Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Adventure, Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: DMA Design
- Publishers: ASC Games, BMG Interactive, Rockstar Games, Syscom Entertainment, Take-Two Interactive
Grand Theft Auto (1997): The Game That Changed Open-World Gaming
Released in 1997, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) was a groundbreaking game that revolutionized the open-world genre. Developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North) and published by Rockstar Games, GTA was the first game in a series that would go on to become one of the most popular and controversial in gaming history.
Gameplay
GTA is a sandbox-style game that gives players the freedom to explore a large, open-world environment. Players take on the role of a criminal and can engage in a variety of activities, including car theft, robbery, and murder. The game’s top-down perspective and simple controls make it easy to pick up and play, but its complex and challenging gameplay keeps players coming back for more.
Setting
GTA is set in three fictional cities: Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas. Each city is based on a real-world location, and the game’s world is filled with a variety of landmarks and businesses. Players can explore the cities on foot or by car, and they can interact with a variety of non-player characters (NPCs).
Story
GTA’s story is relatively simple. Players take on the role of a criminal who is trying to make a name for himself in the underworld. As players progress through the game, they will complete missions for various crime bosses and work their way up the criminal ladder.
Controversy
GTA has been a controversial game since its release. Critics have accused the game of promoting violence and glorifying crime. However, GTA’s creators have defended the game, arguing that it is a satire of American culture and that it does not encourage players to commit crimes.
Despite the controversy, GTA has been a huge commercial success. The game has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and it has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs. GTA is considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time, and it has helped to shape the open-world genre.
Legacy
GTA has had a profound impact on the video game industry. The game’s open-world design and sandbox gameplay have been copied by countless other games, and its dark and violent tone has helped to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in video games.
GTA has also been credited with helping to popularize the crime genre in video games. Before GTA, most crime games were linear and focused on story. GTA’s open-world design and sandbox gameplay allowed players to experience the criminal underworld in a more immersive and interactive way.
GTA has also been praised for its social commentary. The game’s satire of American culture has resonated with many players, and it has helped to raise awareness of issues such as crime, poverty, and inequality.
Conclusion
GTA is a landmark video game that has had a profound impact on the industry. The game’s open-world design, sandbox gameplay, and dark and violent tone have helped to shape the modern video game landscape. GTA is a controversial game, but it is also an important and influential one. The game has helped to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in video games, and it has raised awareness of important social issues.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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