A belated first playthrough of Grand Theft Auto III
The writer played Grand Theft Auto III for the first time, roughly 25 years after its release and shortly before GTA VI arrives. He found that the game's sense of freedom remains its most compelling quality, even though some elements feel rough compared with later entries. The piece also notes that revisiting older GTA games can be complicated and highlights the community's creative approaches to the game.
Grand Theft Auto III launched in October 2001 and introduced three-dimensional play to the series. The writer missed it at release, having chosen a GameCube instead, and did not get a PS2 until around 2003, when Vice City became his GTA.
He finally played GTA III for seven hours in 2026, shortly before GTA VI. He found its freedom still compelling, despite rough edges that later games improved. The piece also notes that revisiting older GTA titles can be difficult and that fans have developed creative solutions to its challenges.
This retrospective may resonate with longtime players who missed GTA III or want to revisit it before GTA VI. It could encourage discussions about how older games age, preservation, and access, affecting developers, archivists, and fans. Its focus on player freedom and community ingenuity may remind audiences how early 3D open-world design shaped expectations, though its rough elements could also highlight changing standards.