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Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a 2021 video game compilation that includes three action-adventure titles from the Grand Theft Auto franchise: Grand Theft Auto III (2001), Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002), and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). This version was developed by Grove Street Games and released by Rockstar Games. Each of the three games has been remastered, incorporating visual improvements and gameplay enhancements. The trilogy features distinct protagonists and fictional cities within a shared narrative universe. Grand Theft Auto III centers on silent protagonist Claude in Liberty City; Vice City, set in 1986, follows mobster Tommy Vercetti in Vice City; and San Andreas, set in 1992, stars gangster Carl "CJ" Johnson across the state of San Andreas.
The two-year development process emphasized preserving the original games’ aesthetic and gameplay style. The physics engine was retained from the original versions, while artificial intelligence was implemented to upscale textures automatically. Developers closely examined the unique features of each game and introduced new lighting, coloring, and weathering effects. Additional assets from Grand Theft Auto V (2013) were incorporated into the project. Input from the original developers at Rockstar North was sought during character design upgrades. Before its release, earlier versions of these games were taken off digital stores, prompting backlash from users and media; in response, Rockstar reinstated them on their own store.
The Definitive Edition launched on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on 11 November 2021. Android and iOS platforms received the game on 14 December 2023. The Windows launch encountered issues with the Rockstar Games Launcher, making the game unplayable for three days. Reviews were largely negative, though critics acknowledged improvements in visuals, lighting, controls, and new gameplay features. However, the game was criticized for technical glitches, artistic choices, and character rendering. It ranked among the worst-reviewed games of 2021 and faced review bombing on Metacritic. Rockstar issued an apology for the technical difficulties and committed to improving the game with future updates.
Trailer
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Details
- Developer
- Grove Street Games
- Publisher
- Rockstar Games
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Android, iOS
- Modes
- Single-player
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Series
- Grand Theft Auto
