As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, a look back at the series' critical legacy reveals an exceptionally high bar set by its predecessors. Many Grand Theft Auto installments have achieved Metacritic scores in the high 90s, showcasing Rockstar Games' consistent quality.
This ranking considers original release platform scores and excludes expansions like The Ballad of Gay Tony, the evolving online component of GTA Online, and the earliest titles (GTA, GTA London 1969, and GTA London 1961) due to insufficient review data. In cases of ties, the game with more reviews is given precedence.
The Top Tier
Grand Theft Auto 4 stands at the pinnacle with a Metacritic score of 98. The game, following Niko Bellic's pursuit of the American Dream in Liberty City, was lauded for its meticulously crafted open world, seamless interiors, and a darker, more meaningful narrative. Critics praised its impactful story and grounded tone, with some noting that its focus on narrative depth set it apart.
Close behind, with a score of 97, is Grand Theft Auto 3, a title that revolutionized open-world gaming and established video games as a mature medium. Its silent protagonist, Claude, navigates the criminal underworld of Liberty City in a quest for revenge. Reviewers hailed it as a sprawling, complete experience that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the PlayStation 2.
Grand Theft Auto 5 also achieved a 97 Metacritic score. This entry introduced three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—and was celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and refined gameplay. It was lauded for its sharp satire of contemporary America, though some critics noted a lack of diverse female characters, a point Rockstar may have addressed with the dual protagonists in GTA 6.
Mid-Ranked Classics
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, released in 2002, earned a 95 Metacritic score. Set in a vibrant 1980s Miami-inspired locale, the game follows Tommy Vercetti's rise through the criminal underworld. Reviewers praised its improved open world, freeform gameplay, and iconic soundtrack, cementing its place as a series highlight.
Also scoring a 95 is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This ambitious title placed players in the shoes of Carl "CJ" Johnson, navigating gang life in a fictionalized California. It was celebrated for its expansive world and numerous gameplay systems, with some deeming it the most complete and unique console experience at the time.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, a unique entry for the Nintendo DS, achieved a remarkable 93. This title blended top-down action with open-world mechanics, focusing on Huang Lee's quest for revenge amidst Liberty City's Triads. It was praised for its masterful adaptation to the DS platform and its focused gameplay, which eschewed lengthy radio segments for more direct action.
Early Entries and Spin-offs
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, released for the PSP, garnered an 88 Metacritic score. The game follows Toni Cipriani's ascent within the Leone crime family. Critics lauded its technical achievements on the handheld and the abundance of optional activities, though some found the storyline less compelling.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, also a PSP title, received an 86. Serving as a prequel to Vice City, it centers on Vic Vance and his empire-building endeavors. While the core gameplay was felt to be aging by some, the new mechanics were generally well-received.
Grand Theft Auto 2, with a score of 70, was considered a mixed bag. Critics acknowledged its improved presentation and soundtrack but found the core gameplay lacking. Reviews from the time noted its similarity to the original GTA, failing to anticipate the franchise's future massive success.
Rounding out the list is GTA Advance for the Game Boy Advance, which scored a 68. This top-down prequel to GTA 3 was criticized for feeling out of step with the series' direction and for its choppy presentation. Despite its shortcomings, it included many elements that would become staples of future GTA titles, demonstrating Rockstar's iterative design process.