A Legendary Journey Through Grand Theft Auto's Timelines

For over two decades, the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has been a towering presence in the video game industry, captivating fans since its inception. While eager anticipation surrounds the elusive announcement of GTA VI, the franchise's rich history continues to hold the attention of gamers. Each installment has left an indelible mark on its respective generation, and the franchise's evolution is a testament to its enduring appeal.

The Origins: The 2D Timeline

Most contemporary players associate Grand Theft Auto with the immersive third-person perspective that characterizes today's crime simulator experiences. However, the series had a humble beginning with an arcade-style isometric presentation, known as the 2D Timeline. This top-down view was the hallmark of the early GTA entries, a far cry from the open-world 3D environments introduced in Grand Theft Auto III.

The 3D Universe Timeline

Before Grand Theft Auto IV, the series existed in a separate 3D universe. The distinctions were evident, particularly in the portrayal of Liberty City, which differed significantly from its HD universe counterpart. Here's a breakdown of the titles within the 3D Universe Timeline:

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (1984) - Despite its release date, this game's story predates the rest of the series, delving into the life of Vic Vance.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (1986) - Serving as the sequel to the third mainline entry, this installment transported players to the vibrant 1980s and followed the adventures of Tommy Vercetti.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1992) - CJ's classic tale took players far from the East Coast, offering closure for characters from Vice City.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (1998) - Another prequel, this PSP gem continued the saga of Salvatore Leone through the eyes of Toni Cipriani.
5. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001) - As the only title set in the year of its release, this game introduced the silent protagonist Claude and laid the foundation for its prequels.

The HD Universe Timeline

The introduction of Grand Theft Auto IV marked the beginning of the HD universe timeline, with Niko Bellic's arrival in a vastly different Liberty City than the one Claude once navigated. The HD universe brought a more cinematic experience to the series and continued to evolve its storytelling:

1. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City (2008) - This expansion included two episodes, "The Lost and the Damned" and "The Ballad of Gay Tony," both taking place concurrently within the HD universe's timeline. These narratives intersected at points, providing unique perspectives on Liberty City during the autumn of 2008.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009) - A return to the isometric perspective, this underrated gem explored the world of the Triads through the eyes of Huang Lee.
3. Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013) - This installment, with its trio of protagonists, Franklin, Michael, and Trevor, brought a new dimension to the series. Their interconnected narratives unfolded in a modern setting, with the prologue briefly dipping into the year 2004.
4. Grand Theft Auto Online (2013-Present) - The online component of GTA V, continually updated over a decade, has kept pace with real-world events and trends.

As the anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 grows, set in modern times once again, the series' timeline remains an intriguing aspect, leaving fans speculating about its future directions.