Random Bits of News   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3 Audio
  Blake and Steven wrote in about another site featuring GTA3 audio.  The site has a Flash radio console that will play Head Radio, Lips, and Chatterbox.  Steven mentioned that Flashback will also be featured very soon.
• GTA2 & XP
  I know this isn't news really, more of a request...  If anyone out there has gotten GTA2 to run with Windows XP, please contact me and tell me how you did it.  So far I haven't heard from anyone who has gotten GTA2 to run under XP.

  
GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• Rhino and Troy wrote in about the infinite ammo trick and it doesn't appear to work as advertised.  Apparently the ammo readout only goes up to 9999, even it you have more ammo that that.  So, if you have 10000 ammo, the readout will read 9999.  After you get back down to 9999 the ammo count will begin to read correctly again.
• Stom4571 found a way to start your own race with some unwilling opponents.  "Ok first try to get a fast car like a Banshee or Cheetah, then goto Staunton Island where all of the fast cars like the Banshee (duh). Go find one of those fast cars driving and get on the side of him (still in your car).  All ya gotta do now is do a driveby shooting at him, but only hit him once or twice.  If your lucky, he'll take off and now you can race him!! You might have already known that, but it's fun to see how long you can keep up with them."
• Striderhiryu found a new GameShark code for infinite time.  Here it is...
  1CBE0B1815F6E79D
  1CBE0B1C1456E7A5
• If you are looking for a security van, Nicholas might be able to help.  He says one of the best places to check for this elusive vehicle "is the underpass below the lift bridge on Shoreside between 15:00 and 16:00 (game time)."
• Caustic found an interesting tip on getting a bulletproof Cheetah that was originally posted by Evil_Stallion.  You can find it right here. 

• Kirk sent in this one about pistol whipping people.  I have tried this and it does work, sort of, it's just difficult to stay close enough so you don't actually shoot the gun.  "I thought this was interesting. If you wanna smash someone's face with a pistol whip, get in very close proximity to them and target them, then simply press circle. It looks like you punch them but they fall down in one shot. I never thought anything of it until I realized I was hitting them with my gun. That's a move they didn't list in the instruction booklet."

  
Crazy Sh*t   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
This week's selection comes courtesy of Sjors.  Don't ask, just click!  
The site that hosts it has some other interesting stuff to check out, just choose your language and check out all their sites..

Site Updates   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• I haven't been updating lately because I've been working on getting this server situation resolved once and for all.  The good news is that the new server is online and I am uploading to it as we speak.  After Azz and I get everything uploaded we'll test everything out, wave goodbye to the old server, and then switch the DNS over to the new server.  Hopefully this will take place some time Saturday or Sunday depending on how things go.  If the site appears to be down at any time, try checking back in a few hours after the DNS switchover is finished.  After the new server is up and running the forums will return and I'll do the contest thing.  I hope someone out there still wants a GTA3 bat :)

Four Years of GOURANGA!   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
Today is GOURANGA!'s four year anniversary.  Back in 1997 when I started this site I had no idea how far it would go.  I just wanted to thank all the GTA fans out there who have supported GOURANGA! for all this time, especially those of you who have contributed to the content of the site.  To celebrate this occasion I have posted a lite version of original site.  The file links are all dead, it's mainly there just to look at.  You can see the original news update by clicking the Old News link on the old site, and then scroll all the way down.  Enjoy :)

GTA3 Has Not Been Banned!   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
Regardless of what the rumor mongers are saying, GTA3 has not been banned.  I've asked Rockstar about this numerous times and every time they have the same answer, NO.  If that isn't good enough, check out the latest update at IGN for a second opinion.  Hmm...  Nice one, this guy just dropped $71 on EBay for a game that retails for $50 :).  Thanks to JL2001 for the IGN link...

Random Bits of News   <11:00 PM CST - schu>

• Kornyhiv claims that he saw a GTA3 commercial on MTV.  So far I haven't seen the commercial, but I did notice that Blockbuster is featuring GTA3 along with MGS2 and WCW in their latest commercial.
• dElAvA sent word that Electronics Boutique is now offering a GTA3/PS2 bundle.  The bundle includes GTA3, a GTA3 strategy guide, a PS2, two controllers, and a memory card, all for $420.
• GTA3 Warehouse has made some of the GTA3 music available in MP3 format.  Get over to GTA3 Warehouse and click on the GTA3 music link for more information.  Thanks to Johan and Dave Cail for the link.
• Peter at grandtheftauto-3.com is looking for some help designing a new GTA3 website.  Visit www.grandtheftauto-3.com for details.

 
Buy The Original - Part 3   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
Rob reports in from the UK about his search for the original GTA.  Rob claims that availability is pretty widespread in the UK and that you can pick it up for around £4.99 for both PSX and PC.  

Busted also sent in another email saying that the three pack containing GTA is actually called Premium Lime, not Premium Orange.  He also mentioned that EB, Target and KMart all have copies.  

Here in the US the PC version of GTA is harder to come by.  The main reason for this, as far as I can tell, is because ASC Games had the publishing rights for the PC version of GTA here in North America.  ASC Games is now out of business, so I'm not exactly sure who, if anyone, holds the rights to publishing GTA for the PC, in North America.  Right now it looks like everyone who has it is just selling off old stock.

GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <11:00 PM CST - schu>

• Peril sent in the following tip on how you can get infinite ammo.  "Infinite ammo is gained for a gun if you get the ammo over 9999. For example, I got an M16 19 times, and realized the ammo read 9999 - 60. I saved the game, then went to nick a car. I shot some passersby, and realized the ammo didn't decrease from 9999! I am now trying to get this with the AK47 to verify that it works. The ammo is lost if you are killed, and you have to again get 9999 ammo for it to work. Could somebody test this to check it isn't just a fluke."
• OutForBlood sent in this link, where you can find scanned images of the hidden packages maps.
• Insane2757 sent in a link to a thread he started about a secret roof area he found.

  
Site Updates   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
It looks like the new server should be ready by the end of the week, we can only hope...

Palm GTA   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
A demo for the Palm OS version of GTA has been released.  You can download the demo from Global Star Software.  PalmGear also has a download link as well.  You will need a PDA running the PalmOS or some sort of emulator in order to use the demo.  Global Star has a few screens on their site, but I haven't quite figured out if they are real shots or not.  My main problem is that most of the shots look exactly the same as the shots of GTA2 for GameBoy Color.  Thanks to Nick for the update.

Buy The Original - Part 2   <11:50 PM CST - schu>
On November 20th I posted an update on where you could buy the PC version of the original GTA.  Busted sent in a few locations where Australian GTA fans might be able to pick up a copy.  Here is what BUSTeD had to say.  

"About getting the original for PC.  It used to be available in the platinum PC range for 19.95AUS but it's a bit hard to find now.  It is now available in the Premium range, it's called premium orange, it is also in a 3 pack with some other games, for 9.95AUS or 14.95AUS.  It is also available at some EB's and major department stores around Australia."

Random Bits of News   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• DMA's site has been updated, but only the front page has been changed, there is still no real content just yet.  Thanks to Insane2757.
• PS2.IGN.com posted a listing of the top 20 best selling console games of October.  GTA3 came in at #2, beaten only by DMC.  Once again, thanks to thanks to Insane2757.
• Avault.com has a quick update on Take2's latest financial report.  The report is generally positive and apparently GTA3 is selling so well that they can hardly keep up with the demand.  Thanks to Sjors.
• Rockstar Games recently launched a teaser page for their upcoming PS2 game, State of Emergency.  More on SOE at IGN.  Thanks to Johan Brodd and Insane2757.
• Joshua, webmaster over at GTA3 Warehouse, has a really nice list of names and items in GTA3 that were buried in the game code.

GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• Kyle Lancaster sent in the following tip on using the adrenaline/slo-mo pill. "If you take the adrenaline pill(aka slow-mo pill)you can sprint at cars and it will damage them or if no one's in the car you can flip it but,you must be sprinting while doing this or it won't work and if you don't believe me ask someone to try it or do it your self. I now love the adrenaline pill."
• Insane2757 sent in a tip on doing drive-bys while riding on top of cars. "Want to do drive-bys with a gun, other than the Uzi?  Well, try this. Jump onto some car (I like Bobcats, but that's just me), and make sure you don't start to slide off. Stand on his roof, trunk, or spare tire.  Then he will start to drive, allowing you "to blast any mutha that gets in the way". (It's from the GTA song, listen to Lips 106) Have fun!

  If you want to go faster, do this: shoot the car once with the M16 (or something so it doesn't do too much damage!). The car SHOULD start driving really fast! But it will drive erratically, so you may fall off/get killed!"
  

New GTA Sites   <11:50 PM CST - schu>

• GTA3 Warehouse
  www.gta3warehouse.com

  
Site Updates   <9:00 PM CST - schu>
This Wednesday, November 28th, is GOURANGA's four year anniversary.  The original site went live way back on November 28th, 1997, just prior to GTA's release.

GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <8:00 PM CST - schu>
There are possible spoilers throughout the following tips, proceed with caution.

• catnip07 found a way to mug the muggers, here is his tip.  "First find a mugger, they either wear dark red and blue jacket and a bandana or white and blue camo pants and green hat.  Follow them until they mug someone then target them make sure they see you and they will drop what they stole."

• PJA116 sent in three useful tips on Securicars and getting another boat.
  "1- How to get a Securicar easy. When you get that mission from Donald Love to escort the securicar don't worry about it, just wander the streets near Donald's apartment, when I did it I saw 3 of them, when you get 1 put it in your garage than just fail the mission (suicide, arrests, whatever) and go save.

  2-Get a new boat. When you get the mission to kill Ray's partner don't shoot him, just chase him until he throws all the buckets off.  He'll drive his boat on the beach, just get out on the beach and kill him, then get in his boat and reverse for a while till your in the water, its called the missing something."

• Kat Rosen and Tom Taylor send in this useful tip on getting your safehouse stash to respawn.  "If you walk all the way in and then all the way out of your hideout's car garage, (so that the camera angle is forced to change...), any and all 'stuff' you've accumulated through missions/packages in the hideout will respawn. VERY convenient when trying to get that pesky 5 star wanted level down and you have 2 bribes waiting for you at home. (If you make it home...)"
• Johan Brodd sent in a tip on getting through the tunnel blockade, giving you access to different parts of the city.  "I printed the cheats for GTA3 a few days ago, I stood on the Harwood cliffs above the tunnel entry and called in the cops near the Shoreside vale tunnel, and much to my surprise I saw the copcars drive out of the tunnel through the blue tunnelblocker!  I repeat: This is no spoiler! This can be done but it's hard and you need alot of health, I would even say that you need armor to do this cheat. Call in the cops twice so you have 4 stars lit. Now drive to the tunnel and let the cops chase you there. When you have 4 stars you also have to deal with cop busses.  Since they weight is quite heavy you better do this with a light car i.e.. a taxi or similar. Now accelerate and let the cops crash you against the blocker, if you're lucky the car flips and slides through the blocker on the roof. The chance is if you succeed 99% that the car will be destroyed, so get out of the car as soon as possibly and run for your life. Now disable the cops. and start to walk. You can even access Staunton Island this way, and when you get there make sure to save as soon as possible. The safehouse is in Liberty Campus on Staunton Island, and in Wichita Gardens in Shoreside Vale. If you get wasted you'll end up at the hospital in Portland."
• Johan also sent in the following tip, I haven't tested this yet so I'd make sure you save your last save to a new slot just in case anything goes awry.  "When the game starts up and the memory card is accessed hold down X to get to Staunton Island."
  

  
Site Updates   <8:00 PM CST - schu>
This is the last update for the week.  The next update should be on next Monday when I get from my Thanksgiving vacation.  Happy Thanksgiving!

GTA3 Recalled, Banned, Etc - Part 2   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
I spoke with Rockstar's Terry Donovan about a possible recall or banning of GTA3.  Terry says the rumors are "unfounded" and that there is no recall.  I called a few stores locally and while a few were out of GTA3, none said anything about it being removed.  I'll continue to check into this, but I really don't think there is much to it.

Buy The Original   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
I've been getting a lot of email recently from people looking for the original PC version of GTA.  I haven't seen the original for sale in a long while, however there are a few locations you can still check.  The last I heard one of the only places where you can find a new copy of the US version of GTA is at CompuExpert for a paltry $9.90.  You might also have some luck finding it at EBay or on Game Trading Zone.  The Playstation version seems to be a little easier to find.  From what I understand, FreeLoader is being revamped so you can't actually download the free version of GTA from there right now.  Regardless, it's worth owning the actual CD version for the music alone.

Site Updates   <10:30 PM CST - schu>

• The site was down earlier today due to a billing complication, we still haven't moved to the new server.  I'm guessing the move won't happen until next week some time, after the holiday.
• Tomorrow I promise to have more tips and stuff, I've just been very busy trying to get my car repaired for this trip. 

Vote GTA3   <10:30 PM CST - schu>
PS2.ign.com is conducting a poll, well they were conducting a poll, it actually just ended as I was typing this out.  Anyway, it was on the best PS2 game released this year.  The poll closed with MGS2 with a solid lead and GTA3 coming in second.  Other titles in poll were, Devil May Cry, Tony Hawk 3, GT3, Twisted Metal: Black, Silent Hill 2, ICO, SSX, and Half-Life.  Thanks to Kevin O'Brien, Insane2757, and the Zaibatsu webmaster.

Site Updates   <10:30 PM CST - schu>

• I'm running short on time tonight so I'm going to wait and post the new tips in tomorrow's update.
• This week's update schedule will be cut short due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  I will do normal updates through Wednesday.  After Wednesday I'll be out of town and I should return on Sunday.  There might be some downtime this week if the new server is ready before Wednesday night, so if the site appears to go off-line at any time, it should be back up within a matter of hours.  I will of course try to post something prior to any downtime.

GTA3 Soundtrack   <11:00 AM CST - schu>
A lot of people have been writing in asking if Rockstar is ever going to release the entire GTA3 soundtrack on CD.  I spoke with the guys at Rockstar and unfortunately it isn't a possibility.  The soundtrack itself would take up three CDs and would be a licensing nightmare.  So, the only real way we'll ever be able to listen to the GTA3 soundtrack outside the game is if someone finds a way to rip the tracks off the CD and either release a CD image or MP3s of the tracks.  Probably not something R* would condone, but it sure would help :) .

NullSoft's GTA3 Fans   <11:00 AM CST - schu>
Nomp and Dyar1 saw something rather interesting over at WinAmp.com.  If you go to WinAmp.com, take a look at the title bar for the window you're in (the page title all the way at the top). 

D-Ice & The Purple Nines - Mission Notes   <11:00 AM CST - schu>
I have a few reports from fans who have completed the D-Ice mission and some from others who believe they know what causes the problem.  In some cases it appears the Purple Nines actually appear, just in a very small number and in a very small area making them very difficult to find.  Anyway, if you are looking for help with this mission, read on.. If not, skip this part.

• RiceVoid sent in the following report:
  "Firstly, I've not used any cheats at all in the game yet. Not once. But when I first tried the Dice mission I noticed that I needed WAY more time to even be able to FIND that many Purple Nines. My mission time was over and I still need like 10 more kills to complete it. Then as I tried and tried to complete this damn mission other things would stop me from succeeding...namely being abused by the gangs' Rumpo vans and the occasional Police car. All this added up to utter aggravation. I sat down and really tried to think of a way to complete it. This is what I came up with. I got in a Rhino. The tank. I drove it to the phone, started the mission and just drove around that one block (around the two apartment buildings). With the tank, I no longer needed to worry about any vehicles either harassing me or interfering with my line-of-sight for my drive-bys. And the Rhino also drives at an almost perfect speed for drive-bys, not too fast so you don't need to modulate your speed as much as with other cars. I got lucky and completed the mission my first time with the Rhino. Using the tank obviously won't make more Purple Nines appear, but I think that the advantages it affords can make up for their dismal numbers. But, as additional help, I did notice that once in a while there is a rather large gathering of gang members (sometime red, sometimes purple, sometimes both) that hang out directly in front of the sign to the right of the dirt path (the one that leads to the Patriot for "Gripped"). So, I always took my time as I drove by there, making sure to really fire off some good shots.
  
  Also, I may have found another compelling reason to use the tank. I don't know that this works for a fact, but since the Rhino's cannon fires as well as your Uzi during drive-bys than any Purple Nine death resulting from the explosion from the tank shell while holding R2 or L2 also counts towards your ultimate kill count. I am not 100% sure about this, and if someone could test it and attest to it that would be good.
  
  Hope this helps."

• Mark Pagliaro sent in his thoughts on what might cause the problem:
  "First Time I played I didn't cheat and nines were there but I deleted my game save by mistake.

  The second time I played I got all 100 hidden packages before I did the D-ice missions and the 9's were gone

  The 3rd time I played I only got Portland's hidden packages a and I didn't cheat (any type of cheating) and the 9's were still gone

  Now since the game is on a DVD it can not auto store or delete any memory so the glitch itself is on the memcard

  If the glitch occurs Delete GTA 3 data from memcard (memcard manager) not during gameplay and do not use ANY cheats until Dice missions are done.- This worked for me but as you can see I had to start over 4 times just trying to get 100 % which is a lost cause now."

• Lastly, Albert sent in some tips on finding the Nines:
  "I played the DICE mission today called, "Uzi Money" which someone said that the Purple Nines refused to appear.  I never encountered this problem.  I spotted all of them and finished the mission in no time.  However if you do not spot them, try driving straight a little bit then make a U-Turn and they should appear.  Also don't drive anywhere else, stay in Witchita Gardens.  Better yet, keep driving back and forth on the street where you receive your mission."

  
GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <11:00 AM CST - schu>

• Ryan found an interesting GTA3 Easter Egg while flying around in the Dodo.
  
  "Hi, I am a loyal GTA3 fan, and I was flying the Dodo around Liberty City. I was flying around the Airport, BEHIND the dam, and I ended up in an area where I wasn't supposed to be. I could see the bottom side of Shoreside Vale! As I was flying, I saw a series of buildings, but after numerous attempts, I figured I couldn't hit/land on the roads or buildings. I got bored and decided to go on, to see other goodies I might find.
  
  I was flying along, and I saw a bunch of weird shapes on the radar, but at closer inspection, they were words! I had manages to read a few. Woodcounty? Chris' Town? Aaronvile? The list goes on, but I figured they are all cast/DMA/Rockstar people. I was wondering if I could have the whole list of names that appeared on the radar, and I would like to know what the buildings behind the unfinished tunnel are/were meant to be for. Also, do these have anything to do with the full winged Dodo? (If there is such a thing)"
  
  Unfortunately I don't have any answers to Ryan's questions, but I'll see what I can do.
• Albert sent in an observation he made about the cars parked around Kenji's Casino.
  "Well I noticed that, in Kenji's Casino, the parking lot down below, has cars parked in it. I noticed that when I travel from around noon, to about 9 at night, the car doors are locked to the Sentinel and the cobra look alike and the Yakuza car. I went back like at 2 in the morning and the doors where unlocked however, the alarm goes off."

  
Crazy Sh*t   <11:00 AM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!

Site Updates   <11:00 AM CST - schu>

• Please keep in mind that anything I post in "quotes" in my updates are another persons words, not my own.  I usually give credit to the contributor just before I post their contribution, usually in quotes.
• The server move continues to move forward.  The server is currently under construction and should be available to me sometime next week.  The new, new server is faster than the one I was going to originally get, it's cheaper, and it has more options.  Overall I'd say that makes it worth the wait.  After the server move is complete the forums will finally make their return and I can finally do this damn contest.

Random GTA3 Stuff   <10:00 AM CST - schu>

• I've been getting reports from some people that the D-Ice mission in ShoreSide Vale is buggy because in some cases because the Purple Nine's refuse to appear.  If anyone out there has a workaround for this, please let me know.  I'd also like to hear from anyone who has encountered this bug and has not used any cheats at all, or from anyone who has only used clean cheats.
• If you are looking for cheats, help with rampages, or hidden packages, check out that NeoSeeker link illspirit sent in yesterday.  There are FAQs there on many issues.
• CrashwithuhK checked out Lazlow.com and found one of Lazlow's phrases used in one of his radio clips.  Here is what Crash sent in.   "Hey I went to lazlow.com also and I wanted to point out under audio files in 11/19 Internet taxes coming Lazlow uses a line from Chatterbox. I hope people can find it themselves but if not here it is: a caller calls chatterbox wanting to talk about taxes and lazlow replies"You mean the lone star state Texas?" well he mentions that here too" Just wanted to share that."

  
GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <10:00 AM CST - schu>
I have a few tips today on how to use glitches and cheats to get from one island to the other without completing any missions.

• Stephen Loyd sent in this tip (it's a glitch really) on how to get to ShoreSide Vale without completing any missions in Staunton Island.  "In Staunton Island, get on the road next to a ruined wall that overlooks a building site. Opposite this wall is a car park with a low wall around it. Drive up the embankment as though you are about to jump the wall (if heading downhill then the precise spot is just before you get to a lamp post inside the car park) and you can drop through the wall into "null space". You drop out again into the tunnel leading to Shoreside Vale - on the Shoreside Vale side of the blockage!"
• Slicey sent in the following tip on how to use the low gravity cheat to get to the other islands.  "Since I do not have a PS2 memory card, I was trying to find a way into the other islands after I knew Portland completely, I found one way to do it, enter the low gravity code (Right,R2,Circle,R1,L2,Down,L1,R1) get a Cop Car, Banshee(inside the car dealership by 8-Balls),Diablo Stallion, or Mafia Sentinel and head to the bridge by Greasy Joe's Cafe. You must fly over the gap in the bridge using a little bit of speed, Welcome to Staunton Island. Turn off the low gravity code(put it in once more) then head to the Porter Tunnel,just east of the stadium, once there u can head straight into Shoreside."

  
Site Updates   <10:00 AM CST - schu>

• I'm making progress on the new server, hopefully I'll have some sort of answer very soon.
• The WebRing system was recently transferred from Yahoo back to some other corporation.  Because of this I had to transfer the ring.  Right now I'm trying to figure out if the submissions are actually making it to the ring.  If you submitted a site and still haven't heard anything, please let me know.

Lazlow!   <9:00 PM CST - schu>
Blake was searching around the web for more on Lazlow, the Chatterbox FM talk show host.  After a little searching he found something, here is what Blake sent in:

"I am a huge fan of Chatterbox FM and its host, Lazlow.  As we all (hopefully) know, the DJs on the radio stations in GTA3 are all real-life DJs parodying themselves, and Lazlow is no different. Because I had never heard of Lazlow before GTA3, I ran a search on Yahoo! for "lazlow" and came up with only one site - www.lazlow.com which turned out to be Lazlow's official website. Unlike sites like lovemedia.com and petsovernight.com, this isn't a website set up by Rockstar. According to the site, Lazlow can be heard on sixty stations nationwide.

The front page says, "The Technofile is now heard in Waco Texas! and soon in Liberty City?". On the front page, click on "Audio Archives" and you can download his broadcasts in .ram audio files. Be sure to check out the one from 11/12, titled "New game has 9 different radio stations w/ DJs", which is all about GTA3. Also, be sure to check out the "Listener Mail" section.

So surf on over to www.lazlow.com and check out some of the stuff from this hilarious bastard."

Thanks to Blake for the report...

Random GTA3 Stuff   <9:00 PM CST - schu>

• GameOn has posted their GTA3 review, awarding it a "Gold Award" along with a total score of 94.
• illspirit sent word that NeoSeeker has a pretty good list of FAQs and cheats on their site, including a Unique Stunt Bonus FAQ.
• Johan was looking around and came across UKCheats.com.  Check their site for a pretty good list of tips and cheats.
• GameGossip.com has devoted one of their forums to GTA3.  You can check it out right here.
• dElAvA found some of the movie advertisements found in GTA3 in an older issue of Liberty Tree.  Take a look.

GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <9:00 PM CST - schu>

• LoneWolf sent in a bit about getting a full view of the Liberty City skyline.  "This isn't really a tip or a cheat, just something interesting to do. When you reach Shoreside Vale, drive up to the Dam, and at the upper right corner, you should notice a tunnel at the top of the hill which is blocked off. If you leave your car and run up the right-hand side of the tunnel entrance, you'll be able to climb the mountain heading towards the Observatory. You *Will Not* be able to reach the Observatory, the rock cliffs become too steep to climb. However, there's a perch near the base of the Observatory where you can stand, and its quite possibly the highest point in Liberty City. Standing there, I got an amazing view of the *Entire* City. It really made me appreciate the work that went into this game."
• Finn sent in this tip.  It's rather hard to understand but I think you'll get the general point, that you can relocate a boat to another body of water with the proper time and effort.  "Hi I found a tip for Staunton Island.  Go get a speedboat. Then drive to the waterfence [pipeline]. Now get some nice speed then drive the speedboat up to the road and get outta that speedboat. Take a car, crash the speedboat toward and crash it half timeout/in the water. Then push the speedboat out in the water jump in it and wait.  It can take some minutes but it works. Then you are over the waterfence [pipeline]."
• FreakFXP just wants people to know that there is an Import/Export garage both in Portland and in Shoreside Vale

Random GTA3 Stuff   <6:30 PM CST - schu>

• Juef has created his own GTA3 movie.  In order to view the movie you may need the Divx codec.  You can find the movie right here.
• Nicholas took screenshots of the two monitors inside the Internet cafe in Staunton Don't look at these if you want to find them on your own.  Click here & here to view them.
• Lostboy noticed that GTA epicenter found three new GTA3 movies for all of you people without PS2's still starved for GTA3 media.  Check out www.gtacenter.com for the movies.  Lostboy also found another GTA3 movie that's a full six minutes in length.  That movie can be found over at FilePlanet.

  
GTA3 Tips & Tricks   <6:30 PM CST - schu>

• Desi found a way to get a long line of hos, here is his tip.  
  "The "Ho Train" Trick,
  This trick will allow you to have a troop of ho's following you everywhere. First, grab a sporty car and goto the red light district (basically where the ho's are) and drive up to the curb. When a hooker approaches, she'll bend over a few times before she decides to enter your car. (The best way to do this is by attracting the hooker to the drivers side - so that she has to walk around the vehicle to get in). Quickly, exit the vehicle before the hooker opens the passenger door and then she'll follow you anywhere on foot. You can do this as many times as you want, eventually getting a "Ho Train" :) Now I change my costume to the pimp and stroll Portland with my ho's. This game is just to cool."
• Eric sent in this possible spoiler about your reward for bringing cars to the import/export garages.  "Here's a tip regarding the import/export garages (found in Portland and Shoreside Vale - not sure if there's one in Staunton).  After you complete the list of requested cars (posted outside on the garage wall), you will receive a bonus.  That bonus is access to all of the cars that you bring in anytime you want. So basically, you help the garage get cars so they can export them for cash and once you complete the list, they'll be able to import any of the cars you got them any time you want.  A nice handy helper for times when you need a phat car but can't find one.  Also, have you noticed that when you're in a phat car, dozens of other phat cars are around but when you're in a taxi or other not-so-phat car, none are around. Strange huh? the import/export garage is located by the docks in the Portland and by the police station in shoreside vale. Hope this helps you and other GTAers!"
• Paige sent in this one on driving your car on the monorail tracks.  " Ride the Monorail! At the subway entrance in Portland there is a ramp on the south side of the stairs. Get a really fast car and hit that ramp at a angle pointing towards the monorail and you will land on it. Warning : make sure you land on the right side, the left side has the active train!"
• CaliGangster send in this rather long FAQ on flying the dodo.  Perhaps this might help any of you having trouble with it.  "Ok, I know that ALOT of people are having a hard time flying the Dodo. So... I decided to write a FAQ to help you all.

  NOTE: I just learned how to fly, and trust me, THIS WILL TAKE PRACTICE!

  OK, First off, go to the airport in ShoreSide Vale so you can get the Dodo. When you are there, drive all the way to the beginning of the runway, or just go down by the place where there is another Dodo, and a bunch of helicopters.(NOTE: I get my Dodo usually down in the hanger by the water, but you can get the one near the helicopters to save time, it doesn't matter.)

  Now get on the runway, and make sure you are pointed straight, so when you drive you wont go off the runway,or the black part. Now hold the left analog stick very slightly up. This will cause your place to tilt forwards when you drive, and help pick up speed. The reason why you should barely move it up is because then the plane will take longer to lean all the way down, thus you pick up more speed.

  Now while holding up on the left analog stick, start to drive.

  Keep going until you see your plane sort of bouncing up and down, and you see sparks.

  When you see your plane sort of bouncing and you see sparks, let go of the analog stick gently. This will send your plane shooting into the air, almost vertically, so when you get up, start pressing up, so your will make the plane level. Sort of point it a little downwards so the plane will kind of dive, thus you pick up speed, then you just level the plane by barely moving the analog stick downwards.

  Keep pressing up on the analog stick every so often to pick up speed, the plane usually does the rest and makes you gain altitude, so really when you go down and get more speed, the air will sort of pick you up, and make you go higher, but you still need to push the analog stick down a little to help it
  climb higher, and so that you can fly longer.

  NOW YOUR FLYING!

  Now turning...

  Turning is very hard, and should only really be done when you know where you are flying. To turn, just barely tap the analog stick in the direction you want to turn, but kind of do it diagonally, like right-up, or left-up, NEVER push is left-down or right down, this will cause your plane to sort of stall. And can be very hard to get flying again, and you will most likely crash. Never make hard sharp turns, unless you want to crash...

  Landing is pretty simple, just make sure your straight, find a long flat place, and press up on the analog stick, this will move you down, and just press Square and R1 when close to the ground, so that you will stop.

  This FAQ has been written by Alex Wisniewski, and if you use it any other places, please give me the credit. Thank you.

  IM GLAD I COULD HELP YOU ALL!"

  
Crazy Sh*t   <6:30 PM CST - schu>
Don't ask, just click!

Site Updates   <6:30 PM CST - schu>
OK, we still aren't on the new server.  The thing is built, configured, and I have access to it, unfortunately it doesn't support virtual domains.  So now I'm checking into what it would take to alter the plan and get a different server.  Anyway, it's all still in limbo.  I'm hoping to have answers by Monday.  Until I do, I'll try to keep updating, sorry for all the delays.

Site Updates   <10:00 PM CST - schu>
Today's update has been canceled so I can get the new server up and running.  I finally have all the information I need.  The backup will take place while I sleep tonight, and tomorrow I will upload to the new server.  Then I'll configure it for use.  At some point tomorrow the site may appear to be down.  This should not last for more than a few hours if everything goes well.  Then the site should reappear on the new server.  Soon afterward, Azz and I will get everything back in shape and we should have the forums up and running by the end of the week (hopefully).  After all that is done and I have the email server configured, I'll run the contest...

Random GTA3 Stuff   <11:00 PM CST - schu>

• New GTA3 Review
  GameRevolution has posted their GTA3 review, awarding it an A.  Thanks to Tobias for the link.
• IGN's GTA3 Strategy Guide
  FiReStArTeRo0o is reporting that IGN has updated their GTA3 guide which now includes all the missions.
• GTA3 #1 @ GameFAQs
  TiTaN sent word that GTA3 has been at the top of GameFAQ's top ten for the past four days or so.
  

 
GTA3 Cheat Code Warning   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
Ok, there has been some confusion on how to use some of the cheat codes, or more precisly, how to shut them off.  I spoke with the people at Rockstar Games and here is what hey had to say:

Of the cheats that are floating around the web, it's worth noting that some will crash the game and aren't really cheat codes...

Clean:

• All weapons
• Full Health
• Full Armor
• Higher Wanted Level
• Lower Wanted Level
• More money
• Speed up time
• Change Outfit
• Improved car handling
• Clear Weather
• Foggy Weather
• Cloudy Weather
• Rainy Weather

Not Clean:

• Tank
• People fight each other
• All people hate you
• Crazy People
• People fistfight each other
• Blow up all cars
• The flying car cheat

The clean ones can be switched off by reentering the code or by reloading a saved game.  The bad ones will not disappear if they were saved to a game

So, be careful when using the cheat codes.  Any codes, other than the ones on the Clean list, should be used with caution.  Mainly, if you don't save your game with a cheat enabled you should be fine.  I'm not sure if reloading from an earlier save will fix the problem or not.  I know they didn't list all the cheats, but you should consider any cheats not on the clean list to be untested and unintended for use by the end user, I.E. you and me.

GTA3 Tips & Cheats   <11:00 PM CST - schu>
GameWinners.com has been updated with lots of new tips.  My cheats page here at G! has been updated with the urination cheat, found on GameWinners.  I also put a note above the cheats about the safe and unsafe cheats.

• Paige sent in his method for getting the tank without using a cheat.  
  "Hit all three cities so you can get a code six. Grab a sniper rifle and rocket launcher then head over to the multi-level parking lot in Staunton Island. From the top level by the insane jump ramp start shooting civilians and blowing up cars until you get a code six. You need to be standing on the ledge inorder to do this next step. Eventually tanks and military trucks will start tearing around you. Wait for one to stop below you, the marines will jump out and start shooting. Kill them and any other cops in the area jump off the ledge and get in the tank. Take it to your Staunton Safe House and then steal any normal car and hit up the Pay'n'Spray. Walla, your own tank that you earned!"
• illspirit send in the following GTA3 easter egg he found, its in gray because it's a possible spoiler:  "You know those stairs behind the liberty tree office on stauton island? if you drive a car up them, jump on the car, then jump on the roof, you can walk over the little driveway and jump into a small alleyway. in that alley, theres a big sign that says "you werent supposed to be able to get here you know!"
• porkcharsui2k noted something about the bug where you fall through the map, here is what he sent in.  "This thing happens in several places. Note: after you fall throught the '3d wireframe' you DO end up back at the place near your 'fall'. So it's pretty fail safe I believe."
• Striderhiryu2557 sent in the differences between the bomb shops on the different islands, here is what he had to say.  "Did ya know about the different bomb shops?  In Portland it blows when someone gets, in Staunton it's timed, and in Shoreside you get a detenator."
• Using the Dodo cheat, both Alaron and Insane2757 have flown the tank.  Here are their reports:
  Insane2757 writes, "With the Dodo Car code (which is the same as the "Better Handling/Driver" code), cars can hop and jump like the Dodo. But the tank, since it shoots and therefore gets extra speed without it's wheels having to be on the ground, it can fly ANYWHERE.I could only get enough speed to do it twice, and believe me, its hard to fly the thing.The highest I got was almost over the stadium's wall, and I flew from a 4 lane street (by the Casino) into Portland. Not far in a straight line, but I kept doing flips in midair, and I hardly shot the cannon. This is crasy stuff, if you see it, you'll know what I mean. to get enough speed to do this, you mustfind a straight, and very long, street, start going down as fast as you can. Turn the turrent all the way behind you, and tap Circle. Then use the "Flying Dodo Car" or some Hint from Gamwinners or IGN to get you into the skies."
  
  Alaron writes, "In GTA3 It's possible to make the Tank fly like an aeroplane. Not a prolonged jump, flying around. Gaining altitude and making landings on highways on top of cars! I posted it on cheatplanet.com just a few minutes ago. I was trying out the cheats listed there, and accidentally managed to make the tank take off.  It's simple:
  Turn on the "peds fistfight each other" cheat (I don't think it makes them fight but for some reason it makes the tank fly), which is:

  [Right, R2, Circle, R1, L2, Down, L1, R1]

  
  Then get a tank one way or another. (I used the tank cheat) Find a suitable runway, hopefully at night so there are no cars there to get slowed down by. Turn the tank turret so it faces backwards, and acellerate down the "runway" while simultaneously firing the cannon out behind you. When the tank hits a certain speed it just takes off, and you can control it's flight with the d-pad. Turn too far in either direction, however, and you spin out of control.  You have to keep firing to stay in the air. Be careful not to land on special buildings like the stadium, cos you go straight through them and end up in this paralell universe where the laws of PS2 graphics don't apply.  It looks cool and you eventually fall through the floor and onto the street, but the cops are usually chasing you after the takeoff (Cannon shells flying everywhere arouse attention) and you can get busted fast."
  

  
Site Updates   <11:00 PM CST - schu>

• That asshole posting comments on Eurogamer using my name is not me.  I posted two messages on there, the first one, and one that I just posted saying it would be my last message, all the others are fakes.
• I removed the Urinate cheat because it's bullshit.  If you want it to try it out, go to GameWinners.com.  So far I've tried it a few times with no luck.

New GTA3 Reviews   <10:30 AM CST - schu>
Five new GTA3 reviews for you today.  The first is from our friends over at EuroGamer.  Two long time GTAers just so happen to work at EuroGamer, Mugwum and Mouse, so I'm sure they were pretty excited when GTA3 hit.  Mugwum wrote the review, and what a review it is, 10/10.  Mugwum has always taken a fairly critical stance on GTA, even as a former GTA webmaster, so it's great to hear he liked it so much.

Adztec also recently review GTA3, giving it a 97%.  You can read the review at Adztec right here.  I also wanted to thank Adztec for the link at the bottom of their review, I really appreciate it.

Next up is the ConsoleDomain with a five star (* * * * *) rating.

GamesRadar gave GTA3 a Direct Hit right here.

Last up is the GameSpy review.  GameSpy hasn't really done all that much GTA3 coverage up until now so it's nice to see a 94% and a decent review from them.  Consequently, it also made their PS2 Holiday Buyers Guide.

Thanks to mouse, Adam, Tobias, and J Sentance for the email on these reviews.

GTA3 Strategy Guides   <10:30 AM CST - schu>
PS2.IGN.com has posted the first installment of their GTA3 strategy guide.  It goes without saying that it is definite spoiler material.  According to Rockstar the guide will be updated all month long.  Thanks to Insane2757 for the link.

Rev Ted wrote in and gave me some details on the print GTA3 strategy guide he saw over at Best Buy.  Here is what he had to say about it:

"The strategy guide lists the locations of every hidden package, all of the special missions, the requirements\rewards for the emergency vehicle missions, the special "car collection" points, etc, cheats, plus strategies for the regular missions."

I'm not sure how many different guides are out there so I'd be sure to take a look inside before you buy.

GTA3 Ranked   <10:30 AM CST - schu>
Nick Scott sent word that GTA3 is #1 over at GameRankings.com.  You can find it listed under their recent Top 20 list.  It's also listed at #3 on their All Time list.

New GTA3 Codes & Tips   <10:30 AM CST - schu>
First off, check the GTA3 Tips & Cheats section for five new GTA3 codes.  I also corrected the "Peds Box Each Other" code.  It turns out that that code gives you low gravity, or more precisely, your vehicle is as light as the Dodo.  Thanks to DigitalD, FiReStArTeRo0o, Dave Walsh, poopy man, DP, and Phil for the codes and the correction.

The tips today include more hidden URLs, some how-to on using the Dodo, and a lot of other random tips.  Once again, this is a possible spoiler situation so don't read it if want to find everything for yourself.

• Tobias tracked down another hidden URL, bringing the total to three.  So far none of the URLs has gone live so it will be interesting to see what they do with those.  Here are the URLs I've received so far:  
  www.dma-design.com/GTA3/bonus.htm
  www.dma-design.com/GTA3/secret.htm
  www.dma-design.com/GTA3/hidden.htm
• tDemaxx & E-Razor have been trying to get the Dodo off the ground and apparently they've had some success.  "So this is how you do it, you start at full throttle and after a while it wants to go up, then u push the left analog stick a lil forward, just enough so you stay on the ground. At the end of the runway let the stick go a lil so you take off and fly over the water to Staunton!  When your in the middle of Staunton the plane will get a steady speed and you can let go the L3 stick and just fly high into the sky!&qu