Revisiting the iconic Grand Theft Auto trilogy – GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas – on the PlayStation 4 is a nostalgic trip for many, and a new experience for others. This review covers the remastered “Definitive Edition” (Model Number: 57833) offering, detailing my experiences across all three games after extensive playtime.

The remastered trilogy boasts improved graphics, updated controls, and a modernized interface. While the core gameplay remains faithful to the originals, the enhanced visuals bring a fresh coat of paint to these classic open worlds. The updated control scheme felt largely intuitive, adapting the classic mechanics to a modern gaming standard, albeit with a few minor quirks which I’ll discuss later.

The inclusion of all three games in one package is a significant win, offering incredible value for fans. Being able to seamlessly switch between the distinct eras and styles of each game is a remarkable experience, highlighting the evolution of the GTA series.

Performance, unfortunately, is a mixed bag. While the visuals are a marked improvement, I experienced several instances of texture pop-in and occasional frame rate drops, particularly in busier areas of San Andreas. These hiccups were more noticeable than I’d hoped, disrupting immersion at times. The loading times, however, were generally acceptable, a vast improvement over the original releases.

The audio, however, remains a strong point. The soundtrack in each game is iconic, and the remastered versions preserve the atmosphere perfectly. The sound effects have also been noticeably enhanced, resulting in a more immersive and impactful gaming experience.

Pros:

• Improved graphics and visual fidelity.
• Updated control scheme.
• All three classic GTA titles in one package.
• Enhanced audio.
• Improved loading times.

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate issues and texture pop-in.
• A few minor control quirks remain.
• Some might find the updated visuals to stray slightly from the original art style.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition offers a compelling package for both nostalgic fans and newcomers. While the performance isn’t perfect, the improved visuals, updated controls, and sheer value of having all three games together make it a worthwhile purchase. Despite the occasional technical hiccups, the joy of revisiting these legendary open worlds outweighs the minor flaws. I wholeheartedly recommend this collection to any PS4 owner interested in experiencing some of the most influential games in video game history.