Friday - May 31, 2002   <5:05 PM CST>

Cheat Problems   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
I've gotten a few emails on this and it seems like some of the PS2 cheat problems may plague the PC version as well.  Mainly, after using some cheats you cannot disable them, so if you save you may be stuck with a cheat for the rest of a game.  I've added the PS2 warning above the PC codes until we can determine which codes are "safe".  If you have any information regarding the codes, please check the GTA3 cheats section and then email me with any corrections.

Skin Updates   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
I posted new skins and updates from Brian, Cabola, CUCKOOL4ND, FeoNix, FoX, Frankie Finito, -GRiM-, Olivier, Richard, Vash, and Zeeont.

GTA3 PC Tech Support   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
Having problems with GTA3 PC?  GTA3.com turned up some very useful links you might want to try.  First is Seagrave's GTA3 installation/configuration guide.  Next up is HardOCP's article, which is basically some correspondence between one of their readers and Take2's tech support.  If all else fails you might want to visit the Take2 tech support page.

GTA3 Nude Patch   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
This update has been removed because the owner of the site hosting the patch and texture editor apparently couldn't deal with the lure of ad money and decided to mine his site with 8 million popup ads, some of which were viral in nature.  He should feel free to fuck off and die at his own convenience.
Sven wasn't satisfied with the way the hookers were dressed, so he... well... undressed them.  Actually the hookers in Sven's world are all topless.  I haven't tested this patch out so I can't say if it works, so proceed with caution...  To download the patch, go to >removed<.  Check out the rest of his site >removed<.

"I’m proud to present you the GTA3-Nudepatch. With this patch the prostitutes in the redlight-districts of the cities are topless. Especially fine is the graphic quality.

It’s strictly forbidden to link directly to the patch or host the link by yourself anywhere!"

  
GTA3 PC Review   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
MonkeyReview has posted their GTA3 PC review awarding GTA3 4 1/2 bananas out of a possible 5 :).

Crazy Sh*t   <5:05 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  (Thanks to Camilo for the Robo link).
Ever wonder just how fucking dumb our president is?  Well, look no further.  Try reading Michael Moore's new book if you need any more proof of his stupidity.

Thursday - May 30, 2002   <10:35 AM CST>

GTA3 Skins   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
I added all the new and old skins to the GTA3 Skins section.  If you have any problems with the skins there or the page itself, please let me know.  Thanks to everyone who submitted new GTA3 skins and keep sending them in.

Replay's Revisited  <10:35 AM CST - schu>
Yesterday I posted the bit on how to do replays in GTA3 and I got some clarification on how they work or you can just read the manual :) ...  Cabola sent the following in:

• F1 = Will let you se the last 30 seconds replay...
• F2 = Will save the last 30 second replay to the file replay.rep in your GTA3 User Files folder..
• F3 = Will play the saved replay.rep file in your GTA3 User Files folder..

Thanks to Cabola and Cruzn.

GTA3 PC Save Game Files   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
John found a few GTA3 PC save game files for download over at GTA3:Shibby.  The two saves there will unlock all levels or unlock all missions.

Rockstar Icons   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
dElAvA is at it again, this time he sent in a collection of 15 Rockstar Icons.  He also sent in some ideas on how to use them:

"I made these quick I'm thinking of making color coded ones for gta3 pc mod files.  Yellow for language files as in the old Gman Blue for map files and zone files as in Junction25.  Just some ideas."

While you're at it, you might also want a nice set of Rockstar wallpaper.

GTA3 Reviews   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
EuroGamer posted their review of GTA3 PC (no score), take a look.  BattleFields also has a review up, giving GTA3 a 9 out of 10.

GTA3 T-Shirts   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
Rockstar Warehouse was recently revamped. They've also added a selection of T-shirts with advertisements from the game (Dormatron, PetsOvernight.com, etc).

Site Updates   <10:35 AM CST - schu>
I had a few replies from people who found out they were infected by the Klez virus.  chaos noted that you can also use Trend Micro's online scanner if you don't want to download anything.  If you haven't read it already, please read yesterdays Public Service Announcement.

Wednesday - May 29, 2002   <9:40 AM CST>

Public Service Announcement   <6:22 AM CST - schu>
This is just a quick warning about the Klez virus.  If you aren't running a virus scanner currently I highly suggest you look into one and update it daily.  I've recently been getting Klez sent to me up to ten times a day or more (usually more), luckily my virus scanner has been picking it up and removing it from all the attachments.  You should also be aware that just because someone tells you they got an infected email from you, it doesn't necessarily mean it's from you.  The Klez virus attaches a random FROM address on its emails, so anyone that has you in their address book could possibly send a viral message that says it's from you.  Additionally, the virus also sends emails to uninfected people telling them that their emails were bounced back because they were infected, thereby infecting them.  If you think you are infected you can download a free removal tool from SARC, right here.  Make sure you read the instructions VERY CAREFULLY, it requires that you disable any system restore features (available in WinME/XP) and it requires that you restart in safe mode before running it, but if you follow it step by step you should be ok.  You might also be interested to know that if it gets through, it can corrupt some virus software and make it appear as if you are protected, when in fact you are infected.  Further information on the virus can be found here.  Currently I've been updating my virus definitions daily, but just to be sure I've done a number of full system scans with my virus scanner and I ran the tool to be sure.

If you are infected, the virus will overwrite .txt, .htm, .html, .wab, .doc, .xls, .jpg, .cpp, .c, .pas, .mpg, .mpeg, .bak, or .mp3 files on the 6th of odd numbered months.

Insane2757 wrote in the last time I posted this message to inform people about AVG Antivirus, a FREE antivirus program that comes complete with email protection, free updates and more.  You can download it from www.grisoft.com.

GTA Vice Posting   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
I put together a rundown on GTA Vice and pinned it at the top of the G! forum.  Basically it's a listing of what we know about the title right now with a little history tossed in.  If you are new to the forums, please make sure you read the notes in the Message Board section, it should clear up how the registration process works.

New PC Reviews   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
Both IGN (9.4) and Gamespot (9.3) have posted reviews for GTA3 PC. The IGN article includes 14 new screenshots while the GameSpot article includes 31 new shots.

More GTA3 Icons   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
dElAvA was inspired by the icons I posted in the last update so he decided to create his own set for some of the apps he uses.  They are not high-res XP icons like the other set, just 32x32, but they still look great.  You can download the set of nine new icons right here (19k).  Here is a list of the icons that dElAvA included with his email:

• gta3_AOL.ico - AOL icon made from the Yakuza logo
• gta3_Bricks.ico - icon for a Tetris game made from the Leone logo
• gta3_car1.ico - icon of the green car render
• gta3_car2.ico - icon of the HummVee render
• gta3_cmaker - icon of the Flashback FM logo for CircuitMaker 2000 a program I use for the layout of PCBs
• gta3_icons.ico - pink Roman numeral from the GTA3 logo
• gta3_IE.ico - icon for Internet Explorer the E is from the GTA3 logo
• gta3_Omega.ico - icon for a car audio reference program the car is from the ps2 box art
• gta3_See.ico - icon for ACDSee the image viewer Luigi would kill me for this one
  

  
GTA3 CounterStrike   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
Cy Kindsfather found a great GTA3/CounterSrike collage over on CS-Nation, take a look.

GTA3 PC Replays   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
Steve wrote in with some tips on how to use the replay function in GTA3 PC, here is what he submitted:

"I don't know if this is common knowledge already, but as far as I can tell it is undocumented and not on the net. If you press F2 in GTA3 PC, it will save the last 30 second replay to the file replay.rep in your GTA3 User Files folder. If you press F3, it will play the saved replay.rep file. I haven't tested it but you can probably pass these files around on the net. Of course replays are kinda messed up in GTA3 anyway, but this could be nice for showing off your best insane stunts."

I've also noticed F1 seems to work as well, but I haven't quite figured out the difference between how all the replay keys work.

GTA3 Gangs   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
*ICEY* put together a slick looking GTA3 Gangs site where you can register/create a gang, post events, etc...  Sort of like a GTA3 gangs database, check it out @ gangs.mine.nu.

GTA3 Radio Spots   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
GaminGuy heard the Maibatsu Monstrosity advert on London's Capital FM so I guess they started playing the radio ads again.  I went ahead and reposted the links to all the ads if you want to hear them for yourself (they are all in MP3 format):

• Maibatsu Monstrosity
• Pogo The Monkey
• Dormatron
• Fernando's New Beginnings
• PetsOvernight.com
  

Thanks to GarminGuy for the update.

R* Buddy Icon   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
Blake made a Rockstar buddy icon for the AOL Instant Messenger.  You can get it right here.  A month ago IRCool sent in this link to some GTA related AOL icons, if you use AIM, you might want to take a look.

GTA3 UK Prices   <9:40 AM CST - schu>
Graham spotted GTA3 PC at Gamestation for £24.99 delivered.  Play.com is still offering it for £19.99, but I suppose if you want to go with someone other than Play, Gamestation is a close second in the GTA3 price war.  On a side note, I also saw various versions of GTA, GTA London, and GTA2 offered at both Play and Gamestation.  In the US it is rather difficult, if not impossible, to find the original GTA and GTA London for PC.

Site Updates   <9:40 AM CST - schu>

• OK, I worked through all the email and posted all the news I have so far.  I also have a bunch of new skins to post, but that will have to wait until later tonight, after I get some sleep.  I'll probably end up dropping them on their own page so they are easier to find.
• Sorry about the delay... I was in Chicago at my friend's birthday/memorial day party and I just now got back...  I finished downloading all the email, to find that my antivirus program deleted attachments from 50+ Klez infected emails.  I went ahead and reposted the Klez update I did last month to hopefully inform more people about it. 

Saturday - May 25, 2002   <8:00 AM CST>

GTA3 Icons   <8:00 AM CST - schu>
Thuggers put together a very nice set of high res icons for Windows XP.  There are six icons in all, available right here.  They would probably go nicely with a GTA3 desktop.

DMA = Rockstar Studios = Rockstar North   <6:00 PM CST - schu>
Rockstar Studios has changed its name once again, this time to Rockstar North.  You may recall that not long ago DMA Design changed over to Rockstar Studios, well apparently that didn't sit well so now they are Rockstar North.  Check IGN for more.  Thanks to Insane2757 for the link.

New Skins   <11:59 PM CST - schu>
A bunch of new skins came in, they are all posted below under the authors' names.  The downloads are relatively small so I didn't post the preview shots.  By the time you preview it you could have already downloaded it.  They are all well under 100k, most are under 50k:

• Phucker

Counter Strike Terrorist

• gta_player2001

  Jitter
  Rocketman
  Rocketman (short sleeve)
  Scott

• Peril

  Radioactive Man
  The Snowman

• car1o

  Red Eyes

Thanks to everyone who sent in skins, if you have one you'd like me to post, send it in.

GTA3 In Maxim   <11:59 PM CST - schu>
LoneWolf spotted GTA3 in the latest issue (June 2002) of Maxim magazine.  Apparently it's a pretty cool feature where they have the drawn versions of the GTA3 characters modeling different clothes.  According to LoneWolf, "it features Donald Love, El Burro, Machowski, Joey, Luigi, 8-ball, Salvatore, and Kenji all modeling clothes that seem to fit the character."

The Competition   <11:59 PM CST - schu>
Just one today, but this one looks a lot closer than the others I've been posting (other than Mafia that is)...  True Crime: Streets of LA looks like a combination of Max Payne and GTA3, check it out at IGN and at GameSpot.  Thanks to Apollo Rockafella for the IGN link.

Make that two actually, forgot about Postal 2...  It's not very GTA like, but it does sound demented.  Sort of like the first Postal :) ....

Crazy Sh*t   <11:59 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  Check here for more...

Friday - May 24, 2002   <5:00 PM CST>

GTA3 PC Reviewed   <5:00 PM CST - schu>
I just got my issue of PC Gamer (July - US) in the mail and GTA3 is on the cover.  The issue contains a three page review with a rating of 92%, but wait there's more.  It also contains an excellent four page strategy extravaganza including the locations of all the hidden packages, two cheat codes, and a listing of their top ten secrets.  Granted some of their secrets really aren't all that secret but it's definitely an issue worth picking up or at least perusing in your local magazine isle.

GTA3 In Wired   <5:00 PM CST - schu>
Wired.com recently posted an article entitled, "Games: The Movies You Play".  The article mainly discusses the movie/game similarities and has a short blurb about GTA3's audio in it:

"Sound is an important part of that process. For some time, game designers have spent millions creating soundtracks with high-profile pop artists and well-known composers. Sure, the Final Fantasy soundtracks have sold in excess of 100,000 copies, but most fall remarkably short of big numbers.

Now, sound engineers are micromanaging every sound in a game. A typical game has 5,000 sound files, 100 music files and 10,000 voice files that must be delivered in real time. In Grand Theft Auto 3, the top-selling game this year, each radio station has its own play list and commercials. When a player is standing outside a car, the sounds are muted. Everything is designed to add realism to the game."

Thanks to IdeoPraxist for the link.

Site Updates   <5:00 PM CST - schu>
I should have more news later tonight, assuming something rolls in by then...

Thursday - May 23, 2002   <8:55 PM CST>

Vice City Box Art   <8:55 PM CST - schu>
Rockstar sent out the official Vice City box art today, take a look.

I suppose the big question is going to be about the motorcycle on the upper right.  They never did motorcycles in GTA3 because they said the animation required was too time consuming, and they'd rather use that time to add other features.  Guess we'll have to wait and see if motorcycles will indeed make an appearance in Vice City.

Vice City To Appear On PC   <8:55 PM CST - schu>
GTA3.com dug up a new announcement from Take2 confirming that GTA Vice will make an appearance on the PC.

The Competition   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
Just a few more updates on the competition:

Stuntman

• IGN's impressions

Getaway

• IGN's Getaway Interview

  
Downtime   <8:55 PM CST - schu>
The server was down today although I really can't say why.  I called the tech people and they seem to have brought it back to life.

Site Updates   <8:55 PM CST - schu>
I'll have more updates a little later on...

Wednesday - May 22, 2002   <11:55 PM CST>

GTA3 PC Cheats   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
CauSTiC sent me a full list of GTA3 PC cheats, which I believe were first posted at GTA3.com.  I've added them to the GTA3 Tips & Cheats section.

GTA3 PC Multiplayer Remnants   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
illspirit was digging around the GXT file and turned up some remnants of GTA3 PC's multiplayer content.  He also sent a shot along, take a look.

GTA Vice Box Art & Preorders   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
ACEGOLIATH was poking around GameStop and he turned up a listing for GTA Vice with a shot of the box art.  EB has a listing for Vice as well, but rather than use the actual box, they made their own mockup, and strangely enough named it GTA IV - Vice City.  I was under the impression that GTA4 and GTA Vice were different products with GTA4 being the actual sequel out in 2003 and GTA Vice being a spin-off due out in October 2002.

GTA3 PC Skin   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
TeamParadox sent in a new skin (54k) for GTA3 PC of The Crow.  Here is the email he sent along with the skin:

"This is much first skin, not for GTA I mean first ever, I think its OK as is but ill update it as I get better in Photoshop, if anyone can edit my skin to fix the hair and the pixelation in the pants that would be fine to, its a skin of "The Crow", or at least kinda like it, like I said I suck at this and I was bored!"

If you have a skin for GTA3 PC, please feel free to send it in and I'll do my best to post it...

E3 Stuff   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
Here are a just a few of the things that jumped out at me...  First off, IGN posted their update on the GTA/Sony exclusive agreement, but they still don't specify if the PC will be included in this moratorium.  I'm checking with Rockstar to see if I can get any "official" word on if we'll see another PC version of GTA before 2004.  

You can find a little more on the PS2 network adapter here at IGN.

And IGN has also posted a list of the $19.99 titles for PS2, which as I mentioned yesterday includes Rockstar's Midnight Club and Smugglers Run...

GTA3 PC's Copy Protection   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
Matt turned up an article on GTA3 PC's copy protection.  Apparently it's the first game to use SafeDisc3.

The Competition   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
I'll probably keep posting update's GTA's competitors as new stuff rolls in from E3.  Pete was wondering why I didn't mention Mafia in the last update.  Well mainly because I haven't seen any E3 updates on it, but it's definitely a title I'm looking forward to.  Now on to the E3 updates (some are a bit of a stretch)...  

Cash Money Millionaires

• PSX Extreme's Coverage

Getaway

• IGN's E3 Coverage
• GameSpot's Coverage

Stuntman

• GameSpot's Coverage

Knight Rider

• IGN's Coverage

Thanks to LazlowFan for the Cash Money Millionaire's link.

More Video Game Violence Crap   <11:55 PM CST - schu>
gta_player2001 turned up this article on Special Reserve about a recent shooting in Dallas.  Apparently the defendant's lawyer is trying to pin the blame on violent video games.  I'm sure it had nothing to do with easy access to a handgun and a parent who's IQ is roughly on par with a glass of water...

New GTA Sites   <11:55 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3 HQ
  www.gta3hq.tk

• GTA Chat & More
  joe86291.proboards12.com/index.cgi

Tuesday - May 21, 2002   <8:40 PM CST>

GTA - Sony Exclusive Till 2004   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
Bad news for XBox, GameCube, and possibly PC fans.  Gamespot is reporting that all GTA titles published before 2004 will be made exclusively for Sony.  It remains to be seen if the PC will be affected by this.  Previous Sony exclusives didn't include the PC so we can only hope that this deal is the same.  Rockstar has said time and time again that they have always supported both the PC and the PS and always will in the future, we can only hope that this remains to be true.  GTA3 Xbox also appears to be a no-show at E3.

GTA Vice City Confirmed   <8:00 PM CST - schu>
Rockstar has finally gone public with their plans to release GTA: Vice City.  The press release (below) is just about all we know right now, but you can bet there will be some heavy "Scarface" and "Miami Vice" influences in this one:

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; Next Installment of Grand Theft Auto Franchise To Hit Streets in October

NEW YORK--May 21, 2002--Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing division of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), proudly announces Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the follow-up to the global blockbuster title Grand Theft Auto 3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the latest installment in the gaming franchise that has exceeded 11 million units in total sales to-date. It will be available exclusively for PlayStation(R)2 and is expected to hit retail shelves in the United States on October 22nd. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City will surpass the unprecedented gameplay, cinematic graphics and immersive audio experience that gamers associate with Grand Theft Auto 3, which was released in October 2001 and has rapidly become the fastest selling, highest grossing game for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system to date, with global sales exceeding 6 million units. Rockstar Games will release additional information about the game's content in July, but the following details are clear: It's an entirely new game set in the '80s, the location is Vice City, and the vibe is glamour, power and corruption...

Sam Houser, the executive producer of the Grand Theft Auto franchise and president of Rockstar Games, commented, "The success of Grand Theft Auto 3 has made us very proud, but it has also motivated us enormously. The work currently being done by our development and production teams in Edinburgh and New York is going to surpass the efforts of last year, as we set our sights on making an even more revolutionary gaming experience. This will be reflected in the size of the game, the scope of the gameplay, the extent of the gameplayer's freedom, the quality of production value and the all-important sense of style."

Les Benzies, the producer of Grand Theft Auto games, noted, "Although it may appear to be a challenge to develop a game superior to Grand Theft Auto 3, our progress to date on Vice City makes me highly confident that we can deliver a truly innovative game." Kelly Sumner, Take-Two Interactive Software's Chief Executive Officer added, "Grand Theft Auto 3 has become the "must-have" title for PlayStation(R)2 and is appropriately regarded as a landmark in interactive entertainment. We are delighted with the plans for Vice City, and are totally committed to supporting Rockstar's creative efforts and investing in the development and marketing approach that made Grand Theft Auto 3 such a tremendous success."

You can read more on this at GameSpot, Yahoo, and Game Faction.  Thanks to Rockstar games for the logo and press release and to Crashton, Dave, Gary, Nick, Jkool, FName, and ACEGOLIATH for the links.

IGN's First Impressions   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
PC.IGN.com posted their first impressions of GTA3 PC, including 23 new screen shots, check it out.

GTA3 PC In Stores   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
GTA3 PC has shipped and has even been spotted in some stores in the US.  Check GameSpot, IGN, and Avault for more.  The UK release should follow in the next few days, but no later than this Friday.  Thanks to Neil for the update.

Price Drop on PS2 Games   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
GameSpot is reporting that Sony will be annoucing a price drom from $49.99 to $39.99 on all it's first party software for PS2.  You might also be interested to know that Rockstar recently dropped the price of Midnight Club and Smuggler's Run to $19.99.  I also noticed that Twisted Metal Black has been dropped to $19.99 as well.  I realize that Twisted Metal isn't a Rockstar game, but if you're looking for a decent multiplayer fix on PS2, it's at least worth $19.99.  Gamespot for more on the R* price drop.

Consoles Online   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
I found a few interesting E3 updates about the various plans for taking PS2, XBox, and GC online.  Click the console for the cooresponding article on GameSpot.

ID Required   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
A new bill in the US congress would make it illegal to sell violent games to minors.  The new system would require retailers to ID everyone buying games that depict graphical violence.  Check GameSpot for the full article.

The Competition   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
Check GameSpot for new updates on GTA's competition.  Mainly, The Getaway, Midtown Madness 3, and Knight Rider (ok not really competition, just David Hasslehoff).

Site Updates   <8:00 PM CST - schu>
Christ, this page looks like a GameSpot news index...  I'll work on adding those new shots from IGN's article to the GTA3 Media Index, should be up shortly.

Monday - May 20, 2002   <8:30 PM CST>

GameSpy Previews GTA3 PC   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
Rev Ted sent in a link to an excellent GTA3 PC preview on GameSpy.  The preview is well worth the read and can be found right here.  The preview features fifteen high-res screenshots, most of which are new.  Here are a few quotes:

"According to the publisher, mod and level creators will have an easy time creating additions to the game. Although it is not officially supported, anyone that's familiar with Renderware should be able to concoct something fairly quickly."

"Players can also create skins for the main character. I was able to see a modified version of the main character with a skin that made him look like Freddy Mercury. The Rockstar representative wasn't amused when I sang Bicycle Race in its entirety... but I digress. You can change the appearance of the main character by creating a 256 x 256 bitmap file divided into six panels, each corresponding to a different section of the body. Not only do you see the skin during gameplay, but in cutscenes as well."

"You can run, but you can't hide! Many PC gamers anxious to play this game were a bit disappointed when they learned that it will not include a multiplayer mode. The publisher claims that plans were nixed because the quality in the multiplayer gameplay was where it wanted it to be. It was also implied that the company will not be releasing a multiplayer patch in the future, but would rather have the next game in the series designed with a multiplayer component from the start."

  
Another Uninformed Journalist   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
The Philedelphia Inquirer recently posted an article on the video game's industries aging fanbase.  The article actually isn't too bad, but then they had to go and mention GTA3:

"Grand Theft Auto III, the top-selling game of 2001, invites players to take on the role of a rampaging thug who may, for example, shoot off the leg of a bystander and then beat the victim with the severed limb, in vivid color."

I'm not sure about you, but I don't remember being able to do that.  Then again I don't think I ever tried (I think you can do that in SOE though :) ).  Thanks to nimec for the link.

Site Updates   <8:40 PM CST - schu>
The GTA3 Media Index has been updated with the new PC shots from GameSpy.

Saturday - May 18, 2002   <1:30 AM CST>

GTA3 PC Gone Gold   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
IGN and GoneGold.com have both confirmed that GTA3 is done and is in production as you read this.  It's currently slated to hit stores on May 22nd in the US.  Thanks to Crashton and Saggy.

Real Thugz   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
LBhaker3k found a turn-based web game that has some definite GTA themes to it.  You can check out the game at www.realthugz.com.

Crazy Sh*t   <1:30 AM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  Check out some of the links there, including their movie and the link to XiaoXiao's stuff.

Thursday - May 16, 2002   <12:00 AM CST>

Four New GTA3 Shots   <12:00 AM CST - schu>
Rockstar has released four GTA3 PC shots to a few of the GTA fans sites, including G!.  Here are the new shots:

Thanks to Rockstar for the new shots.

More Hands On GTA3 PC   <12:00 AM CST - schu>
Gamespot released their "hands on" article today, along with ten new screenshots.  Check out the new stuff below:

New Stuff:

"Options menu sliders let you adjust things like draw distance, and you can toggle the blur effect used throughout the PS2 version on or off. The game also allows some slight modification. You can create skins for the game's main character, and you can create your own radio station using your MP3 collection. You can also view replays of your past antics at any time and save those replays for later viewing or sharing. The loading times have also been greatly shortened, now taking no more than a couple of seconds to load up things like mission briefings."

"The PC version of the game uses a much more conventional mouselook-style control scheme. It puts an aiming reticle onscreen and lets you use the mouse to aim anywhere you like. The keyboard works well for moving, though the default scheme seems to spread functions all around the keyboard. Right-shift is used for running, enter gets you in and out of cars, and the arrow keys move your character. Other keys are used for more auxiliary features, such as looking out the side windows of your car, turning on optional missions, and so on."

Screenshots:

• New Shot 1
• New Shot 2
• New Shot 3
• New Shot 4
• New Shot 5
• New Shot 6
• New Shot 7
• New Shot 8
• New Shot 9
• New Shot 10

Thanks to illspirit for the email on this one.

Site Updates   <12:00 AM CST - schu>
All of the new GTA3 PC shots have been added to the GTA3 Media Index.

Wednesday - May 15, 2002   <5:30 AM CST>

Hands On GTA3 PC   <1:11 AM CST - schu>
PC.IGN.com has posted a three page hands on GTA3 PC exclusive.  The exclusive features ten new screenshots and a few new bits of news.  Here are the most interesting quotes:

New Stuff:

"Another instance that conveys that Grand Theft Auto 3 is truly growing up, is that at least one mission requires your character to arrive at the train station at a specific time. You have to check your watch and catch this particular train at 6 am to get to another point to complete a second task. Miss the train, however, and you failed. Paying attention to the ongoing changes of night and day is often crucial, and quite spectacular, too."

"While you can opt to play with a gamepad and basically emulate the PS2 controls, I prefer the keyboard-mouse combo. In typical shooter fashion, you use the "WASD" keys to move your car or character, and you can use the mouse to control aiming, giving you much more precision than could be achieved in the PS2 version. Carjacking is a little bit awkward with the default configuration as you have to hit the "Enter" key to jump into a car, but with customized controls you can assign the key wherever you want it. And in case you're wondering, there's no support for a driving wheel...but that's not such a bad thing since you have so many other things to do in the game and the wheel would most likely just get in the way."

"Like the controls, the PC version has gotten a big facelift over the PS2 version. Not only can you bump up the resolution to an eye-piercing 1600x1200 with 32-bit textures, but the game sports better lighting and particle effects than the PS2, although it depends on your video card (the Radeon 8500 looks boss!)."

"Although the game requires a 450MHz machine with a 16MB graphics card, the game is fully scalable so you can adjust the detail to your system specs. And if you're one of the few people lucky enough to own a widescreen monitor, there's full support in the game for that as well."

"So what else do the PC minions get? Well, you want gore? You got it! Sure, GTA3 was pretty gory, but now in the PC version you can blow people's limbs off with a well-placed shot."

"There's also an additional character skin in the game with complete blue jeans and a mustache, which looks like a 70s porn star -- kind of a mix between Dave Grohl and George Harrison."

"Each time you step into a car in GTA3, the radio plays a different tune, or your own tunes if you happen to copy some choice mp3s to the proper directory."

"They say different things, depending on the severity of the actions. DMA is careful to mention that while some text boxes will definitely show up, there will be many, many talking scenes. For example, if you steal a taxi and you pick up a guy, he'll talk to you, or perhaps even offer you a task."

Screenshots:

• New Shot 1
• New Shot 2
• New Shot 3
• New Shot 4
• New Shot 5
• New Shot 6
• New Shot 7
• New Shot 8
• New Shot 9
• New Shot 10

Thanks to illspirit for the heads up.

GTA3 On XBox Correction   <5:30 AM CST - schu>
Saggy noticed something rather important that makes this update invalid. Apparently Gamespot's new system makes older updates accessible only to Gamespot Complete members.  While the update appears to be new, the fine print shows that it was originally posted on 02/15/01.  Sorry for the confusion.

Gamespot has confirmed that GTA3 will making an appearance on the Xbox.  Unfortunately I can't say more at this point because I don't have a GameSpot complete membership.  Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to read the damn story for free.  Thanks to peterjmag for the email on this one.

PS2 Price Drop   <1:11 AM CST - schu>
Sony has announced that the price of a PS2 will be dropped to $199, effective immediately.  Additionally they will drop the price of the PS2 Dual Shock controller and the PS2 8MB memory card.  Sony also announced price drops on the PS1 and its accessories.  Check out PS2.IGN.com for the full story.  Once again, thanks to peterjmag.

Monday - May 13, 2002   <11:50 PM CST>

IGN GTA3 Rehash   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
IGN is featuring GTA3 specials all this week on PC.IGN.com.  The first of these installments covers the vehicles of GTA3.  At first I was excited about getting some new information, until I realized that it's almost an exact copy what they posted on their PS2 site, months ago.  Compare for yourself, PC.IGN.com hype, PS2.IGN.com hype.  Thanks to JL2001 for the link (JL also noticed the similarity of the two updates).

GTA3 Delay Hoax   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
I got a few emails on Rockstar delaying the release of GTA3 based on a bogus URL.  The URL starts with the standard http://www.rockstargames.com bit, but then through a little URL trickery, it goes on and reveals the actual URL you end up at rockstar.yo.lv/gta3_del.htm.  To make a long story short, it is not true, GTA3 will still be released on May 21st US / May 24th UK.  I've also heard reports of a May 30th Australian release date.

XBox Price Drop   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
A few of the major gaming sites are reporting that Microsoft is planning on announcing a $100 price cut on the XBox, dropping it to $199.  This was first reported by Reuters and later the cut was spotted in a Wal-Mart ad.  The rumors say that the price cut will be announced at E3.  Still no official word from Rockstar on when or if they will release an XBox version of GTA3.  IGN for more.

Thursday - May 9, 2002   <10:30 PM CST>

New GTA3 PC Multiplayer Rumors   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
The German GTA site, GTA3 Zone (not to be confused with GTA Zone), is reporting that an inside source at Take2 has told them that GTA3 PC will have multiplayer, despite what has already been announced. Regardless, I would not get my hopes up over this.  I can't think for the life of me why Rockstar would go through all the trouble of announcing that GTA3 PC is strictly a single player game, only to go back on that.  From a marketing standpoint it just doesn't make sense. Thanks to wsm.bernd for the link.

Idiots   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
Well I guess there is only one idiot in this update, Jeff Rense.  S3KT0R sent me a link to one of Jeff Rense's radio shows where he drones on and on about how horrible GTA3 and SOE are.  My main problem with him is that half the stuff he says isn't even true.  At least he could have played the games he is condemning before voicing his ignorance.  Then he gets emails from people who know even less.  As it goes on, it actually gets pretty funny.  At one point they actually say that Rockstar is a front for some group that wants to degenerate the public.  All this based on a game he hasn't played from a company he's never heard of.  If you want to listen, click here.  Between 18min to 32min they talk about GTA3 and Rockstar Games, at 30min40 he talks about Rockstar and SOE's Gamespot
score (8.5), and at 39min40 he talks about the SOE website and calls it grotesque (based on looking at the site for two seconds).  You might need the Real Player to listen to Jeff's load of shit.

The second link for today isn't all that bad really, although it is entertaining.  ChristianAnswers.net posted a review of GTA3 that might be worth a read.  At least they played the game though, unlike Jeff "Dumbass" Rense.

Thanks to S3KT0R for the links.

Site Updates   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
I modified the nav bar a bit.  Basically I just yanked the GTA3 multiplayer link and dropped in screenshots link.  The new screenshots link goes a GTA3 media index where I have all the PS2 and PC screenshots, movies, and artwork.  I'm still in the process of rewriting the GTA3 info section since parts of it were found to be inaccurate after the game was released.

Wednesday - May 8, 2002   <10:20 PM CST>

More GTA3 XBox Rumors   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
Still no confirmation on XBox365.com's article, but Norton_G noticed that xbox.ign.com actually has release dates listed for both GTA3 and State of Emergency.  The one catch is that the release dates are vague, and judging by the link provided, GTA3 was originally added to the list back in February 2001.  It is true that Take2/Rockstar did announce an XBox version back then, but a month or so after that all traces of the Xbox release were wiped off the Take2 site, probably due to their rumored six month commitment to Sony.  I'll keep working on it to see what I can turn up.  Thanks to Norton_G for the email.

GTA ? Confirmed?   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
According to Pyriis, the latest issue of PSM is reporting that the next GTA game is confirmed to be in development, although I'm pretty sure they are talking about GTA4 and not GTA Miami/Vice.  I think this has been unofficially confirmed before actually.  Here is what Pyriis sent in:

"It's been awhile since I sent in a mail but I just wanted to point out that the new issue of PSM reports the next GTA game as confirmed.. In an article that talks about the console wars it has a list of games.. The top of that list is A NEW GTA GAME! and it goes on to say that only games confirmed at presstime were included in the list.. Now I know they don't say where they got the info and nothing has been reported on any of the websites of R* or Take2 but PSM is a pretty reliable source.."

GTA3 & Tony Hawk Revisited   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
Last Friday I did a short write-up on GTA3 and Tony Hawk sharing the same engine.  The main bit was based on an interview with Gearbox's Randy Pitchford that talks about the difficulties of releasing editors for games based on the Renderware engine.  Anyway, one bit of that interview turned out to be untrue.  According to PlanetTonyHawk.com, there never was a level pack for THPS3, it was just an April Fools Day joke.  What does this mean for us?  Well, not much, but it sure doesn't help the GTA3 editing cause any...  Thanks to Rob for the link.

Hidden GTA3 Skins   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
GTA3Mods.com is reporting that The GFCC has uncovered four unused GTA3 skins, check out the shots over at GTA3Mods.com.  Thanks to Banshee827 for the email.

GTAZone Back In Action   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
Gleb has relaunched his top notch German GTA site, GTAZone, with a nice new look.

GTA2 Retrospect   <10:20 PM CST - schu>
Trygve has announced that he is working on a new GTA2 project entitled GTA2 Retrospect.  Check Trygve's site for more information.

Tuesday - May 7, 2002   <5:00 AM CST>

GTA Tanks Relaunch   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
The latest version of GTA Tanks is online, hosted here at GOURANGA!.  You can access the site at both at gtatanks.gouranga.com or www.gtatanks.com.  Here is the update Harry sent in on his new ASPified site:

"The all new GTA Tanks is now completed, and available at www.gtatanks.com. All of the information from the old site has been transferred over and is now much more easy to navigate to and access. There are also some very exciting future developments planned, which will be complete firsts for the GTA community."

  
New Xbox Rumors   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
Dave saw something on XBox365.com that's sure to spawn new XBox rumors.  They recently reported that an enhanced version of GTA3 is in development for XBox and will be out this Christmas.  They go on to say that it will have support for vertex shading, bump mapping, reflection mapping as well other enhancements that take advantage of the XBox's hardware.  I'm not calling this new information completely into question, but it does seem very odd that they are the only site to report this.  Rockstar and Take2 generally release this sort of information in a press release or as any exclusive with one of the main news sites or print publications.  There is the off chance that they know someone on the inside, but even inside sources at Rockstar and Take2 aren't that liberal with information.  In the meantime I'll do some asking around and see what I can turn up.  Thanks to Dave for the link.

More GTA3 PC Ads   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
JL2001 spotted a GTA3 PC ad in the June 2002 issue of PC Gamer on pages 66 and 67.  I'm pretty sure I saw the same ad.  Basically it's just a PC shot spread over two pages with the character running through a busy intersection.  Thanks to JL2001.

GTA3 PC @ Gamers.com   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
Insane2757 is reporting that Gamers.com has a fairly new GTA3 PC preview, and that it's up to 10 (out of a possible 10) on their "user hype" thing.

Weltstadt Goes Multiplayer   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
wsm.bernd has expanded his GTA2 map project, Weltstadt, to include multiplayer support.  Check his site at www.weltstadtmafia.de.vu for more info (confusing English translation link).

Site Updates   <5:00 AM CST - schu>
Thanks to everyone who sent in "Happy Birthday" emails... I really appreciate it...

Friday - May 3, 2002   <11:40 PM CST>

GTA3 Print Ads   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
Saggy spotted a new GTA3 PC ad in the the latest issue of Computer Games Online.  Saggy said it's a full page ad with the GTA guy holding a flame thrower.  The last issue of PC Gamer also featured a GTA3 ad, although it wasn't anything spectacular.

GTA3 Editing & Tony Hawk   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
Anon dug up a pretty good interview with Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software.  Gearbox Software is the development house that ported Tony Hawk 3 over to PC.  What does this have to do with GTA3?  Simple, both Tony Hawk 3 and GTA3 both license the same engine, Renderware.  That being said, both Tony Hawk and GTA3 modders will up against similar problems.  The following question and answer bring one of the main problems to the forefront:

"You’ve stated that you will support THPS 3 with new maps and other updates. When can we expect to see the first batch of arenas and what will they look like?

A map pack was released through planettonyhawk.com. We’re also working on another update that will add some more features (as well as correct some things that have been discovered by end-users). Expect more bits of things here and there moving forward. I’d like to see more releases for mod developers, but it’s tricky because of the Renderware license and because of the way the tools work…"

Mainly the bit about the Renderware license...  The license itself may limit the editing tools Rockstar can release, since they are licensing them and don't actually have the rights to redistribute such things.  Personally I think Renderware should work on supporting modders, the way the creators of other engines have.  I suppose the benefit of such an engine is that each modding community can learn from the others.  I believe illspirit brought that up some time ago.  One other bit of information is on the Renderware site.  If you check here you can see which other games are using the engine, might be something worth looking into.  Thanks to Anon and illspirit for their emails on this one.

Crazy Sh*t   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!  or, if you're really sick, and like to look at piles of shit, try this.  I should emphasize that I did not find that myself.  It was sent in by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.  If you don't like staring at piles of shit all day, try watching Mrnutz dance...

Site Updates   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
Happy Birthday To Me... Well actually my birthday is May 4th, but I'm driving down to Chicago this weekend and I won't be updating tomorrow.

Thursday - May 2, 2002   <2:50 PM CST>

GTA3 Commercial Now Available   <2:50 PM CST - schu>
Rockstar has finally made the GTA3 PC commercial available online.  It's actually on the PS2 site in the news section, or you can just click here (5.6 MB) to download it.  The movie is in Quicktime format and is zipped up.  I took three shots out of the movie showing the scenes that are causing all the confusion:

Wednesday - May 1, 2002   <11:40 PM CST>

"There's some footage in the Mafia mansion that I've never seen. (Family men behind couch facing player...Player draws shotgun...Family guys draw weapons.)  There's also a shot of a car coming off a curb that just seems "improved" from the original's physics, but that may just be my excitement talking.  Finally, I wanted to say that the music that plays during the commercial is the same, but now that I think about it, I don't know if it would really fit. Certainly the same song...perhaps not the same clip."

illspirit also spotted the commercial and sent in the following description:

"Oh, if it's any help, I just saw the new commercial for GTA3 and it definitely shows the main guy and some Yakuza pulling guns on each other in Salvatore Leone's house.  From the camera angles, I would say that it does look like a cutscene."

Thanks to Rev Ted and illspirit for that update.

Violence & Video Games   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
The controversy marches on and this time they are trying to link video games to the recent school shooting in Germany.  Blake sent in a link to an article on Yahoo.  Here is one of the more interesting quotes:

"It [the shooting] has also led to calls for tighter rules on violent computer games and videos of the type police found in Steinhaeuser's home."

"In a sign that the bloodbath may feature in the campaign for national elections this year, Edmund Stoiber, conservative challenger to Schroeder, said violent games should be banned."

Insane2757 also sent in this article on TechTV as a part of their recent special on violent video games.

GTA BUSTED! - New Look   <11:40 PM CST - schu>
Junior sent word that GTA BUSTED! has a new look, take a look @ www.buste