Its hard to believe that Grand Theft Auto III was released on the PlayStation 2 more than two decades ago. Grand Theft Auto III was legendary mainly because it was the first major 3D entry within its series Grand Theft Auto III is widely credited for putting the GTA series on the map while serving as a blueprint for future sequels in terms of gameplay and design. Grand Theft Auto III was the sequel to the lesser known GTA II title which appeared on the PS1 back in 1999 which felt like a completely different game. While Grand Theft Auto II was a top-down 2D gameplay GTA 3 was an immersive 3D action-adventure title with a compelling storyline that featured cinematic cutscenes. The setting for Grand Theft Auto III took place in Liberty City a fictional place heavily inspired by New York City from 2001. The story for Grand Theft Auto III was very interesting because it had a Bonnie and Clyde like vibe but with a twist. In Grand Theft Auto III the main character Claude Speed gets betrayed and shot by his ex-girlfriend Catalina while fleeing a bank robbery.

Catalina’s treachery lead to Claude being caught by the police leading to him being sentenced to ten years in prison. Even though, Claude was supposed to spend a decade in prison he eventually ended up escaping early following a convoy attack caused by the Columbian Cartel. After breaking out jail Claude ends up working for various criminal organizations in Liberty City in order to make a living while seeking revenge on Catalina for her betrayal. Claude was considered to be one of the most unique protagonists in video game history mainly because he is a straight up anti-hero. Claude was an emotionless and ruthless criminal driven by revenge which made him appear more frightening than the GTA protagonists that came after. Claude being a silent protagonist was something that shockingly worked in Grand Theft Auto III because his actions spoke volumes about his character.

Grand Theft Auto III had at least different 50 missions and a immersive open-world environment that looked amazing by early 2000’s standards. In Grand Theft Auto III players could steal cars and collect various weapons along with performing side jobs for money. The wanted level system in Grand Theft Auto III felt more unforgiving than other entries outside of GTA V. Grand Theft Auto III is considered to be one of RockStar’s most iconic video games from the 00’s. Since its release Grand Theft Auto III managed to reach more than 14 million copies in sales before the 2010’s decade and was seen a massive commercial success. Even though, Grand Theft Auto III sold less than later entries in the series it was arguably the first game that brought mainstream attention to the franchise. Despite, not looking as polished other within its series Grand Theft Auto III is one of the few action-adventure titles from the 00’s that still holds up well today.