5 things that make Grand Theft Auto 1 so iconic

Modified Apr 28, 2024 04:24 GMT

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is arguably the biggest brand in gaming today and it kicked off with Grand Theft Auto 1's release in November 1997. It was developed by a studio named DMA Design that later evolved into Rockstar North. As one would think, it is owned by Rockstar Games and is responsible for some of the most popular video games that have been released over the years.

The first ever GTA game was a big deal at the time of its release, and despite the technological drawbacks that will be apparent now, it is still looked back at fondly by fans of the series. In this article, we will be taking a look at five things that make Grand Theft Auto 1 so iconic.

Classic gameplay and 4 other things that make Grand Theft Auto 1 so iconic

1) It is the first entry in this iconic franchise

Grand Theft Auto 1, although very basic when compared with modern titles, laid the foundation of what is an incredibly popular video game series. The stature of this Rockstar Games franchise in the current day and age speaks volumes about the importance of the first installment.

The gaming community today is eagerly awaiting the GTA 6 release date, which will arrive at some point in 2025. However, without the first GTA game, something like the upcoming title might have never been possible.

2) The top-down camera angle

GTA 1's iconic camera angle (Image via YouTube/)

All Grand Theft Auto games before 2001's Grand Theft Auto 3 were played with a top-down camera angle. It goes without saying that this made for a very distinct and unique style of gameplay compared to modern GTA titles or even those from other video game franchises.

As a result, Grand Theft Auto 1 is what long-term fans might be reminded of whenever a top-down camera angle is used anywhere. Rockstar may have even paid homage to the same by using a very similar camera angle in its 2009 release - GTA Chinatown Wars.

2) The classic gameplay

Given that Grand Theft Auto 1 released in 1997, its gameplay, as one would expect, is quite simplified. Rockstar North, then DMA Design, introduced some elements that are now synonymous with the GTA series and considered as classic gameplay mechanics.

A great example of this is driving into a vehicle respraying outlet to lose your wanted level. These mechanics got refined over time, but Grand Theft Auto 1 featuring their original iterations makes the game iconic.

4) The map

Vice City in GTA 1 (Image via YouTube/GTA Series Videos)

Fictional locations within the Grand Theft Auto franchise like Vice City, Liberty City, and San Andreas are very well-known among gamers. While they are known best for their inclusion in separate titles since (and including) GTA 3, it should be noted that these places were also a part of Grand Theft Auto 1's map.

Needless to say, they look drastically different from what fans are used to, mostly because of the 2D graphics. Nevertheless, the first GTA title featuring all of these locations is very iconic.

Interestingly, Vice City is set to return in the series' next title with fans waiting to see more of it in GTA 6's second trailer.

5) Multiplayer even in 1997

Grand Theft Auto 5's multiplayer mode, GTA Online, has changed the way people look at the Grand Theft Auto series. It has been highly successful for Rockstar Games and despite being 10 years old, is still popular as ever with major GTA Online DLCs releasing at regular intervals.

However, this isn't the first inclusion of a multiplayer in a GTA game. That was in Grand Theft Auto 1, wherein players could play with others via a LAN connection or through a null modem cable.

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Some FAQs on GTA 1

1) When was GTA 1 exactly released?

GTA 1 was released on November 28, 1997, for PC. Its PlayStation port released the following month and a Game Boy Color port arrived on November 22, 1999.

2) How many copies has GTA 1 sold?

According to Fandom website, GTA Wiki, GTA 1 sold over a million copies in 1998 and three million units in its entire lifetime.