Since its debut in 1997, Grand Theft Auto has evolved from a top-down crime simulator into one of the most immersive open-world franchises in gaming history. With each release, Rockstar Games has redefined what players expect from video games—culminating in the global phenomenon that is Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5).
But what’s the real difference between the original Grand Theft Auto and GTA 5? In this article, Wheon breaks down the evolution of the series—examining everything from graphics and gameplay to storytelling and technology—to show how far the franchise has come in over two decades.
1. The Origins: Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The original Wheon Grand Theft Auto was a revolutionary concept at its time. Developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North), it introduced players to an open world where they could roam freely, steal cars, complete missions, and cause chaos in a living city.
Gameplay and Perspective
The first Grand Theft Auto used a 2D top-down perspective, giving players a bird’s-eye view of the city. Despite its simplicity, the gameplay was groundbreaking—offering freedom and choice that few games at the time provided.
Players could explore three fictional cities—Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City—each inspired by real American locations. The game’s missions were simple: climb the criminal ranks by stealing cars, delivering packages, and evading police.
Technology and Graphics
In 1997, 3D gaming was still in its early days. The first GTA used a 2D sprite-based system with limited animation and minimal environmental detail. Yet its combination of violence, humor, and freedom made it controversial—and successful.
Cultural Impact
Though it looked basic by modern standards, Grand Theft Auto laid the foundation for a new gaming genre: the open-world crime simulator. It gave players freedom of choice, moral ambiguity, and a sense of power that no other game offered at the time.
2. The Evolution: Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)
Fast forward to 2013, and Rockstar Games released Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5)—a game that completely redefined the possibilities of open-world gaming. It remains one of the best-selling video games in history, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
Graphics and World Design
GTA 5’s world is the fictional state of San Andreas, inspired by Southern California. Unlike the flat, pixelated maps of the original, GTA 5 features a fully 3D, high-definition world with incredible detail—realistic weather, wildlife, bustling cities, and vast rural areas.
The graphics engine (RAGE) and physics engine (Euphoria) allow for lifelike character animations, realistic driving mechanics, and immersive lighting. Every inch of the map—from the mountains to the ocean floor—feels alive.
Storyline and Characters
Unlike the first GTA, which focused on nameless criminals, GTA 5 offers a cinematic story featuring three main characters:
- Michael De Santa: a retired bank robber trying to live a normal life.
- Franklin Clinton: a young man from the streets looking for real success.
- Trevor Philips: an unpredictable criminal and Michael’s former partner.
Players can switch between the three characters, each with their own missions, personalities, and storylines. This innovation in storytelling made GTA 5’s narrative both complex and engaging.
Gameplay and Features
The gameplay in GTA 5 is far more advanced and varied than in the original game. Players can:
- Engage in heists that require planning and coordination.
- Drive hundreds of vehicles—cars, boats, planes, and even submarines.
- Customize characters, vehicles, and weapons.
- Explore a massive open world filled with side missions, sports, and random events.
And then there’s GTA Online, the multiplayer mode that has kept the game alive for more than a decade. Players can create their own characters, form gangs, buy properties, and participate in missions with friends or rivals from around the globe.
3. Comparing Grand Theft Auto and GTA 5
| Feature | Grand Theft Auto (1997) | Grand Theft Auto V (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | 2D, top-down view | 3D, high-definition visuals |
| Perspective | Top-down | Third-person / First-person |
| World Size | Small, limited cities | Massive, detailed open world |
| Characters | Generic criminals | Three unique protagonists |
| Gameplay Depth | Simple missions | Complex missions, heists, customization |
| Vehicles | Basic cars | Wide variety (cars, planes, bikes, boats) |
| Online Mode | None | GTA Online multiplayer world |
| Storytelling | Minimal narrative | Deep cinematic storyline |
| AI and Physics | Basic | Advanced AI, physics, and interactivity |
As this table shows, GTA 5 is not just an upgrade—it’s a complete transformation. The original game introduced the concept of open-world freedom, while GTA 5 perfected it with realism, technology, and storytelling.
4. The Evolution of Player Experience
The Grand Theft Auto series has evolved alongside gaming technology and player expectations. In 1997, players were amazed simply by the ability to steal cars and explore cities freely. In 2013, they demanded cinematic experiences, online multiplayer, and realistic worlds—and Rockstar delivered all of it.
Freedom and Realism
In Grand Theft Auto (1997), freedom was defined by breaking the rules of linear games. In GTA 5, freedom means living an alternate life—buying houses, building empires, or simply cruising down the highway listening to your favorite radio station.
Cultural Reflection
Both games mirror their times. The first GTA captured the rebellious spirit of the late ‘90s, when gaming was pushing boundaries. GTA 5 reflects the complexity of modern life—social media, capitalism, and the blurred lines between legality and crime.
5. Legacy and Future
Both Grand Theft Auto and GTA 5 share a common legacy: they pushed gaming forward. The original created a genre; GTA 5 redefined it.
As the gaming world eagerly awaits Grand Theft Auto VI, fans can look back and appreciate how the series has grown from pixelated streets to a photorealistic, living world.
At Wheon com, we believe that the GTA franchise is more than a game—it’s a reflection of how storytelling, technology, and player freedom can evolve together over time.
Conclusion
The difference between Grand Theft Auto and GTA 5 is like comparing a sketch to a masterpiece. Both are essential—one laid the groundwork, and the other built a world that feels alive.
From its humble 2D beginnings to a sprawling 3D universe, Grand Theft Auto has proven that innovation, creativity, and boldness can transform gaming forever.
As Wheon continues to explore the evolution of entertainment and technology, one thing is clear: GTA 5 isn’t just a sequel—it’s the ultimate evolution of a revolutionary idea.