S1DC Posted February 20, 2002 Share Posted February 20, 2002 This game has been given both great and horrible reveiws. I played it for several hours the other night, and i think its an excellent game. Despite some mature elements, the game is hardly the worst one out there. First, i will present the veiws of various online reveiwers, then i will post my own thoughts. IGN: When it comes to portraying the world in which we live through a darkly humorous, rough-and-tumble lens, the folks from Rockstar and DMA surely win the prize. I mean sure, there is corruption in the world, there is lots of crime and undoubtedly far too much drug-dealing, prostitution, cruelty, etc., etc. These things we get to read about in the newspaper, if not live out in our own little lives. They're not pleasant. So can these elements comprise a game? What happened to simply solving happy little puzzles, saving penguins, and receiving kisses from princesses? Let's get one thing straight: This game is not for the weak. It's not for people who like a little poofy dragon chase or a double butt-bump for shiny coins. Nah. Grand Theft Auto III is about knocking people off, it's a game about criminals and the things they do. You can shoot gang members with simple 9s or run them over in a car (accompanied by a funny squish sound), or toss a grenade at their feet, and watch them split apart at the seams, transforming into a puddle of blood. It's visceral. And, you can do this with innocent pedestrians, too; homeless people, businessmen, shoppers, (no kids), and bag ladies. As far as videogame content goes, it's about as far from Super Mario 64 as you can get. It's rated M, for mature, which means if you monitor the kind of content in games that your kids play (if you're a parent), you definitely want to check this out before buying it. But the point is that this is a videogame, it's a form of entertainment. Like movies, or comic books, or TV. It's aimed at a mature audience and it's got mature themes. If you don't like it, you don't have to buy it. Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have sold millions of copies of Grand Theft Auto all across the world, and they have convincing monetary evidence that people love the series, and that they want more. I'm one of those folks. I think the game is insanely good. The videogame market is growing, it's filled with wildly different kinds of games, and there is a big broad vein that includes titles with mature content. Grand Theft Auto III is one of them, and it's worth picking up. Lastly (and then I'm off the soapbox), is this: The thing that makes this effort so different is that it's got a distinct sense of humor. Dark humor, to be sure, but humor nonetheless. The characters you meet, the random AI on the street, even the kinds of missions you get sent on, at their core, point at the insanity, irony, and the humor at the darkest aspects of life. This is not a murder simulator (come to think of it, no videogame I know of is), it's a work of entertainment, an escape from reality, and at times, it reaches beyond the standard videogame medium to the level of art. by Stylin Stinger Feb 17, 2002 THE GOOD: What is there to say about the good. Well, in my opinion the game is close to perfect. I mean the grapics are great and the story mode is awesome. The game possibilites are also great because you get to do the things that you shouldn't do in reality. The game is fun, interesting, and exciting. There isn't a moment when you can do something fun. THE BAD: Sad enough there is some bad stuff about it. The game has very violent and sexual content. I know what a lot of you are thinking. If you can't handle the game then don't buy it. Well, this stuff doesn't bother me, but I know it bothers a lot of other people. The other bad thing about it is that it can cause a lot crazy people to do bad things and they shouldn't of been playing the game in the first place. SUMMARY: This game is and awesome game and I can't put it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1DC Posted February 20, 2002 Author Share Posted February 20, 2002 Gamers.com As for the violence aspect of the game, what gangster film doesn't have violence? Rockstar did it right. They weren't willing to weaken the experience so it would fit into what games "are." They didn't pull punches. This splendid adventure is authentic from the voices to the violence to the free-wheeling nature of the game. You're in control of your own destiny in this seedy metropolis. What you do with your free time is up to you. Maybe you'll beat the crap out of a pimp or kill a drug dealer. Maybe you'll drive a cab. Maybe you'll take a nap at your hideout. As for flaws, there is one that affected my ability to kill the right guy when on foot, trying to put on a hit: The targeting system often focuses on the wrong guy. A small problem, but a fixable one for -- dare I dream -- a sequel. GTA3 is the most fun I've ever had with a game. It belongs in every gamer's collection whether you're hardcore or if you'll only buy one PS2 game in your lifetime. It sets new standards for games. I'm in awe of it. And you will be, too. PRODUCER INTERVEIW EGM: GTA3 is definitely a game for adults. Was there anything you wanted or thought about putting in the game that you either pulled out or just decided, "No, no, that's just too naughty?" Leslie Benzies: Not really. We didn't make the game to be controversial, but we also didn't try to be less naughty because we were worried we might get told off. We wanted to develop and expand on the ideas of GTA and GTA2, namely freeform, open gameplay, non-linearity and contemporary gangster styling. We set out to make a believable and unique world in which everything felt like it was part of the same universe, so some things didn't make it because they didn't fit. The limitations, such as they were, were to do with time. It would have been great to have more pedestrians, more missions, more indoor spaces, more fighting, etc. But with a game as open-ended as this, you have to draw the line somewhere. We felt every aspect of the finished game was very well-done and could co-exist with the rest of the game. EGM: What do you think of all the hubbub surrounding GTA3 and its violent content? LB: It's pretty boring. There is still this belief, at least in Washington and the newsrooms of major television stations, that games only exist for the under-5-year-old [crowd] and that this game is being sold and marketed to children. The game went out with an M rating and was supposed to be sold only to those over 17. Nothing in the game could be taken that seriously by someone actually playing it, as the whole thing is obviously funny, over-the-top and absurd. But of course, people need stories to sell their newspapers and "controversial video games" is a very popular one among unimaginative news editors. EGM: Have you considered giving GTA3 an online component so that multiple players could compete in the same city? LB: Yes, it was part of the PC versions of GTA and GTA2, although a little limited due to the available technology at the time. In the future, of course, we'd like to do it as a [multiplayer] 3D city, as human opponents are always more fun than digital ones. EGM: Ever thought about giving the player a choice of using a male or female character? Imagine all the possibilities for politically incorrect behavior (to put it lightly) a female protagonist would have at her disposal. LB: No, it would have been very difficult to make a story and have it work the same if the character could be male or female. The way people respond to men and to women are totally different, so for a game as interactive as GTA3, it would represent a huge increase in work load for little payback. Also, gangsters and car-jackers tend to be male, so we didn't think it would really work with a female character. Besides, female characters in video games so far have tended to be a little uninspiring.... EGM: The game's been kicking ass sales-wise for the last two months now. Was there ever concern that the game might not be successful? LB: You always want to be successful and your games to be well-received. It's very nerve-wracking, but we were confident that GTA3 was a unique game that delivered on our expectations, so we thought people would be blown away because we were, as everything finally came together. EGM: A lot of our readers have expressed frustration with the targeting system, especially when things get hectic. Any advice for those looking to rock the streets on foot? LB: First, practice. I think the game is very intuitive and easy to play, as I believe the targeting system is. But if you're having trouble, practice with it for a while. The targeting is trying to do the thinking for you, so it will always be prone to making different decisions than you. Always keep a lot of bullets in your gun, and make use of the shoulder buttons to scroll between targets when locked on. EGM: Much of the action in GTA3 revolves around driving. Will we see more footwork in the next game? LB: Does it? When I play, most of the action takes place out of the car, on foot, using the weapons. Obviously, the quickest way around the city is in a car, but once you get somewhere, you have to be out of the car in order to do whatever you have to do. Surely this is like real life, no? If it seems different to you, then maybe that's a good thing. It would mean that the game can be played very differently from player to player, which was definitely our intention. EGM: What is your favorite vehicle/weapon combination in GTA3? LB: I like Catalina's helicopter with the rocket launcher. EGM: Which is the best car in the game? LB: Well, the police car is the fastest, but I think the Diablo car is the coolest. EGM: Does having Hollywood-caliber voice actors make a big difference in a video game? LB: Of course. Acting is a skill, if not an art form in its own right. It turns out that Hollywood actors don't get there by chance, but because they can act a whole lot better than you or me. The voice actors in GTA3 are amazingly talented, so hiring them really helped bring the characters to life. But voice actors only work if the writing is good; that's what's so exciting about GTA3 - the diversity of talent involved in creating it, and the way it builds on techniques and expertise from a number of different environments. EGM: Do you think GTA3 will pave the way for the development of more mature games, like State of Emergency? LB: Probably, because publishers will see that there is a market for them. We really don't want to be seen, however, as paving the way for a lot of rubbish controversial games. I'd hope GTA3 would be remembered for its quality, and for the fact that it gives people freedom never previously experienced in a game rather than because it's naughty. It is a gangster game; it has to be about naughty things, but it is also a uniquely open-ended piece of software unlike any other. People aren't obsessing over it because of any cheap shock value; they like it because of its multi-faceted gameplay. People might find an interesting news story in the controversy, but that's not what makes for a fun 100-hour experience. If GTA3 proves once and for all that there is a market for games aimed squarely at an older audience, and that games are not the preserve of 5-year-olds or fantasy-obsessed teenage boys, then it will have done its job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 20, 2002 Share Posted February 20, 2002 I've never played this game, so I can't really give an opinion; but I think you can't have "too much" of something if the game is designed to have them. Remember, real life is R-rated. As a "fantasy-obsessed teenager" I probably won't get this game, but I appreciate what it stands for, conceptually if not morally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle d'Tana Posted February 20, 2002 Share Posted February 20, 2002 Hey, this is the f***in best game in the world today! Its so great!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilleApplePie Posted February 20, 2002 Share Posted February 20, 2002 I've never played it, but I'd probably love it just because I love games like that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainRAVE Posted February 20, 2002 Share Posted February 20, 2002 I like the game, but hate the PS2.......when it finally comes out on the PC i'll buy it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1DC Posted February 20, 2002 Author Share Posted February 20, 2002 ahh, the biased gamer. so sad. Those who ignore game because of thier platform are essentialy just fanatics. True Hard Core gamers pay attention to all games, despite the system. "i hate PS2"...geez.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 You mean "Hard Core Gamers with Tons of Money" :rolleyess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainRAVE Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 Originally posted by S1DC ahh, the biased gamer. so sad. Those who ignore game because of thier platform are essentialy just fanatics. True Hard Core gamers pay attention to all games, despite the system. "i hate PS2"...geez.. Well it'll be much better on the PC anyway.......better graphics etc......and cars wont randomly dissappear because of the stupid PS2 DVD ......anyway, who has time for GTA 3 when JK2 is out soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue15 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 Originally posted by Redwing You mean "Hard Core Gamers with Tons of Money" :rolleyess ever hear of renting game systems? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1DC Posted February 22, 2002 Author Share Posted February 22, 2002 Originally posted by CaptainRAVE ......anyway, who has time for GTA 3 when JK2 is out soon Oh, so your a SW gamer. Nevermind my comment about being a system bias: you'll run to any system; on the condition it has the latest SW game. And about the expensive gamer comment... i have freinds who own the systems, and i can rent games. Not to mention the kiosks at stores... i mean, come on. There more ways than one to get your hands on a game (if, that is, your a true Hard Core Gamer). I even go for Beta versions if i can. Maybe i expect too much from the gaming community... perhaps they are made up more of fan gamers than true gamers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 22, 2002 Share Posted February 22, 2002 Of course, everyone knows that S1DC is the ultimate authority on a "true gamer" A "true gamer" would be someone that plays a game, preferably multiple games. Any other definition is pretty much silliness. BTW: If I rented games, I'd have no money for anything else. And I'll happily admit to being a Star Wars gamer, because I normally play games in that genre. (However, being a SW game certainly does not mean it's a good game...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasslera Posted February 22, 2002 Share Posted February 22, 2002 Jakov!!!! You admitted something star wars might not be good! *Gasp, gasp!!!!* just teasing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1DC Posted February 22, 2002 Author Share Posted February 22, 2002 Whoa, red. theres alot more to being a true gamer than just playing games. And you lack of faith in my ability to judge such this is disturbing. I have been a HCG for as long as i could fit a controler in my hands. Theres alot more to a gamer, much more to a HCG, when it comes to gaming. some do it as a fun thing every once in a while, some people do it all the time and often go farther than playing the game and do research based on it. Just plays games... suuure... what an insult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wraith 8 Posted February 22, 2002 Share Posted February 22, 2002 Well i never played GTA 3 before... im a die hard GTA and GTA 2 fan... but i dont know.... GTA 3 is totaly different.... is it only on ps2?? or on PC also? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue15 Posted February 22, 2002 Share Posted February 22, 2002 S1, there's also the people who judge a game by its reviews... Force Commander got the worse reviews, yet it's one of my favorites. People won't even get the demo to at LEAST see what it's like, cause it's like 100-200 megs, and it got ALOT of bad reviews...people just didn't like the camera... Say, Jedi Knight wasn't a good game, and it really sux0red, well, i doubt redwing would be that excited about its sequel, jk2. I know redwing wouldn't be, cause if jk sucked, i would've never introduced him to it, and he'd have galactic battleground right now instead... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 Originally posted by S1DC Whoa, red. theres alot more to being a true gamer than just playing games. And you lack of faith in my ability to judge such this is disturbing. I have been a HCG for as long as i could fit a controler in my hands. Theres alot more to a gamer, much more to a HCG, when it comes to gaming. some do it as a fun thing every once in a while, some people do it all the time and often go farther than playing the game and do research based on it. Just plays games... suuure... what an insult. Definition of gamer: gam·er n. One who plays a game, especially a role-playing or computer game. Definition of true true a. Genuine; real; not deviating from the essential characters of a class; as, a lizard is a true reptile; a whale is a true, but not a typical, mammal. Unless you're referring to a state of mind, which it seems you might be, since you've been a "HCG" 'ever since you could hold a controller in your hands'.... @Rogue15: You're probably right... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1DC Posted February 23, 2002 Author Share Posted February 23, 2002 Where did you get that definition of gamer? Thats not the websters one, for sure... a "gamer" is definitly not "mostly an RPG player or PC gamer" pr whatever. far from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 http://www.dictionary.com It was the ONLY definition that mentioned computer games or anything of the sort. If the Webster's dictionary definition proves your point, then I invite you to post it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue15 Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 i think it's just a state-of-mind. something achieved or something. Kinda like trophy hunting i guess....well, (i'm tired, so if this makes no sense, there's the reason) the hunter goes out, and waits patiently for the perfect shot at his trophy, when he finally kills it, he brings it home, eats the meat, and perhaps hangs the animal (or human) head on the wall. Well, that's sorta the case with hard core gamers....I go out to the store, pay no more than $30, get a game, bring it home, beat the heck out of it, review it, and I have the game box on a shelf on my wall. If the game's good, i usually play it alot, read the manual a bunch of times, memorize it, get to know it, beat it everyway possible without cheats, then use cheats and have alot of fun. I never complain on how bad a game is, cause i didn't waste $40,000,000 on it in the first place, and I got a deal, and if it wasn't my type of game, I don't give it a horrid review saying 'THIS GAME SUCKS DO NOT BUY IT', instead when i review it, I point out all its good values, and then some of the bad things in it that i didn't like, but i never say not to get the game cause of the bad things in it, I encourage the reader to get the game's demo is there is one, or rent it first and see what it's like. I try to play as much different games as I can, i like having variety instead of just a single gaming genre, I've got FPS, Hunting, Strategy, Action/Adventure, Survival Horror, Arcade, Space Combat Sim, and puzzle. I don't judge a game by its genre til i actually play it. I also like using various controls on console games too. Even ones that people wouldn't understand, like for demolition, i use the right analog left and right for the throttle and brake, and the left analog for turning. to be <strike>in the Saber clan</strike> a 'hardcore gamer' you gotta look at ALL the game genres, and not judge a game by its reviews, game system, or graphics. I hope that all made sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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