On Thursday, Rockstar announced a new development for GTA+ subscribers who will now have access to a rotating selection of Rockstar Games. As part of this announcement, the company confirmed that the 2021 remastered version of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition will be available for download and play. This remaster includes the classic games GTA III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas, which were originally released in the early 2000s.
One key aspect to note is that these games will only be available for the console platform your GTA+ membership is tied to. So, if you are a GTA+ subscriber on PS5, you will have access to the games on PS5 only. Similarly, if you are a subscriber on Xbox Series X/S, you will have access to the games on that platform. This restriction is important to keep in mind when considering subscribing to GTA+.
For those unfamiliar with the games included in the remastered trilogy, they are considered open-world pioneers and were groundbreaking in their time. The remastered versions of these games aim to bring them into the modern era with various improvements and upgrades. These include enhanced graphics with new lighting and environmental effects, high-resolution textures, improved draw distances, modern controls, and refined targeting.
The trilogy starts with Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001. This game was one of the first open-world sandbox games that allowed players to freely explore the vast cityscape of Liberty City. It was a revolutionary title that set the foundation for future games in the series and other open-world games as well.
GTA: Vice City, released in 2002, built upon the success of GTA III by introducing a voiced protagonist named Tommy Vercetti, portrayed by the late Ray Liotta. This game introduced players to an immersive 1980s setting filled with nostalgia and satirical references to the time period.
GTA: San Andreas, released in 2004, expanded on the formula even further by offering a larger scope. The game spanned three cities and featured a memorable 1990s hip-hop soundtrack. In this game, players took on the role of Carl “CJ” Johnson, portrayed by Christopher Bellard, as he returned to his home in Grove Street after a five-year absence.
GTA+ was launched in 2022 specifically for GTA Online players on the latest generation of consoles, including PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. In addition to the access to a rotating assortment of games, GTA+ offers several perks to its subscribers. These perks include a monthly deposit of $500,000 in virtual currency, as well as rotating rewards such as in-game vehicles, clothes, properties, weapons, and bonus mission rewards. This provides subscribers with additional incentives to remain engaged with the game and enhance their gameplay experience.
Considering the popularity of the Grand Theft Auto franchise and the nostalgia associated with the original trilogy, the inclusion of these games as part of the GTA+ subscription is a significant value proposition. For those who have not played these classics before, it provides an opportunity to experience the origins of the series and understand its evolution over time. And for those who have played these games in the past, it offers a chance to revisit the beloved titles with modern enhancements and improvements.
Furthermore, the availability of the remastered trilogy through the GTA+ subscription makes it a cost-effective option. Purchasing the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition individually would typically cost $60, but with a GTA+ subscription, players have the opportunity to access these games and more for a lower monthly fee. This makes it an attractive option for both existing fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Overall, the addition of the remastered trilogy to the GTA+ subscription is a welcome development for fans of the Grand Theft Auto series. It offers an affordable and convenient way to access these classic games, while also providing additional perks and rewards to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Whether you are a longtime fan or curious newcomer, GTA+ and the remastered trilogy are worth considering for anyone interested in experiencing the evolution of this iconic open-world franchise.