The Birth of an Icon: Discovering the Oldest Version of GTA

The first Grand Theft Auto was a glimpse into a new world of freedom, chaos, and choice — a revolution in gaming that would shape the future of the industry.

One of the first things to think about when it comes to open-world action games is Grand Theft Auto (GTA). The series is popular worldwide due to its rich worlds, exciting missions, and thought-provoking elements.

Have you ever wondered what the oldest version of Grand Theft Auto is? In this post, we’ll revisit where it all began and explain how the first GTA game laid the foundation for the game’s success.

A Brief History of GTA

Before we jump into the specifics of the oldest version of GTA, it’s crucial to understand how the game came into being. David Jones and Mike Dailly created Grand Theft Auto, and it was initially released by DMA Design (later known as Rockstar North) in 1997. The game was a radical departure from anything else available at the time. It introduced an open-world environment where players could explore, complete missions, and engage in chaos.

The GTA series grew quickly from its humble beginnings, eventually evolving into a multi-billion-dollar franchise. Over the years, the series has expanded with titles like GTA III, GTA V, and GTA Online, each pushing the boundaries of open-world gaming. However, to truly appreciate how far the franchise has come, we must first examine its roots the oldest version of the game.

What is the Oldest Version of GTA?

The oldest version of GTA is the original Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997 for MS-DOS, Windows, PlayStation, and the Game Boy Color. Unlike the later 3D versions of the game, the original was in 2D, with top-down perspective graphics. It was a game that felt different from everything else at the time, offering players freedom that was almost unheard of.

While it may seem simplistic by today’s standards, the 1997 version of GTA was groundbreaking. It introduced an open world where you could roam freely, steal cars, engage in shootouts, and complete missions. It’s often regarded as the game that first popularized the open-world genre, a feature that would later become a staple in gaming.

Gameplay and Features of the First GTA

So, what was the gameplay like in the first GTA? The game allowed players to take on the role of a criminal who worked their way up the ranks by committing various crimes across three fictional cities: Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas. These cities were loosely based on real-life American towns, such as New York City, Miami, and San Francisco.

The top-down view was the defining feature of the original Grand Theft Auto. Players controlled the character from above, navigating the city streets in a bid to complete missions or just cause havoc. Unlike modern GTA games, which allow you to switch between first-person and third-person views, the original offered limited perspectives. However, this didn’t stop it from being fun and innovative.

The game also introduced a wide variety of vehicles to steal, ranging from cars to trucks and even tanks. Weapons, such as guns, grenades, and Molotov cocktails, were also available to help players accomplish their criminal tasks. It was a mix of action and strategy, as players had to evade the police, manage their wanted level, and complete objectives to move forward.

How the Game Has Evolved Over Time?

Although the first version of GTA was groundbreaking, it certainly wasn’t perfect. The game had its limitations, and the technology of the late ’90s didn’t allow for the complex systems and high-quality visuals we see in today’s games. However, the game laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential franchises in gaming.

Over the years, GTA evolved dramatically, mainly with the release of GTA III in 2001. This game marked a monumental shift, as it introduced a fully 3D world, with much more realistic environments, characters, and missions. It was a step away from the top-down perspective and into a more immersive, third-person view. The success of GTA III established Rockstar Games as a key player in the industry and set the tone for future GTA games.

Major Milestones in the GTA Series

Let’s take a quick look at some key milestones in the evolution of GTA:

1. GTA III (2001): This game brought the franchise into the 3D world. It introduced a more engaging narrative, a vast open world, and better AI. GTA III was widely praised and set new standards for open-world gaming.
   
2. GTA: San Andreas (2004): The release of San Andreas took the open-world genre even further with a vast map, deep storylines, and an unprecedented level of customization.
   
3. GTA V (2013): The game that would go on to become one of the highest-grossing entertainment products in history. With cutting-edge graphics, a massive world, and online play, GTA V is the culmination of years of innovation.
   

Reception of the Oldest GTA

When the original Grand Theft Auto was released in 1997, it received mixed reviews. Critics praised the game’s innovation and the freedom it offered players. However, its controversial content, including the ability to run over pedestrians and the overall violence, led to backlash from specific communities and regulatory bodies. Despite this, the game’s success was undeniable, and it quickly gained a cult following.

Interestingly, the original game became a commercial success despite being released during a time when other major titles dominated the gaming world. It built a loyal fanbase that continued to support the franchise, even as it evolved into the 3D world.

Why is GTA So Popular?

What makes GTA so appealing to millions of players worldwide? The answer lies in its unique combination of freedom, exploration, and immersive storytelling. From the very first game, players could explore massive cities, choose their path, and experience a level of interactivity that was unmatched at the time.

GTA’s blend of action, humor, and satirical commentary on society also contributed to its success. Over the years, the game has attracted a broad audience, from casual gamers to hardcore fans. Each new installment introduced new features, enhanced graphics, and improved gameplay mechanics, but the core concept remained the same, allowing players the freedom to create their chaos.

Conclusion

Even though the first version of GTA didn’t have the excellent graphics and functions of the current games, it introduced what would become a staple of the GTA world moving forward. Element’s open setting, well-known game style, and the option to choose pathways were highly innovative for their time and formed part of the foundation for later top-selling games.

If I look at it now, it’s evident that Grand Theft Auto was years ahead of the competition. It launched a new type of open-world game, highlighting the use of interactive storytelling and the charm of a large, dynamic setting that players could experience. Since its early days, the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has grown impressively and remains at the top, thanks to its latest launch, GTA V, and the following title, GTA VI. The Call of Duty franchise continues to shape the gaming world and will do so for years to come.