CheckMag | GTA games ranked from most iconic to least

2: Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III, or GTA 3 was a game that revolutionised not only the series, but also the gaming industry at large. It introduced the first fully 3D open-world, allowing players an unprecedented level of freedom to move around and explore the setting - Liberty City. This leap from a top-down 2D perspective to a fully explorable 3D world might be taken for granted today, but back when the game was launched in 2001, it was a major milestone for the series, and it successfully managed to captivate players.

The narrative-driven gameplay of GTA III allowed players to have a feeling of purpose and direction, fabricating a compelling story surrounding Claude's rise in the criminal underworld. The game's use of the RenderWare engine enabled the creation of a highly-detailed, living city filled with NPCs who could be interacted with; dynamic weather paired with a day-night cycle further enhanced the realism and depth of the virtual world.

GTA III's impact on the gaming industry can hardly be overstated, having established the blueprint for future open-world games and influenced countless titles across a wide variety of genres. The game's portrayal of violence and its controversial setting sparked debates, bringing it into mainstream discussions and even highlighting the game's potential as an art form rather than just an entity of entertainment.

3: Grand Theft Auto San Andreas

GTA San Andreas took the franchise to new heights, thanks to its expansive world and customization options that were unlike anything done before in the series. The game allowed players to alter the protagonist 'CJ''s appearance, skills, and gang status and also introduced RPG elements that added a much-needed depth to the overall gameplay experience. Day-to-day activities such as working out, eating, and taking part in gang-based territorial warfare made CJ feel like a living, breathing character and not just a generic avatar in a lifeless virtual world.

This level of immersion was further enhanced by the richly detailed city of San Andreas, which included three majorcities and diverse rural areas, filled with endless side activities that kept players engaged for hours. Owing to these, GTA San Andreas set a new benchmark for open-world games, that allowed for a brilliant amalgamation of engaging story-lines with unprecedented freedom to explore, sealing its status as a true classic in the gaming world.

Culturally, San Andreas reflected several aspects of 1990s American society, including gang culture, racism, corruption, as well as socioeconomic issues. Its iconic soundtrack - featuring music reminiscent of the era - added to its nostalgic appeal. The game's take on rather complex social issues and the portrayal of diverse communities left a lasting impact not only on the series, but the gaming industry as well.

4: Grand Theft Auto Vice City

GTA Vice City is mostly known for its vibrant setting and nostalgic appeal. Set in the 1980s-inspired Vice City, the game did a pretty good job of capturing the era's aesthetics, vibe, and culture, resulting in an atmosphere that was both immersive and evocative. The narrative of the title was centered around the rise of Tommy Vercetti, and was heavily influenced by pop culture of the time, including films and TV shows such as Miami Vice.

The game introduced the concept of property acquisition, enabling players to purchase and manage businesses that generated income and unlock further missions, thus adding a whole new layer to the gameplay. The game's graphics were a major step up from its predecessor, GTA III, and offered more detailed character models and environments. The game's iconic soundtrack, featuring hits from the era as well as a sense of nostalgia for the 1980s, has cemented the title in its fans' memories.

5: Grand Theft Auto IV

GTA IV gets the last spot in our top 5 list, but it is certainly not the least by any means. This particular entry to the series marked a significant departure from the somewhat playful tone of its predecessors, moving towards a darker, more mature narrative. Niko Bellic, a war veteran, takes on the role of the game's protagonist, navigating the challenges and difficulties of achieving the 'American Dream'. This allowed for  complex, and relatively nuanced storyline which dabbled into the themes of loyalty and betrayal.

GTA IV introduced the Euphoria physics engine, which provided for realistic character movements and interactions and set a new standard for open-world realism yet again. The game's AI, which was pretty advanced for the time, enabled relatively sophisticated NPC behaviors, making Liberty City feel nothing short of a real metropolis. The dense urban environment, as well as the detailed recreation of Liberty City, offered countless activities and places to explore.

The title was critically acclaimed for its storytelling, character development, and technical advancements that we just glossed over. GTA IV portrayed video games' strong ability to deliver deep, emotionally resonant stories, cementing its position in the culturally significant hall of fame. Like other games in the series, GTA IV's grown-up approach and technical innovations have left a lasting impression on the industry.

Each Grand Theft Auto game in this top 5 list has contributed uniquely to the series' legacy. It is certain that this may not be agreed upon by everyone, considering the personal experiences that different people have had with the series that started all the way back in 1997. The upcoming addition to the franchise, GTA VI, will hit consoles next year, and if the rumors and teasers are anything to go by, it will most certainly live up to the franchise's legacy, possibly even exceed it.