User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1185 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Wowww
    Jan 13, 2002
    10
    Two words: BAD. ASS.
  2. IanT.
    Jan 18, 2002
    10
    Best console game ever. Almost unbelievably huge. Sure it's violent. Sure you can randomly set people on fire and watch them stagger and then fall and burn up. Exactly!
  3. [Anonymous]
    Jan 23, 2002
    10
    Pissed? Pump some bitch fulla lead! And you don't have to go to jail either. GTA3 is the answer. Stop beating that pillow! GTA3 is the ultimate stress reliever. If this game existed since the beginning of time there would be no crime! Extremely satisfying. The one game that everyone should own and you can NEVER get bored of. I give this game 11!
  4. AaronB.
    Jan 28, 2002
    10
    I haven't even played the game yet, but still it is a masterpiece.
  5. AliciaR.
    Jan 28, 2002
    10
    I cannot stop playing!
  6. Chris(TheJACK)
    Jan 29, 2002
    10
    This game rules and the guy who rated it in next gen should be fired and learn what games are all about. This has cutting edge graphics and a full graphically interfaceable city! What other game has that?! ANSWER ME Mr. I'm from next gen. gaming magazine and I don't know what games are all about because I've never PLAYED THEM! No other game has that. That's the answer. This game rules and the guy who rated it in next gen should be fired and learn what games are all about. This has cutting edge graphics and a full graphically interfaceable city! What other game has that?! ANSWER ME Mr. I'm from next gen. gaming magazine and I don't know what games are all about because I've never PLAYED THEM! No other game has that. That's the answer. What are you playing virtual reality games that link to your nerve cords?! That's the only step forward from here! Absolute must buy it's the reason I bought PS2!! Expand
  7. H.H.Lee
    Mar 22, 2002
    10
    Sure, this game ain't as pretty as other 'next-gen' titles, but anyone who has the brains to take gameplay into consideration, will definitely deem this game as one of the finest games ever made.
  8. MikeyC.
    Jun 18, 2002
    10
    So sweet!!!
  9. J.Bob
    Jun 25, 2002
    10
    One word, AWESOME.
  10. JoshuaK.
    Jul 16, 2002
    10
    Best game ever!
  11. BrandonH.
    Aug 11, 2002
    10
    I have no freakin clue what cool am ivan is talking about. Since when is there a town in gta3 called boggsville, and since when does gta3 have battles in it? I'm pretty sure hes talking about godai: elemental force. Well, this game is great! It is a bit hard at times, but manageable. One thing i would like better in gta vice city is in car views, helicopters that stay in air longer I have no freakin clue what cool am ivan is talking about. Since when is there a town in gta3 called boggsville, and since when does gta3 have battles in it? I'm pretty sure hes talking about godai: elemental force. Well, this game is great! It is a bit hard at times, but manageable. One thing i would like better in gta vice city is in car views, helicopters that stay in air longer than 5 seconds, and better graphics. It would also be cool to go in bulidings. A better ending would be awesome too! Expand
  12. RyanM.
    Sep 21, 2002
    10
    Could be the greatest game ever made, but if not, it's the best game for the PS2 and this decade.
  13. KevinW.
    Jun 23, 2003
    10
    I love this movie. Its awesome.
  14. SeanB.
    Jul 15, 2004
    10
    Dark, intriguing, addicting. Nice to play when youre having a bad day. Story is probably the best on any platform for any game ever in eternity- even though I thought it ended kind of abruptly.
  15. JoshuaK.
    Dec 14, 2001
    10
    Best game ever!
  16. Shills
    Dec 26, 2001
    10
    Everything you could have ever dreamed in a game - realism is unbelievable. A shame the attitude of people like Denny D. hinder games such as these being released.
  17. CoreyR.
    Dec 28, 2001
    10
    This is one of the few games that is fun to watch other people play.
  18. WesG.
    Dec 29, 2001
    10
    The Best game I have played yet! I have yet to play a game that conducts as much fun as this title. BUY THIS GAME! That's all there is to it. I would like to pat Rockstar and the other designers of this title on the back. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BOYS/GIRLS!!!
  19. MatthieuR.
    Dec 16, 2004
    10
    The greatest videogame ever made.
  20. 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!!!
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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 :)
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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)
  39. 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 !
  40. 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
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. 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
  48. 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
  49. 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..
  50. Feb 12, 2022
    10
    3-я знаминитая часть.
    Моя первая и любимая.
    С этой части я полюбил эту серию.
    Благодарность разработчикам.
  51. 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
  52. Mar 8, 2022
    10
    My first game couldnt beat it cause i didnt have a memory card feels bad still a masterpiece
  53. 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.
  54. Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Wow I cant say no more ! I love it , absolutely stunning, best game everrrrrrr!
  55. 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
  56. Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom muito bom
  57. 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
  58. 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.
  59. 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
  60. 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.
  61. Jun 10, 2021
    10
    One of the best PS2 games, besides being my 4th Favorite GTA, Bad Musics and Final Mission
  62. Sep 11, 2021
    10
    very good and fun game, especially the main characters voice acting. violence is very good too.
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. Jan 22, 2023
    10
    grandfather of open world games, truly amazing and has a charm to it that will never vanish
  66. Jan 31, 2023
    10
    car go vroom so i be happy vroom vroom beep beep vroom vroom beep beep vroom vroom beep beep
  67. 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
  68. 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.
  69. Jul 17, 2023
    10
    The best game for the PS2.Still fun to this day destroying cars with rpgs and causing chaos.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. Sep 11, 2023
    10
    it was made only by Rockstar.gta 3 amazing game,niceeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeereeeeee
  73. ChrisP.
    Jan 7, 2002
    9
    Great game, with some of the best graphics on the PS2 but what it realy needs is a mutiplayer mode that would make this game one of the greats. Also you could make use of the Playstation 2's modem.
  74. BallyC.
    Feb 19, 2002
    9
    Prostitution gave this game a cut above the rest!
  75. KaganD.
    Feb 5, 2002
    9
    This game is great! You have such a freedom where you cannot find it anywhere else. The reason for giving 9 out of 10 are the graphics. I still believe that the graphics could be improved. Nevermind, enjoy the story and the radio.
  76. RobD.
    Feb 9, 2002
    9
    Really coool but should be able to go in buildings and banks.
  77. J.Palm
    Nov 9, 2002
    9
    This is a good game but the new GTA, GTA:Vice City is better.
  78. Jani
    Feb 6, 2002
    9
    The freedom is unlike anything I have ever felt. U can almost do anything u like. A great game.
  79. JustinM.
    Mar 15, 2004
    9
    Big game, lots of replay value, a must have.
  80. JordanT.
    Jun 1, 2005
    9
    This game is pretty easy. I beat the game 3 times. But low difficulty games doesn't give much exitement. But think about. You won't have to cus with stress and anger.
  81. ryane.
    Sep 2, 2005
    9
    Fun game.
  82. SamuL.
    Oct 31, 2001
    9
    Can't give 10 because there's always a place for improvement. Most perfect game I've ever played.
  83. DallasD.
    Jan 5, 2002
    9
    Game is unbelievable!!! Worth every penny. Graphics and sound are of high quality. This games is exciting and very realistic. One of the nicest things about this game is when the user is busted by the police or Wasted (killed), you do not lose you missions that were prior accomplished, only your weapons. One of the better games I have come accross in a very long time.
  84. DaveE.
    Apr 11, 2002
    9
    This is a totally amazing game. The missions vary widely and never get boring, and almost all of them have multiple solutions. This game loses points for a slightly 'floaty' physics engine, and a nearly unusable targeting system. Despite these drawbacks, this title is a must-buy for any PS2 owner.
  85. DarylR.
    Mar 7, 2003
    9
    This game was the greatest game ever with GTA Vice City!!!!!!!
  86. AndrewJ.
    Jan 31, 2004
    9
    A lot of fun.
  87. 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
  88. SeanC.
    Oct 27, 2001
    9
    A great game which is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Frustrating at points, though.
  89. DarienA.
    Oct 29, 2001
    9
    At the top of it's game.
  90. JonH.
    Feb 21, 2002
    9
    The best stress reliever I've seen lately.
  91. KevinS.
    Mar 13, 2004
    9
    I love this game because it is fun and it's always somethin' to do.
  92. 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.
  93. 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.
  94. 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!
  95. 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
  96. 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.
  97. 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
  98. 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.
  99. 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
  100. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

2
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001
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. 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.
  2. 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.
  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]