Grand Theft Auto vs Grand Theft Auto III
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Grand Theft Auto is an iconic action‑adventure game that introduced players to a sprawling, sandbox city where they could explore, cause chaos, and complete missions at their own pace. Released in 1997, it set new standards for open‑world design, blending driving, shooting, and narrative elements into a cohesive experience. The game offers both single‑player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to embark on story missions or compete online. Its mature themes and freedom of choice earned it a PEGI 16 and ESRB M rating, cementing its place as a classic in the genre.
Grand Theft Auto III drops players into a gritty, 3‑D Liberty City where every street corner teems with opportunity and danger. As a hired gun, you navigate a branching storyline filled with betrayal, heists, and relentless police pursuit. The game blends driving, shooting, and exploration in a seamless sandbox, offering endless side missions, vehicle customization, and a living city that reacts to your actions. Its groundbreaking freedom set the standard for modern open‑world titles.
- Huge open world with lots of activities
- Blend of driving and shooting mechanics
- Memorable early entry in the series
- Multiplayer options add replay value
- Groundbreaking open‑world design
- Rich, atmospheric soundtrack
- Varied mission types and activities
- Strong narrative and memorable characters
- Top‑down graphics feel dated
- Limited AI sophistication by modern standards
- Controls can be clunky on PC
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Occasional frame‑rate drops on older hardware
- Limited multiplayer options (single‑player only)
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto
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Experience the gritty streets of Liberty City in an epic open‑world crime saga
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGrand Theft Auto III offers a richer single‑player narrative and modern 3‑D open world, while the original Grand Theft Auto provides classic top‑down gameplay with multiplayer.
Key differences
- •Perspective: 3‑D third‑person (A) vs. top‑down (B)
- •Multiplayer: A is single‑player only; B includes co‑op and competitive modes
- •Graphics era: A (2001) has more advanced 3‑D visuals; B (1997) uses dated top‑down graphics
- •Critical reception: A scored 95/100, B scored 80/100
- •Mission variety: A lists assassinations, deliveries, street races; B lists theft, assassination, racing but with less detail
Gameplay & fun factor
A provides diverse mission types, dynamic police AI, and a 3‑D sandbox, delivering deeper gameplay.
Platform availability
Both are paid one‑time titles; platform specifics not provided.
Price & value
Both list MSRP $19.99, offering equal monetary cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
B includes cooperative heists and competitive races; A is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
A’s larger 3‑D city, radio stations, and varied missions give higher replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
B’s simpler top‑down controls may be easier for newcomers, though PC controls can feel clunky.
Graphics & performance
A’s 3‑D world is more modern; B’s top‑down graphics are dated but run on older hardware.
Choose Grand Theft Auto if…
Fans of classic top‑down GTA and those wanting multiplayer modes.
Choose Grand Theft Auto III if…
Players seeking a story‑driven, immersive 3‑D open‑world experience.
Common questions
Is there any multiplayer in Grand Theft Auto III?
No, GTA III is single‑player only.
Which game has better critical reception?
Grand Theft Auto III received a critic score of 95/100, compared to 80/100 for the original GTA.
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, each lists an MSRP of $19.99.