Back in 2001, Grand Theft Auto 3 opened up a whole new world for the 3D open-world sandbox genre, setting a benchmark that the franchise has continued to elevate with every release. GTA has consistently been at the cutting edge, offering expansive adventures and breaking technical barriers. With a new Grand Theft Auto entry on the horizon, fans are buzzing with excitement. However, there’s the lingering possibility that things might not go as planned, and it wouldn’t be Rockstar’s first stumble when it comes to meeting lofty expectations for a major release.
Take, for example, the release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition in November 2021. Instead of standing as a proud ode to some of GTA’s classics, it fell short of expectations, marred by poor graphics, awkward character models, and technical mishaps galore. Despite this setback, abandoning the idea of GTA remasters would be a misstep for Rockstar—a lesson learned can pave the way for future successes.
### The Argument for Rockstar to Make a Second GTA Remastered Collection
The Grand Theft Auto series has a legacy dating back to 1997. While the flagship titles are beloved by many, there are smaller spin-offs that are often overlooked. Two noteworthy mentions are Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories, initially released on the PlayStation Portable in 2005 and 2006. These spin-offs, notable for their time, were the franchise’s first foray into 3D on handheld devices. Despite their smaller maps, they still managed to deliver a decent dose of player freedom, considering the PSP’s limitations.
In 2009, Grand Theft Auto expanded its handheld presence with Chinatown Wars, first on the Nintendo DS and then the PSP. Set in Liberty City, this game takes a nostalgic turn with a top-down view reminiscent of earlier franchise installments. It was well-received, gaining acclaim for redefining handheld gaming experiences.
Although these games were ported to iOS and Android around 2014/2015, there’s been a significant hiatus since fans last had a convenient way to dive into these handheld gems. A new, comprehensive remaster that brings these titles together would be an excellent opportunity for fresh audiences to discover these hidden classics.
### A Second Grand Theft Auto Remastered Trilogy Could Right Some Wrongs
The release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition was a blemish on Rockstar’s reputation. Despite Grove Street Games handling the development, the misstep fell squarely on Rockstar’s shoulders, affecting the brand known for its quality assurance. Restoring that confidence won’t be easy, but a successful follow-up could be a game-changer. A collection featuring remasters of the less celebrated handheld titles could be met with more tempered expectations compared to the mainstream giants like GTA 3, Vice City, or San Andreas, making it a less daunting challenge.
In tackling a new remastered trilogy, Rockstar has the potential to mend fences and remind fans of its capacity for greatness. Ensuring quality and meeting player expectations this time could reignite the trust of their fanbase and provide an enriching experience centered on lesser-known chapters of the GTA saga.
