Since the arrival of Grand Theft Auto III in 2001, the game has not only redefined but also revolutionized the 3D open-world sandbox genre. Each successive installment in the GTA series has pushed technological limits while expanding gameplay possibilities. As anticipation builds for a forthcoming entry in this iconic franchise, fans remain hopeful despite past disappointments from Rockstar, the studio behind the beloved series.
One significant letdown was the release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition in November 2021, which soon became notorious for its shortcomings. Intended as a celebration of three of the franchise’s classic titles, it instead served as a reminder of unmet expectations with sub-standard graphics and a host of technical problems that tarnished the remastering experience. However, this misstep should not dissuade Rockstar from pursuing remasters of GTA titles in the future.
The Case for an Additional GTA Remastered Collection
Underserved GTA Titles that Need Remasters
The Grand Theft Auto series, which began its journey in 1997, is home to many memorable mainstream titles, but it has also produced several lesser-known spin-offs. Notable among these are Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories, both of which debuted exclusively on the PlayStation Portable in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
These games were pioneering for their time, being the first 3D handheld installments in the franchise. Despite their smaller maps compared to mainline console titles, they provided players with significant freedom of movement and interaction, showcasing robust gameplay within the constraints of the PSP hardware.
Additionally, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS and subsequently for the PSP. Returning to the familiar territory of Liberty City, this title took inspiration from the franchise’s early perspective by using a top-down viewpoint. Upon its release, it garnered critical acclaim and further innovated within the handheld gaming landscape.
Although all three titles were ported to iOS and Android in 2014 and 2015, there hasn’t been a well-optimized version available for over a decade. A remastered trilogy that encompasses these lesser-known entries could provide an excellent opportunity for new fans to discover these valuable additions to the GTA legacy.
Correcting the Course with a New Remastered Collection
The tumultuous launch of GTA: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition has left a notable mark on Rockstar’s reputation. While Grove Street Games was the developer for this trilogy, Rockstar’s name was prominently associated, resulting in the company bearing much of the criticism following the game’s release. Historically known for exceptional quality, Rockstar witnessed a significant erosion of this image due to the issues plaguing the remaster.
Introducing a second remastered collection of Grand Theft Auto games would pose a challenge for the developers, yet it could also provide a pathway for redemption if executed correctly. Unlike the initial remaster of core titles, expectations for remastering the handheld games are comparatively lower, making it less daunting to meet or exceed them.
With a commitment to quality and a refreshed vision, Rockstar has the opportunity to restore trust among its fanbase by delivering a polished and engaging remastered trilogy centered on some of its most misunderstood and overlooked titles.