A new perspective on freedom and chaos I remember well how when playing GTA 2, I reasoned that it would be very cool if such a game was made with a view from behind to see the world through familiar eyes. And so, it happened. "Grand Theft Auto 3", released in 2001, was a real revolution not only for the series, but for the entire gaming industry. The players found themselves in a full-fledged 3D world with a view from behind the shoulders of the main character. This innovation has changed the approach to the perception of the open world: now it has become possible not just to look at what is happening from above, but to literally "live" in this world. Liberty City, where the events of the game unfold, is a vivid example of a gloomy metropolis full of gray tones, dirty streets and constant rains. A city of gray shades. The atmosphere of the city conveys its harsh character: crime, poverty and cynicism reign here. Visually, Liberty City has become distinctive: despite the "angular" textures, the city feels alive, with noisy intersections, honking cars and passers-by, each of whom seems to have their own life. Liberty City literally lives its own life. There are many details to be seen on the streets: passersby quarreling, a beggar standing outside a store, or a policeman arresting a criminal. The realism of the situations makes you feel like a part of this dynamic world. GTA 3 personally had the effect of an exploding bomb for me, setting new standards for open-world games. The main phenomenon was the feeling of freedom: the player is allowed to do almost anything he wants. You can move through the story or just explore the city, stealing cars, completing random tasks and creating chaos. This combination of non-linearity, eventfulness, and an excellent level of world exploration has become a formula for success. The graphics looked impressive for its time. The city is divided into three unique areas, each with its own style and atmosphere. The dynamic change of the time of day and weather conditions adds depth: rain pouring from the sky, wet asphalt and sunset lights of the city are impressive even years later. The gameplay of Grand Theft Auto 3 is a symbiosis of chaos and structure. The player performs tasks that they receive from various characters in the city: they need to arrive at a certain place and take a task. But in addition to the main campaign, the city is filled with outside activities that provide an opportunity to earn money or just have fun. GTA 3 offers a variety of activities, from carjacking challenges to taxi driving or fire fighting. Each of them provides an opportunity to escape from the main campaign and earn extra money. The plot tells the story of Claude, a mute, I think, criminal (because he simply does not have phrases), betrayed by his partner Catalina. The plot unfolds through a series of diverse missions that introduce the player to different characters and their stories. From simple transportation orders to grandiose robberies, each mission is unique and offers its own challenges. The plot not only keeps you in suspense, but also gradually reveals to the player the complex relationships within the criminal world of Liberty City. And the game is ready to offer a really full-fledged story, the development of which will be interesting to watch. And the finale will not leave you indifferent. It's like a blockbuster of its time. Police search levels are one of the most striking mechanics of the game. The more violations you commit, the more active the police are. And at the maximum level, helicopters and special forces will start chasing you. Another interesting feature is the gangs that control different areas of the city: interaction with them varies depending on your actions. GTA 3 offers an extensive selection of weapons: pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, grenades and even a flamethrower. This adds tactical flexibility to combat encounters. The vehicles also amaze with their variety: from standard vehicles to armored tanks. Each vehicle has its own character and behavior on the road, which makes their use fascinating. One of the game's features was the presence of radio stations in the car. The musical accompaniment ranges from rock to reggae and from pop to classical music, and between the songs you can hear funny dialogues of the hosts or fictional advertisements. This adds to Liberty City life and makes transportation trips more exciting. I still remember some tracks that I was "hunting" for even before they became easier to find online. There are definitely a couple of songs from the game in the playlist of your favorite songs. The game is not only serious, but also full of irony. Liberty City makes fun of the culture of the early 2000s, from advertising to NPC behavior. This satirical component makes the game not only exciting, but also funny. You can see some cliched characters, see the unusual arcs of the protagonists, as if their stories came from Hollywood screens, or simply watch wild game that is unlikely to actually happen. Actually, no, but in the game it is quite. The third game in the series has not only become something revolutionary for open-world games, but has also inspired many other developers. After its success, the "do what you want" concept gradually became the standard, securing GTA 3 the title of an innovator of the genre. It's not just a game, it's an era. She was able to surprise with her freedom, gloomy atmosphere, exciting plot and memorable details, becoming a classic that still inspires. And here I was thinking that this is probably the most native of all the games in the series. 10 out of 10