SerpApi.Org
Rockstar Games is one of the most iconic and prolific video game studios, pumping out modern classics like Red Dead Redemption 2 and forgotten masterpieces including Max Payne. However, their newest title is also their most anticipated, as Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be one of the biggest games in history, and it isn't even out yet. It is bound to break records, win awards, and cement its legacy as one of the best modern video games.
Despite all eyes being on GTA 6, it didn't get that hype without some help from the franchise in general, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest Grand Theft Auto video games of all time. Based on aspects such as design, gameplay, originality, narrative, art, innovation, influence, enjoyability, fan opinion, critical acclaim, popularity, and overall quality, these are the greatest games in the franchise, which fans should play before GTA 6 comes out.
'Grand Theft Auto' (1997)
The first video game kicking off this list is also the first Grand Theft Auto game ever released. Launched back in 1997, this game is vastly different than what the franchise is now. Gamers play as an unnamed protagonist as they take random jobs from various syndicates, slowly building an infamous reputation as they travel around cities like Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas.
The first Grand Theft Auto isn't a bad game by any means, but when compared to the rest of the franchise, it is clearly lacking the most. Still, the top-down 2D format was interesting, and the lack of proper story meant players were free to do whatever they wanted, simply spending time in the city and enjoying the liberty to commit any crime.
'Grand Theft Auto II' (1999)
Off the heels of the first game, Grand Theft Auto II came out two years later to marginally better reviews, even if it still featured the core of the franchise. Set in a retrofuturistic world in a city called Anywhere City, the player controls Claude Speed, who pits two rival gangs against each other and reaps the rewards to earn cash and respect.
Grand Theft Auto II has one of the most unique settings in the franchise, and that alone means it is better than the first. It also introduced a hint of narrative and storytelling, bringing the franchise to new heights compared to the first. Still, the game is rather lacking, and the gameplay isn't as engaging, but it was nonetheless a necessary step for GTA to grow into one of the biggest gaming franchises ever.
'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories' (2006)
Luckily, the franchise decided to move into the 3D realm, with the third game placed later on this list, but the next GTA game featured is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Serving as a prequel to one of the games later on this list, it follows a former soldier forced to make a living in the criminal underworld after being disgraced, needing the money to pay for his brother's hospital bills.
This prequel series was the perfect spin-off for Grand Theft Auto, giving players more time in the worlds they have come to love with new gameplay and stories. Vice City Stories improved upon the graphics, making it a much nicer visual experience while also incorporating new mechanics and systems that expanded the gameplay opportunities in Vice City.
'Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories' (2005)
Following Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is the first game in the spin-off franchise, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Tony Cipriani is a mobster who makes his long-awaited return to Liberty City, where he is greeted by a fallen empire. He enters the bloody gang war in order to re-establish the Leone crime family, bringing them back to their former dominance.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was the first 3D GTA game on a portable console, meaning fans can travel the city wherever they want. The graphics could have been improved, but having a GTA experience on a handheld console was a dream come true, especially with the constant chaos and narrative prestige that made it a defining Grand Theft Auto game.
'Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' (2009)
Speaking of handheld Grand Theft Auto games, the best of those is easily Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, not including re-released ports on the DS or iOS. After the murder of his father, Triad member Huang Lee travels to Liberty City to deliver a family heirloom. However, he is ambushed on his way there, now needing to learn the truth behind this disgraceful betrayal.
After ten years in the 3D format, Grand Theft Auto returned to 2D for the first time since Grand Theft Auto II with Chinatown Wars. Boasting a cel-shaded art style and boosted graphics, this unsung entry in the series is the definitive 2D GTA game. The classic top-down perspective with addicting mini-games and an engaging drug economy are among the highlights in what is easily the most underrated game in the franchise.
'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' (2002)
The long-awaited GTA VI is bound to be one of the biggest games of all time, but before that came out, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was the first time in a 3D version of the titular location. Set in 1986, a mobster named Tommy Vercetti goes to Vice City for a drug deal. But when the operation goes wrong, he must retrieve the money and use it to build his own drug empire after being betrayed.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the perfect game to play before GTA VI since it is set in the same city, allowing fans to compare and contrast the gameplay, world, narrative, and graphics. It was the first time the franchise had voice acting, offering a more immersive feel to the game, especially with the neon-soaked streets and engaging storyline.
'Grand Theft Auto III' (2001)
The first two Grand Theft Auto games were held back by their format, but Grand Theft Auto III departed into 3D territory, instantly becoming one of the best games in the series. After a failed bank robbery with his girlfriend, Catalina, the protagonist is left betrayed and imprisoned. After escaping, he vows to get his revenge by crawling his way up the mob ladder.
Grand Theft Auto III fundamentally changed everything about the franchise, marking an important shift in direction and pushing it into what it is today. This perfect change made the open world so much more compelling and easy to explore, with so many activities that truly made it feel alive. This game also pioneered open-world level design, creating an unforgettable sandbox where players could live freely.
'Grand Theft Auto V' (2013)
This might be a surprisingly low ranking for one of the highest-selling video games, but Grand Theft Auto V places third on this list. This game follows three protagonists, including Michael, a retired bank robber, Franklin, a common street hustler, and Trevor, an unhinged arms dealer. Fate forces them together, now needing to pull off massive heists across the city of Los Santos while avoiding the corrupt government agencies.
As the most recent game in the franchise, Grand Theft Auto V perfected a lot of the mechanics the series has to offer, coalescing to create an ambitious open-world that many consider to be the best. With unmatched agency and emergent gameplay that can stem from intrinsic motivation or curiosity, Grand Theft Auto V is the ultimate product of the franchise. Its legacy is untouched and has firmly cemented itself as one of the most influential video games of all time.
'Grand Theft Auto IV' (2008)
Grand Theft Auto IV follows an Eastern European immigrant who moves to Liberty City to realize his American Dream and escape his dark past. However, he is quickly thrust into the dark underworld of organized crime, now needing to pay off a debt through less than noble means.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto IV are easily the best in the franchise, but the former barely beats out the latter because of variety. This game does have a much better story, arguably the best in the franchise, bringing a grittier and more serious tone. The game has a fascinating and complex physics system that makes everything feel more real and engaging, proving why it is among the best of the franchise.
'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' (2004)
After Grand Theft Auto III, the franchise continued to push the needle with each subsequent release, withGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas being even more ambitious, with three cities to explore. After CJ returns to his city after his mother passes away, he is framed for her murder. In order to clear his name, he must travel across the state, save his family, and take back the streets.
GTA: San Andreas is the ultimate product of ambition that led to the future of the franchise. Rockstar Games is known for creating immersive games that almost feel like simulations, while still focusing on compelling narratives and thrilling gameplay. GTA: San Andreas is a daring masterpiece that is too big for its own good, pushing the bounds of creativity and technical prowess. It isn't just the best GTA game, but also one of the greatest video games of all time, but fans will have to see if GTA VI lives up to the hype and dethrones this game.
