By Array on Oct 21, 2017 08:30 pm
Life of Crime
Although the Grand Theft Auto series truly rose to prominence when it transitioned to 3D with Grand Theft Auto III, it had already been around for years at that point. From its early days to GTA V's release and subsequent four years of success, GTA has become one of gaming's most influential franchises ever over its 20-year history, helping to redefine open-world design and gameplay. To commemorate the anniversary of developer Rockstar's much-beloved series, we're detailing the advancements and innovations that each of its entries introduced. From its humble beginnings on PS1 and PC to the staggeringly persistent sales of Grand Theft Auto V, here's a look at the evolution of GTA and how it transformed into the household name it is today. For a visual look at what we discuss here, check out the video version of the evolution of Grand Theft Auto. Following in the huge success of the series, its latest entry Grand Theft Auto V's online mode continues to do well. For the latest news and updates on GTA V's online mode on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, follow our full coverage here, including details on this week's new GTA content. If you're curious about the history and evolution of other big gaming franchises, watch our in-depth video features on the history of games and series like Uncharted, Assassin's Creed, and even games based on the Lord of the Rings.
Grand Theft Auto
Platforms: PC, PS1 Release Date: October 1997 The first Grand Theft Auto must look archaic to fans of the more modern entries of the series. Its top-down perspective and jagged polygonal graphics are a far cry from the expansive, detailed city spaces we've come to expect. However, the game is still as crime-focused, mature, and violent as the series' subsequent entries. At the time, Grand Theft Auto was a pioneering game that helped introduce the concept of open-world design to action games with its free-form, objective-based missions. The freedom it gave you to pursue missions and explore laid the groundwork for many of the series' hallmarks. It also introduced the three major fictional cities the series has often used as settings: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
Platforms: PC, PS1 Release Date: April 1999 Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 is an expansion for the first game. It introduced a new city to explore and expanded the number of cars to drive and activities to take part in, though it didn't change the formula of the original. Notably, London 1969 was the first standalone expansion pack to ever release on PS1.
Grand Theft Auto 2
Platforms: PC, PS1, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color Release Date: - PC: September 1999
- PS1: October 1999
- Dreamcast: May 2000
- Game Boy Color: December 2000
While not the genre-redefining step that its successor would become, Grand Theft Auto 2 was a solid step forward that expanded on the groundwork established by the first game. Its major evolutionary shift came from its mission design. Instead of being forced through a linear sequence of missions, you now had the choice to freely accept missions from different--often opposing--gangs at any time. (Zaibatsu for life.) This created a chain of events that influenced how gangs perceived you. Also new were side missions, which have since become a staple of the series. When not playing through the story content, you could earn money by being a taxi, bus, or delivery truck driver. In addition, the game saw advancements in pedestrian behavior; people would walk on the street or enter public transportation vehicles, and if they were criminals, steal cars or engage in random fights with the police. Interestingly enough, Grand Theft Auto 2 released on four different platforms--even receiving a port on the Game Boy Color. The game would be the final core entry in the series to strictly utilize a top-down view--although an optional camera mode resembling it was included in Grand Theft Auto III and served as the inspiration for a GTA Online racing mode.
Grand Theft Auto III
Platforms: PS2, PC, Xbox Release Date: - PS2: October 2001
- PC: May 2002
Xbox: October 31, 2003
While Grand Theft Auto 1 and 2 were both proofs of concept for what an open-world action game could be, it was Grand Theft Auto III that took that idea to the next level. Unlike in its predecessors, you were free to walk from a third-person perspective through a living, breathing 3D city. This simple shift in perspective increased your immersion within its world. With the open-world structure of its predecessors once again at play, the ability to freely take on missions or simply cause chaos was a satisfying and innovative gameplay loop. Storytelling was also more greatly emphasized this time around, with celebrity voice acting (Michael Madsen, Kyle MacLachlan, and Robert Loggia all played roles) and dramatic cutscenes. The protagonist, however, had little personality or backstory and wouldn't even get a name until a minor moment in San Andreas. GTA III let you take to the sky for the first time, albeit in inelegant fashion. The Dodo was a biplane that could be found in the airport as a secret of sorts, but flying it took extreme precision and patience. Additionally, this was the first game in the series to add Hidden Packages as a secret collectible for players to hunt down. While the game first released on PS2 in 2001, it later launched on PC in 2002 and Xbox in 2003. It was the first in a trilogy of Grand Theft Auto games that would come out within the next few years and influenced countless games to come.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Platforms: PS2, PC, Xbox Release Date: - PS2: October 27, 2002
- PC: May 12, 2003
Xbox: October 31, 2003
Released a year after GTA III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was an iterative sequel that expanded on III's framework. It offered an even more detailed city that was packed with new missions and vehicle types, like motorcycles and helicopters. Amid subtle quality-of-life improvements, one of the game's major additions was the ability to purchase businesses and properties, allowing you to increase your revenue stream and feel like you were making a mark on the game world. The game's narrative presentation also received an upgrade, featuring a protagonist who actually talked (unlike GTA III's Claude) and felt like a proper character. Its story centered on Tommy Vercetti (voiced by actor Ray Liotta), a former member of the mob who was set up and had to take over the city before its violent gangs killed him. Inspired heavily by Scarface, Vice City is most remembered for its 1980s time period, which it used predominantly in its satire of American pop culture. The game's soundtrack in particular is often considered one of the most iconic licensed video game soundtracks ever and helped the game to nail its '80s atmosphere. While Vice City was first released as PS2-exclusive in 2002, it would later launch on PC and Xbox in 2003.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Platforms: PS2, PC, Xbox Release Date: - PS2: October 26, 2004
- PC & Xbox: June 7, 2005
The third and final entry in what became known as the GTA series' "3D universe," Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas again built on the previous two games while taking players to another radically different setting. The titular San Andreas was absolutely massive; while III and Vice City allowed players to explore different portions of a single city, San Andreas dramatically expanded on that with full-fledged takes on Los Angeles (Los Santos), San Francisco (San Fierro), and Las Vegas (Las Venturas). At the time, San Andreas's world was staggeringly large--which is just as well, as it needed that space to facilitate the newly introduced trains and planes. The latter finally provided a more rapid form of air transport, as previous games limited players to helicopters, the hard-to-fly Dodo, and, in Vice City, a single seaplane. San Andreas's story centered around Carl Johnson, who was a more dynamic protagonist than previous characters. The game introduced a new RPG-style character progression system that allowed Carl to grow in a number of ways--both figuratively and literally. Heading to the gym and taking part in mini-games provided the opportunity to increase his stamina and strength, but he also had to eat. Indulge in too many cheeseburgers and he would gain a substantial amount of weight, which could impact gameplay. As a whole, the game featured a marked shift toward focusing West Coast street gangs and was heavy influenced by 90's hip-hop culture. As with the two previous games, San Andreas debuted on PS2 before later being ported to both PC and Xbox.
Grand Theft Auto Advance
Platforms: Game Boy Advance Release Date: October 26, 2004 Grand Theft Auto Advance, which was officially marketed under the name Grand Theft Auto, was the first entry in the series released exclusively on handheld devices. It released alongside San Andreas, but despite the move to 3D in the console games, Advance used the top-down perspective and Liberty City setting of earlier entries. Advance did mix in some elements of more recent games, adding side missions from GTA III and the ability for cars to flip over. Despite the ambition of bringing GTA to a handheld, the game was maligned for its mediocre story and technical limitations. It marked the only game in the series developed outside of Rockstar, having been created by Digital Eclipse.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Platforms: PSP, PS2 Release Date: - PSP: October 24, 2005
- PS2: June 6, 2006
Although it's been forgotten by many, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was a significant game for the series. It marked the first 3D GTA game released on a handheld, bringing a comparable version of Liberty City from GTA III to PlayStation Portable. It also introduced a six-player local multiplayer mode, marking the franchise's first foray outside of single-player. Liberty City Stories was a prequel game starring one of the characters you met in the game on which it's based--in this case, GTA III's Toni Cipriani.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Platforms: PSP, PS2 Release Date: - PSP: October 24, 2006
- PS2: March 5, 2007
Like the console games, the Liberty City entry on PSP was followed up not long after by a game set in Vice City. Titled Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the game was less novel than the previous one, as it couldn't pass itself off as the first handheld 3D GTA, nor did it introduce any major features that would become mainstays. However, it did improve on Liberty City Stories, providing a larger overall experience with longer missions and more memorable characters. There was also a new empire system where you could take over properties, install illegal businesses, embark on missions to upgrade them, and then reap the rewards. Multiplayer also evolved with new competitive modes, but it remained a local-multiplayer-only affair.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC Release Date: - PS3 & Xbox 360: April 29, 2008
- PC: December 2, 2008
As the first numbered entry in the series in more than six years and the beginning of what's known as the "HD universe," Grand Theft Auto IV set out to provide some major new innovations--with mixed results. With a shift toward a slightly more mature, darker narrative, it provided players with moral choices--such as whether or not to let a character live--that could impact the story. These didn't radically alter things and were limited in number, but they marked an attempt by the series to try something new. Similarly, GTA IV emphasized relationships with other characters. Despite being new to the country, protagonist Niko Bellic was able to quickly make friends--but those friends expected not to be ignored. Thanks to the mobile phone in Niko's pocket, you could expect to be contacted for a date with women you were seeing or a round of bowling with dear cousin Roman. Perhaps the game's biggest new feature was online multiplayer. It allowed up to 32 players to join together online for competitive and cooperative modes or to freely roam the city, albeit with no real objectives. GTA IV evolved unlike any previous game in the series thanks to downloadable content. Its two DLC expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, introduced new stories and characters set within the same city, as well as new mechanics. The motorcycle-centric Lost and Damned finally added checkpoints to missions, mercifully allowing you to pick up your progress after a failure without starting from the beginning. Gay Tony later added the BASE jumping activity and mission scoring.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Platforms: Nintendo DS, PSP, iOS Release Date: - DS: March 17, 2009
- PSP: October 20, 2009
iOS: December 18, 2014
Years after GTA had moved on from the classic top-down perspective, Rockstar came out with Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, a throwback to the early days of the series. It featured the same sort of open-world gameplay the series was known for but packaged it in a way that we hadn't seen in almost a decade. The camera angle wasn't the only way Chinatown Wars differentiated itself from past entries. It featured a more stylized, comic book-esque art style (likely to accommodate the hardware constraints of the DS), the series' first asian protagonist, an "online" ordering system for ammo and weapons, and new types of interactions, such as breaking out the glass in a car to escape or turning a screwdriver to start a car. Police, an omnipresent threat to players in GTA, were no longer something to hide from; instead, you were encouraged to smash into police cars to disable them, which led to a reduction in your wanted level. The game would later be released for PSP, which featured improvements to visuals. An iOS port would also release several years later.
Grand Theft Auto V
Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC Release Date: Grand Theft Auto V is in many ways a culmination of everything the series has been building toward since its inception. The game grew both its single-player and multiplayer portions in significant ways, resulting in an experience that's far more multi-faceted than its predecessors. In terms of single-player, GTA V took its missions--which had long been unrelated, standalone activities--and tied them together for heists. These multi-part missions feature an escalating story and allow you to build toward something, as you yourself are tasked with putting the pieces in place to pull off a bigger crime. GTA V also adjusted the series' formula by having you play as not one but three different protagonists you can freely switch between, sometimes even during the course of a mission. GTA V's multiplayer component, GTA Online, continues to evolve to this day and has made the game a long-term moneymaker for Rockstar. It took GTA IV's concept of putting a bunch of players in an online version of a GTA city and ran with it. Up to 30 players can go about their business in a single instance of the city or take part in cooperative and competitive activities. Following a post-launch update, Rockstar introduced online heists, allowing players to collaboratively complete multi-part missions. While load times and matchmaking hurdles can mar the experience, the interlocking parts of four people working together in unison--some in the air, others scattered around on the ground--can be a beautiful thing. It's through all of the GTA V's advancements to the formula and consistent updates to its online mode that the game remains a massive success and the pinnacle of the franchise's evolution as a whole.
By Chris Pereira on Oct 21, 2017 07:30 pm
Nintendo Switch is a wonderful system with more quality games than you might realize. But there are numerous ways in which Switch could improve, and that's especially true of the Eshop. A recent update finally introduced a way to see what's on sale--on the rare occasion that something is discounted--but the Switch's online store still needs work. Among other things, it could use a way to look at all of the demos that are available for download. Nintendo has relied on its News channel to convey certain Eshop information, but that's just not ideal; if you're picking up a system late or haven't checked in recently, there's no easy way to jump on the store and start downloading demos. There aren't a ton yet, but unless you know exactly which games have a demo and head directly to their Eshop page, you'll have to blindly look for them. In lieu of an official solution, we've rounded up every game with a demo on the Switch Eshop. We'll continue to update this as more are released, but hopefully Nintendo has a fix on the way--particularly as the store continues to get crowded with more and more game releases. For a look at what Nintendo has improved about the system, check out the details of the latest big Switch system update.
Blaster Master Zero
A remake of the classic game Blaster Master, the demo of Blaster Master Zero allows you to jump into two different stages from the full game.
Disgaea 5 Complete
Disgaea 5's demo on Switch allows you to get a good taste of the full game's early portion, even allowing you to save your progress and return to it later. However, it's important to be aware that you can't transfer that save data to the full game--you'll be starting over from scratch if you decide to purchase it.
Just Dance 2017
Just Dance 2017 features a demo that supports play with the Joy-Cons or mobile devices. If you opt for the latter option, you'll also need to download the Just Dance Controller app (which you can easily grab by scanning a QR code the demo presents) and connect your phone and Switch to the same Wi-Fi network.
Just Dance 2018
Ahead of Just Dance 2018's release, a demo is available... but you can't currently get it on the Eshop. That will likely be resolved once the game is out and it's given an Eshop page, but in the meantime, you'll have to head to Amazon, "buy" the demo, and redeem a code on the Eshop.
Monster Hunter XX
Monster Hunter XX is the enhanced Switch version of 3DS game Monster Hunter Generations. With Monster Hunter World on the way to the West, Capcom hasn't announced official plans to bring XX out of Japan--and that means its Eshop demo is Japan-only. Fortunately, with the Switch not being region locked, the process of creating a Japanese Eshop account and grabbing the demo is quite straightforward. Just be prepared for a lot of Japanese text.
Oceanhorn
The Zelda-like Oceanhorn's Switch demo allows you to play through the game's first full chapter and get a taste of combat and its world.
Pokken Tournament DX
Like Nintendo demos in the past, there are some restrictions on how much you're able to play the demo of Pokken Tournament DX. You're limited to a total of 15 matches, which can be played against the computer or a second player locally. The demo also features a tutorial to help you make the most of those matches.
Project Octopath Traveler
Despite being early enough that it doesn't even have a final title, a demo is out for Square Enix RPG Project Octopath Traveler. You can check out the first chapter of two different characters' stories.
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Puyo Puyo Tetris includes a fairly generous demo, with a tutorial, single-player, and multiplayer components, as well as a manual. Just be aware that the single-player mode is incredibly challenging.
Rayman Legends
The demo for Rayman Legends provides a selection of levels from the very beginning of the game. You can play it on your own or with a co-op companion locally using a pair of Joy-Cons.
Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together
Perhaps the single best co-op game on the platform, Snipperclips features a small demo with a few levels from the full game. As it's critical to the experience, you can play multiplayer locally, with each player using a single Joy-Con.
Spelunker Party
Spelunker Party's demo provides limited access to the full game's features, allowing you to dive into a cave with up to four players locally. There are some restrictions on local multiplayer, however, such as only the first player's gear accumulating experience. This is another game where you're able to play with another Joy-Con, making two-player co-op very easy.
Voez
Voez is a rhythm game where you play using the Switch's touchscreen. This makes it the rare title that can only be played in handheld mode, a limitation that extends to the demo. When first starting out, you'll be presented with a tutorial that helps to explain the controls.
Limited-Time Demos
You may have heard references to ways to try Arms and Splatoon 2 previously, but neither of these games offers a traditional demo. Instead, they have Global Testpunch and Testfire versions, respectively, which allow you to play a limited amount of each game online during very specific periods of time. There's been no word from Nintendo on when or if we will see either of these trial versions made playable again.
By Chris Pereira on Oct 21, 2017 02:47 pm
It's October, and with Halloween drawing near, Blizzard is marking the occasion with a new Overwatch seasonal event. Halloween Terror 2017 is officially underway after some leaks, and what that means is there are new skins to get your hands on--but they'll only be distributed for a limited time. As it did in 2016, Halloween Terror replaces the standard Loot Box with a special themed one. This allows you to get the exclusive Halloween Terror 2016 cosmetics in addition to more than 50 new ones. Among them are a variety of skins, including Legendary ones for Ana, McCree, Zenyatta, and Symmetra. You can check out all of the new skins currently up for grabs in the gallery above. You can obtain Loot Boxes by leveling up or purchasing them, as usual. Any items you get can be used year-round, though they're only obtainable during the event itself. In addition to simply offering new cosmetics, there's also a new way to play. 2016's Junkenstein's Revenge event has made a return; this co-op, Horde-style mode has players facing off against waves of AI-controlled enemies. A new endless option this year allows you to see just how many waves your team of four can make it through. Leaderboards will track your progress and allow players to compete for the top spot. Halloween Terror 2017 is now underway on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It runs until November 2 on all platforms. For a look at other celebrations, check out our roundup of all the in-game Halloween events and updates.
Corsair Ana
Corsair Ana
Corsair Ana
Van Helsing McCree
Van Helsing McCree
Jiangshi Mei
Jiangshi Mei
Dracula Reaper
Dracula Reaper
Dragon Symmetra
Dragon Symmetra
Dragon Symmetra
Dragon Symmetra
Viking Torbjorn
Viking Torbjorn
Viking Torbjorn
Viking Torbjorn
Viking Torbjorn
Totally '80s Zarya
Totally '80s Zarya
Cultist Zenyatta
Cultist Zenyatta
By Mat Elfring on Oct 21, 2017 02:00 am
This Sunday, October 22, the team of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose reunites once again as The Shield to take on The Miz and his four stars in a TLC handicap match. That's not the only big match happening at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Raw brand-exclusive PPV, TLC, has six other matches, including the debut of former NXT women's champion Asuka. It all kicks off at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on the WWE Network, with the Kickoff Show happening one hour earlier. Here's the entire match card and our predictions. [UPDATE] The Finn Balor match and the main event have been changed due to medical issues.
Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox (Kickoff Match)
Alicia Fox recently attacked Sasha Banks backstage and now the two are involved in a heated rivalry. Banks and Fox will have the chance to take their aggression out on each other during the Kickoff show, which airs one our prior to the main card. I don't see Banks losing this one. She feels buried, and she's way too talented to keep losing matches like this. Our prediction: Sasha Banks wins
Asuka vs. Emma
Asuka is making her debut at TLC. If you're not familiar with the Empress of Tomorrow, she held the NXT women's championship for over 500 days and currently has a win-streak longer than Goldberg's during the '90s. Sorry Emma, but there's no chance Asuka is losing during her debut. Our prediction: Asuka wins Secondary prediction: The match is no longer than 1 minute
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Mickie James
(For the Raw Women's Championship) Alexa Bliss and Mickie James have been locked in the feud revolving around James' age--which we break down in better detail here. Now, Bliss will defend the Women's Championship at TLC, and while she's been a great champion, James will get the win. It will add more to her legacy at WWE and knock Bliss down a peg or two. Our prediction: Mickie James wins
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher & The Brian Kendrick
The first of two 205 Live matches--yes, two matches--has Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander taking on the team of Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick. This match could go either way as it's not really compelling, and it's a bit of a bummer to see this taking a spot on the main card, with so much other talent on the Monday night show not in the spotlight. Anyway, I'm giving the win to Alexander and Swann, with the hopes of seeing Swann dance. Our prediction: Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann win
Kalisto (c) vs. Enzo Amore
(For the Cruiserweight Championship) Enzo Amore has waged war against the cruiserweight division, and while he beat Neville for the title, he quickly lost it to Kalisto. Enzo is getting his rematch at TLC in order to prove he's more than a one-trick-pony. I can see Enzo winning the title here, but every fiber in my being doesn't want that to happen. Sure, Enzo winning would be better for moving the storyline forward, but I'm giving the win to Kalisto because he's so much more talented in the ring. Our prediction: Kalisto wins... please let Kalisto win
The Demon vs. AJ Styles
[UPDATE] Due to medical issues, Bray Wyatt AKA Sister Abigail will not appear at TLC. He has been replaced with Smackdown star AJ Styles. There is no story between these two stars, which is a bit of a bummer; however, Styles vs. Balor is a dream match, especially if you followed the exploits of the two in New Japan. It's a battle between two men who at one time led the Bullet Club in New Japan. Our prediction: This could go either way; however, I'm giving the win to AJ Styles in hopes that this will be a new storyline, leading into Survivor Series. Secondary prediction: It will be match of the night. [Original story] Everyone has a dark side, Finn Balor's is The Demon, a madman with an immense amount of willpower that will not go down. Bray Wyatt--an already dark character--has Sister Abigail, which we known nothing about--thankfully Abigail is Wyatt and WWE didn't introduce another character as her. This is going to be a weird battle, but I'm thinking this will swing in Balor's favor, in the hopes that Wyatt becomes lost in this new Sister Abigail persona. Our prediction: Finn Balor wins
Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, & Kurt Angle vs. Braun Strowman, The Miz, Kane, Cesaro & Sheamus (TLC Handicap Match)
[UPDATE] If this image looks poorly photoshopped, it's because WWE hasn't put an image together for the match. Roman Reigns is out of the main event, even though the whole match revolves around The Shield reuniting in one big nostalgiafest. However, in a pretty spectacular surprise, Kurt Angle will join Ambrose and Rollins to battle The Miz and his team. Angle hasn't wrestled for WWE in over 10 years, so there's a bit of a worry about his inclusion in this match, especially since it's a TLC match. He'll more than likely be able to keep up--and better than many returning stars we've seen at big PPVs the past few years--but Angle's inclusion changes the whole dynamic of the match. Our prediction: The Miz and company win Secondary prediction: Kane pins Angle and a feud begins between them for Survivor Series [Original story] Finally, nostalgia plays a major factor into the main event, as Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns have joined forced to reform their team The Shield in order to take on The Miz, Braun Strowman, Kane, and The Bar in a handicap match. The odds are stacked against the good guys, and because of that, I'm giving the win to The Shield. They should be able to overcome said odds and triumph over Miz's ridiculously overpowered team. Our prediction: The Shield wins
By Mat Elfring on Oct 21, 2017 12:46 am
The Batman: Black & White series takes your favorite versions of Batman from DC Comics and turns them into statues worthy to display in your house. Each one is designed after an artist's take on the Caped Crusader. In the past, we've seen Batman statues based on the artwork of Mike Mignola (Batman), Dawyn Cooke (DC New Frontier), Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns), and many others. DC Collectibles have released two new statues for its Batman Black & White series, both based on the artwork of Harley Quinn artist Amanda Conner and sculpted by Jonathan Matthews. Both the Batman and Harley Quinn statues are newly available on the DC Collectibles website, cost $80 each, and are 1:10 scale, coming in at around 7 inches each. Let's take a closer look at these statues to check out the detail.
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