Huh? Did you actually play it? It's one of the best single player DLCs out there.
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Which Grand Theft Auto has the best Single Player/Story Mode?
- Thread starter MvCSpiderman
- Start date
I'd have to say San Andreas.
4 and 5 were both WAAAAAY too long. 5 in particular felt almost impossible to stay engaged with the "plot", such as it was.
Vice City was good, had a brilliant atmosphere and the right bombastic tone, but obviously is a fairly small game. San Andreas had that large scope and a reasonably focused and coherent story.
4 and 5 were both WAAAAAY too long. 5 in particular felt almost impossible to stay engaged with the "plot", such as it was.
Vice City was good, had a brilliant atmosphere and the right bombastic tone, but obviously is a fairly small game. San Andreas had that large scope and a reasonably focused and coherent story.
Hinedorf
Banned
I always like 4 which I find funny that it was hated so much. Niko Bellic is without a doubt the American dream story..... there's so many ways they could've made the story emotional and dramatic but instead went with full comedy in the worst ways.
That being said....I bought GTA5 on PS3, on PS4, and on PC.....and have never completed the game, I've stopped right around 90% every time
Dunno give me 'struggling immigrant rising to make it big' story any day, I love an underdog
That being said....I bought GTA5 on PS3, on PS4, and on PC.....and have never completed the game, I've stopped right around 90% every time
Dunno give me 'struggling immigrant rising to make it big' story any day, I love an underdog
I thought 4 was a bit TOO grim tbh. Yeah, the Eastern European immigrant is probably the right protagonist and story for a modern crime drama, and having him start in these gritty slums is all good.
But where's the glamour to strive for? This is supposed to be New York. Yes there's an ugly, poor side to the city. But there's also the vibrant, almost impossibly rich side too, and I never felt like that came across at all. For me, that inequality is a key part of a compelling immigrant story. It probably didn't help that the game was just so fucking ugly, too.
GTA V was the one who bought the fun back since at the time GTA IV caught a lot of hate. GTA V just has no heart to me even if it is technically a very good game and has great moments.
RDR2 did show that R could still write a great story and that caught the same kind of criticism GTA IV caught so I understand why they went the direction they did with V.
GreatnessRD
Member
- Vice City
- San Andreas
- Everything else
makaveli60
Member
San Andreas, no contest.
RoadHazard
Gold Member
5 is the only one I managed to get all the way through, really enjoyed that.
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hououinkyouma00
Member
This. To me it’s GTA IV. I love it’s story, and the story of the expansions.
Vice City would be number 2 for me. It’s a simple story but I really enjoy it.
fart town usa
Gold Member
San Andreas.
That's my favorite GTA game, love the characters and setting. It really does capture the vibe of the early 90s.
That's my favorite GTA game, love the characters and setting. It really does capture the vibe of the early 90s.
fart town usa
Gold Member
4 definitely has the best AI and that arguably makes it the best GTA game. My brother is a master at that game with manipulating cops and whatnot. So entertaining to watch. He'd try to do the same things in 5 and it was a night/day difference. GTA4 has a shit ton going on behind the scenes, super impressive considering how old the game is.
Javthusiast
Banned
I loved both Vice City and San Andreas.
But VC being my first gta ever and the 80s setting and music edge it out to the top.
I played through it so many times back then, that I to this day can do every mission with almost never having to look at the mini map, lmao.
But VC being my first gta ever and the 80s setting and music edge it out to the top.
I played through it so many times back then, that I to this day can do every mission with almost never having to look at the mini map, lmao.
fart town usa
Gold Member
Playing VC probably feels like visiting the place where you grew up. Very cool.
That's how I am with the Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil 1.
Mister Wolf
Member
Putting that mad dog Trevor down was the best experience I've had in any GTA. One of the few times a game has made me despise a character so I know the writing and direction was good.
FR1908
Member
1 - GTA: Vice City
I hope Rockstar does a sequel in Miami in the same era. It is off course not the GTA with the best gameplay -no swimming and no planes for example-, but the city itself with that Miami Vice vibe is the best! My finest moment was flying a helicopter with Mr. Mr.'s song Broken Wings booming through the radio, while throwing porn flyers out of the window. I miss those days; 21 years old and old enough to write my own absence notes to skip school and play this all day. I would have been a game designer myself if this hadn't crossed my path.
2 - GTA V
This one was the most fun to play. I liked all the playable characters. Switching between them and seeing what they were doing while you were playing with the other made the characters more alive.
3 - GTA: San Andreas
I loved every minute of it, but in the end -as a music lover- I missed an equivalent to radio Emotion 98.3. Only a fraction under Vice City.
I wasn't a big fan of GTA IV. All those people constantly contacting and wanting something from you felt too much like second job.
I hope Rockstar does a sequel in Miami in the same era. It is off course not the GTA with the best gameplay -no swimming and no planes for example-, but the city itself with that Miami Vice vibe is the best! My finest moment was flying a helicopter with Mr. Mr.'s song Broken Wings booming through the radio, while throwing porn flyers out of the window. I miss those days; 21 years old and old enough to write my own absence notes to skip school and play this all day. I would have been a game designer myself if this hadn't crossed my path.
2 - GTA V
This one was the most fun to play. I liked all the playable characters. Switching between them and seeing what they were doing while you were playing with the other made the characters more alive.
3 - GTA: San Andreas
I loved every minute of it, but in the end -as a music lover- I missed an equivalent to radio Emotion 98.3. Only a fraction under Vice City.
I wasn't a big fan of GTA IV. All those people constantly contacting and wanting something from you felt too much like second job.
San Andreas was brilliant, but the 3 protagonist system of GTA V was simply inspired.
Three different but hugely charismatic characters representing the three different ways people had always played GTA, all wrapped up in a story with tons of memorable moments, great dialogue and great missions. And ultimately an unfortunately weak final act, but whatever.
The first time I switched characters and the camera zoomed out to satellite view only to zoom back into another protagonist as he was just "living his life" I realised that Rockstar were about a decade ahead of everyone else in their space. And I may have underestimated that because it's 8 years later and no one has come close to GTA V, and it doesn't seem like anyone is trying any more.
Three different but hugely charismatic characters representing the three different ways people had always played GTA, all wrapped up in a story with tons of memorable moments, great dialogue and great missions. And ultimately an unfortunately weak final act, but whatever.
The first time I switched characters and the camera zoomed out to satellite view only to zoom back into another protagonist as he was just "living his life" I realised that Rockstar were about a decade ahead of everyone else in their space. And I may have underestimated that because it's 8 years later and no one has come close to GTA V, and it doesn't seem like anyone is trying any more.
Farawayfromhell
Member
GTA IV
GTA V
GTA SA
GTA III
GTA V
GTA SA
GTA III
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SafeOrAlone
Banned
I couldn't believe how many dull missions GTA 5 was trying to put me through.
ShadowNate
Member
Probably San Andreas.
Then again, I might be confusing it with the overall package it offers. The story drags a bit though.
Vice city had the best vibe and mood, but some terrible missions. Somewhat simple story iirc.
GTA 3 had a decent story but some awful gameplay limitations (it is still great but come on, he could at least be able to swim).
GTA 1 and 2 did not have much of a story.
GTA IV starts ok, but becomes boring fast. Also some peppered god awful missions.
I have not played V yet. Nor the Episodes From Liberty City DLC -- I should at least try those; people used to praise them.
Then again, I might be confusing it with the overall package it offers. The story drags a bit though.
Vice city had the best vibe and mood, but some terrible missions. Somewhat simple story iirc.
GTA 3 had a decent story but some awful gameplay limitations (it is still great but come on, he could at least be able to swim).
GTA 1 and 2 did not have much of a story.
GTA IV starts ok, but becomes boring fast. Also some peppered god awful missions.
I have not played V yet. Nor the Episodes From Liberty City DLC -- I should at least try those; people used to praise them.
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EverydayBeast
thinks Halo Infinite is a new graphical benchmark
Gamers will tell you San Andreas but that’s nostalgia more than anything the possibility of GTA6 being the best is out there and than there’s Red Dead Redemption which is the GOAT R* story.
The story of GTA V is ultimately the story of the main characters' relationships with each other rather than any "bad guy" so if you want that kind of traditional narrative then it's not going to work for you. I can't remember a single antagonist from the game yet I still think it's brilliant.
Here's the story that matters:
Way back in the day during a heist Michael betrays his mentally unstable friend Trevor, turns snitch and goes into witness protection with his criminal earnings.
Michael falls into a luxurious but decrepit life with a horrible, spoiled family.
Michael takes young reluctant thug Franklin under his wing and he becomes like the actual son Michael always wanted.
Trevor returns from prison and Michael feels huge stress as Trevor will kill him if he finds out about his betrayal.
Michael returns to a life of crime full-time due to the presence of Franklin and Trevor (and his own boredom).
Both Trevor and Michael try to influence the young Franklin in different directions.
Franklin's new success as a criminal causes him to become removed from his roots, friends and family and disillusioned.
Trevor ultimately finds out about Michael's betrayal and there's the long-awaited reckoning (best part of the entire game).
Franklin finds out about the history of the other two and has to make a call as to how he feels about their actions, who should live or die, and how he should live his life.
I mean, that's good stuff. I haven't played it since release date (on PS4) and yet it all came back to me so easily. Nothing outside of these character-based story beats really matters.
It's funny that you mention RDR. I couldn't stand the story in that game, it was like nails on a chalkboard from start to (almost) finish. (The ending was superb.)
Different strokes for different folks I guess.
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FR1908
Member
Neither could Tommy Vercetti in Vice City
I liked the reference to this in Driver 3 with Timmi Vermecelli
JohnSpartanLee
Member
GTA Online in a solo public lobby.
(achieved by MTU setting on PS4/PS5 or suspending the exe for 8 seconds on PC)
(achieved by MTU setting on PS4/PS5 or suspending the exe for 8 seconds on PC)
rob305
Member
Agreed, I thought the GTA4 campaign was the worst in 3D GTAs but TBOGT was absolutely amazing
GeorgPrime
Banned
Vice City over San Andreas
San Andreas was way too big and way too annoying later on. You literally had to travel the whole map for just one mission.
San Andreas was way too big and way too annoying later on. You literally had to travel the whole map for just one mission.
Werewolf Jones
Gold Member
GTA V.
The normie opinion is Vice City and while while is good that difficulty spike 2/3 is absolutely fucking insane.
EDIT: GTA IV BALLAD OF GAY TONY is also fire.
The normie opinion is Vice City and while while is good that difficulty spike 2/3 is absolutely fucking insane.
EDIT: GTA IV BALLAD OF GAY TONY is also fire.
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Hugare
Member
I know, but their relationship fucking sucked. How it developed sucked. It was rushed and artificial.
Never felt like Franklin bonded with anyone, including Michael, but especially Trevor. He worked with Trevor, but never trusted him. Same for Trevor about Franklin.
Michael and Trevor spent 90% of the game fighting. At the end, they suddenly reconnect.
Franklin was the worst: never felt like he had bonds with Trevor or Michael, had no interesting motivation, always an expectator ...
HIM, of all characters, getting to choose who lives or dies in the end is laughable
MvCSpiderman
Banned
I think San Andreas has been rereleased too many times in recent years for the nostalgia theory to hold much water. It was the rereleases that got San Andreas to close the gap and sell more than IV.
What mission was that?
PropellerEar
Member
Liked Vice city and 5 the most.
Nico Bellic can go fuck himself.
Nico Bellic can go fuck himself.
VolticArchangel
Member
And nothing in the series is even remotely close.
SA, IV and V, all qualify for a distant second, but the king remains, undisputed.
Basically, the definitive Al Pacino gangsta simulator.
NewYork214
Member
I beaten most of them at least once. I remember liking liberty city stories the best in terms of story. From what I remember, it was loaded with Italian mafia elements. And getting missions from a priest in a confessional.
Dr.brain64
Member
IV. The only one I was able to finish. I liked the characters.
EDMIX
Member
GTAV is a very close second for me.
GTA SA just had an amazing story across several cities with such a cool twist and characters. Don't get me wrong, if they ever do a game in that style again, I'd love for them to actually have multiple main characters. As in, you play CJ, Big Smoke, Ryder etc. (I mean in a different GTA, not literally those characters, but you know what I mean lol)
Lionel Richie
Member
Vice City!
SoloKingRobert
Banned
Grand Theft Auto 3. Once you progress through the storyline you'll unlock sections of the map.
Grand Theft Scratchy
Banned
GTA IV had the best story, best written protagonist in the series (Niko Bellic), fun Euphoria physics and a great updated rendition of Liberty City.
GTA: San Andreas had a larger map with more to do - more than any other entry - and a lot of memorable missions.
Grand Theft Auto III is the most familiar, nostalgic entry in the series for me that I've completed many times on both the PS2 and PC.
I really like all of the GTA games except for GTA V. Its single-player story is largely forgettable with one too many protagonists, less interiors to explore, less enjoyable police encounters, and the Euphoria physics were toned down. But you can play golf as one of the minigames which I hope they bring back for GTA VI.
GTA: San Andreas had a larger map with more to do - more than any other entry - and a lot of memorable missions.
Grand Theft Auto III is the most familiar, nostalgic entry in the series for me that I've completed many times on both the PS2 and PC.
I really like all of the GTA games except for GTA V. Its single-player story is largely forgettable with one too many protagonists, less interiors to explore, less enjoyable police encounters, and the Euphoria physics were toned down. But you can play golf as one of the minigames which I hope they bring back for GTA VI.
TheDraconian
Member
San Andreas
IV + EFLC
V
Vice City
III
For me, GTA is more the about the world and gameplay, and story comes a close se. I usually get sidetracked by the world, side activities and modding the crap outta the games. Literally have to force myself to finish the story
.
But as for vanilla games sp content, gotta give it to SA. I feel it's just the ultimate expression of freedom ever in any GTA. Nonlinear gameplay and a ton of RPG elements never seen before and after in GTA just puts it as the pinnacle of the series for me.
IV has the deepest and most grounded story in the series, the lack of side content is almost made up for by great attention to detail, interactivity and physics for its time and a dark tone new to the series. The only criticism I have for that game is the driving, made cruising and completing missions very tough. Had to install a handling mod just to finish the game.
V has its flaws, lack of singleplayer dlc to expand the story, seemingly lifeless world compared to IV and other cut features.. but I probably had more fun modding it than 99% of other games Ive played. Its cuz of originality of sp content I ranked Sa and IV above it. It really was a letdown in terms of the deep open world I expected though, hope gta6 brings back interactivity and engaging story and activities. Like RDR2.
VC and III pretty enjoyable for me when I played thru, and the wonder of open world gaming hit hardest with these guys. The stories and side activities make these games invaluable gems.
But their main problem for me is their datedness. For some it revives nostalgia about great memories, while for some it just makes the game a bit harder to come back to. I guess I have to sort that out, as these guys are really in need of another playthrough.
Haven't played the other gtas, but just started VCS and LCS and have really great expectations for both with what I played.
Just my little rant about gta.
Damn I just missed the voting....
Cheers guys.
IV + EFLC
V
Vice City
III
For me, GTA is more the about the world and gameplay, and story comes a close se. I usually get sidetracked by the world, side activities and modding the crap outta the games. Literally have to force myself to finish the story
.But as for vanilla games sp content, gotta give it to SA. I feel it's just the ultimate expression of freedom ever in any GTA. Nonlinear gameplay and a ton of RPG elements never seen before and after in GTA just puts it as the pinnacle of the series for me.
IV has the deepest and most grounded story in the series, the lack of side content is almost made up for by great attention to detail, interactivity and physics for its time and a dark tone new to the series. The only criticism I have for that game is the driving, made cruising and completing missions very tough. Had to install a handling mod just to finish the game.
V has its flaws, lack of singleplayer dlc to expand the story, seemingly lifeless world compared to IV and other cut features.. but I probably had more fun modding it than 99% of other games Ive played. Its cuz of originality of sp content I ranked Sa and IV above it. It really was a letdown in terms of the deep open world I expected though, hope gta6 brings back interactivity and engaging story and activities. Like RDR2.
VC and III pretty enjoyable for me when I played thru, and the wonder of open world gaming hit hardest with these guys. The stories and side activities make these games invaluable gems.
But their main problem for me is their datedness. For some it revives nostalgia about great memories, while for some it just makes the game a bit harder to come back to. I guess I have to sort that out, as these guys are really in need of another playthrough.
Haven't played the other gtas, but just started VCS and LCS and have really great expectations for both with what I played.
Just my little rant about gta.
Damn I just missed the voting....
Cheers guys.
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TheDraconian
Member
Yeah, both are right after RedDead2 for me
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Salmon Snake
Member
Vice City.
It's the 80's man.
It's the 80's man.