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What can I say about Grand Theft Auto III? It was a genre defying moment back in the day. It paved the way for many games to come after it. A titan in the gaming industry back then. I played it after I played GTA:Vice City, so to me - Vice City is MY go to, I know, I know.
Here I am, 26 (almost 27) writing a review for Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition. Is it still up to those standards? Is it worth it? How good is it? Well, below I will let you know but first, a quick disclaimer!
This review is MY opinion, MY own personal experience and MY thoughts. I am brutally honest when it comes to reviewing games. If you do not like my opinion, my time or respect my personal experience, please move on.

Pros

⚫You can now instantly repeat a mission after/if you fail it. Now, there is no more spending 5-10 minutes on a trip back to start the mission to then have to do it all over again if you die/fail again. Much needed addition!
⚫You get to explore 3 huge areas of map in a stunning, brutal and gritty city, full of life (and murder) called Liberty City. Each area is occupied by it's own gangs, and yes - you can fight them if you so desire.
⚫The missions are, somewhat short and reminiscent of the older GTA games - go there, kill that - done. Nostalgia I guess!
⚫GTA III - Definitive Edition comes with improved lighting (rebuilt lighting system), upgraded character/vehicle models, updated/modernised controls, the ability to RUN AND SHOOT specific guns, new navigation and heads up display and finally, improved running and aiming animations. Phew, that's a lot of "improvements" over the OG GTA III.
⚫The "glare rain" issue is fixed now. That infamous SOLID WHITE rain falling all over your screen, yeah that - GONE.
⚫Drive-bys got a much needed improvement. No more "janky" looking left and right to miss every bullet. You now have dedicated buttons for this!! Sorely needed!
⚫The ability to set waypoints and stuff is just... so good, especially in such an old game that NEVER let you do it in the first place - makes it easier to find your collectables.
⚫Rockstar has fixed a lot of the bugs, glitches and other issues since the launch of the Definitive Edition. Almost all of the bugs and glitches/problems that people reported - I did not encounter a single one.
⚫The dialogue from either pedestrians or cutscenes is just so memorable at times. So much of it is raunchy, uncouth and just downright hilarious!
⚫Rockstar have also optimised the game since it's launch, heavily. Not a single reported issue by others was encountered.
⚫So many activities to do. Vigilante, Firefighter, Paramedic and so much more! I really enjoyed my time playing this!

"You, Off My Planet!"

Nothing beat's one of the best pedestrian lines ever - "You, Off My Planet!" - this happens when you almost hit a pedestrian with your car on Staunton Island!
With that said, I guess Farewell once again Liberty City! - https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3437833621

Cons

⚫They removed "GHOST TOWN". When I finished the game, I took that stupid DODO plane to go and see my beloved, ICONIC Easter egg... to my disappointment, and dismay - it was gone and replaced by a big mess of blobs mashed together, I am not pleased with this.
⚫Get ready for a lot of "long distance driving" to kill one thing, or complete 1 objective and then mission complete.
⚫The Cinematic and top-down camera angle's are gone. I know this is not a "BIG ISSUE" but man, this was really unique for this game back in the day. Why not have it as an in-game option (if there is one, I missed it)
⚫You can't turn your head when you look behind you anymore? How can the 2001 version of this have that but not this?
⚫There are Rockstar social club only achievements, why? Why not make them steam ones too?
⚫Again, just like Vice City - the pedestrians feel like they are out to get you. They pull out infront of you and they ram you off the road at times. Not sure if this is intentional but I cannot remember the OG doing this.

My Verdict

After all is said and done, GTA III will remain a timeless masterpiece. Is it better than the original? I'd say - Yes. The improved graphics, lighting, combat, draw distance, MISSION CHECKPOINTS/RESTART OPTION e.t.c is arguablly sorely needed and with this, makes the game just so much more enjoyable.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please consider following my curator page - https://steamcommunity.com/groups/HonestReviewsbyaCompletionist
After waiting 2 years to play the Definitive Editions of GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas, I can wholeheartadly say that it was worth the wait. I had so much fun playing this game to 100% https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3437833539 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3437834077

8/10! Finally, GTA III Definitive Edition has earned its name!