The_Wood's Full Review: Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 3 for PlayStation 2
Note -- Over the weekend I saw Ali and A Beautiful Mind. Ali bores like few films can. I’m not saying it’s terrible, in fact it is quite good in parts, but it is so over done -- easily at least 45 minutes could have been trimmed. About every single scene in the film runs about two minutes too long. The fight scenes are great though, and Jamie Foxx gives quite the performance 5/10.
Next up was A Beautiful Mind. Although it isn’t the best film of the year, hell it isn’t even making my top ten, it is clearly the front runner for Best Picture this year at the OSCARS -- its that kind of film. I thought the film was great, but it lacked a certain bite 9/10.
Also, from now on I am going to mix it up a little between video game reviews, and film reviews. I’m going to try and review mostly some older movies from now on. So before each review I’ll chime in with my thoughts on the current releases at the theaters.
GRAND THEFT AUTO 3
It took some time and consideration, but after weeks of debating I have finally decided Grand Theft Auto 3 was the number one game of the year. No it didn’t have the best graphics, but where it lacked in visuals, it made up in game-play.
For those unfamiliar with the game, here’s the basic synopsis: You play a low-down dirty thug. Your purpose? Be a big-time dirty thug. By doing this you’ll need to kill, steal, kill, and well just do a lot of bad stuff. No this game isn’t just for sick people who get off on hurting people in video games; in fact, this game is so much more.
You're placed in a city that is as big and bad as can be imagined. Welcome to Liberty City. This video game is huge, and it is made up of three different islands: Portland, Staunton Island, and Shoreside Vale. You are given complete freedom in this game. There is a purpose, or missions, but those can be ignored if you desire.
Things that can be done
The reason why Grand Theft Auto 3 is my #1 choice for game of the year, is because never before has a game given you so much freedom. I mean damn, you could spend your entire life playing this game and still come up with fun things to do.
There are your missions, or tasks, that you will have to perform. But don’t fret, these aren’t your typical type of goals you see in a video game. You might have to bump someone off, rig a car-bomb, escort Mafia guys, fight suicide bombers, and kill journalists for the National Enquirer. To make things even better, the game features some of the best voice talents I have ever seen in a video game: Joe Pantoliano, Michael Madsen, Michael Rapaport, Debi Mazar, Robert Loggia, and Kyle MacLachlan.
But wait, that’s not all! You can steal cars, shoot people, beat up hookers, mug people, be a serial killer, drive a taxi, be a vigilante, save people’s lives, or just walk around for days. Grand Theft Auto 3 isn’t a game your going to pick up and beat in a few hours, or a weekend, hell I don’t think you could do everything in a month. I’ve had the game since it was released, and I’m still playing around with it.
This is not a kiddy game. This game was made for adults who love video games. So, if you want to play something very unique, and a complete joy, Grand Theft Auto 3 might just be up your alley! Also keep in mind it's not real. You're not really hurting people, stealing things, or doing carnage. This is a video game that is meant to entertain and nothing more. So if you want to protest how morally wrong the game might be, please do so elsewhere.
Graphics: B+
Not the best looking game around, but it does have some mighty cool looking car crashes.
Sound: A
The voice acting is excellent. Also, the game features great songs from SCARFACE, more nice tunes which you choose on the radio, and hysterical bits found on the Talk Radio.
Control: A-
It might take some getting use to, but you'll eventually get it down. Aiming the gun is kind of tough.
Fun Factor: A +
This is one of my favorite games in the last few years. It has changed the way we look at video games, and there is just so much you can do. The game isn't for all tastes, but for serious gamers who like movies like Casino, SCARFACE, The Godfather Trilogy, and The Sopranos, I think you'll dig this mean little game.
For the record my top ten games of the year:
1 - GRAND THEFT AUTO 3 (PS2)
2 - HALO (X-BOX): Any other year, this would have been my number one choice. Grand Theft Auto 3 gets the main prize just because it has more replay value -- in my opinion. Halo is a close second.
3 - TWISTED METAL BLACK (PS2): Considering Twisted Metal 1 and 2 are two of my favorite games of all time, I thought this would for sure be my #1 choice. I love the game to death, and it succeeds in the genre where no game has, but the top two games were just better.
4 - CONKER’S BAD FUR DAY (N64): One of the funniest games I have ever played. Sure the game-play isn’t that groundbreaking, but any game with a smart mouth squirrel and other obscenities has my vote.
5 - SUPER MONKEY BALL (GAME CUBE): As shocking as it may be, this was my favorite Game Cube game. It’s as simple as Billy Bob Thorton in Sling Blade, but its fun. REAL FUN! Plus it's great for groups of friends.
6 - GRAN TURISMO 3 A-SPEC (PS2): Overrated as hell, but no one can deny that it's one of the best racers ever. Fun, complicated, and long, this is a must own.
7 - ICO (PS2): A beautiful involving game that is nothing short of magnificent. A pick up and play game that is pure enjoyment from the first minute until the last.
8 - MAX PAYNE (X-BOX): Haven’t played the PC version, but the X-Box port to this game just rocks. One of the most intriguing stories in a video game, and a wonderful use of “bullet-time.”
9- DEAD OR ALIVE 3 (X-BOX): A gorgeous fighter that knows how to please horny gamers. This video game knows what life is all about: fighting and buxom ladies.
10 - SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE (GAME CUBE): This game may take awhile to get into, but once you do, its pretty hard to put down. I enjoy the unique fighting system the game has to offer, and of course the colorful graphics.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Metal Gear Solid 2
Silent Hill 2
NBA Street
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
SSX Tricky
Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2
Final Fantasy X
Coming up:
Films I need to see until I make my top ten of the year:
Black Hawk Down
Monster’s Ball
In the Bedroom
Sexy Beast
The Anniversary Party
Waking Life
The Deep End
Bully
The Royal Tenenbaums
Donnie Darko
Gosford Park
The Shipping News
The Majestic
I Am Sam
Upcoming reviews:
Sour Grapes (film)
Luscious (film)
Halo (XBOX)
Dead or Alive 3 (XBOX)
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