Thursday- January 31, 2002 <9:00 PM CST>

GTA3 Music On Your PC!   <9:00 PM CST - schu>
Ripperoo sent in a link to a page he set up on extracting the audio off of the GTA3 PS2 disc.  You just need a PC with a DVD drive, a copy of GTA3 - PS2, and a program called MF Audio.  Here is what Ripperoo sent in:

"I don't know whether you'll be interested in this or whether you already know, but here goes.

I have been trying for two days to to find a utility that would enable me to extract the radio stations from the "GTA3" disk (".vb" files), so that I could save them as ".wavs" and then encode them to ".mp3".

I finally found what I was looking for....a utility called "MFAudio"!

I created a basic walkthrough on how the ".vb" files can be converted to ".wavs" using "MFAudio" and uploaded it to:
members.lycos.co.uk/ripperoo/gta3/gta3-extract.htm

It'll certainly save anyone who already has access to the "GTA3" disk the trouble of downloading hundreds of megabytes of MP3 files.

I think the info at the above link may come in very useful to many people as I've read in various places that lots of people would like to be able to "rip" the tracks from their "GTA3" disk and listen to them on their PC or even burn them to CD.

Anyway I hope you find this of some use."

  
Great news from Ripperoo!  I really don't see any legal implications for extracting the audio off the cd for your own use, but if you distribute it, that's another matter entirely.

GTA Community News   <9:00 PM CST - schu>

• GTA2 File Editor - Updated!
  After a very long hiatus, Stephen Dawkins has returned with a new version of his GTA2 File Editor.  For more information, shoot on over to his site for the latest updates.  When I last checked the actual link to the editor was broken, hopefully Stephen will get that fixed when he gets my email

• GTA2 Map - Weltstadt - Site Updated
  wsm.bernd sent in the following updating on his GTA2 map, Weltstadt:
  

  "Okay, a new section about the GTA 2 map "weltstadt" is online on our website (www.weltstadtmafia.de.vu).
  
  In first part (released today), the main topic is the suburban railway. Many screenshots (most new) and infos are now available..."

  Hmm.. More link troubles, not sure about everyone else but I'm having some trouble viewing wsm.bernd's links.

Wednesday- January 30, 2002 <10:45 PM CST>

GTA3 On XBox, GameCube, Etc   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
I just want to get this out to everyone.  The official comment from Rockstar on GTA3 for the XBox, GameCube, or any other platform, is "no comment".  The only platform they'll confirm is the PS2 and the PC.  Every time I find or am sent a link to GTA3 news of this sort I always run it by them, and they always say the same thing, "we don't know where they heard that or who they talked to... Currently we are not commenting on GTA3 for the <insert console name here>."  Please keep sending in news about GTA3 on different platforms, but until Rockstar sends out a press release, or until they confirm one of the news articles, all of these reports should be considered rumors.

I also want to make it clear that if it were up to me personally, GTA3 would be out on every platform possible.  Probably not a sound financial plan, but I want to make it clear that I'm not biased toward any specific console.  In fact, if I'm biased at all its for the PC version, because if all goes well we'll be able to edit it and play it against one another multiplayer this coming April.  How's that for an unconfirmed rumor :)

Lazlow Interviewed!   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
Chatterbox host Lazlow was recently interviewed by PSX2.com.  The interview is four pages long and is definitely worth the read.  Take a look.  Thanks to JL2001 for the link.

GTA The Movie?   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
SciFiMatrix.Net mentioned Grand Theft Auto in an update on the Death Race 3000 movie.  Apparently director Paul Anderson mentioned plans to make GTA into a movie at the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors, back in January.  I'm not sure if this was a joke or if he is completely serious, but I'll try and get Rockstar's comment, or lack thereof, sometime this week.  Thanks to Outlaw for turning this up.  According to Outlaw, Paul Anderson's other directorial credits include Mortal Kombat, Soldier, Event Horizon, and the upcoming Resident Evil.

FreeLoader In Hibernation?   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
Wildkid56 wrote in to inform me that GTA would only be available free at FreeLoader.com until February.  Apparently they took it off-line a little earlier than February.  Currently the listing for both GTA and GTA2 read, "returns this Spring" on FreeLoader's main list of games.  However, I did notice that you can still access GTA via a link on their Home page, but I didn't see any mention of February, so I'm not entirely sure what's going on with it.  Thanks to Wildkid56 for the update.

GOURANGA! On French TV?   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
Gunman was watching the news on a French television station yesterday.  They were showing some footage about a crime suspect from a police station, when in the background Gunmen spotted a policeman working on a computer.  Well I wouldn't really call it working, because the police officer was in fact looking at GOURANGA.com !  Thanks to Gunman for and his keen vision for that report, and hello to all the French police officers out there.

Take-Two Trading Halted   <10:45 PM CST - schu>
Rev Ted brings us some rather odd financial news today.  Apparently NASDAQ suspended trading of Take-Two's shares on Monday.  Trading won't resume until Take-Two submits more information on their recent accounting debacle ( AVault reported that "last month, Take Two announced it would have to restate its earnings for all of fiscal 2000 and the first three quarters of 2001 due to faulty revenue accounting that artificially inflated its top line.").

Monday- January 28, 2002 <11:45 PM CST>

GTA3 In Australia   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
S3KT0R turned up some new information on GTA3's problems with the OFLC in Australia.  So far the news sounds pretty good.  Apparently GTA3 is going to be re-released in Australia with an MA rating and with very little changed.  The OFLCs main hang-up was the ability to pick up prostitutes, have sex with them, and then shoot them to get your money back (you cheap mutha fu*kas).  From what the article says, the only change will be that in the Australian version, you simply won't be able to pick up prostitutes.  They will still be in the game, but they act just like all the other peds, you can't pick them up.  No exact re-release date was given, other than saying it would be out "soon".  You can read the entire article at AusGamers.com or check out the thread in the AusGamers Forum.  Thanks to S3KT0R for the update.

More On Whoo Kid's GTA3 Remix   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
I spoke with the web guy at Rockstar again and he sent me following on the Whoo Kid remix tape.  Now I really want to find this thing:

"Yeah, it's *totally* unofficial. That DJ, Whoo Kid, always gives his mixtapes some kind of movie theme, like Final Destination, Unbreakable, etc (www.tapekingz.com/artistpages/whookid.html). Seems he loves GTA enough though to devote his latest theme to it.

The tape is great for those who are into East Coast (NY & Philly) thug rap. Its hosted by Capone of the duo Capone-N-Noreaga, who talks about doing jobs for Luigi on Track 12 and gives out the Gun cheat code on Track 30. Plus there's all sorts of audio samples from the game in there, even the loading sequence audio (Track 9)."

Once again, if anyone sees this release anywhere, please let me know.  Check Friday's GTA3 Hip Hop update for more on this.

New GTA Sites   <11:45 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3 Cinema
  roadrage.sports-gaming.com/gta3

Site Updates & Announcements   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
MCG asked me to drop a plug in for his State Of Emergency site, SOE Central.  So here it is, check out SOE Central at soecentral.cjb.net.

Friday- January 25, 2002 <11:45 PM CST>

GTA3 Hip Hop   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
I'm not sure where you can get this just yet, but Whoo Kid has released a GTA3 mix tape.  Check it out...  Apparently it is available in some stores because the web guy at R* just told me he bought ten of them.  If you spot it anywhere, please let me know.

More XBox & GameCube Rumors   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
Planet XBox is reporting that GTA3 is in development for Microsoft's console system.  They claim that a Rockstar representative informed them that GTA3 is in development for XBox and PC, but not GameCube.  Until Rockstar makes an official announcement,  I would still consider this well within rumor territory.  From everything I've read (and heard), the only version currently in development is for the PC (excluding any sequels, etc).  Thanks to Josh for the email on this.

GTA Community News   <11:45 PM CST - schu>

• Weltstadt - A New GTA2 Map
  wsm.bernd is working on a new map for GTA2, read on for more information:
  

"I´m working on a new GTA 2 map called "weltstadt". First screenshots are available here.

Following upcoming cars from me you can see on the screenshots:
- Berliner U-Bahn (subway, the newest subways on Berlin´s underground)
- Emergency van (German version)
- Policecar (German version)
- Mercedes Benz O 405 (a bus)


• GTA2 Maps Online
  The guys over at GTA2 Maps Online have added a new message board to their site.  Take a look...

  
New GTA Sites   <11:45 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3 Rampage
  www.geocities.com/gta3rampage

Crazy Sh*t   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  Not so much funny as it is entertaining...  I think the last time I played Tapper was on my C64.

Thursday- January 24, 2002 <11:45 PM CST>

Rockstar Wants You!   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
nomp found something rather interesting over on Rockstar's site.  Rockstar Games is running a contest that could land you and your friends (friends optional) in a commercial for GTA3.  Simply send them a video tape of you and your friends playing GTA3.  All the rules and specifics are available right here!  Best of all, if you are one of the first 500 you get a Rockstar t-shirt just for entering.

GTA3Mods IRC Chat   <11:45 PM CST - schu>
If you missed the GTA3Mods IRC chat you can view the log right here.:

"For all you chadders who didn't make the IRC interview, here's a weblog of the chat. Organised by cauSTIC and Insane2757, various questions were fired at Jevon and I on the future of GTA3 Mods. Most of which was natch idle speculation, but it still made an entertaining hour :) Me and jev are in bold cos ... COs it's my site and I want to feel important :D"

Wednesday- January 23, 2002 <2:45 AM CST>

"This has to do with the whole "Free Kevin!" call on Chatterbox. Some of you, but probably not all of you, already know about Kevin Mitnick and the whole Free Kevin thing that was going on up until a year or two ago (probably while GTA3 was in development), but for those of you who don't, Kevin Mitnick was the first Hacker/Phreak to make it on the FBI's Most Wanted list. He was caught once, released, then was on the run. After he was captured, he was placed in prison for years without a trial. Anyway, if you want to read about all that, go check www.kevinmitnick.com or something like that. Also, there is a sign at the exit of the tunnel near Francis Int. Airport for a computer company called "The Big BEIGE Box.", a beige box is a tool used by phreaks to clip onto the ring and tip terminals of other people's phone lines."

  
Dodo Flights   <2:45 AM CST - schu>
Andrew has an interesting site packed with bunches of Dodo flight shots.  Basically he has been flying the Dodo around to different locations and capturing screens of those areas.  Take a look for yourself.  I found the full winged dodo shots pretty interesting.

Insane's Buffet   <2:45 AM CST - schu>
Insane2757 sent me a "buffet" of links as he likes to call it.  This is mainly a tour of GameSpot with some GTA3 stuff thrown in for good measure.  I've been caught in some of GameSpot's never ending article traps before so proceed with caution :).  Here is what Insane2757 sent in:

• Click!
  24 hours, 7 days a week video games. Neat-o. Must have the newest version of Flash to use it.
• Click!
  The history of Video Games. Interesting to say the least. It's a long article too, so I'm reading it right now.
• Click!
  Their picks for the best Video Games of 2001, all systems.
• Click!
  GameSpot's 2001 Readers' Choice Awards: Video Games. If you want PS2's best right away, istead of flipping through 9 pages of stupidity, try this link.
  

  
Site Updates   <2:45 AM CST - schu>

• I was going to use this stuff for yesterday's update but it ran so late I figured I'd just start another day.
• The GTA3 Tips section has been updated with new tips from Darq, LONESTARxp, M Goddard, mark, Jandar, Mike, LoneWolf, ShabbyCat, and PJ.  The new tips start at tip #78.  Tips 27, 44, 7, and 40 have been updated or expanded.  Yes, I know that page is huge and needs to be broken down and sorted somehow.  It is on my to-do list.
• Brian sent in an email about Saturday's, Rockstar Q&A update.  More specifically, he claims that you only need to complete ambulance level 12 to get the infinite run ability, not level 16 as it says in the Brady Strategy Guide.  Rockstar also said level 16, but it's possible they were just quoting the strategy guide as well.
• Saturday's Crazy Sh*t update actually came courtesy of both Johan Brodd and his brother Albin.  I added Albin to the update to reflect this.
• Well I ended up getting a Logitech iFeel mouse, however this iFeel crap is really bugging me so I think iFeel like trading it in for the Dual Optical.

Tuesday- January 22, 2002 <12:45 PM CST>

More on the New Cheat Codes   <12:45 PM CST - schu>
First off... A correction... Striderhiryu found the cheats on GameFAQs.com but Johhnnyknoxville actually dug them out of the GTA3 code and posted them.  In Strider's defense, I posted those codes about 30 seconds after I got them and I didn't find his second email until Sunday, so I didn't know until I read his email, and one that Johhnny sent in.  Regardless, Johhnnyknoxville deserves credit for actually spending hours going through the code and finding the new cheats.  If you want to keep up the latest, check out the forums at GameFAQs.com.  Thanks again to Johhnnyknoxville and I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

I got a few responses on the new cheat codes.  Mainly just emails to confirm that they do work.  Neel also sent in a little addendum to the Slower/Faster Gameplay cheats:

"Hey, I've been a loyal fan of Gouranga! since the original GTA, just never e-mailed before. I tried the new codes out. As far as the slow and fast gameplay goes, the more you enter it, the stronger the affect. To reverse the slow-mo code, enter the fast code as many times as you enterd the slow-MO code. (If you enterd slow-MO 4 times, enter fast gameplay 4 times to reverse it) As far as side-effects go, I'm not sure."

Nicholas also sent in a bit about the Slower/Faster Gameplay cheats.  He noticed that they will reset if something happens to you, including doing a unique stunt bonus where the camera switches to show you the action.

GTA3 On XBox?   <12:45 PM CST - schu>
There is a new article on Computers and Video Games that may leave XBox owners distraught. The article dispels any rumors of a possible May release on XBox.  On the upside, they appear to be putting all of their efforts into the PC version.  It still remains to be seen if an XBox version will be released after the PC version.

Site Updates   <12:45 PM CST - schu>
I finally got rid of this flu, for the most part.  This is the first update for the day, I will return later to add some more news and hopefully all the tips I have sitting in my inbox.  I'm off to buy a new mouse, the left button on my mouse is sticking and has begun to drive me insane.  Anyone have any good USB mouse recommendations?  I usually stick with Logitech.

Saturday- January 19, 2002 <5:45 PM CST>

New GTA3 Cheat Codes!   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
Striderhiryu dug up some new cheat codes for GTA3.  I literally just got these less than a minute ago so I haven't tested them yet.  If you do try them I highly suggest you DO NOT save your game after using them, just in case they have any side effects.  Once again thanks to Striderhiryu!

• Slower Gameplay (OD on Adrenaline)
  Triangle, Up, Right, Down, Square, R1, R2
• Faster Gameplay
  Triangle, Up, Right, Down, Square, L1, L2
• Car Chassis Invisible (Only see wheels and can see driver)
  L1, L1, Square, R2, Triangle, L1, Triangle

  
GTA3 #1 @ IGN   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
The IGN editors and the people who voted @ IGN have named GTA3 the PS2 Game of the Year and the #1 PS2 action game.  Check here to see which games won in the other categories.  Thanks to Insane2757 and Jandar.

GTA3 Makes GameSpot's TopTen   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
The headline pretty much says it all, check out the article here.  GTA3 is also still sticking at #1 on GameSpot's list of the most popular GTA3 games, with SOE coming in at #6 (thanks to Insane2757)..

Vote GTA3   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
IGN is running yet another poll.  This one is for Overall Game of the Year, across all the different systems.  Place your vote for GTA3 right here.

Rockstar Q&A   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
I've been getting two of the same questions over and over about GTA3 so I ran them by Rockstar.  The first is related to the vehicle side missions and the second is related to the highest criminal title you can obtain in the game.  If you don't want to spoil either of these things for yourself, don't read it:

• First up, here is a list of the vehicle side mission rewards and what you have to do to get them.  Apparently there was some confusion on how you went about getting the flame-thrower, among other rewards:
  • Taxi:  Complete 100 taxi missions (not necessarily in a row) and a new borgnine taxi is created in Harwood. The fares you collect are yours to keep.
  • Ambulance: If you save 50 pedestrians, health power-ups will be created at your hideouts. Save 100 pedestrians and Adrenaline is created at the hideouts. If you complete ambulance level 12 then infinite run is awarded enabling you to run/sprint without tiring.
  • Fire Truck: You double the money earned with each consecutive fire extinguished in a single mission. Put out 30 fires in each area of town (covering all three districts) to get the flame-thrower at your hideout. This weapon will not be unlocked by collecting hidden packages.
  • Police Car/Vigilante: Kill 40 criminals in each area of town in all three districts to create police bribe power-ups at the hideouts. Two are awarded for each district.

• The second question I keep getting is, "what is the highest criminal rating I can get in GTA3."  The answer is Boss.  There is no higher rating than boss.

GTA3 - As Seen On TV!   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
JCronic sent in the following update about GTA3 on the Fox News Channel:

"On the Fox News Channel, they did a bit Grand Theft Auto 3 and how much of a violent game it is. They showed all the gameplay and talked about the things you can do such as Killing, Kidnapping, carrying out drug deals, and they even mentioned the prostitution. They also received a statement from Rockstar mentioning how they are not promoting the game to be played by minors and other stuff like that. Just thought you'd like to know."

The Boondocks   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
The Boondocks comic strip is still going strong, check out my Monday update for all the strips published so far.  You can keep up with The Boondocks right here.  Oh yeah, and IGN finally got around to mentioning this on their site as well (thanks to Insane2757).

GTA:UK On The Move   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
gta : uk has moved to a new URL and can now be found @ grandtheftautouk.tripod.com. Please update your links and bookmarks.

Crazy Sh*t   <5:45 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  This week's selection comes courtesy of Johan Brodd and his brother Albin, who also sent in this interesting picture... and who the hell sent this one in?  Speaking of Christmas, I got a Christmas card from Rockstar awhile back that I've been meaning to scan.  I finally found the damn thing so I'll try to get that posted soon.

Site Updates   <5:45 PM CST - schu>

• Sorry for the delays.. I've been sick all week and I finally seem to be getting better...  Hopefully I'll have this damn thing kicked by early next week.

Thursday - January 17, 2002 <11:30 PM CST>

GTA3 On The DailyShow   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
Anubus is reporting that GTA3 was mentioned on Comedy Central's, The Daily Show.  John Stewart did an interview with the guy from Orange County and apparently he started talking about GTA3.  They repeat episodes pretty often so you can probably catch that episode again this week or next week.

GTA3 Rankings   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
Insane2757 is apparently quite obsessed with GTA3's rank.  First he sent this link, which shows GTA3 coming in at #2 on the best game of 2001 for the PS2.  He also sent in the following bit:

www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/simpleratings.asp
"Try this search critia:

Category: ALL
Platform: ALL
Select a Date Range: ALL TIME
Sort By: VOTING AVERAGE
Best / Worst Games: BEST
Minimum Reviews / Votes: 25
Limit Results to: 100 Games

See what comes up at #1!"

Thanks to Insane2757 for the update :)

Site Updates   <11:30 PM CST - schu>

• I added two more "BoonDocks" GTA3 comic panels to Monday's update, or you can just visit this link and click on the calendar dates to load up the other panels.
• More news and new tips in Friday's update.  Sorry for the delay, I have the flu or something and it doesn't seem to want to die.

Tuesday - January 15, 2002 <6:30 PM CST>

GTA3 PC Confirmed!   <6:30 PM CST - schu>
IGN, Gamespot and Gamespot UK have all officially confirmed the PC version of GTA3, however none of them have an official release date yet, or any other information for that matter.  But at least it's official now.  Thanks to DigitalD and Stephen for the links.

Vote GTA3   <6:30 PM CST - schu>
PS2.ign.com is asking, "What is the Best Overall Game of the year for the PlayStation 2?"  Please take a few minutes to go over there and vote for GTA3.  Thanks to Insane2757 for the update.

George is an Idiot   <6:30 PM CST - schu>
Apparently George Bush, who can't even eat a pretzel correctly, saw fit to mention video games in a recent speech on education.  He ended the speech by saying, "Maybe one day your children will be lucky enough to have a rich father who can buy them the presidency, like my father did for me", he then ran off the stage screaming when someone offered him a pretzel.  ConsoleWire did a small article on the subject if you want to see what our idiotic leader has to say about this.  While I do agree that parents should be keeping an eye on their children, I also feel it's my duty to make fun of our moronic leader.  Once again, thanks to Insane2757.

GTA Community News   <6:30 PM CST - schu>

• Total GTA Back Online
  The headline pretty much says it all, go to totalgta.n2v.net to visit Total GTA.

• Operation Black Thunder
  Pyro and Gunman have a new GTA2 map in development.  They are also offering a deal where if you are the first one to email them, you'll get an early copy to review.  Here are the details from Pyro and Gunman:

"Me and Pyro started working on a new GTA2 project called 'Operation Black Thunder'. The map has only been in development for a few days but we're working together on it and it's going rather good at the moment.

Here's what the plot roughly sounds like:

Somewhere in the future, two cities are at war. The Krakov and Nanosoft are both fighting each other. This is where you (Captain Horus) has been promoted to the '2nd Armoured Division'. Somehow Captain Horus got a document which confirmed that Nanosoft is developing the Battle Cruiser Hyperion. A sort of spaceship equipped with the Omega Weapon which can destroy anything in it's path. Only one man can stop the Omega Weapon. And that's obviously you...

The map will most likely use a new style file with some modified tiles and cars. Pyro currently expects the map to be ready in a month or two.

Click here to go to the 'Operation Black Thunder' site or visit the 'Operation Black Thunder' page on my site , right here.

  
Site Updates   <6:30 PM CST - schu>

• Tomorrow's update may be running a little late, hopefully I'll get home in time to put something online.
• I added another "BoonDocks" comic panel to yesterday's update, or you can just visit this link.

Monday - January 14, 2002 <9:30 AM CST>

GTA3 On GameCube?   <9:30 AM CST - schu>
GameInformer is reporting that GTA3 will be released for GameCube this fall.  Still no word on the fate of the XBox version, but it seems odd that they would do a GameCube version and not an XBox version.  Especially since porting a PC version of GTA3 to XBox would be so simple.  I'm still working on getting a comment from Rockstar so until they release some official statement, I think I'll consider this a rumor.  This news was found on PlanetGameCube by JL2001 and Broad Sword.

GTA3 & The Boondocks   <9:30 AM CST - schu>
GTA3 has been spotted in the nationally syndicated comic strip, The Boondocks.  So far they have have run three comic strips with GTA3 mentioned in them.  You can view the three strips below.  Try checking this link tomorrow to see if they run another GTA3 strip.

Thanks to Brian and MordisMe for emailing these strips in.

GTA3 Sims Poster   <9:30 AM CST - schu>
If you play The Sims and are looking for a GTA3 poster, well then maybe Dan & Josh can help out.  You can download their GTA3 poster for The Sims right here.

Friday - January 11, 2002 <8:30 AM CST>

Snowball City 2 Draws Near   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
illspirit is back at work on Snowball City 2 (SC2) and apparently he is getting close.  Just to refresh your memory, SC2 is a GTA2 map and is the sequel to illspirit's GTA map, Snowball City.  You can check out all of illspirit's top notch maps on his site, illconceived.

Violence In Video Games   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
Recently the US Court of Appeals ruled against the state of Indiana and awarded the video game industry $318,000 to cover legal fees.  The ruling centers around a bill Indiana passed to keep minors from playing violent video games in public arcades.  The bill was ruled unconstitutional and waste of taxpayer money.  You can learn more about this on the AusGamer's forums or read the original article, here.  Thanks to S3KT0R for the links.

New GTA Sites   <8:30 AM CST - schu>

• GTA2 Maps Online
  www.geocities.com/pyro_gta

  
Crazy Sh*t   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  That link takes a while to load up, but it's especially relevant if you've been laid off or are currently unemployed.

Site Updates   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
I've added eight great new tips in to the GTA3 Tips page, starting at tip #70.  Thanks to the all the contributors.

Wednesday - January 9, 2002 <8:30 AM CST>

Vote GTA3!   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
PS2.ign.com is conducting a reader poll for the PS2 game of the year.  Simply click here, then click to vote for best action game, and vote for GTA3.  Thanks to Insane2757 for the link.

Unsafe Cheat Codes   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
As you may or may not know, some of the GTA3 cheats are not safe and cannot be reversed if you save your game while they are in effect.  I have elaborated on these cheats in the GTA3 Tips & Cheats section.  If you do save while using one of these cheats the only way to reverse the damage is to load a game you saved before you used the cheat.  As far as I know there is no way to reverse any of these cheats, so if you save while you're using one, you are pretty much screwed.  But, on the bright side of things, at least you don't have to wipe the entire GTA3 save file.  The moral of the story is to make sure you make use of the multiple save slots.

Australian GTA3 Cover Art   <8:30 AM CST - schu>
L. Tyson sent in scans of the Australian GTA3 cover art, he was one of the lucky few who purchased GTA3 before the ban.

Monday - January 7, 2002 <11:30 PM CST>

GTA4 Confirmed?   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
PS2 Era is reporting that a contact at Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA4 is in development and will be released before the end of 2002.  The article goes on to say that it has been in development for some time now for the PS2.  I'll see what I can find out about the article or if I can get anything confirmed, but I'd be willing to bet that Rockstar won't be commenting.  Until they go official with GTA4 we won't really know what's going on with it for sure.  I'm never quite sure what to believe anymore because every time I talk to Dan about one of these articles he almost always says that until it's official, everything is pure speculation.  Read the rest of the article at PS2 Era.  Thanks to Albert/UnDone for the link.

GTA Community News   <11:30 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3Mods.com On GTA3 Multiplayer
  Stilton sent in the following update from GTA3Mods.com:
  
  "Yesterday Jevon upped in top article on the possibilities on multiplayer in GTA3 - a must read. You can check it out by pointing your browser at www.gta3mods.com/articles/multiplayer.shtml. We've also released the Beta 0.8 of Car Stat Editor for Grand Theft Auto 3. She's quite a stable release, allowing you to edit to your hearts content all 32 stats for each of the GTA3 Cars. Download link can be found @ www.gta3mods.com/programs/cse.shtml"

• HyperTony's New Forum URL
  Tony Sutton has a nice new URL for the excellent collection of forums on his site.  You can find the forums @ www.hyperboard.co.uk.  The forums have discussions on both the Midtown Madness series and the GTA series, along with an assorted collection of other topics.
  

• GrandTheftAuto-3 Forums
  GrandTheftAuto-3.com has opened a new set of GTA forums at www.gta-3forums.com.

• GTA3 - Miss Match.com Opens
  The GTA3 Miss Match network site is now open at gta3.miss-match.com.

Friday - January 4, 2002 <11:30 PM CST>

DMA Updated   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
DMA has updated their site with a GTA3 cheats section.  From what I can tell the three cheats currently listed have already been released.  They will be posting more cheats on that page, but as far as I know, all the cheats for GTA3 have been released.  Thanks to Phil for the update...

Rockstar Desktops   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
I thought I mentioned this before, but looking back I must have missed it.  Rockstar Games has released a set of official GTA3 desktops for use on your computer.  Check out the Rockstar Games site for details.  Thanks to Tom for the update...

GTA3 PC Release Date?   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
TotalVideoGames recently posted an article saying Rockstar had officially announced the release date for GTA3 PC.  I recently spoke with the guys at Rockstar and so far, GTA3's PC release has not been officially announced. Current rumors and pre-orders are pointing to an April release date, but until Rockstar sends out a press release we won't know for sure.  Thanks to S3KTOR for the link.

Crazy Sh*t   <11:30 PM CST - schu>
These are both on the 18+ side of things...  Don't ask, just click!  or check out EBay for awhile (ok, so they are all broken).

Thursday - January 3, 2002 <1:30 AM CST>

Random Bits of News   <1:30 AM CST - schu>

• GTA3 - Game of the Year
  Eurogamer has listed GTA3 as one of the PS2 games of the year.  Also listed was Devil May Cry.
• GTA3 PC Release Date
  dyar1 did some looking at GameGuru and turned up a March release date for the PC version of GTA3.  Most pre-orders are still placing GTA3 as an April release on PC and I'd be willing to bet that the April date is a little more accurate.  Rockstar still hasn't officially commented on an exact date.  Personally I'd be willing to wait a little longer if we could get multiplayer on PC.  I can't even comprehend how much fun it would be running around Liberty City online with 20+ other people, here's hoping.
  
• New Year's Resolutions
  The console editor at AVault mentioned GTA3 in his new year's resolutions.
• M$ & Take2
  PS2.ign.com dropped in a prediction about M$'s rumored interest in Take2 saying, "Take-Two will decline, and Microsoft will buy another major developer, probably the most competent independent, all-console developer remaining on the market, Angel Studios."
• GTA3 Selling Well
  GTA3 sales have been steadily increasing, placing at #2 in November and #1 for early December.  
  

• GTA Sentinel's Walkthrough
  GTA Sentinel has released the Portland section of their GTA3 walkthrough.  You can view the walkthrough at 3dap.com/gta.
  

  
Rockstar's New Game   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
Insane2757 spotted something interesting over at PS2.ign.com.  Apparently Rockstar will be publishing a new PS2 game named Icon that is currently in development in Australia.  Very little is known at this time but they are expected to announce it in January or February.  In other Rockstar related news, SOE should be shipping sometime this month ,according to all the pre-orders, I really can't wait to play that game.

Let The FreeLoading Begin   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
FreeLoader.com is back online so if you still don't want to shell out $9 for GTA, you can legally download the free version at FreeLoader.  I still think it's worth the purchase price, just to have the soundtrack.  Thanks to Shane Hardesty for the email on this.

New GTA Sites   <1:30 AM CST - schu>

• GTA: Uruguay
  The First Spanish GTA Site
  http://gta.xsoftnet.com

  
Happy New Year   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
I've finally returned.  As you might have guessed, updating from my parents' house didn't work out.  For one I could never get email to work properly and I never really had any time while I was there.