiggyStardust
    Nov 9, 2002
    7
    It's an absolutely excellent game. But this is really a lazy port of the PS2 version. The system requirements are unreasonably high considering the PS2 runs it perfectly with a 300 mhz processor. While my 1 ghz computer can't handle the pc version without occasional slow down.
  28. alanbessa
    Sep 13, 2020
    7
    Its kinda dated, but it's hold up as a good GTAesque game, the missions are incredibly fun, the lack of features as swimming sucks and you need to mod to be able to swim, but still a good game.
  29. Zodiac_A
    Mar 7, 2021
    7
    This game is the first great title of the legendary game series. However it has several disadvantaged: serious graphics bugs at several locations, very simple fighting/shooting technique, the game story isn`t deep only 25-40% are really interesting. Anyway it was great as a beginning of a great game series.
  30. Cz3rw0ny
    Apr 5, 2021
    7
    I was re-playing this game quite recently, and unfortunetely I need to admit it has aged quite a lot. Still, very much fun, but not as good as it could be these days.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2002
4
#4 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. FiringSquad
    84
    There’s more senseless violence in GTA3 than there are bleeps in an episode of "The Osbournes."
    Read full review
  2. netjak
    98
    The interaction between player and environment sets the bar so high for other games, that it is nearly inaccessible.
  3. GameSpy
    94
    It's a game you could play for weeks -- maybe even months -- and still discover something new every day.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »