In honour of GTA 5 turning 10 years old this past weekend, it seems like the perfect time to talk about the top 5 games in Rockstar’s beloved franchise.
Spanning almost 3 decades, with Grand Theft Auto 1 releasing in November of 1997, there’s been plenty of titles for players to immerse themselves in and create all kinds of mayhem in the process. Let’s take a look at some of the very best that the series has to offer:
5. GTA: Vice City
For many people, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is usually in their top 10 or even top 5 lists thanks to its sun-soaked Miami-type location, 80’s setting, and scarface-esque storyline. Fans had a blast with this game when it was released back in 2002. Having sold 17.5 million copies as of August 2023, it’s officially the 4th most successful Grand Theft Auto game in terms of copies sold.
Vice City is the sixth installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, and although it’s now somewhat outdated in terms of its graphics, fans still find themselves going back to the game and hoping for another game set in the titular Vice City. While nothing is confirmed yet, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 is rumored to revisit Vice City.
Read Also: 5 Huge Reasons Why Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Be Announced in 2023
4. GTA 3
Grand Theft Auto 3 is the fifth title in the Rockstars epic crime franchise and was initially released back in 2001 for PC and consoles. As of August 2023, it is the fifth most successful entry, having sold around 14.5 copies since its release.
I’ve placed this at 4 on my list, however, as I remember enjoying this game more when I played it, from the grungy setting of Liberty City, which is Rockstar’s take on New York City, to the main protagonist, Claude, being a silent but violent character, giving him a mysterious vibe that I remember enjoying quite a bit.
It’s hard not to appreciate Grand Theft Auto 3, as without it, we wouldn’t have the sprawling open worlds that Rockstar has created in the time since its release, which has become the blueprint for future GTA cityscapes.
3. Grand Theft Auto 4
Grand Theft Auto 4 was released in 2008 and was met with thunderous applause. Thanks to its revamped gameplay, excellent storyline, and return to a larger-than-life Liberty City, this was THE game to play. Having sold 25 million copies since its release as of August 2023, this is the 3rd most successful release in the franchise.
Featuring a likeable protagonist in Niko Bellick and his at times frustrating cousin, this game features many mini games, Easter eggs, and plenty of other activities to keep players playing for hours on end. Despite the somewhat limited resources of its time, GTA 4 still manages to hold up today, with fans still playing the game to this day.
Read Also: Where is GTA 6? Today Marks GTA 5s 10 Year Anniversary
2. GTA: San Andreas
San Andreas is arguably one of the most popular games in the GTA franchise, from its iconic title music to its plethora of quotable characters and iconic setting. Los Santos fans have stood by this game since its release all the way back in 2004.
Selling approximately 27.5 million copies since its release, this is Rockstar’s second-most successful game in its iconic franchise. With mini games galore, a standout soundtrack featuring some of the biggest artists at the time, and the sprawling setting of Los Santos that was later revisited for GTA 5, this game still holds up now as one of the most enjoyable experiences you will get playing a Grand Theft Auto game.
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1. GTA 5
GTA 5 is perhaps one of the biggest games of all time, having sold a staggering 185 million units since its release a decade ago and being released across three generations of consoles. It’s hard to see how this game has been so successful.
With a massive open world filled with pedestrians and dense traffic and intricate weather systems ranging from rain to snow to sunshine, there is never a dull moment in GTA 5’s sprawling Los Santos.
With the most innovative character customization and even vehicle customization that we’ve seen in games even today, it’s no wonder this game has been such a hit with players. Not to mention the fact that GTA Online has seen continuous support and regular updates across the last 10 years, fans can only wonder what Rockstar has in store for the next GTA game.
While we have no current release date for GTA 6, we can only hope that we get even a tidbit of news sometime soon. In the meantime, GTA 5 celebrates 10 years, so will you be playing this week to commemorate the game or will you be going back to older titles for a little nostalgia hit? Either way, let’s us know in the comments!
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