Before Grand Theft Auto 6, CNET Staff Relive Their Favorite GTA Moments
The Grand Theft Auto series is almost 30 years old. Here are some of our favorite memorable moments down the years.
As the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 prepares to launch on November 19, many fans are reminiscing about their favorite moments from previous titles in the series. Rockstar Games has set the bar high with this release, as both PlayStation and Xbox have reported it as the most preordered game in their digital storefronts' history. The GTA franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1997, thanks to its satirical storytelling, intricate plots, and immersive gameplay.
For this reporter, memories of playing GTA games at a young age remain vivid. Booting up Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on a friend's PlayStation 2, they and their friend would explore the game's open world without any missions, often failing the "Wrong Side of the Tracks" mission. The iconic line from Big Smoke, "All we had to do was follow the damn train, CJ!" still brings a smile to their face.
In college, they and their friends played GTA London 1969 hotseat-style on an old laptop, with the cockney policemen becoming a meme among their group. Driving around the city in GTA Vice City, breaking traffic laws and causing chaos was an exhilarating experience—especially since they hadn't even gotten their learner's permits yet.
But the most memorable moment for this reporter was during the infamous Pole Position mission. While playing with their best friend, they reached the part that was rumored online. Instead of the expected titillation, they burst into laughter at the pixelated dancer's awkward movements. After regaining composure, they taught each other the dance moves, which they occasionally bust out at clubs even after they grew older.
When GTA 5 arrived in 2013, the reporter waited in line at their local GameStop, along with hundreds of other fans, to be among the first to play the game. The expansive world of Los Santos provided a comforting escape during a time when the reporter felt stuck. They spent countless hours exploring the map, whether by foot or helicopter, and were equally excited about the massive GTA 6 map, which is reportedly twice the size of GTA 5.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
