~Computer Shareware review- Grand Theft Auto~

Grand Theft Auto

GAME: Grand Theft Auto
FROM: DMA
DEVELOPER: DMA
TYPE: Overhead driving/shooter
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 486 DX4 / 100 MHz processor + 16 Mb of RAM + 512Kb VESA compatible SVGA grphics
SUPPORTED GRAPHICS: Low Res VGA
WWW: http://www.dma-design.com/
PRICE: This is a Demo review, it's free!!
MODEM/NETWORK: Yes, 1-4 players
AVAILABLE: Now
RATED: Not Sure, but contains: Animated Violence, Animated Blood. We recommend parental guidance.
DMA recommends 18+.

Here's a new title that probably would've gone un-noticed, had it not been a hot topic of debate on TV lately. You see, due to it's theme, law enforcement all over the county are seeking to get this game banned. Matter of fact, I first heard of the game from my local news channel, and promptly downloaded it to see what all the fuss was about.

The newscasters, told a very shocking tale about this game. They spoke of cop killing, running over pedestrians, and many other gruesome tales of senseless violence against society. The police and community are outraged they said.

Well, here it was, I finally had the game in my hands, and it was time to try it out.

If you have read any of my articles on violent games, you probably know that I'm not the biggest fan of games like this. To me, what an adult see's or plays, is his/her business, but children are different. I believe that at a young age, kids are still trying to determine right from wrong. They have not fully developed their common sense on right/wrong issues, and can become mislead by viewing certain things. This is not to say I think games like this should be outright outlawed, or that the choice should necessarily be taken away from parents. I still feel it should be the parent who ultimately decides what their child can or cannot see. I do agree however, that steps should be taken to ensure that kids, whose parents do now want them viewing this content, do not easilly get to see it. In other words, as a parent, I do not want someone else to decide what is too violent for my kids, and I do not want someone who views all violence OK pushing it on my kids either. I want the right to decide.

When I began playing, I was sorta perplexed as to why this was the game to draw all the attention. Yes, the anti-social content was there (cop killing, ect..), but this game was way milder then many games currently out on the market. The sprites are small, the graphics aren't super sharp , it didn't have any technological marvels, and was basically the type of game we've been used to for years. I'm not saying it looked bad by any means, it's just that we've seen content similar for years. I'd really venture to say that had that part about cop killing been excluded, it would'nt drawn near as much attention.

I did have a little fun though. It is sorta mission based, and you must follow your directions exactly. It keeps it from being a a mindless shooter, and adds an element of strategy to this title.

I don't know if I liked the really small sprites. I'm talking teeny weeny for your character (You have many to choose from), and pedestrians. The cars are a little better, but still on the small side. On the plus side, small sprites do lend to a wider viewing area. So, it boils down to a matter of choice.

It's kinda hard to rate shareware and demo games, because you only get a taste of what the game is like. Every developer decided for themselves how much we see on our free trial version. Give too much, we won't buy the game because we have already played it. Give to little, we won't buy it either because we haven't gotten into it. I believe a game like Duke 3D has a perfect trial setup, one episode of 4 for free. Enough to make you want more, not enough to tire you of it. Grand Theft Auto fails a little on the trial department. It gives you 6 minutes of everything, then shuts itself down. To me, it wasn't enough to get me into the title.

The 6 minutes of play I had were pretty fun though. I listened to the phone call, and hurridly set out to complete my missions. Ocassionally though, I'd back up to kill a pedestrian or two. Although I'm not heavilly into the violence theme, fun is still fun, and it was exciting for the few minutes of play I had.

Well, I'm done with the game now. I had some fun, but not really enough to rush out and buy the game. Remember though, I'm only reviewing a demo. The "real thing" may be entirely different. I also somehow managed to play, and not go out to kill pedestrians and police. Of course, I'm 31, not 11, and that could make the difference. I can't say it does for sure, but I can say my 6 year old won't be playing it.

In the end, this game is bound to sell many copies due to the media hype it's been given. It's a good game, but not a stellar title like Quake. Yet, it may end up selling as many copies. To me, it seems absurd that they would so strongly attack a game they want to ban. Especially while it's a new release. All they've actually done was to make millionaires out of it's developers, and ensure that thousands of children, who otherwise wouldn't hear of the game, get to try out a free copy of it. They should talk in "general" terms against the violence if they don't want kids having these games. I mean, it's OK to push for some change in legislation, but targeting specific games while their new, will only ensure the game sells well for the developers. Kinda Ironic isn't it?

Note: Yes, we do have a download link for this game. If your an adult, get it while it's legal. It's hard to say what will happen to it (Although I doubt it gets a total ban). If your a parent, and your child wants a copy, I strongly advise you play it first. As a parent the choice should be yours, but please consider what the possible effect could be on your child. The link is located on our Demo Download page, which is accesible from our homepage.

RATINGS
GRAPHICS 75%
SOUND 78%
GAMEPLAY 85%
ORIGINALITY 88%
REPLAY VALUE 78%
OVERALL 80.0%

[Playstation Reviews][Saturn Reviews][N64 Reviews][PC Reviews][Shareware/Demo Reviews]
[Order Merchandise][ Mail Us!][Need a web page?][Demo Download]
This Web Page was created by Gary V. Ambrose II
Copyright (c) 1998 By: Gary V. Ambrose II