Grand Theft Auto III

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1185 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 953 out of 1185
  2. Mixed: 150 out of 1185
  3. Negative: 82 out of 1185
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. FarshadFido
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    it was made only by Rockstar.gta 3 amazing game,niceeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeereeeeee
  2. kobaeee
    Sep 6, 2023
    10
    GTA 3 is the first open world game to do it correctly. It's a shame that this game still hasn't received a worthy remaster.
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    What can i say that has not been said a thousand times. Despite its obvious old age and crappy graphics, I have such good memories about it.
  4. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 28, 2023
    9
    Inevitably a little simplistic and crude compared to the later incarnations and some of the missions are frustratingly difficult thanks to the combination of dodgy AI and vehicles that are far too fragile, but it was a game changer at the time and was the genesis of the modern sandbox game.
  5. lizardkingg
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    One of the most revolutionary games of all time. A groundbreaking masterpiece. Set the bar high for the rest of the gaming world. As much of a classic as it gets.
  6. Warrior_of_Doom
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    The overall score is based on how much fun I personally had with every component of the game
    and the overall experience.
  7. SSJGodku
    Jul 18, 2023
    8
    This was my introduction to the GTA series. I enjoyed the story & characters. I also liked just driving around and reeking havoc on the civilians.
  8. 3run0
    Jul 17, 2023
    10
    The best game for the PS2.Still fun to this day destroying cars with rpgs and causing chaos.
  9. zcat5
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Building upon the openness of Driver 2, this game redefined what an openworld game could be. This game is one of the most important games in history. I can't call it a masterpiece because it is heavily flawed, but for importance to gaming alone, this deserves a 10/10.
  10. Pancakes-
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Es un hermoso juego, lo he completado en PC y Android, ambas son buenas experiencias, pero cuando decidí completarlo en mi vieja PS2 fue aún más emocionante.
    El juego tiene esa baja resolución típica de un juego del 2000, pero muchas cosas como la dificultad, la estética oscura no hacen más que notarse aún más.
    La dificultad en sí, es un juego difícil, el GTA con la campaña más difícil,    Es un hermoso juego, lo he completado en PC y Android, ambas son buenas experiencias, pero cuando decidí completarlo en mi vieja PS2 fue aún más emocionante.
    El juego tiene esa baja resolución típica de un juego del 2000, pero muchas cosas como la dificultad, la estética oscura no hacen más que notarse aún más.
    La dificultad en sí, es un juego difícil, el GTA con la campaña más difícil, debido a sus misiones cronometradas y largas persecuciones, sin embargo, si se lo domina bien, es una experiencia más disfrutable que frustrante, que no es una dificultad del otro mundo.
    La selección musical es hermosa y contribuye a sentimientos de acción, emoción, pero también de tristeza y soledad, debido a la frialdad del protagonista.
    En definitiva, un clásico que todo jugador debería probar al menos una vez, debido a que aún con su envejecimiento, puede suponer un poco de reto, por su conducción torpe y simple, o el regreso a un GTA más simple, alejado de toda mecánica secundaria lo máximo posible, y centrado en ser un juego que trajera la revolución del mundo abierto a la industria. It is a beautiful game, I have completed it on PC and Android, both are good experiences, but when I decided to complete it on my old PS2, it was even more exciting.

    The game has that typical low resolution of a game from 2000, but many things like the difficulty, the dark aesthetic, only stand out even more.

    The difficulty itself is a challenging game, the GTA with the hardest campaign, due to its timed missions and long chases. However, if you master it well, it is a more enjoyable experience than frustrating. It's not an otherworldly difficulty.

    The music selection is beautiful and contributes to feelings of action, excitement, but also sadness and loneliness, due to the coldness of the protagonist.

    In conclusion, it's a classic that every gamer should try at least once because even with its aging, it can still provide a bit of a challenge, whether it's the clunky and simplistic driving or the return to a simpler GTA, stripped of all secondary mechanics as much as possible, and focused on being a game that brought the open-world revolution to the industry.    … Expand
  11. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    GTA 3 was a groundbreaking achievement in gaming history that was so fresh. It blew everybody's mind back in the day.
  12. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Apr 2, 2023
    9
    "Grand Theft Auto III" revolutionized the video game industry with its introduction of the 3D open world. At the time of release, it was highly controversial since it allowed players to engage in all sorts of major criminal activities. Nevertheless, GTA III was a huge hit and has been named one of the greatest video games ever made by several critics. This is a satirical action-adventure"Grand Theft Auto III" revolutionized the video game industry with its introduction of the 3D open world. At the time of release, it was highly controversial since it allowed players to engage in all sorts of major criminal activities. Nevertheless, GTA III was a huge hit and has been named one of the greatest video games ever made by several critics. This is a satirical action-adventure influenced by Hollywood mob films. It's a tasteless guilty pleasure meant for a mature audience. Great wicked fun. Despite its flaws, this is the first GTA that set up the template for future entries and inspired countless of open-world games. I would rate it with a 9.6 out of 10.… Expand
  13. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  14. Lyralei3
    Feb 26, 2023
    8
    GTA III - самая недооцененная часть гта и самая жестокая гта с хорошей атмосферой
    Оцениваю игру на 8/10
  15. fredijuts
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    car go vroom so i be happy vroom vroom beep beep vroom vroom beep beep vroom vroom beep beep
  16. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 8
  17. Ez1459
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    grandfather of open world games, truly amazing and has a charm to it that will never vanish
  18. Uauqdemais
    Dec 28, 2022
    8
    O começo de algo pica, mas não é nem de perto perfeito. A gameplay é datada, sendo o principal problema deste jogo.
  19. Raymond86
    Dec 7, 2022
    8
    The original open world sandbox game. 21 years after it's release GTA III holds up and is just as playable today as it was then.
  20. Bivshtex007
    Nov 13, 2022
    10
    I am SO glad that this game (PS2 Version) is available on PS4! I enjoyed every bit of it, even with outdated controls. Gameplay, Challanges, everything
  21. Jattaman
    Oct 3, 2022
    9
    Il terzo capitolo rivoluziona la serie con il 3D.
    Perde l'originalità e la crudezza del primo episodio, ma stravolge in positivo per impatto grafico, giocabilità e maestosità del progetto.
  22. dr-kenobi
    Sep 6, 2022
    9
    The case when the first real try is not a mess, but a huge hit. Truly the origin of the future best seller of the gaming world
  23. DanThePerson
    Aug 27, 2022
    9
    once again this game has a cool premise and atmosphere, and bunch of other cool stuff, and the music/radio stations are one of my favorite things about the game.. but there's a inconsistent difficulty yet again, and also yet again it caused me to never beat this game.. I guess maybe the older a GTA game is, the harder it becomes..
  24. Draco9
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    My first game couldnt beat it cause i didnt have a memory card feels bad still a masterpiece
  25. ONEEX
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    3-я знаминитая часть.
    Моя первая и любимая.
    С этой части я полюбил эту серию.
    Благодарность разработчикам.
  26. Runatikku
    Feb 1, 2022
    9
    This game is a groundbreaking game in the gaming world. I remember my brain stopped the first time I played it. I don't remember any game I've played before that gave me so much freedom. And the graphics, oh my god, my eyes melted when I saw the graphics of GTA 3, which had spent my life with NES games until then. The game I begged my family to buy a ps2. Generally speaking, it is not theThis game is a groundbreaking game in the gaming world. I remember my brain stopped the first time I played it. I don't remember any game I've played before that gave me so much freedom. And the graphics, oh my god, my eyes melted when I saw the graphics of GTA 3, which had spent my life with NES games until then. The game I begged my family to buy a ps2. Generally speaking, it is not the strongest game in the GTA series, but we have to accept that it is the game that started the legend. As I said, the graphics are very good for its time, the gameplay is also the same, even today I think it's still comfortably playable, the scenario is not very good, it's a classic revenge story, but because Claude is a total dull, he can't make us feel this feeling of revenge. Other than that, freedom, stealing cars, entering cheat codes, and attacking people are all as expected from a GTA game. I think it's a game that everyone should experience. The missions are generally pretty easy and short with a few exceptions. So I suggest you give it a try.… Expand
  27. Atay26
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a revolutionary game for it's time, a MUST GET! This game has the most beautiful atmosphere I have ever seen in a video game. Characters, gameplay mechanics and story are very well achieved from such a huge transition between it's 2d processors to becoming a whole new fledged out 3d non linear experience. Claude the main protagonist is betrayed and left for dead by his ex girlfriend during a robbery, after escaping incarceration, he sets himself on a journey for revenge, even if it means working for the biggest crime Lord's of liberty city's criminal underworld Just to get closer to reach your goal.… Expand
  28. tomflanders
    Dec 3, 2021
    8
    Groundbreaking game and decent storyline. Would definitely recommend for those who haven't played a GTA before
  29. MatthewJamesBag
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    GTA 3 Is Actually A Really Fun Game And It Has Really Really R E A L L Y Good Graphics And Sound Quality. Good Game Overall, 10/10
  30. Modax19
    Oct 18, 2021
    10
    Seriously fun. Finished the game for the first time (with no cheat codes!) in 2021. I loved the simple story and the variety of missions. Learning how to navigate the map by memory is really enjoyable and proves you don’t need an in game map / full navigation system. This game doesn’t try to be overly realistic and the result is pure fun. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy playing this game soSeriously fun. Finished the game for the first time (with no cheat codes!) in 2021. I loved the simple story and the variety of missions. Learning how to navigate the map by memory is really enjoyable and proves you don’t need an in game map / full navigation system. This game doesn’t try to be overly realistic and the result is pure fun. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy playing this game so much and I can’t quite put into words what makes it so good.… Expand
  31. McQueen1911
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    very good and fun game, especially the main characters voice acting. violence is very good too.
  32. grimreapersims
    Sep 9, 2021
    8
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  33. Ardho
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    The game is so good, that other games feel outdated, what a big step for the game world
  34. CloudStrife05
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    And the world was never the same again... That is what should be said whenever talking about GTA3.
  35. Killsheer
    Jun 10, 2021
    10
    One of the best PS2 games, besides being my 4th Favorite GTA, Bad Musics and Final Mission
  36. lSAGGERl
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    Revolución. Nunca antes se habia visto nada igual, esto si era un mundo libre y realista donde en los CRT de la epoca se disfrutaba y se veia muy realista en esos años. Juegazo que cambió todo. Divertido y con muy buena banda sonora. Pegó fuerte entre los chavales.
  37. Brunoprado
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom
  38. psmoon21
    Jan 27, 2021
    10
    The game that changed the open worlds

    Even with a mute character he has an incredible story for his time, with many things to do and fun missions

    gta iii is the game that everyone who played the first gta wanted for the saga.

    this is one of the games that moved this industry forward
  39. Thefreecritic
    Jan 17, 2021
    10
    Nostalgic game :)))))))))))))))))
    I want to go back to that time :)))))))))))))))))))))
    It was a revolutionary game of its time, and Rockstar owes it
    I love this game
  40. yjwno0
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Most innovative gameplay compared to GTA V.
    I've played a lots of GTA games including GTA Advance, GTA CTW, GTA VC, GTA SA, GTA 4, GTA 5, but I can guarantee GTA 3 is the best of them all.
  41. sethbroker
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Wow I cant say no more ! I love it , absolutely stunning, best game everrrrrrr!
  42. JWest132
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    Grand Theft Auto 3 will always be a classic that has flaws. Flaws that it’s predecessors fix. And yes Vice City and San Andres are better games, but there is just something about the simplicity of GTA 3. It’s one of if not the most innovative game of all time. One of the most influential games of my life. I love this game 10/10.
  43. Soldier1stClass
    Jul 23, 2020
    9
    When I was younger GT3 blew my mind when it 1st came out. It was my 1st experience with the GTA franchise and the game was an amazing product for it's t's time. I still play it every once in awhile.
  44. LatinCritic13
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Grand Theft Auto III is the only 3D open world game that started it all and it’s a revolutionizing gamechanging masterpiece.
  45. hundead309
    Jun 1, 2020
    8
    I know that this was one of the gtas and one of the most important games in the world, but unfortunately it has aged a lot, not only in the graphics that were a little out of date for the time, but also in the very slow and primitive gameplay. In addition, he is very difficult, seriously, he must be one of the most difficult gtas I have ever played, missions like "bomb base 2", "expres 2I know that this was one of the gtas and one of the most important games in the world, but unfortunately it has aged a lot, not only in the graphics that were a little out of date for the time, but also in the very slow and primitive gameplay. In addition, he is very difficult, seriously, he must be one of the most difficult gtas I have ever played, missions like "bomb base 2", "expres 2 go" and "SAM" are almost impossible and I couldn't finish this game without codes.… Expand
  46. drlowdon
    Mar 25, 2020
    9
    Having escaped from a prison transport Claude soon gets back into a life of crime and seeks revenge on the former girlfriend that betrayed and left him for dead.

    As a game Grand Theft Auto III certainly has its flaws’, including fairly poor controls as well as some horrendous difficulty spikes. At the time however the open world of Liberty City was simply astounding, never before had a    Having escaped from a prison transport Claude soon gets back into a life of crime and seeks revenge on the former girlfriend that betrayed and left him for dead.

    As a game Grand Theft Auto III certainly has its flaws’, including fairly poor controls as well as some horrendous difficulty spikes. At the time however the open world of Liberty City was simply astounding, never before had a game offered such a detailed playground full of so many activities to participate in. Nearly twenty years since it's release the influence of GTA III on gaming can still be felt...    … Expand
  47. rz1993
    May 27, 2019
    10
    This GTA game is definitely better than GTA IV and this deserves a better user score than IV. The controls were really better than IV and the missions are much fun than IV and the characters are memorable just like San Andreas, V and Vice City. This game is amazing..
  48. MicroscopicMoon
    Jan 12, 2019
    8
    The best part of the series, the atmosphere of real city. The main character is like a hipster, but in fact it is a very charismatic character.
  49. md5fungi
    Jan 5, 2019
    9
    Grand Theft Auto III is an extremely ambitious attempt to bring the series' ultraviolent mayhem to the 3D world for the first time. In 2001, no one yet had really tried making a game like it, with the exception of Driver, which was an intense chase game with less grandiose expectations for itself than GTA III.

    You play as the silent Claude, a recently escaped prisoner who ends up taking    Grand Theft Auto III is an extremely ambitious attempt to bring the series' ultraviolent mayhem to the 3D world for the first time. In 2001, no one yet had really tried making a game like it, with the exception of Driver, which was an intense chase game with less grandiose expectations for itself than GTA III.

    You play as the silent Claude, a recently escaped prisoner who ends up taking all sorts of dirty jobs around town. Even though Claude doesn't say anything or really have much of a personality (I suppose you get to choose what kind of person he is), the other characters in the game do. Most everyone you meet has a few screws loose and is up to no good. The darkly humorous exchanges you'll have with these characters adds to the atmosphere and style of the game.

    The main premise of GTA III is that you wander around a living, breathing world in which any car is free for you to take (though not necessarily with the blessing of the owner or police). There are no rules.

    There are a lot of different vehicles in the game, and they all drive differently as well. You can drive a blazing fast sports car or a dangerously heavy-duty fire truck (with which you can spray out fires, or just harass pedestrians with the hose). Almost everything is fun to drive, thanks to a solid physics engine. Your car will realistically spin out of control when a cop rams you, and when you're going fast, you FEEL it.

    Even if you're going for a relaxing drive across the incredibly immersive city, cruising is still fun thanks to the ability to listen to a variety of in-game radio stations. There's hip-hop, 80s pop, classical, and more, and a lot of the stations are straight-up infectious. Listening to talk shows or radio DJs is hilarious, due to the care Rockstar has put into the pervasive satire and dark comedy of this game. I found myself laughing a lot when I first started playing. The game does irreverence perfectly.

    GTA III has missions scattered around the city for you to find. Most of the missions involve driving around town, often killing rival mob members. While the third-person shooting mechanics are much more difficult and clunky than most first person shooters from this era, the ridiculous, over-the-top violence makes it tolerably satisfying. You can easily dispatch other characters into bloody corpses on the streets of Liberty City. If you lose all your health, you end up outside the Liberty City hospital - a nice touch. This game is full of little touches that improve immersion.

    While the game's missions are straightforward, there's a lot of freedom when it comes to approaching them. You may choose to kill a target with a grenade... but then there's the Uzi... or perhaps, just run him over a few times for good measure. The game gives you multiple options, and the missions are usually a lot of fun (especially when they involve explosives). The unfortunate aspect about the missions materializes when you fail them: you are forced to find the mission giver again, and go through the entire process. This starts to get annoying quickly, especially as many missions will have you driving all over town. The missions are hard enough that you will be going through a lot of retries to beat them, but luckily there are nearly always multiple missions to choose from.

    Another problem with the missions is that you frequently need to quickly get to locations that aren't on your map. A paint shop that disguises your car is extremely useful when the cops are on your tail, but where is that shop again? Leaving these locations unmarked makes these situations frustrating.

    The amazing thing about GTA III is the freedom. The tools it gives you to cause mayhem are varied, and you can get pretty creative with all the options. Sure, you can go to the gun shop and buy something, but you can also equip your car with a bomb. Maybe you feel like stealing a vehicle and throwing it into a trash compactor. The game continually reveals differing means of destruction, and then let's you use them as you like, even if you have no goal in mind. If you really feel like being a productive member of society, you can charge cab fare to take people to various locations or put out fires with a fire truck. This truly is an open-world video game.

    Besides your chaotic influence, computer-controlled cars will ram into each other, gang members will start shooting, and the game generally does a fantastic job of convincing you that it's real while making fun of the real world at the same time.

    Rockstar created a dense, smart, cool, and awe-inspiring world with Grand Theft Auto III, and it still shows today.    … Expand
  50. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    9
    The game that MADE Rockstar into what they are today. It revolutionized the fantastic open world sandbox gameplay that Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 did three years before this game came out. It also led to the GTA clone genre.

    The graphics and environment looked so mesmerizing back in 2001 but wow they didn't age well. I loved the radio stations Flashback 98.3 and Game FM. The    The game that MADE Rockstar into what they are today. It revolutionized the fantastic open world sandbox gameplay that Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 did three years before this game came out. It also led to the GTA clone genre.

    The graphics and environment looked so mesmerizing back in 2001 but wow they didn't age well. I loved the radio stations Flashback 98.3 and Game FM. The sound was pretty good. Very impressive actors and actresses doing fantastic voice acting that would significantly improve as the series continued. The gameplay needs no description. It's so influential and mind-blowing. The story was fantastic. I did like Claude. He was strange yet captivating because he was silent and a criminal but he was also a messenger boy. Tommy Vercetti would blow Claude out of the water in Vice City the next year and so would Carl Johnson in San Andreas.

    I adored the vehicle missions, import garages, hidden packages and rampages.

    It suffers from many flaws: weak soundtrack, useless map, no map menu in pause menu, woeful frame-rate and slowdown and poor aiming controls.

    Every game that followed from this one would heavily improve and the flaws would be gone.

    A classic which paved the way for even better games up to GTA 5.    … Expand
  51. AKthaBeast
    May 7, 2018
    10
    This game started the whole open world craze and the level of what you could do in this game at the time of release was crazy. Cheat codes most def bring the level of this game to super easy but at the same time super fun
  52. LasPlays
    Mar 1, 2018
    9
    Bueno que decir de una de las sagas mas famosas del mundo mundial, alguien que no haya escuchado sobre GTA en la actualidad no es un gamer.
    Este fue el primer juego de la saga que se puso en 3d y en tercera persona, ya que las dos entregas anteriores se veía desde arriba, no se muy bien como se le llama a ese tipo de genero de videojuegos.
    En la radio hay bastante variedad para escuchar    Bueno que decir de una de las sagas mas famosas del mundo mundial, alguien que no haya escuchado sobre GTA en la actualidad no es un gamer.
    Este fue el primer juego de la saga que se puso en 3d y en tercera persona, ya que las dos entregas anteriores se veía desde arriba, no se muy bien como se le llama a ese tipo de genero de videojuegos.
    En la radio hay bastante variedad para escuchar y el juego en historia por lo menos a mi me lleno, no quiero comentar mucho sobre eso porque no quiero que allá Spoilers.    … Expand
  53. SkeletonBones
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    After 16 years after the release of this game, it is still valekolepna and interesting as ever and GTA III not need in the view. This game is a legend and everyone should know about it
  54. immadbro64
    May 24, 2017
    10
    this is an epic game but has not aged well from later grand theft auto games. but otherwise its got fun missions and a good world. it is a ps2 classic
  55. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    GTA's first 3D venture turned out to be one the best games ever. This game blew my mind on christmas day 2001. Endless hours spent playing this game make it a must play game.
  56. AndrewWen
    Jan 26, 2017
    10
    Out of this world!One of the game that you must play before you die!A game that shock us again since Doom!It Almost the best PS2 game.But after you beat the game(complete 100%)you will feel bored.
  57. Progamer420
    Nov 13, 2016
    9
    GTA III... a great single player experience. The game play is good. There are plenty of missions in this game and all are very well made and fast paced. But there are are numerous glitches in the game. The story is well balanced. About the graphics... They are good for 2001. But sometimes the game lacks depth.
    Overall a great open world game with significant amount of features and also    GTA III... a great single player experience. The game play is good. There are plenty of missions in this game and all are very well made and fast paced. But there are are numerous glitches in the game. The story is well balanced. About the graphics... They are good for 2001. But sometimes the game lacks depth.
    Overall a great open world game with significant amount of features and also have some down points too.    … Expand
  58. Kingofdanerds
    Nov 10, 2016
    10
    Really like the story line. I mean you play a mute who needs to get through life in Liberty City. Sometimes it is just plain fun to just screw around. 10/10
  59. BreakingAwesome
    May 13, 2016
    10
    Самая значимая игра в серии и одна из самых значимых вообще в игровой индустрии. Одна из первых игр, которая продвинула PS2. Первая 3D-игра в серии. Незамысловатый простой сюжет, где грабителя по имени Клод, предала Каталина. Естественно главный герой хочет отомстить. Этого он и пытается добиться в течении всей игры. Ему придется стать водителем, наёмником, убийцей. Он всё сделает радиСамая значимая игра в серии и одна из самых значимых вообще в игровой индустрии. Одна из первых игр, которая продвинула PS2. Первая 3D-игра в серии. Незамысловатый простой сюжет, где грабителя по имени Клод, предала Каталина. Естественно главный герой хочет отомстить. Этого он и пытается добиться в течении всей игры. Ему придется стать водителем, наёмником, убийцей. Он всё сделает ради денег. Геймплей тоже порадовал. Теперь это открытый мир без коридора, где можешь делать всё что захочешь. Графика на PS2-версии устарела, но всё равно ту мрачную атмосферу не передать словами. Абсолютно 10/10.… Expand
  60. Cr37994
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    Amazing game. Truly a revolutionary masterpiece. Anyone that doesn't like this game is on crack. So much variety, such a classic that helped shape games of this genre. Wether it's street racing or killing people, there is some thing for every one.
  61. Duke_Nukem
    Sep 30, 2015
    8
    When the game Grand Theft Auto (1997) came out on the original Playstation, it was an amazing game but with a top down view which I really didn't like. A few years later the amazing game Driver (1999) came out and I remember how impressed I was with that game's freedom to drive anywhere you want in the city in full 3D! Then came GTA III for the PS2, which combined the excellent gameplay ofWhen the game Grand Theft Auto (1997) came out on the original Playstation, it was an amazing game but with a top down view which I really didn't like. A few years later the amazing game Driver (1999) came out and I remember how impressed I was with that game's freedom to drive anywhere you want in the city in full 3D! Then came GTA III for the PS2, which combined the excellent gameplay of GTA with the 3D view of Driver.

    The graphics and sound were great for that time. I loved the many radio channels in the car (opera music!).
    The camera position was sometimes annoying; I particularely didn't like how the view changed to first person view when you wanted to look around. The controls were decent but a lot of times i was shooting at another person than the one i intended to shoot.

    The game has aged quite well and is still a lot of fun to play, but it was surpassed in every way by its successors GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas.

    I didn't like the dark and gloomy colors of GTA III, it looked like it was dark and raining almost all the time. GTA Vice City threw the darkness out of the window and chose for bright colors. GTA San Andreas added the great multi-player option for two gamers on one screen, swimming, more vehicles and planes etc... but GTA III was the game that made the first step towards the title of best game series in the history of gaming.

    For that reason I rate this game 8 out of 10.    … Expand
  62. SkullBallCorp
    Aug 12, 2015
    10
    The second best GTA of them all!
    Let me put one thing out there, this was not my first GTA game. My first was GTA 2 then 1 and then 3. Mentioning that is just to show that it is not nostalgia alone speaking when I say that the only GTA to beat this in my eyes was GTA V. Many people prefer San Andreas (and with good reason) however I felt that game was too clustered for its own good which    The second best GTA of them all!
    Let me put one thing out there, this was not my first GTA game. My first was GTA 2 then 1 and then 3. Mentioning that is just to show that it is not nostalgia alone speaking when I say that the only GTA to beat this in my eyes was GTA V. Many people prefer San Andreas (and with good reason) however I felt that game was too clustered for its own good which made performance suffer greatly back in the day on consoles. This game has a great story in a dark realistic Liberty City with missions taking you to work with the mob, help out club owners or just create general mayhem! The graphics may not have aged well but they aren't painful to look at by any means and the game is still a joy to play. Especially with cheats.    … Expand
  63. TheBlok
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    Very good! Game with great storyline, gameplay , story , graphics for that time , cars, weapons and all! Very much recommend this game ! I played as a child, always had difficulty in some missions until passed, but after battling ! That's because I was very bad at playing , was the first 3D game I played in my life , the graphics were simply sensational when I played for the first time !
  64. mujitacaptain
    May 17, 2015
    10
    The voice acting is simply amazing. Unlike most video games, much of the voice acting is done by fairly famous names, including Joe Pantoliano, Michael Rapaport, Kyle MacLachlan.This is a remarkable achievement of proportions we never imagined possible. It has single-handedly changed the way we see all video game entertainment and the repercussions it should have for the industry are staggering
  65. DailySalesman
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    The days before Grand Theft Auto became a world of sexual themes was certainly a good one even if I am now shaking my head at the amount of strong language featured here. The graphics here are a bit under par if I do say so myself but the gameplay itself is top notch. Grand Theft Auto III is quite simply put a fun romp through a huge city. It's incredibly innovate yet outlandish at theThe days before Grand Theft Auto became a world of sexual themes was certainly a good one even if I am now shaking my head at the amount of strong language featured here. The graphics here are a bit under par if I do say so myself but the gameplay itself is top notch. Grand Theft Auto III is quite simply put a fun romp through a huge city. It's incredibly innovate yet outlandish at the same time and that is what defines GTA.… Expand
  66. KLoD_GTA3
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    It's a legendary game. It's my favorite game. Atmosphere of GTA3 will be always in my soul. Thank you Rockstar for created this masterpiece!

    "Crime does pay!" (Claude)
  67. VALVeY
    Nov 18, 2014
    8
    THIS GAME IS SO AWESOME ! The only thing I complain about is the controls other than that this game is awesome ! It has cool graphics great gameplay and variety for weapons ! GET THIS GAME ON THE PSN
  68. Billian
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    Revolutionized gaming as we know it. The world didn't know how ready it was for this game when it dropped all those years ago. I'm not sure it has aged well, but when this game launched it was a 10, and there was no question about it.
  69. SythusRATINGS
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    Players are put at the heart of their very own gangster movie, and let loose in a fully-realised 3 dimensional city with a cast of hundreds, 50 plus vehicles, ranging from sports cars to ice cream trucks and from boats to buses, 3 hours of music, including opera, reggae, house, drum and bass, pop and disco, and a huge array of street ready weapons.
  70. Scytherax
    Aug 15, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Grand Theft Auto III is one of a kind. With a 3D and 2D Third Person View, epic artwork for the Heads Up Display and 3D models like no other in the time, Grand Theft Auto III has nailed the best Graphic Design I have ever seen that comes from the year it was made. Sure, there are other good designs like the Elder Scrolls at the time but the artwork on the box and in game makes me go "Holy f*ckin' ****

    The gameplay has again, a 3D and 2D Third Person View, making this as view-customizable as Fallout. The free roam is quick but locked places can take time to UNlock the locations. Although there aren't many character customization options (-1), there is quite an array of weapons available to the player. Unlike San Andreas, it was a shame that the game had a garage without any modification options, making the vehicles barely customizable (-1).

    However, I like the way when you kick someone, you actually get money unlike the nowadays Grand Theft Auto where it automatically drops out of the victim's wallet after being killed. Not to mention geting stacks of money only worth up to $50.

    Grand Theft Auto III will always be one game withing my heart, even in this year of 2014.    … Expand
  71. Henza27
    Jul 16, 2014
    10
    I love all the characters in this game, I love Claude, I love almost everything in this game. GTA V and GTA IV don't have that feeling I have with older GTA games. If you see this game on sale, GET IT!!! Steam can have my $3.74 for this game :)
  72. JohnLennon
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    The Best in the Grand Theft Auto Series gorgeous graphics good story line awesome controls great characters i think this is the Citizen Kane of gaming in my opinion i recommend playing this awesome game
  73. Jack97
    Jan 1, 2014
    8
    Grand Theft Auto 3 was a huge leap forward for videogame history as it featured one of the first fully 3D open world environments and a good story mode.
  74. 2ksnipefest
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    I sold my n 64 and 30 some odd games plus a ps1 and some more games to buy a PS2 and GTA 3. It was worth it. I Love how revolutionary this game was. I brought open real worlds gaming to the millennium. Boy gaming wise this started will an earthquake that shocked the gaming industry. One of the most innovative titles i have ever had the grace to play. Plus the main character does not haveI sold my n 64 and 30 some odd games plus a ps1 and some more games to buy a PS2 and GTA 3. It was worth it. I Love how revolutionary this game was. I brought open real worlds gaming to the millennium. Boy gaming wise this started will an earthquake that shocked the gaming industry. One of the most innovative titles i have ever had the grace to play. Plus the main character does not have an annoying voice nor does he say cheesy cliches.… Expand
  75. joao1198pedro
    Oct 30, 2013
    8
    the two firsts gta games were nothing special,but in the third game and with another generation they made something really special and terrific,this game would change this series forever.
  76. Fedelca
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    Si bien para mí "Grand Theft Auto" empezó en Vice City, "Grand Theft Auto III" es legendario y digno de cualquier espectador que siga disfrutando de una de mis consolas favoritas: la legendaria PlayStation 2, y ¿Por qué es mi favorita? Porque juegos como "Gand Theft Auto III" se presentaron para esta increíble consola. Impresionante lo que se es capaz de hacer en este mapa y me acuerdoSi bien para mí "Grand Theft Auto" empezó en Vice City, "Grand Theft Auto III" es legendario y digno de cualquier espectador que siga disfrutando de una de mis consolas favoritas: la legendaria PlayStation 2, y ¿Por qué es mi favorita? Porque juegos como "Gand Theft Auto III" se presentaron para esta increíble consola. Impresionante lo que se es capaz de hacer en este mapa y me acuerdo hace mucho tiempo la primera vez que lo jugué casi estaba por llorar porque directamente era hermoso lo que pasaba por mis ojos. "Grand Theft Auto" manda.… Expand
  77. JomartheGreat
    Sep 28, 2013
    10
    The second game after MGS 2 that started the 3D era. Playing this game really see how crime really dangerous is, so kids learn not to copy these actions or you might end up in jail. The game is exciting,
    good to kill civilians and things to do are superb. Classic.
  78. PatrykG
    Sep 20, 2013
    10
    GTA III is the 3rd installment in the GTA series. The game remains one of the most contrevisial games ever, the game is violent and cool, the story is the best thing about the game and the gameplay now isn't that unique and the graphics is what everybody is about but this game came out in 2001 and those were the best graphics for those years. GTA III is an amazing game and it's incrediblyGTA III is the 3rd installment in the GTA series. The game remains one of the most contrevisial games ever, the game is violent and cool, the story is the best thing about the game and the gameplay now isn't that unique and the graphics is what everybody is about but this game came out in 2001 and those were the best graphics for those years. GTA III is an amazing game and it's incredibly alot and I mean alot of fun. 10/10… Expand
  79. nerrstyBthirsty
    Apr 16, 2013
    10
    Grand Theft Auto III is, quite simply, one of the greatest video game accomplishments in history. It single-handedly invented the sandbox genre, and it's my favorite video game of all time. It gets nearly everything it tries to do right, and in doing so, made history. The open ended gameplay is always fun, but that's what most people focus on, but who could blame them? Before GTA III,Grand Theft Auto III is, quite simply, one of the greatest video game accomplishments in history. It single-handedly invented the sandbox genre, and it's my favorite video game of all time. It gets nearly everything it tries to do right, and in doing so, made history. The open ended gameplay is always fun, but that's what most people focus on, but who could blame them? Before GTA III, gamers had never played anything like this before. However, there is a story here revolving around structured missions that shouldn't be missed. GTA III combines action/adventure and driving games flawlessly. With its respectable amount of vehicle and weapon choices, alongside the size of the map and the progressively tougher story missions, this is an extremely varied game that will almost sate anyone's appetite for a lengthy adventure to sink their teeth into. The story itself is, admittedly, nothing special, but with the sheer size of this game (for its time), to even incorporate a flowing narrative is, without a doubt, something to marvel. That's basically how I saw this game when it was released; something I was absolutely in awe at. The controls are spot on for driving, walking around, punching random pedestrians, etc., but the targeting system for aiming weapons will leave a bad taste with some gamers. Does that make it bad? No. Once you learn how to use it (along with conserving health and armor) you can get through any mission with minimal trouble. Any reviewer who could possibly label this masterpiece as a bad game simply has no business reviewing video games. That Sleeping Dogs, Crackdown, Infamous games you've been playing? All of those owe GTA III, big time. This game is the blueprint for sandbox games, and a damn fine model to go from, at that. Even games like the Tony Hawk franchise took note of the open world design in later entries, and it's hard to say that GTA III didn't have a hand in inspiring any of the games I've mentioned above. It's simply a monumental title that must be played by anyone who's mature enough to handle its visceral, gritty violence. I'll be the first to admit that it's not perfect, but it's so, so close to it, and is easily my favorite game in the GTA series. I'd even dare say that if you give this game a bad review, you had no business playing video games in general. GTA III has so much great going for it, you'll easily overlook the bad if you simply just take the time to get used to it. Which sadly, a minority of people won't. Their loss. 10/10.… Expand
  80. Annoymous1
    Mar 16, 2013
    10
    Cool am Ivan is 0% right. GTA III is the best PlayStation 2 game ever so dont listen to um..."Cool" am Ivan. The story-line is breathtaking and has a awesome set of missions, including Toni Cipriani!
  81. Justinavery7074
    Dec 4, 2012
    10
    **** yeah, **** I played this when I was six and I swear to god, I saw Jesus. Maybe not literally but I saw what video games could be. I saw what every gamer should see. It's amazing.
  82. IlanXD
    Aug 22, 2012
    10
    Clearly one of the best games ever made. This game is one of the greatest games ever created. Story is great and the main character's silent is nice too, Graphics are overall nice. Gameplay became the basis for every GTA game followed.
    Every person who will rank this game lower than 9 - he/she can go f*** himself/herself.
  83. highlifewest
    Apr 5, 2012
    10
    play this absolutely epic truly the greatest playstation 2 game ohnestly endless fun great atmosphre. fun missions and for its time good graphics. if i had to complain it would be the character models a bit fuzzy
  84. Watermelon789
    Mar 27, 2012
    9
    GTA III is a classic , Rockstar's creativity to make an open-world/sandbox game at that time was innovative. You can send hours goofing on the streets killing,destroying or crashing cars , set with an interesting story that will not be forgotten for those that payed attention. GTA III delivers enough to satisfy last generation and current/future generation alike.
  85. Ggdograa
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    If someone were to play this game, having played GTAIV and its subsequent add-ons, you would definitely see how dated and sloppy some areas of GTAIII can be. But at the time of its release, it was an absolute landmark in gaming. It set the standard for open world games as know it and introduced game-play elements that are now common ground. It can be hard to appreciate this game as much asIf someone were to play this game, having played GTAIV and its subsequent add-ons, you would definitely see how dated and sloppy some areas of GTAIII can be. But at the time of its release, it was an absolute landmark in gaming. It set the standard for open world games as know it and introduced game-play elements that are now common ground. It can be hard to appreciate this game as much as it should be appreciated, considering it is definitely outdated nowadays, but respect is still deserved for one of the greatest games ever made. Bring on GTA5!… Expand
  86. DBZ19
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    When i heard this was coming out for the PS2, i turned my nose up at it. I wasn't a GTA fan i hated the birds-eye view. After a few months of my cousin pestering me to get it off my friend, i did. I tell you now i loved it, i have NEVER EVER played a game where its ok to cruise, listen to music and kill people. This game was brilliant. The maps were huge, the missions vaired. The rise fromWhen i heard this was coming out for the PS2, i turned my nose up at it. I wasn't a GTA fan i hated the birds-eye view. After a few months of my cousin pestering me to get it off my friend, i did. I tell you now i loved it, i have NEVER EVER played a game where its ok to cruise, listen to music and kill people. This game was brilliant. The maps were huge, the missions vaired. The rise from a street punk to a top gangster was just pure brilliance.… Expand
  87. Zilcell
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    This is an infinitely replayable game that has so much to do. You are crazy if you don't like this game. It is so fun because you can do anything in this game, whether it is free roaming the Liberty City streets or playing the missions.
  88. TheNewSpielberg
    Apr 7, 2011
    9
    One of the very first games I ever played. I can remember many a weekend playing this game endlessly. It was fun, the cars were cool, the missions were rewarding and it had one of the most important devices in any GTA game; the idea of being able to go wherever you want, when you want and do what you want. Whether I was blasting pedestrians with a shotgun, doing an insane stunt or beingOne of the very first games I ever played. I can remember many a weekend playing this game endlessly. It was fun, the cars were cool, the missions were rewarding and it had one of the most important devices in any GTA game; the idea of being able to go wherever you want, when you want and do what you want. Whether I was blasting pedestrians with a shotgun, doing an insane stunt or being chased by the police, this game always had a special place in my heart. Only drawback was that even for 2001, the graphics looked primitive. But apart from that, the best GTA on the PS2.… Expand
  89. AZWification
    Dec 16, 2010
    9
    Grand Theft Auto III was the revolutionary video game in 2001, but now some people say this game is dog &$#@, but not really!The 18 content is not really 18!The violence is not extreme and no sex!But Foul language is WTF.The action blazes,but with some small bugs!This review is short and this game isn't perfection like Super Mario Galaxy and Ocarina of Time!Those are perfect!
  90. Tubie
    Oct 3, 2010
    9
    The game that transformed the genre and the industry~ I remember staying at a friends place, me and a few others taking turns to play this game I could never forget how much fun this game has brought me over time and how long it stayed relevant and fun.
  91. MAINEiac4434
    Aug 22, 2010
    9
    Too all those people who are calling the game bad: Sure, everything about GTA III is dated. The graphics are horrible by todays standard. The AI is, too. But when GTA III first came out, it was revolutionary. It's still a great game, and fun just to run around the city and get a six star wanted level. It's still a very good game, by 2001's standards.
  92. TenzinR
    Aug 15, 2009
    10
    One of the best game ever! Brought meaning to the term sandbox game, it didnt invent it but it perfected it. The reason I bought my ps2 plain and simple
  93. DesmondLo
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Most best action-adventure in Sixth generation era. I don't care about controversy.
  94. JohnnyV
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    a masterpiece. endless replay value, a great story, amazing audio, nice graphics, and a lot of style.
  95. MatthewC.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    I'm only 10 but i like all GTA games and this is the first GTA game i ever played and it's awesome!!!! I'm getting a PSP and GTA Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories for my birth day which is in less than 2 weeks. This is a Must have game!!!
  96. SteveS
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    The fact is, GTA III is the video game equivalent of Nirvana's Nevermind. This is the one that broke the mold and changed the entire industry. Love it or hate it, you have to appreciate the fact that GTA III is just as important as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pac-Man or Space Invaders.
  97. TimG
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    Who cares about the controversy?!?!?! Get to grips DASHEL J its a game and probably the bet I've ever played on so stop whining!!!
  98. Kewlkat
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    "Beyond the initial draw of 'something unexpected' and the occasional recurrence of a shamefully base desire to clumsily, chaotically, and downright ridiculously murder heaps of random clones wandering the drab streets of Liberty City, I can think of nothing worthy of praise in this over-inflated piece of trash." If you understood a single word I quoted above, than this game is"Beyond the initial draw of 'something unexpected' and the occasional recurrence of a shamefully base desire to clumsily, chaotically, and downright ridiculously murder heaps of random clones wandering the drab streets of Liberty City, I can think of nothing worthy of praise in this over-inflated piece of trash." If you understood a single word I quoted above, than this game is too much fun for you. Sorry. :(… Expand
  99. AkeemG.
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    Out of all the grand theft auto games that have been made this one has the best atmosphere. Staunton, Portland, and Shoreside Vale are still the best places to be out of all of the grand theft auto games.Another couple of things that makes this the best grand theft auto is the fast paced action that goes on when you decide to go beserk on the cops.The cops in this game are more ruthless Out of all the grand theft auto games that have been made this one has the best atmosphere. Staunton, Portland, and Shoreside Vale are still the best places to be out of all of the grand theft auto games.Another couple of things that makes this the best grand theft auto is the fast paced action that goes on when you decide to go beserk on the cops.The cops in this game are more ruthless than any other cops in any other grand theft auto game, hearing them yell stuff like GET DOWN ON THE GROUND NOW!! at you all the time really makes you excited.Plain and simply said,this is the most fun grand theft auto game around,I just wish that there wre some hunter helicopters and army Jets to fly though.… Expand
  100. JohnS.
    Feb 24, 2007
    8
    This game is pretty good, but not perfect. Good use of open-endedness though. Cool Am Ivan, there is no Boggsville. Theres a ghost area that was used for the opening act of GTA 3, but it isnt solid and can be gotten there by dodo going north of shorside vale. There is no blacksmith and no swords and no boss battle there. Don't believe this liar. And the game doesn't suck, either.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS2 Game of 2001
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Voodoo Extreme
    98
    The end-all, be-all of console action games. Period...For me GTA3 is the best action game I have ever played on a console system and I highly recommend it to adults (the intended audience of this game) who know the difference between good and evil.
    Read full review
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    100
    An insanely deep game that offers a lot to do outside of the 70+ missions. If you understand that it's just a game and that these selfsame actions are not healthy in the real world, you'll enjoy a well-developed world disguised as a deviously fun game.
    Read full review
  3. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    Adding to the frustration is the fact that your targeting system is practically useless, and the vehicle physics model is annoyingly floaty. [Jan 2002, p.78]
See all critic reviews »