GTA Wiki

Help required: categories

Hi everyone, please help us by filling out this form!


We are determining how players best define and/or differentiate the terms "game modes", "missions" and "activities". This will be used to help us develop a clear and logical category tree to house articles related to this type of content.


Thank you in advance for help!

READ MORE

GTA Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
GTA Wiki
GTA Wiki
19,871
pages
in: Manhunt, 3D Universe
English

Changes: 3D Universe

Back to page
Sign in to edit
(Adding categories)
No edit summary
 
(238 intermediate revisions by 87 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Infobox location
−
{{toc}}The '''3D Universe''' refers to six [[Grand Theft Auto]] games, grouped together because they have interlinking [[Characters|characters]], locations and storylines. This is also known as the third generation of GTA games released from [[2001]] to [[2006]].
  
  +
|Name Change = [[File:RockstarNorthandDMADesign.png|left|30px|link=Rockstar North]] ROCKSTAR NORTH [[Universes|STANDALONE UNIVERSE]]
  +
|image=3DUniverse-Montage.jpg
  +
|caption='''From top to bottom, left to right:''' Skyscrapers in [[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]], [[Ocean Beach]] in [[Vice City (3D Universe)|Vice City]] at night, [[Carcer City (3D Universe)|Carcer City]]'s {{Manhunt|Central}} district, aerial view of [[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]] from the [[Missionary Hill Radio Tower]], casinos on [[The Strip]] in [[Las Venturas (3D Universe)|Las Venturas]], a view of [[Downtown Los Santos (3D Universe)|Downtown Los Santos]], {{Manhunt|Maibatsu Plaza}} skyscrapers in [[Cottonmouth]], [[The Cordillera]] in [[Tierra Robada]], agricultural scene of [[Flint County]], a view of [[Mount Chiliad (3D Universe)|Mount Chiliad]] in [[Whetstone]], forests of [[Red County]], rocky mountains of [[El Castillo del Diablo]] in [[Bone County]], and the [[Rockstar Games]] constellation seen from the [[Cedar Ridge Observatory]].
  +
<br>'''Far right:''' [[Marco's Bistro]] in [[Saint Mark's]], [[Portland]], Liberty City, an iconic location in the 3D Universe that connects the original ''GTA'' [[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy|trilogy]] plots.
  +
|games = {{games|III=y|VC=y|SA=y|A=y|LCS=y|VCS=y}}
  +
}}
  +
{{Manhunt Wiki}}
  +
{{Quote|The games' narratives are only loosely tied together and are not in chronological order, but it is a trilogy, featuring our distorted look at the East Coast around the time of the millennium, followed by our reinterpretation of '80s Miami, and lastly, our look at early-'90s California.|[[Sam Houser]].}}
  +
The '''3D [[Universe]]''' is the official name given by [[Rockstar North]] via the [[Rockstar Games]] [https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire Newswire]<ref name=Newswire>{{Quote|...the “universes” are the worlds interpreted at different definitions, 2d, 3d and high definition, so we felt brands and radio / back ground characters would exist in both, but 3 dimensional characters would not. This is the logic (as far as it could be considered logical) behind it – so no, we don’t believe any GTA3 characters could exist in the GTA4 universe.|[https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/19861/grand-theft-auto-iii-your-questions-answered-part-one-claude-dar.html ''"Grand Theft Auto III: Your Questions Answered – Part One (Claude, Darkel & Other Characters)"'' - Rockstar Newswire, December 15th 2011]}}</ref><ref>{{Quote|The Grand Theft Auto III timeline is not necessarily over - but it is a different world to Grand Theft Auto IV - only the branding and certain radio personalities exist across both worlds. The reason for this was that we felt Grand Theft Auto IV was a high-definition experience and required different kinds of characters. That - and the fact that most people from the previous world are dead.|[https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/89k8a554388283/updated-asked-answered-re-vice-city-red-dead-redemption-and-chin.html Rockstar Newswire - Asked & Answered, September 18, 2009]}}</ref> to the fictional world where the second-generation games of the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' franchise take place. Before being officially named by Rockstar, this universe was previously known as the '''''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' era''' and less commonly referred as the '''[[PlayStation 2]] era'''.
  +
  +
This universe's continuity, including brands, vehicles, characters, in-universe celebrities, events and locations, are shared with Rockstar North's ''[[Manhunt]]'' series, as part of a shared universe.
  +
  +
==Description==
  +
This generation consisted of six titles released from [[2001]] to [[2006]]. A game pack containing all "The Definitive Editions" of ''GTA III'', ''GTA Vice City'' and ''GTA San Andreas'' (entitled ''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition]]'') was released on November 11, [[2021]].
  +
  +
The 3D Universe is known by this name because it introduced fully three-dimensional game graphics, as opposed to the previous [[2D Universe]]. However, one of the games set in it, ''[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]]'', uses 2D graphics.<ref name=Newswire/>
  +
  +
It was succeeded by the [[HD Universe]] following the series' reboot in 2008, which also uses fully 3D graphics, though improved and running on Rockstar's own game engine, [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine|RAGE]].
  +
<!-----
  +
W.I.P.
  +
==Reboot==
  +
{{Quote|Moving into 3D on the PlayStation 2 really allowed the team to go to town in every area, the details, the humor, the graphics, the story, the gameplay, the city life, etc, etc, etc. The world of Grand Theft Auto really took shape in 3D. The seeds were there in 2D, but it was in 3D that we were really able to make it its own place, and it was with Grand Theft Auto III that the chemistry of the team really came together perfectly for the first time. However, these key design ideals -- freedom and variety -- are what have always set Grand Theft Auto apart from other games and continue to do so. In adding new content, we all have a vision for how this will fit into the whole, and it's what helps us keep things fresh -- the underlying core is very strong but has not yet been taken to its logical extreme. This desire to keep pushing things is, I think, the reason for the continued success of the franchise.|Sam Houser}}
  +
===New Lore and Canonical Changes===
  +
LC,VC,SA rebuilt.
  +
Cross-universe celebrities/brands.
  +
------>
  +
  +
==Setting==
  +
The 3D Universe interlinks [[characters]], businesses, locations and storylines. Its main settings are the cities of [[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]], [[Vice City (3D Universe)|Vice City]], and the [[State of San Andreas (3D Universe)|State of San Andreas]], which encompasses the cities of [[Los Santos (3D Universe)|Los Santos]], [[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]] and [[Las Venturas (3D Universe)|Las Venturas]], all located in the [[United States of America]]. Its protagonists are [[Claude]], [[Tommy Vercetti]], [[Carl Johnson]], [[Mike]], [[Toni Cipriani]] and [[Victor Vance]].
  +
<!----
  +
==UK stuff==
  +
Soho Chinatown/Scotland Bridges...
  +
--->
  +
==Relation with Other Rockstar North Series==
  +
===''Manhunt'' series===
  +
The ''Manhunt'' series is explicitly connected to the 3D Universe of the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series, with both games taking place years after the events of ''Grand Theft Auto III'', including a former San Fierro-based doctor as one of the protagonists.
  +
  +
Both ''Manhunt'' and ''Manhunt 2'' share the same businesses, cars, and other environment aspects and props. The main setting of ''Manhunt'', [[Carcer City (3D Universe)|Carcer City]], along with the city's own police chief [[Gary Schaffer]], were first mentioned in ''Grand Theft Auto III'', released two years and set two years before the first ''Manhunt'' game title.
  +
  +
Daniel Lamb, the protagonist of ''Manhunt 2'', graduated from the University of San Fierro in 1985 with a degree in biochemistry.<ref>Instruction Manual for ''Manhunt 2'': Page 5</ref> The most notable tie-in to the ''GTA'' series is the use of a [[Sprunk]] {{Manhunt|Can}} as a lure item during the gameplay of both ''Manhunt'' games.
  +
  +
Many businesses from the city of [[Cottonmouth]] in ''Manhunt 2'', however, including almost all adult entertainment businesses, the [[Majestic Hotel]] in the Maibatsu Plaza, and some of the Project's products (such as the [[H4PP1]] pills and [[Hingmyralgan]]), were later introduced or mentioned in the [[HD Universe]] continuity in ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]''.
  +
  +
==Errors in ''Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition''==
  +
{{Main|Grove Street Games/Errors}}
  +
While the story narrative of the [[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy|original ''GTA'' Trilogy]] (''GTA III'', ''GTA Vice City'', and ''GTA San Andreas'') are kept untouched in ''Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition'', many elements and other features cause major inconsistencies to the 3D Universe lore, mostly due to reused ''GTA V'' assets. For example:
  +
*The logo of the [[Federal Investigation Bureau]] (FIB), a law enforcement agency from the HD Universe timeline, being incorrectly used instead of the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) logo. Characters still correctly refer to them as the FBI, including the agents themselves.
  +
*The [[National Office of Security Enforcement]] (NOOSE), a law enforcement agency from the HD Universe timeline, being incorrectly used at the [[Fort Baxter Air Base]].
  +
*Many reused ''Grand Theft Auto V'' brands and logos that have never existed in the 3D Universe, including [[ThriftEX]], [[Ragga Rum]], [[Macbeth]], [[Patriot Beer]], [[Cherenkov Vodka]], [[Stronzo]], [[Dusche Gold]], [[The Mount Distilling Co.]], and many others.
  +
*Many reused ''Grand Theft Auto V'' magazines and stores referencing HD Universe celebrities and TV Show characters that have never existed in the 3D Universe, including [[Clay Jackson|Clay "PG" Jackson]], [[Charlotte Crown]], [[Mitch Dexter]], [[Miranda Cowan]], [[Trey Davis]], [[Scott Stephens]], [[Delancey Medua]], [[Samantha Muldoon]], [[Impotent Rage]], [[Princess Robot Bubblegum]], [[Fred's Pictures]] mascot, and many others.
  +
**Most magazines also include dates from the early 2010s.
  +
*Movie posters from ''Grand Theft Auto V'' featuring the [[Richards Majestic Productions]] logo, a movie studio from the [[Los Santos (HD Universe)|HD Universe counterpart of Los Santos]] that have never existed in the 3D Universe. These can be found at the [[InterGlobal Studios]] in Vice City.
  +
*[[OG Loc]] CDs being sold in 1986 in ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', despite him only becoming famous during the events of ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' in 1992.
  +
  +
All of these changes in ''The Definitive Edition'' are considered [[Canon|non-canon]] to the 3D Universe timeline, and are treated as [[Grove Street Games/Errors|oversights]] by [[Grove Street Games]].
   
 
==Chronological Release List==
  
==Chronological Release List==
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto III]] (2001)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' (2001)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] (2002)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]'' (2002)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]] (2004)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' (2004)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] (2004)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]]'' (2004)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]] (2005)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]]'' (2005)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]] (2006)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]'' (2006)
   
 
==Chronological Plot List==
  
==Chronological Plot List==
  +
{{Main|Timeline (3D Universe)}}
⚫
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]] (1984)
  
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] (1986)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]'' (1984)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] (1992)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]'' (1986)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]] (1998)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' (1992)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto: Advance]] (2000)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]]'' (1998)
−
*[[Grand Theft Auto III]] (2001)
 +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]]'' (2000)
  +
*''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' (2001)
   
 
==Games in the 3D Universe==
  
==Games in the 3D Universe==
−
===Grand Theft Auto III===
 +
===''Grand Theft Auto III''===
−
[[Grand Theft Auto III]] ([[2001]]) was set in fictional [[Liberty City in GTA III Era|Liberty City]] (based roughly on [[wp:New York City|New York City]]) in 2001. This game brought a third-person view to the series, rather than the traditional top-down view of earlier titles (although the view is still made available as an optional camera angle). Graphics were also updated with a new 3D game engine. While not the first of its kind, the gameplay engine had expanded the explorable world, doing away with a traditional game structure where the player faces a "boss" at the end of the level and moves onto a new level, opting instead for more realistic mission-based approach. [[Multiplayer]] was discarded (third party mods were later released, allowing for multiplayer gameplay) but GTA III improved in many other areas such as voice-acting and storyline (before, there was speech only in short animated [[cutscene]]s between levels, other communication was simply subtitles running on the bottom of the screen). Pop culture also is cemented into GTA III, drawing many aspects and ideas from popular films and shows such as Scarface, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos.
 +
''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' ([[2001]]) was set in [[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]] (loosely based on {{WP|New York City|New York City}}, {{WP|Philadelphia}}, {{WP|Detroit}}, {{WP|Baltimore}}, {{WP|Chicago}} and {{WP|Pittsburgh}} <ref>[https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/4k4128838a3a4a/asked-answered-max-payne-3-and-grand-theft-auto-v.html ''"Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3 and Grand Theft Auto V"''] - Rockstar Newswire, July 12, 2012</ref><ref>{{Quote|That Liberty City was not particularly meant to be New York. That was meant to be a hybrid of a generic American city: Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, New York, Philly. An old, post-industrial American city. [GTA III] was America, whereas Vice City was clearly Miami.|[[Dan Houser]]. Source: [https://ew.com/article/2011/10/21/grand-theft-auto-iii-anniversary-dan-houser ''"'Grand Theft Auto III' anniversary: Co-creator Dan Houser speaks!"'' by Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, October 21 2011]}}</ref>) in 2001. This game brought a third-person view to the series, rather than the traditional top-down view of earlier titles (although the view is still made available as an optional camera angle). Graphics were also updated with a new 3D game engine. While not the first of its kind, the gameplay engine had expanded the explorable world, doing away with a traditional game structure where the player faces a "boss" at the end of the level and moves onto a new level, opting instead for more realistic mission-based approach. [[Multiplayer]] was discarded (third party mods were later released, allowing for multiplayer gameplay) but ''GTA III'' improved in many other areas such as voice-acting and storyline (before, there was speech only in short animated [[cutscene]]s between levels, other communication was simply subtitles running on the bottom of the screen). Pop culture is also cemented into ''GTA III'', drawing many aspects and ideas from popular films and shows such as ''Scarface'', ''Goodfellas'', and ''The Sopranos''.
  +
  ⚫
''Grand Theft Auto III'' sold very well and became the first blockbuster game in the series, setting the precedent for subsequent ''GTA'' titles to be very successful. ''GTA III'' also attracted heavy criticism for its violence against police and its indifference to innocent bystanders, making future games in the ''GTA'' series synonymous with violence. Following the success of ''GTA III'', the rest of the games in the 3D Universe are stand-alone prequels, as all take place before ''GTA III'' chronologically.
  +
  ⚫
===''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City''===
  ⚫
''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]'' ([[2002]]), was set in [[Vice City (3D Universe)|Vice City]], [[Florida]] (based on {{WP|Miami|Miami}}) in [[1986]]. Influences for the game include movies such as ''Scarface'', ''Carlito's Way'' and the TV series ''Miami Vice''. In fact, the basic storyline of the game is an homage to ''Scarface'', including the climactic [[Keep Your Friends Close...|gunfight]] in the [[Tommy Vercetti|main character's]] [[Vercetti Estate|mansion]] at the end. ''GTA Vice City'' was an improvement on the scale of ''GTA III'', although featured very little in the way of terrain.
  +
  ⚫
===''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''===
  ⚫
''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' ([[2004]]) was set in [[1992]] in the state of [[State of San Andreas (3D Universe)|San Andreas]] (based on {{WP|California|California}} and {{WP|Nevada|Nevada}}) consisting of three cities: [[Los Santos (3D Universe)|Los Santos]] ({{WP|Los Angeles|Los Angeles}}), [[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]] ({{WP|San Francisco|San Francisco}}), and [[Las Venturas (3D Universe)|Las Venturas]] ({{WP|Las Vegas|Las Vegas}}). The player is also able to return to Liberty City during one [[Saint Mark's Bistro|mission]]. Inspiration came from movies such as ''Boyz N the Hood'' and ''Menace II Society'', and early 1990s west coast gangsta rap culture and groups such as N.W.A.
   
  ⚫
''GTA San Andreas'' expanded on previous RPG elements, adding the ability to dress the player's [[Carl Johnson|character]], exercise, and tattoo him. These elements also have an effect on gameplay as other characters would comment on the player character's physique or clothes. The character could also swim (something missing from previous games).
⚫
Grand Theft Auto III sold very well and became the first blockbuster game in the series, setting the precedent for subsequent GTA titles to be very successful. GTA III also attracted heavy criticism for its violence against police and its indifference to innocent bystanders, making future games in the GTA series synonymous with violence. Following the success of GTA III, the rest of the games in the GTA III Era are stand-alone prequels, as all take place before GTA III chronologically.
  
   
  ⚫
''GTA San Andreas'' also attracted heavy controversy when it was discovered that a sex minigame that was cut from the game could be enabled (See [[Hot Coffee]]). As a result, ''GTA San Andreas'' was pulled from a number of retail outlets and was re-rated from "M" (Mature) to "AO" (Adults Only) by the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] (ESRB) - the first game in the series to be given an AO rating. Rockstar has since released an edited version of the game for the [[Personal Computer|PC]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], and [[PlayStation 2]], and has reclaimed the "M" rating.
⚫
===Grand Theft Auto: Vice City===
  
⚫
[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] ([[2002]]), was set in fictional [[Vice City in GTA III Era|Vice City]] (based on [[:wp:Miami, Florida|Miami]]) in [[1986]]. Influences for the game include movies such as Scarface, Carlito's Way and the TV series Miami Vice. In fact, the entire basic storyline of the game is an homage to Scarface, including the climactic [[Keep Your Friends Close|gun-fight]] in the [[Tommy Vercetti|main character's]] [[Vercetti Estate|mansion]] at the end. GTA Vice City was an improvement on the scale of GTA III, although featured very little in the way of terrain.
  
   
−
===Grand Theft Auto Advance===
 +
===''Grand Theft Auto Advance''===
−
[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]] ([[2004]]), originally intended to be a top-down conversion of GTA III for the [[Game Boy Advance]], it ended up becoming its own completely original adventure, set roughly a [[2000|year]] before GTA III. The game was set in Liberty City again. This game contradicts GTA III in parts, and GTA III seems to ignore it.
 +
''[[Grand Theft Auto Advance]]'' ([[2004]]), originally intended to be a top-down conversion of ''GTA III'' for the [[Game Boy Advance]], eventually developed its own storyline, set roughly a [[2000|year]] before ''GTA III''. The game was set in Liberty City again. The storyline appears to stand alone in the series, as certain aspects of the game contradict those in ''GTA III''.
   
−
===Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas===
 +
===''Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories''===
  ⚫
''[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]]'' ([[2005]]), a [[PlayStation Portable]] ''GTA III'' prequel set in [[1998]] Liberty City. A [[PlayStation 2]] port was released by Rockstar Games on June 6, 2006. The game is a direct prequel to ''GTA III'', being set three years earlier and featuring several characters from the original game. The storyline further links the events of ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' and ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' to ''GTA III''.
⚫
[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] ([[2004]]) was set in [[1992]] in the fictional state of [[State of San Andreas|San Andreas]] (based on [[wp:California|California]] and [[wp:Nevada|Nevada]]) consisting of three cities: [[Los Santos in GTA III Era|Los Santos]] ([[wp:Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]]), [[San Fierro]] ([[wp:San Francisco, California|San Francisco]]), and [[Las Venturas]] ([[wp:Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]]). The player is also able to return to Liberty City during one [[Saint Mark's Bistro|mission]]. Inspiration came from movies such as Boyz N the Hood and Menace II Society, and early 90s west coast gangsta rap culture and groups such as N.W.A.
  
   
  ⚫
===''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories''===
⚫
GTA San Andreas expanded on previous RPG elements, adding the ability to dress the player's [[Carl Johnson|character]], exercise, and tattoo him. These elements also have an effect on gameplay as other characters would comment on the player character's physique or clothes. The character could also swim (something missing from previous games).
  
  ⚫
''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]'' ([[2006]]), the second PlayStation Portable game, was released on October 31, 2006. It is set in Vice City in [[1984]] and is a prequel to the events of ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' (being set two years earlier). A PlayStation 2 port was released by Rockstar on March 6, 2007. This was the last game in the 3D Universe to be released, but it is, by chronological order, the first game of the 3D Universe, being set at the earliest point in the timeline.
   
  +
==Locations in the 3D Universe==
⚫
GTA San Andreas also attracted heavy controversy when it was discovered that a sex minigame that was cut from the game could be enabled (See [[Hot Coffee]]). As a result, GTA San Andreas was pulled from a number of retail outlets and was re-rated from "M" (Mature) to "AO" (Adults Only) by the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] (ESRB) - the first game in the series to be given an AO rating. Rockstar has since released an edited version of the game for the [[PC]], [[Xbox]], and [[PlayStation 2]], and has reclaimed the "M" rating.
  
  +
{{Col-begin}}
  +
{{Col-2}}
  +
===State of Liberty ===
  +
*[[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]]
  +
*[[Upstate Liberty]]
   
  +
===State of Florida===
−
===Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories===
  
  +
*[[Vice City (3D Universe)|Vice City]]
⚫
[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]] ([[2005]]), a [[PlayStation Portable]] GTA III prequel set in [[1998]] Liberty City. A [[PlayStation 2]] port was released by Rockstar Games on June 6, 2006. The game is a direct prequel to GTA III being set only three years before and involving the same characters and a storyline further linking the events of [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] and [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] to GTA III.
  
  +
*{{WP|Tampa, Florida|Tampa}} <small>(Mentioned)</small>
  +
*{{WP|Reddick, Florida|Reddick}} <small>(Mentioned)</small>
  +
*[[Miami]] <small>(Mentioned)</small>
  +
*[[Everglades]] <small>(Mentioned)</small>
  +
*[[Gator Keys]] <small>(Mentioned)</small>
  +
{{Col-2}}
  +
===State of San Andreas===
  +
*[[Los Santos (3D Universe)|Los Santos]]
  +
*[[Red County]]
  +
*[[Flint County]]
  +
*[[Whetstone]]
  +
*[[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]]
  +
*[[Tierra Robada]]
  +
*[[Bone County]]
  +
*[[Las Venturas (3D Universe)|Las Venturas]]
   
  +
===Unidentified State===
⚫
===Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories===
  
  +
====Rust Belt Region====
⚫
[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]] ([[2006]]), the second PlayStation Portable game, was released on October 31, 2006 and set in [[1984]] Vice City. A PlayStation 2 port was released by Rockstar on March 6, 2007. And is the final game of GTA III Era.
  
  +
*[[Carcer City (3D Universe)|Carcer City]]
  +
====Dixieland Region====
  +
*[[Cottonmouth]]
  +
{{Col-end}}
  +
==Differences to the 2D Universe==
  +
*The 3D Universe counterpart of [[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]] is based on several US cities (while also having hallmarks of locations in Rockstar North's native Scotland), such as {{WP|New York City}}, {{WP|Philadelphia}}, {{WP|Detroit}} and {{WP|Baltimore}}, but with no overall inspiration from one city in particular, <ref>[https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/4k4128838a3a4a/asked-answered-max-payne-3-and-grand-theft-auto-v.html ''"Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3 and Grand Theft Auto V"''] - Rockstar Newswire, July 12, 2012</ref> while the other counterparts of the city (2D and HD Universes) are based on New York City only.
  +
** Liberty City in this universe was established on a different date than the other universes' counterparts.
  +
**This universe's New Jersey counterpart, Shoreside Vale, is a mix of New Jersey and Bronx. Also, unlike [[State of New Guernsey|New Guernsey]] and [[State of Alderney|Alderney]], Shoreside Vale is not a separate state.
  +
*The city of [[San Andreas (2D Universe)|San Andreas]], the 2D Universe equivalent of {{WP|San Francisco}}, is now called [[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]], while San Andreas is now the name of the [[State of San Andreas (3D Universe)|state]] where it is located.
  +
*[[El Burro]]'s counterpart is not homosexual nor killed in the 3D Universe. He is still alive four years after the date of his original counterpart's death in the previous universe.
   
−
==Trivia==
 +
==Trivia==
  +
*[[Liberty City (3D Universe)|Liberty City]] appears in all 3D Universe games except for ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]''. It is the setting of ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories'', and ''Grand Theft Auto Advance'', and briefly appears at the beginning of ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' and the [[Saint Mark's Bistro]] mission from ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''. Liberty City is also featured in the ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' prequel film ''[[The Introduction]]''.
−
*Liberty City, either an exterior or interior appears in some form all the GTA III era games except for Vice City Stories, where it is at least referenced.
  
  +
*None of the games set in this universe featured expansion packs.
−
*[[The Introduction]] in GTA San Andreas features numerous cutscenes which feature areas of Liberty City. Also, in [[Saint Mark's Bistro|one mission]], [[Carl Johnson]] flies back to Liberty City to do a hit on some [[Forelli Family]] members in Marco's Bistro.
  
  ⚫
*All vehicles in this universe can be easily pushed by the player character.
−
*The GTA III Era is so far the best-selling era in the whole GTA franchise with over a total of 75.1 million sales.
  
  +
*Every 3D Universe game has been released on handheld systems, and most of them are also on mobile devices.
−
*In almost all GTA III Era games, the cars have a clutch system by pressing the brake and accelerator simutaneously (as in doing a burnout) while the car is in motion. When you press them, the car seems to be rolling without engine power. (Except GTA III)
  
  +
**''Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition'', which includes remastered versions of ''GTA III'', ''GTA Vice City'', and ''GTA San Andreas'', was ported to the Nintendo Switch.
−
*Drifting is easier on GTA III Era rather in GTA IV Era. For the same time, you can do a Gymkhana easier in GTA III Era.
  
  +
**''GTA Advance'' is exclusive to the Game Boy Advance.
⚫
*All vehiches in this era can be easily pushed by the player.
  
  +
**''GTA Liberty City Stories'' and ''GTA Vice City Stories'' originated on the PSP and were ported to the PS2.
  +
**''GTA III'', ''GTA Vice City'', ''GTA San Andreas'', and ''GTA Liberty City Stories'' were also remade for iOS and Android, with much improved graphics.
  +
*Carl Johnson and Victor Vance are the only ''GTA'' protagonists in the 3D Universe who can [[Swimming|swim]].
  +
*When the protagonists in this universe (except [[Mike]] and Carl Johnson) run with a one-handed weapon (such as a [[Pistol]]), they hold the weapon near their face.
  +
**Also, when the player taps the button to look back at the protagonist, the protagonist will turn their head and look behind them. Carl Johnson, however, does not do this (Mike cannot look back either since ''GTA Advance'' lacks a movable camera to begin with).
  +
*Victor Vance is the only protagonist to have a confirmed death (he is killed in [[In The Beginning...|introductory cutscene]] in ''GTA: Vice City'').
  +
*''GTA: San Andreas'' is the only game in the 3D Universe not to receive a ''Stories'' prequel, as a [[The Introduction|short film]] was released explaining the build-up to the ''GTA: San Andreas'' storyline.
  +
* On September 18, 2009, [[Rockstar Games]] stated that the 3D Universe is not necessarily over.<ref>[http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/741/updated-asked-answered-re-vice-city-red-dead-redemption-and-chin.html Asked & Answered – Re: Vice City, Red Dead Redemption and Chinatown Wars]</ref>
  +
**Eventually on October 8, 2021, a ''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition|Definitive Edition]]'' for the first three games was officially announced.
  +
*Vehicles in the 3D Universe have a maximum possible top speed of 250 km/h (156 mph). The [[Infernus]] tops out at 240 km/h (150 mph).
   
  +
==References==
  +
{{Reflist}}
  +
{{clr}}
 
==See also==
  
==See also==
−
*[[GTA III Era Timeline|Timeline of Grand Theft Auto III canon]]
 +
*[[Timeline (3D Universe)]]
−
*[[Characters in GTA III Era]]
 +
*[[Characters in 3D Universe]]
−
*[[Tallest Buildings in GTA III Era]]
 +
*[[Tallest Buildings in 3D Universe]]
  +
*[[Character Deaths (3D Universe)]]
−
*[[GTA III Era Character Deaths]]
  
−
*[[GTA IV Era]]
 +
*[[HD Universe]]
  +
*[[2D Universe]]
  +
*[[Universe]]
   
  +
==Navigation==
 
{{GTA}}
  
{{GTA}}
−
[[nl:GTA III-era]]
  
−
[[Category:Eras]]
  
 
[[Category:3D Universe]]
  
[[Category:3D Universe]]
  +
[[es:Universo 3D]]
  +
[[hu:3D Univerzum]]
  +
[[pl:Uniwersum 3D]]
  +
[[ru:Вселенная 3D]]
  +
[[uk:Всесвіт 3D]]
  +
[[zh:3D世界]]

Latest revision as of 12:29, 5 March 2024

ManuntWikiTemplate
ManuntWikiTemplate
Manhunt Wiki has an article on 3D Universe
“
The games' narratives are only loosely tied together and are not in chronological order, but it is a trilogy, featuring our distorted look at the East Coast around the time of the millennium, followed by our reinterpretation of '80s Miami, and lastly, our look at early-'90s California.
”
— Sam Houser.

The 3D Universe is the official name given by Rockstar North via the Rockstar Games Newswire[1][2] to the fictional world where the second-generation games of the Grand Theft Auto franchise take place. Before being officially named by Rockstar, this universe was previously known as the Grand Theft Auto III era and less commonly referred as the PlayStation 2 era.

This universe's continuity, including brands, vehicles, characters, in-universe celebrities, events and locations, are shared with Rockstar North's Manhunt series, as part of a shared universe.

Description

This generation consisted of six titles released from 2001 to 2006. A game pack containing all "The Definitive Editions" of GTA III, GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas (entitled Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition) was released on November 11, 2021.

The 3D Universe is known by this name because it introduced fully three-dimensional game graphics, as opposed to the previous 2D Universe. However, one of the games set in it, Grand Theft Auto Advance, uses 2D graphics.[1]

It was succeeded by the HD Universe following the series' reboot in 2008, which also uses fully 3D graphics, though improved and running on Rockstar's own game engine, RAGE.

Setting

The 3D Universe interlinks characters, businesses, locations and storylines. Its main settings are the cities of Liberty City, Vice City, and the State of San Andreas, which encompasses the cities of Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas, all located in the United States of America. Its protagonists are Claude, Tommy Vercetti, Carl Johnson, Mike, Toni Cipriani and Victor Vance.

Relation with Other Rockstar North Series

Manhunt series

The Manhunt series is explicitly connected to the 3D Universe of the Grand Theft Auto series, with both games taking place years after the events of Grand Theft Auto III, including a former San Fierro-based doctor as one of the protagonists.

Both Manhunt and Manhunt 2 share the same businesses, cars, and other environment aspects and props. The main setting of Manhunt, Carcer City, along with the city's own police chief Gary Schaffer, were first mentioned in Grand Theft Auto III, released two years and set two years before the first Manhunt game title.

Daniel Lamb, the protagonist of Manhunt 2, graduated from the University of San Fierro in 1985 with a degree in biochemistry.[3] The most notable tie-in to the GTA series is the use of a Sprunk Can as a lure item during the gameplay of both Manhunt games.

Many businesses from the city of Cottonmouth in Manhunt 2, however, including almost all adult entertainment businesses, the Majestic Hotel in the Maibatsu Plaza, and some of the Project's products (such as the H4PP1 pills and Hingmyralgan), were later introduced or mentioned in the HD Universe continuity in Grand Theft Auto IV.

Errors in Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition

Main article: Grove Street Games/Errors

While the story narrative of the original GTA Trilogy (GTA III, GTA Vice City, and GTA San Andreas) are kept untouched in Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition, many elements and other features cause major inconsistencies to the 3D Universe lore, mostly due to reused GTA V assets. For example:

All of these changes in The Definitive Edition are considered non-canon to the 3D Universe timeline, and are treated as oversights by Grove Street Games.

Chronological Release List

Chronological Plot List

Main article: Timeline (3D Universe)

Games in the 3D Universe

Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III (2001) was set in Liberty City (loosely based on New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, Chicago and Pittsburgh [4][5]) in 2001. This game brought a third-person view to the series, rather than the traditional top-down view of earlier titles (although the view is still made available as an optional camera angle). Graphics were also updated with a new 3D game engine. While not the first of its kind, the gameplay engine had expanded the explorable world, doing away with a traditional game structure where the player faces a "boss" at the end of the level and moves onto a new level, opting instead for more realistic mission-based approach. Multiplayer was discarded (third party mods were later released, allowing for multiplayer gameplay) but GTA III improved in many other areas such as voice-acting and storyline (before, there was speech only in short animated cutscenes between levels, other communication was simply subtitles running on the bottom of the screen). Pop culture is also cemented into GTA III, drawing many aspects and ideas from popular films and shows such as Scarface, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos.

Grand Theft Auto III sold very well and became the first blockbuster game in the series, setting the precedent for subsequent GTA titles to be very successful. GTA III also attracted heavy criticism for its violence against police and its indifference to innocent bystanders, making future games in the GTA series synonymous with violence. Following the success of GTA III, the rest of the games in the 3D Universe are stand-alone prequels, as all take place before GTA III chronologically.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002), was set in Vice City, Florida (based on Miami) in 1986. Influences for the game include movies such as Scarface, Carlito's Way and the TV series Miami Vice. In fact, the basic storyline of the game is an homage to Scarface, including the climactic gunfight in the main character's mansion at the end. GTA Vice City was an improvement on the scale of GTA III, although featured very little in the way of terrain.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) was set in 1992 in the state of San Andreas (based on California and Nevada) consisting of three cities: Los Santos (Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). The player is also able to return to Liberty City during one mission. Inspiration came from movies such as Boyz N the Hood and Menace II Society, and early 1990s west coast gangsta rap culture and groups such as N.W.A.

GTA San Andreas expanded on previous RPG elements, adding the ability to dress the player's character, exercise, and tattoo him. These elements also have an effect on gameplay as other characters would comment on the player character's physique or clothes. The character could also swim (something missing from previous games).

GTA San Andreas also attracted heavy controversy when it was discovered that a sex minigame that was cut from the game could be enabled (See Hot Coffee). As a result, GTA San Andreas was pulled from a number of retail outlets and was re-rated from "M" (Mature) to "AO" (Adults Only) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) - the first game in the series to be given an AO rating. Rockstar has since released an edited version of the game for the PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 2, and has reclaimed the "M" rating.

Grand Theft Auto Advance

Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004), originally intended to be a top-down conversion of GTA III for the Game Boy Advance, eventually developed its own storyline, set roughly a year before GTA III. The game was set in Liberty City again. The storyline appears to stand alone in the series, as certain aspects of the game contradict those in GTA III.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005), a PlayStation Portable GTA III prequel set in 1998 Liberty City. A PlayStation 2 port was released by Rockstar Games on June 6, 2006. The game is a direct prequel to GTA III, being set three years earlier and featuring several characters from the original game. The storyline further links the events of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to GTA III.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006), the second PlayStation Portable game, was released on October 31, 2006. It is set in Vice City in 1984 and is a prequel to the events of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (being set two years earlier). A PlayStation 2 port was released by Rockstar on March 6, 2007. This was the last game in the 3D Universe to be released, but it is, by chronological order, the first game of the 3D Universe, being set at the earliest point in the timeline.

Locations in the 3D Universe

State of Liberty

State of Florida

State of San Andreas

Unidentified State

Rust Belt Region

Dixieland Region

Differences to the 2D Universe

  • The 3D Universe counterpart of Liberty City is based on several US cities (while also having hallmarks of locations in Rockstar North's native Scotland), such as New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit and Baltimore, but with no overall inspiration from one city in particular, [6] while the other counterparts of the city (2D and HD Universes) are based on New York City only.
    • Liberty City in this universe was established on a different date than the other universes' counterparts.
    • This universe's New Jersey counterpart, Shoreside Vale, is a mix of New Jersey and Bronx. Also, unlike New Guernsey and Alderney, Shoreside Vale is not a separate state.
  • The city of San Andreas, the 2D Universe equivalent of San Francisco, is now called San Fierro, while San Andreas is now the name of the state where it is located.
  • El Burro's counterpart is not homosexual nor killed in the 3D Universe. He is still alive four years after the date of his original counterpart's death in the previous universe.

Trivia

  • Liberty City appears in all 3D Universe games except for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. It is the setting of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto Advance, and briefly appears at the beginning of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and the Saint Mark's Bistro mission from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Liberty City is also featured in the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas prequel film The Introduction.
  • None of the games set in this universe featured expansion packs.
  • All vehicles in this universe can be easily pushed by the player character.
  • Every 3D Universe game has been released on handheld systems, and most of them are also on mobile devices.
    • Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition, which includes remastered versions of GTA III, GTA Vice City, and GTA San Andreas, was ported to the Nintendo Switch.
    • GTA Advance is exclusive to the Game Boy Advance.
    • GTA Liberty City Stories and GTA Vice City Stories originated on the PSP and were ported to the PS2.
    • GTA III, GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas, and GTA Liberty City Stories were also remade for iOS and Android, with much improved graphics.
  • Carl Johnson and Victor Vance are the only GTA protagonists in the 3D Universe who can swim.
  • When the protagonists in this universe (except Mike and Carl Johnson) run with a one-handed weapon (such as a Pistol), they hold the weapon near their face.
    • Also, when the player taps the button to look back at the protagonist, the protagonist will turn their head and look behind them. Carl Johnson, however, does not do this (Mike cannot look back either since GTA Advance lacks a movable camera to begin with).
  • Victor Vance is the only protagonist to have a confirmed death (he is killed in introductory cutscene in GTA: Vice City).
  • GTA: San Andreas is the only game in the 3D Universe not to receive a Stories prequel, as a short film was released explaining the build-up to the GTA: San Andreas storyline.
  • On September 18, 2009, Rockstar Games stated that the 3D Universe is not necessarily over.[7]
    • Eventually on October 8, 2021, a Definitive Edition for the first three games was officially announced.
  • Vehicles in the 3D Universe have a maximum possible top speed of 250 km/h (156 mph). The Infernus tops out at 240 km/h (150 mph).

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1
    “
    ...the “universes” are the worlds interpreted at different definitions, 2d, 3d and high definition, so we felt brands and radio / back ground characters would exist in both, but 3 dimensional characters would not. This is the logic (as far as it could be considered logical) behind it – so no, we don’t believe any GTA3 characters could exist in the GTA4 universe.
    ”
    — "Grand Theft Auto III: Your Questions Answered – Part One (Claude, Darkel & Other Characters)" - Rockstar Newswire, December 15th 2011
  2. ↑
    “
    The Grand Theft Auto III timeline is not necessarily over - but it is a different world to Grand Theft Auto IV - only the branding and certain radio personalities exist across both worlds. The reason for this was that we felt Grand Theft Auto IV was a high-definition experience and required different kinds of characters. That - and the fact that most people from the previous world are dead.
    ”
    — Rockstar Newswire - Asked & Answered, September 18, 2009
  3. ↑ Instruction Manual for Manhunt 2: Page 5
  4. ↑ "Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3 and Grand Theft Auto V" - Rockstar Newswire, July 12, 2012
  5. ↑
    “
    That Liberty City was not particularly meant to be New York. That was meant to be a hybrid of a generic American city: Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, New York, Philly. An old, post-industrial American city. [GTA III] was America, whereas Vice City was clearly Miami.
    ”
    — Dan Houser. Source: "'Grand Theft Auto III' anniversary: Co-creator Dan Houser speaks!" by Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, October 21 2011
  6. ↑ "Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3 and Grand Theft Auto V" - Rockstar Newswire, July 12, 2012
  7. ↑ Asked & Answered – Re: Vice City, Red Dead Redemption and Chinatown Wars

See also

Navigation

[ v • e ]Grand Theft Auto series
Grand Theft AutoProtagonists | Liberty City (and New Guernsey) | San Andreas | Vice City | Characters | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: London
London 1969Protagonists | London | Characters | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
London 1961Protagonists | London | Manchester | Characters | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto 2Claude Speed/GBC Protagonists | Anywhere City (Downtown | Residential | Industrial) | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto IIIClaude | Liberty City | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: Vice CityTommy Vercetti | Vice City | Characters | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasCarl Johnson | State of San Andreas (Los Santos • San Fierro • Las Venturas • Red County • Flint County • Whetstone • Bone County • Tierra Robada) | Characters | Missions | Gangs | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto AdvanceMike | Liberty City | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Soundtrack | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City StoriesToni Cipriani | Liberty City | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City StoriesVictor Vance | Vice City | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto IVNiko Bellic | Liberty City | Alderney | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Episodes from Liberty City
The Lost and DamnedJohnny Klebitz | Liberty City | Alderney | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
The Ballad of Gay TonyLuis Fernando Lopez | Liberty City | Alderney | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown WarsHuang Lee | Liberty City | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto VMichael De Santa | Trevor Philips | Franklin Clinton | Southern San Andreas (Los Santos (County) | Blaine County) | State of North Yankton (Ludendorff) | Characters | Gangs | Missions | Weapons | Vehicles | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Grand Theft Auto OnlineGTA Online Protagonist (Crews | Organizations | Motorcycle Clubs) | Southern San Andreas (Los Santos (County) | Blaine County) | The Caribbean (Cayo Perico) | Missions | Jobs | Gangs | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Reputation (Arena Points | LS Car Meet) | Content Updates | Events | Achievements/Trophies | Awards
Grand Theft Auto VILucia | Unnamed male accomplice | State of Leonida (Vice-Dale County | Kelly County | Leonard County) | Characters | Missions | Vehicles | Weapons | Radio stations | Achievements/Trophies | Cheats
Collectibles | Multiplayer | Modifications | Controversy
Español Magyar Polski Русский Українська 中文
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.