All 3D Universe GTA games, ranked

GTA III expanded the franchise substantially, making the game 3D and giving fans a substantially better playing experience. While the game may have been restricted by its time, it was a groundbreaking experience for the franchise’s first 3D title. There have been several other titles, such as Vice City and San Andreas, that expanded on GTA III. Here’s every 3D GTA game ranked, with a reason for what makes them the best.

6. GTA Advance

This was the first and only GTA title released for the Game Boy Advance. The game had 2D graphics, but was set in the 3D GTA universe. You controlled Mike, a small-time thug, who worked alongside his partner Vinnie, with the plan of leaving Liberty City. However, the plan goes wrong, as Vinnie is seemingly killed, and Mike starts to investigate what happened. This game is a prequel to GTA III, and takes place one year before the events of the first 3D GTA title.

GTA Advance introduced a different gameplay style, as the handheld console used a top-down presentation. Despite this, most of the gameplay elements were retained, as players could steal cars, complete missions, and also explore Liberty City. The game was limited by the Game Boy Advance’s hardware and had a basic narrative, which makes it one of the weaker titles in the franchise.

5. GTA: Liberty City Stories

Liberty City Stories follows Toni Cipriani as he works for the Leone crime family. The protagonist doesn’t have much depth, but his relationship with his mother is central to his story. This is a prequel, set before the events of GTA III, and motorcycles are introduced as usable vehicles in the game.

Liberty City Stories revisits both the location and the Leone crime family, but the game doesn’t leave an everlasting impact in terms of character development or even a compelling story. This is why, although it’s a fun game to play, Liberty City Stories isn’t comparable to San Andreas and Vice City.

4. GTA: Vice City Stories

Vice City Stories follows the story of Victor Vance, the brother of Lance Vance. Vic is a disgraced soldier who gets caught in criminal activities to support his family. The protagonist has morals, which is why he doesn’t want to sell drugs, but he’s ready to do almost anything else to take control of the underworld. A unique feature introduced in the game is that Vic can take control of businesses that belong to rival gangs.

Vice City Stories had a compelling narrative, and Lance’s brother finally got his proper introduction in the franchise. For reference, Lance joined Tommy in GTA: Vice City to take down Diaz because he was the cause of Victor’s death. While Vice City Stories is a solid game, it isn’t ranked higher because it wasn’t as groundbreaking as other titles in the series.

3. GTA III

This was the first 3D GTA title, which introduced the silent protagonist Claude to fans. The game features an intimate betrayal right at the start, as Claude is shot by his girlfriend after a bank robbery. Claude makes it out alive, but has to make a prison break during transport and starts off as a normal thug in Liberty City. He continues to make a mark for himself, climbing the ladder of the underworld, while searching for his girlfriend.

GTA III stands out as a great game in the franchise because it had a compelling narrative. The protagonist was silent, but even then players could immerse themselves in his shoes and want to take revenge against Catalina. However, the biggest reason why Grand Theft Auto 3 is one of the best in the series is that it takes the franchise’s formula of stealing, committing crimes, and becoming a more powerful criminal, and gives players a 3D experience.

2. GTA: Vice City

Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, who’s looking for the person who betrayed him and caused his drug deal to go bad. The protagonist builds connections, completes missions, and even obtains a mansion through the course of his journey. Tommy ultimately becomes a key player in the underground, and the story ends with him taking out anyone who can cause his downfall.

Vice City is a GTA game that finishes with the character becoming successful and keeping the criminal empire he built. Tommy Vercetti is also charismatic, which is why he’s one of the favored GTA protagonists. The game’s story, its protagonist, the 80s setting, and the soundtrack all play a part in making the game one of the best in the series.

1. GTA: San Andreas

San Andreas is one of the best GTA games, and it’s not just because of the story. Most GTA games have similar themes of revenge and betrayal, but San Andreas’ changes shake things up. The traitor, Big Smoke, is developed in such a way that his betrayal feels personal to players. This adds immersion, and other elements of the game contribute to making it one of the best in the franchise.

These include character customization, relationships, varied mission designs, and more. You can change how CJ looks substantially. He can gain or lose weight, get tattoos, and more. The game also introduces several mechanics, such as swimming and vehicle proficiency, which become important in certain missions, making them interesting. All these things combined are why San Andreas is the best among all 3D GTA games.