Grand Theft Auto is a video game series that was first released in 1997. It revolves around a player who begins as a lowly criminal and rises in the city underworld over the course of the game. There is action, adventure, fast driving and, as the series progress, the games have an underlying adult tone with bank robberies, assassinations and pimping. The series was created by Dave Jones with around 8 stand-alone games and two expansion packs for the original.
The gameβs protagonist has to go on missions set by the boss of the city underworld. These missions involve murders, robberies and street fighting set against fast-paced action that includes racing and flying an airplane. Subsequent series provide more protagonists with different motives but the aim remains victory for the central character. The story moves between three cities β Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City. The player can choose between a wide choice of transport and weapons.
The setting is urban and the action is marked by deadly missions. The story line progresses in depth with each sequel. The atmosphere is riddled with violence, betrayal and adult language and, because of this, the game series has come in for some strong criticism.
The first title was released for DOS, Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation in 1997β98. Grand Theft Auto II was released in 1999 for Microsoft Windows, the PlayStation and Dreamcast with varied game play. It retained the traditional top-down perspective. October 2001 saw the release of Grand Theft Auto III with high-end 3D graphics. It also introduced a third-person view to the series. This game became very popular despite the increase in violence.
The following year, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was brought out. It saw the introduction of helicopters and planes. The major attraction of this game is the gunfight at the gameβs climax.
In October 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released which revolved around California, gangsters and drugs. The same year Grand Theft Auto Advance was released and is characterized by yet more violence. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories were released in 2005 and 2006 for the PlayStation Portable.
Veteran actors like Robert Loggia, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Penn, James Woods, Michael Madsen, Joe Pantoliano and Frank Vincent have all lent their voices to the characters in this series.
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