TOP 5 GRAND THEFT AUTO GAMES OF ALL TIME

 Most of us millennials and early Gen-Z have spent a lot of time playing Video games and let's be honest, almost all of us have played a GTA game. Whether it is roaming pointlessly around the streets of Vice City and Los Santos or "following the damn train" with Big Smoke for the nth time, our childhood memories are incomplete without these games.

Just for the memories, here's my list of the Top 5 Grand Theft Auto games of all time. Let's start with number 5;

5. Grand Theft Auto III (2001) :

Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001, is credited with revolutionizing the open-world gaming genre. This might not be our favorite GTA or favorite protagonist, but it did revolutionize the games for the future.

The game takes place in Liberty City, a fictional city inspired by New York City. Players play as Claude, a mute protagonist (by choice) who seeks revenge against his former girlfriend and the gang that betrayed him. The story unfolds through missions and interactions with various characters, including gang leaders and criminal associates.

Like every other game in this segment, this game features numerous missions that involve tasks such as stealing cars, completing assassinations, and engaging in gang warfare. Players can also participate in side activities, like taxi driving or delivering packages.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City  (2002) :

 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, even to this day is remembered as a landmark title that successfully combined engaging gameplay with a detailed world for the time it came in, and a captivating narrative, solidifying its place in gaming history forever.

Let's be honest, for many of us, this was our first GTA game. 

Grand Theft Auto Vice City is set in the 1980s and is heavily inspired by Miami, featuring a colorful, tropical environment complete with beaches, neon lights, and a distinctive retro style.

Players take on the role of Tommy Vercetti, a former hitman who is released from prison and sent to Vice City to establish a drug empire. Widely considered as one of the greatest protagonists of all time, the character and the game remain iconic even to this day. Vice City expanded on the gameplay mechanics introduced in GTA III, allowing players to engage in a variety of missions, including heists and gang-related activities. Players can also purchase properties and businesses to generate income, further immersing them in the criminal lifestyle.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) :

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is one of the most celebrated titles in the Grand Theft Auto series. Widely regarded even today by some folks as the best game in the series, this game took open world games to another level not just for the gameplay but also the storyline, which at least in my opinion is the best in the series.

San Andreas is set in the early 1990s and features a massive open world that encompasses three fictional cities: Los Santos (inspired by Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas).  Players play as Carl Johnson(CJ) who returns to his hometown of Los Santos after the murder of his mother. The story revolves around CJ's efforts to restore his family's former glory, navigate gang conflicts, and ultimately seek revenge for his mother's death. The narrative explores themes of family, loyalty, and the struggles of life in a crime-ridden city.

 San Andreas significantly expanded the gameplay mechanics introduced in previous titles. Players can customize their character's appearance, improve skills (such as driving, shooting, and even muscle mass), and engage in a wide variety of side activities, including basketball, biking, and even running a casino, in addition to getting to experience some of the greatest missions in the series.

Now let's get to the big guns.

2. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) :

Now before we even get started, I need to mention that GTA 4 and GTA 5 (which I'm sure you might have guessed is #1 by now) both have their own superiorities in my opinion. I would've placed GTA 4 on number one if not for how GTA Online has brought about a revolution in the open-world genre.

Grand Theft Auto IV, released in 2008, marked a significant evolution in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game is set in Liberty City, a reimagined version of the fictional city from previous titles, heavily inspired by New York City. The city is divided into different boroughs, each with its own unique atmosphere and character, reflecting a gritty, realistic urban environment.

Players play as Niko Bellic, considered to be the greatest and the most formidable protagonist in the series, an Eastern European immigrant who arrives in Liberty City in search of the American Dream and to escape his troubled past. The story follows Niko as he navigates the criminal underworld, dealing with themes of betrayal, revenge, and the pursuit of happiness in a harsh environment. The narrative is characterized by its darker tone and complex characters.

 GTA IV introduced more realistic gameplay mechanics, including improved physics, more sophisticated vehicle handling, and a cover system for gunfights. The game emphasized a more grounded approach to combat and movement, enhancing immersion. One of the standout features of GTA IV is its focus on character relationships. Players can interact with various NPCs, forming friendships and rivalries that affect the game's narrative and gameplay. These interactions contribute to a sense of realism and depth in the story, which again is one of its strengths along with the ragdoll physics which can be annoying and fun at the same time.

Grand Theft Auto IV features two major downloadable content (DLC) expansions that enhance the game with new stories, characters, and gameplay elements. These are The Lost and Damned that follows the story of Johnny Klebitz, a member of the Lost Motorcycle Club (who was killed by Trevor in GTA V) and The Ballad of Gay Tony that follows the story of  Luis Fernando Lopez, the right-hand man of nightclub owner Tony Prince (also known as Gay Tony who appears in GTA Online).

1. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), released in 2013, is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed games in the Grand Theft Auto series. It features a vast open world, an engaging storyline, and a robust online multiplayer component known as GTA Online.

The game takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas, primarily in the city of Los Santos, which is based on Los Angeles. GTA V follows the stories of three protagonists: Michael De Santa, a retired bank robber living in luxury; Franklin Clinton, a street-smart hustler; and Trevor Philips, a violent and unpredictable criminal, who eventually cross paths.(Well, two of them were already buddies). The narrative explores their individual journeys, complex relationships, and the pursuit of the American Dream through crime.

Players can switch between the three protagonists, allowing for varied gameplay experiences. The game features a mix of missions, side activities, and open-world exploration, including heists, races, and various mini-games. The attention to detail and freedom of movement contribute to a highly immersive experience.

GTA Online, the multiplayer component of GTA V, was launched shortly after the game's release and has since become incredibly popular. In GTA Online, players create their own characters and can engage in missions, heists, races, and various activities in the same world as the single-player mode. The online mode features a virtual economy where players can earn money through different activities, which they can then use to buy properties, vehicles, and weapons.

Rockstar Games has consistently updated GTA Online, adding new content, missions, vehicles, and themed events to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The online community has thrived, with players forming crews and participating in events, making it a vibrant social space. Overall, GTA V and GTA Online represent a significant evolution in open-world gaming, combining deep storytelling with extensive multiplayer options and ongoing support.

 Grand Theft Auto series has undeniably left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, captivating players across generations with its immersive worlds, compelling narratives, and engaging gameplay. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the series, there’s no denying that these games have defined a significant part of our cultural history and remain a cherished part of our childhood memories.