Kids are difficult to keep away from the GTA series, especially the older games. Therefore, this GTA Trilogy parents guide will help you decide whether you should let your child play the games. Rockstar Games first released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy on October 19, 2005. It was a combination of three of the most popular titles from the Grand Theft Auto series. They include
- Grand Theft Auto: 3
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Three of Rockstar’s jewels from the 3D Universe of the series are still wildly popular. So, this GTA Trilogy parents guide tries to give you brief overviews of all the video games from the title. We will discuss what popular regulatory boards (such as PEGI) had said about the game, and how the individual titles were rated for gamers worldwide.
Note: Some parts of this GTA Trilogy parents guide are subjective and only reflect the writer’s opinions.
GTA Trilogy parents guide: Understanding the official rating of the game
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy was rated 18 by the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system. If you don’t know what PEGI is, here is the official description from its website:
“The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system was established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games.”
The 18 rating means the game is only fit for players aged 18 and above. GTA Trilogy parents guide readers should note that the Pan-European Game Information system also pointed out two factors that resulted in the 18 rating. They are as follows:
- Violence
- Bad language
These two factors are considered the bread and butter of the Grand Theft Auto series. The name itself means "stealing vehicles," so violence is a customary part of the gameplay. You can beat and kill people with weapons, run over them with vehicles, use heavy military-grade weapons, fight with the police, and many more.
Due to such violent actions in the gameplay, Rockstar Games also included strong and adult language to add to the realism. Readers of this GTA Trilogy parents guide should note that bad language is quite prominent throughout the games and also displayed in subtitles without any censorship.
Is the PEGI rating applicable worldwide?
The straightforward answer is no. The PEGI rating is only applicable to the gamers of the European region. According to its official website, the ratings are officially valid for 35+ countries. They are as follows:
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- The Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- The United Kingdom
If you're from any of these countries, this GTA Trilogy parents guide advises you to follow the rating and feedback given by the Pan-European Game Information system.
For those from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, video game ratings are usually given by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). However, we could not find any official ESRB rating for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy on its official website. Readers from this region are advised to take PEGI’s rating as a reference.
Now, this Grand Theft Auto Trilogy parents guide will discuss how the individual games have been rated by various regulatory boards.
What is the age rating rating of Grand Theft Auto 3?
- PEGI: 18
- ESRB: M (Ages 17+)
Grand Theft Auto 3 was officially rated 18 by the Pan-European Game Information system and M by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The parameters pointed out for this game are as follows:
- Violence
- Blood
- Strong Language
It was Rockstar Games’ first entry into the 3D Universe of the Grand Theft Auto series. The studio was met with various controversies after the game’s release, and the violent gameplay nature was also one of the reasons. However, the game stood strong and is still popular among fans.
Although Grand Theft Auto 3 was advised for mainly adult players by the regulatory bodies, many non-adult players around that age still play the game.
Also read: Grand Theft Auto 4 parents guide
What is the age rating rating of Grand Theft Auto Vice City?
- PEGI: 18
- ESRB: M (Ages 17+)
Like its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto Vice City was also labeled as an adult/mature video game by the American and European game ranking boards. While the Pan-European Game Information system directly marked it as an adult game, the Entertainment Software Rating Board stated that mature players aged 17 and above can play this game.
GTA Trilogy parents guide readers should also note the following parameters:
- Violence
- Blood and Gore
- Strong Language
- Strong Sexual Content
Grand Theft Auto Vice City was a fresh breeze for GTA fans as it included a new gameplay, a new protagonist, and a new map. Moreover, Rockstar Games took fans back to the 80s nostalgia by setting the plot in that era. While the gameplay became gradually immersive, it also included more aggressive styles of expression.
There are many scenes and actions where blood can easily be spilled. Also, since Vice City is primarily a tropical island, women wearing bikinis can easily be found on the streets. For a more detailed rating analysis of the game, check out the GTA Vice City parents guide.
What is the age rating rating of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas?
- PEGI: 18
- ESRB: M (Ages 17+)
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is arguably one of the most notorious games from Rockstar Games’ offerings. It went through so many controversies and even ended up in the eyes of then-American government officials. However, as of now, it stands at an 18 rating by the Pan-European Game Information system and an M rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
It is one of the most wicked games from the American gaming studio. The gameplay is more immersive than any other 3D Universe title, and Rockstar went rogue with the dialogue. The parameters outlined for Grand Theft Auto San Andreas are as follows:
- Violence
- Bad Language
- Strong Language
- Blood and Gore
- Intense Violence
- Strong Sexual Content
- Use of Drugs
The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy parents guide advises you to strictly monitor your child while playing San Andreas. For a more elaborate rating analysis, check out the GTA San Andreas parents guide.
Is Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy suitable for kids?
Giving a straightforward answer to this question is very difficult. If you prefer strictly obeying the rating and reviews given by the Pan-European Game Information system and the Entertainment Software Rating Board, none of the three titles from Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy are suitable for kids.
However, if you prefer a flexible approach, Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto Vice City are considerably suitable for kids nearing adulthood. However, readers of this GTA Trilogy parents guide should take extra precautions regarding their underage kids playing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. The language used in this game is quite strong and may not be suitable for some ethnic groups.
Nonetheless, all of these are great titles that offer an enjoyable gaming experience. Rockstar Games included thought-provoking storylines, intriguing gameplay, plenty of side missions, and various other activities to keep players engaged.
An overview of the Grand Theft Auto 3 gameplay
Grand Theft Auto 3 takes place in Liberty City. While Claude is the protagonist, Rockstar Games didn't include any dialogue for the character So, he remains silent in the game. The following are some of the notable things in the gameplay:
- Story Missions: 50
- Payphone Missions: 17
- Side Missions: 15
- Rampage Missions: 20
- Stunt Jumps: 20
- Hidden Packages: 100
- Achievements and Trophies: 29
- Vehicles: 56
GTA Trilogy parents guide readers should note that the gameplay went through various changes due to the 9/11 terrorist attack on America right before its release. However, fans still love it and play it to the fullest. You can check out the Grand Theft Auto 3 strategy guide to understand the gameplay elaborately.
An overview of the Grand Theft Auto Vice City gameplay
As the name implies, Grand Theft Auto Vice City takes place in the City of Vice. The gameplay is set in 1986 and Thomas “Tommy” Vercetti is the protagonist. This game included some significant improvements compared to its predecessor Grand Theft Auto 3. Readers of this GTA Trilogy parents guide should aim to complete the following while playing Vice City:
- Story Missions: 59
- Vehicle Sub-Missions: 5
- Off-Road Challenges: 4
- Race Missions: 6
- Stadium Events: 3
- Rampage Missions: 35
- Store Robberies: 15
- Vehicle Import Missions: 4 lists, 24 vehicles
- Unique Stunt Jumps: 36
If you're a fan of the 80s retro theme and music, Grand Theft Auto Vice City will take you on a nostalgic ride. It has some of the best radio stations with great hit songs from that era. Players are advised to go on a trophy hunt in the game. The GTA Vice City Trophy guide will help you in this regard.
An overview of the Grand Theft Auto San Andreas gameplay
GTA San Andreas includes the biggest open world of the 3D Universe of the series. While Los Santos is the main city of the game, players can also visit San Fierro, Las Venturas, and Liberty City (partially). Carl “CJ” Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most popular protagonists of the series. He is also known outside the GTA series fandom and has become a pop culture icon.
The following are some of the notable things added by Rockstar Games in the Grand Theft Auto San Andreas gameplay:
- Story Missions: 100
- Vehicles Sub-Missions: 6
- (Learning) Schools: 4
- Triathlons: 2
- Burglar Missions: 29
- Vehicle Exports & Imports: 3 lists, 30 vehicles
- Race Tournaments: 25 races
- Stadium Events: 4
- The Chiliad Challenge: 3 races
- Unique Stunt Jumps: 70
From the above figures, it is evident that San Andreas is indeed a massive game. Even if you complete the 100 main story missions, it will take you a long time to finish the game to 100 percent. Therefore, GTA Trilogy parents guide readers are advised to follow the GTA San Andreas walkthrough guide so that they don't miss out on any important things in the game.
Similarly, players can start their trophy-hunting journey by following the GTA San Andreas trophy guide.
Where to play Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy?
At the time of writing this article, Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy is available on the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. While the original 2005 version is still available for purchase on PC from the official Rockstar Games store, it has been removed from PlayStation and Microsoft/Xbox stores and replaced by Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition.
However, if you have owned a copy of the game before the removal, you can still play the game as normal. While the Definitive Edition of the trilogy is basically the same game, it has some distinguishing gameplay features.
Also read: GTA 5 parents guide