Games - Grand Theft Auto

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	Games - Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a computer and video game series created and developed by Scottish developer Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design), published by Rockstar Games and debuted in 1998. It includes seven stand-alone games and two expansion packs for the original, GTA: London 1969 and GTA: London 1961. Grand Theft Auto III and subsequent games in the series have been best-selling blockbusters which have also gained critical acclaim, including several game of the year awards from various sources. In addition, the series has emerged as being so popular and profitable that a long list of Hollywood stars have lent their voices to the games. Gangster film veterans such as Michael Madsen, Samuel L. Jackson, James Woods, Joe Pantoliano and Ray Liotta have all voiced major characters. Other famous voices that have been incorporated in the games include Axl Rose, Burt Reynolds, Chris Penn, Danny Trejo, David Cross, Deborah Harry, Dennis Hopper, Faizon Love, Frank Vincent, Gary Busey, Ice-T, Jenna Jameson, Luis Guzman, Miss Cleo, Philip Michael Thomas, Robert Davi, Shaun Ryder, Tom Sizemore, William Fichtner, Michael Rapaport, Lawrence Taylor, Danny Dyer and The Game.

Series overview

The games allow the player to take on the role of a criminal in a big city, typically a lowly individual who rises in the ranks of organized crime over the course of the game. Various missions are set for completion by the figureheads of the city underworld, generally criminal, which must be completed to progress through the storyline. Bank robberies, assassinations and other crimes feature regularly, but occasionally taxi driving, firefighting, pimping, street racing, or learning to fly an airplane are also involved as alternate adventures.

The Grand Theft Auto series is notable for the large amount of freedom given to the player in deciding what to do. Unlike most action games, which are structured as a single track series of levels with linear gameplay, in GTA the player can pick and choose which missions they want to undertake, and their relationships with various powers are changed based on these choices. Players also often cite the music, humor, and "stress relieving factor" of the series in explaining its appeal. The vast cities of the games can also be roamed freely at any point in the game, offering many accessible buildings and minor missions. There are exceptions: Missions follow a linear, overarching plot, and some city areas must be unlocked over the course of the game.

Grand Theft Auto III and subsequent games have been notable for their storylines, high quality of voice acting, and "radio stations," which simulate driving to music with satirizing DJs, radio personalities, commercials, talk radio, popular music, and American culture. All of this is seamlessly integrated in the realistic setting of a dysfunctional urban environment which parodies a real-life city.

The game's influence on teenagers and adults alike has created a "cult" scene of GTA fans that see past the merits of the game itself and appreciate the retro feel and the good-old-days vibe the game emanates. People remember or imagine the time the games are set in and can enjoy the music, the atmosphere, the fashion, the slang and the cities from their favourite decade, such as the 1980s or early 1990s.

The use of vehicles in an explorable urban environment provides a basic simulation of a working city, complete with pedestrians who obey traffic signals. Further details are used to flesh out an open-ended atmosphere that has been used in several other games, such as The Simpsons Hit & Run, which have less emphasis on crime or violence. Some compare this to open-ended RPGs such as The Elder Scrolls
series, and foresee action games using a similar design.

The series has courted a great deal of controversy since the release of Grand Theft Auto III. The series generally revolves around the focus on illegal activities, in comparison with "hero" roles that most other games offer. The main character can commit a wide variety of crimes while dealing with only temporary consequences. Opponents believe that players will try to emulate this behavior, while proponents believe it provides an emotional outlet, as such actions in real life would have serious consequences. For specific incidents, see the individual game articles.

History

The Grand Theft Auto series may be divided into eras, based on the inclusion of a numbering after the recognizable title name (e.g. Grand Theft Auto III) after the original Grand Theft Autos release, and to a certain extent, the type of graphics engine
used.
[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Grand Theft Auto (series) ]

Games - Grand Theft Auto

Series overview

History

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