Chapter One Book Work

Here is another assignment for my SGD class in which I have to pick a game series that has evolved its game play mechanics over the course of the Franchise. I decided to go with the home console versions of Grand Theft Auto. Over the course of the franchise you have added full 3d worlds, more interaction options within those locations, while the core mechanics have been enhanced but remains familiar enough to retain loyal fans. The first two entries were top down 2d with basic point and shot mechanics, limited environment interaction and missions. Also there was no multiplayer.

Probably the biggest change and improvement was introducing 3d in GTAIII. This opened up a new realm of possibilities and made the first two look very simple by comparison. You got a lock on targeting system. It started out not so hot but with each release has been tweaked and has become quite good. It has become more realistic where needed with swimming, eating, changing clothes, gun play, driving mechanics but not over the top to hamper game play. You also have more detailed environments that add the way missions are played or planned out. You can run and gun or pick the off from a rooftop across the street Who can remember the disappointing drowning deaths in GTA III? This was addressed in GTA: Vice City by adding swimming and has remained ever since. This is meant to be a fun criminal simulator not a life simulator like the Sims series.  After all it is a video game and meant to entertain not bog players down with real life.

With the downloadable content to enhance and extend the original game you get more missions, and game play variants. True multiplayer was added as well to allow friends to join in the fun. A much needed cover system has been added with GTA IV. With the years lots of little tweaks and improvements have been implemented. I could go on almost forever about each title and what was added. So I will keep it simple. From the original top down-2d game play to the GTA IV there has been a major evolution with the Grand Theft Auto series and I'm sure there is more in store.