Grand Theft Auto (GB) (Grand Theft Auto (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Grand Theft Auto (GB)
Date:	20/04/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Innovative gameplay

Disadvantages: Graphics, Audio

"Grand Theft Auto" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 1999 by Take Two Interactive. It is based on the console and computer title of the same name, and is the first in a long standing series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for "Teenage" years, roughly equivalent to the 15 age rating in Britain, due to its violent content.

The gameplay involves controlling an unnamed character and working under local crime syndicates to complete various tasks. These tasks can include delivery of illegal goods, bank robberies and assassinations. There is also the element of free roaming which was evident in the personal computer and console releases. The player is able to simply steal cars from unsuspecting motorists and sell them for cash. Murder is highly encouraged in this title and often allows for the highest scores when targeting members of the public. The murder system also awards the highest amount of points when targeting police officers and other emergency personnel which further allows the player to steal their vehicle. In order for further progression in between the game's three city scenarios, however, the player must complete all assigned tasks successfully so must not get too caught up in the "free roaming" mode. The tasks themselves are not difficult but controlling the vehicle is. Due to the Gameboy's limited hardware capabilities, the quick turns often necessary to execute in this game are often not possible and I crashed my car into nearby buildings numerous times.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which fixes on the player's vehicle. There seems to be some element of pixelation in this game with numerous "blocky" fragments being observed against the cars. The soundtrack is also of a comparably poor standard with often very repetitive compositions following the player in each vehicle. Different vehicles provide different musical scores as this was meant to suggest cars being tuned to different radio stations before their eventual theft.

Overall, the Grand Theft Auto release to the Gameboy Color console failed to satisfy me as a player. I much preferred the personal computer version as I felt it offered a greater control over the vehicles and a better visual experience.

Summary: Thumbs down