The Grand Theft Auto series expanded its games beyond its main entries, offering players a variety of side stories that enrich the overall narrative. These side games explore different characters and settings, providing unique gameplay experiences, some complement the stories of the main entry games. Here’s a ranking of the best side entry GTA games.
1. GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony:
Released in 2009 as an expansion for GTA IV, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows the flamboyant nightclub owner Tony Prince. This game is renowned for its vibrant storyline, introducing players to the nightlife of Liberty City. The gameplay is enhanced by new features such as parachuting and new vehicles, making it a fan favorite. Its humour and colourful characters, including the protagonist Luis Lopez, create a dynamic and engaging experience. While the game has a large focus on Tony Prince, the protagonist is Luis Lopez. The game is so good because it is an expansion of GTA4 that added some missing features to GTA4.
2. GTA: Vice City Stories:
This prequel to GTA: Vice City, released in 2006, explores the rise of Victor Vance, a character previously mentioned in the original game. Set in the neon-lit streets of Vice City during the 1980s, it captures the essence of the era. The game features a robust story and enhanced gameplay mechanics, including the ability to purchase properties and manage businesses. Its nostalgic atmosphere, combined with memorable characters and an engaging plot, solidifies its position among the top side entries. This game complements the story and gameplay of GTA Vice City. It enhanced the graphics from even GTA San Andreas, and also added some new features missing in GTA Vice City.
3. GTA: Chinatown Wars:
Released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, GTA: Chinatown Wars marked a return to the top-down perspective, though it is still a HD era game. The game follows Huang Lee as he seeks revenge in Liberty City’s underworld. It stands out for its innovative touch-screen controls and a unique art style. The game’s depth, including a drug-dealing mini-game, added layers of strategy. Its success led to ports on other platforms, demonstrating its impact on the series. Though it is one of the worst selling GTA games, it is a very good game. Playing it at first might make it seem like it is a 3D game, but it is actually HD. Though the top-down perspective is annoying and seen as something of the past (which is actually supposed to be) the game is worth checking out. Also, as an added bonus, it is available for mobile gamers, making it convenient for those that don’t play PC and console gaming
4. GTA: The Lost and Damned:
Another expansion for GTA IV, released in 2009, The Lost and Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, a member of the Liberty City biker gang. The game is praised for its gritty portrayal of gang life and the moral complexities faced by the protagonist. With an engaging storyline and new gameplay mechanics, including motorcycle missions, it adds a dark twist to the GTA narrative and enhances the overarching GTA IV experience. The game didn’t just add much to being a GTA4 DLC, which is why it is below Vice City Stories, though its graphical advantage placed it easily above Liberty City Stories even if nothing else is considered.
5. GTA: Liberty City Stories:
Released in 2005 for the PlayStation Portable, Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to GTA III. Players take on the role of Toni Cipriani, a character from the main series, navigating the criminal underworld of Liberty City. The game features a rich storyline and expanded gameplay mechanics, including new vehicles and side missions. Its nostalgic return to the classic GTA environment made it a favourite among fans. It better in many ways to GTA 3 and is a good consideration for those that want to play the first 3D Liberty City game but don’t want GTA3 because of its poor graphical fidelity. It is not like it will be appealing to the modern gamers of today, but it is still better than GTA3. A good comparison would be between San Andreas, though San Andreas is better maybe because of platforms and financial dedication, but it came much closer than GTA3
6. GTA: Advance:
GTA: Advance, released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, features a top-down perspective similar to the early entries. The game follows a new character, Mike, as he attempts to navigate the criminal world of Liberty City. While it lacks the depth and polish of later titles, it offers a unique experience for handheld gaming. Its plot connects to the main series, providing additional context for the GTA universe.
7. GTA: London 1969
Released in 1999 as the first expansion for GTA 1, London 1969 takes players to the vibrant streets of London in the late 1960s. The game introduces a new storyline centered around gangsters and the criminal underworld, complete with period-specific vehicles and music that capture the essence of the era. Players navigate a completely new map, featuring iconic London landmarks, and engage in various missions that highlight the challenges of crime in a different cultural context. The historical setting and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout among the side entries, earning its place as one of the more memorable expansions in the series.
8. GTA: London 1961
As a prequel to London 1969, released in 2000, GTA: London 1961 delves deeper into the criminal activities that lead up to the events of its successor. This expansion introduces new missions and characters, providing players with further context about the London underworld. While it builds on the mechanics established in London 1969, it also retains the unique charm of the original game with its top-down perspective and engaging narrative. Though it may not have had the same level of impact as its successor, London 1961 is essential for players looking to explore the complete story behind the London setting.
These expansions broaden the GTA universe, showcasing the series’ ability to adapt to different settings and time periods while maintaining the core gameplay that fans love. Each title adds depth to the franchise, enriching players’ experiences and offering a glimpse into the criminal elements of London’s history.