Episode 405: Grand Theft Auto III (Patreon)
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I did not blink when the PlayStation 2 turned 20 years old in 2020, but now that some of its biggest hits are turning 20, these anniversaries are starting to get to me. Case in point: Grand Theft Auto III was originally released in October of 2001, after a brief delay caused by you-know-what.
I shouldn't be coy, as that eventful day in history will come up during our conversation about Rockstar's infamous open-world crime-em-up, and we did in fact record this episode on September 11, 2021. Ironic, or poetic justice? Probably a coincidence, as it was already September 12 in Japan at the time.
Native New Yorker Diamond Feit is our host this week along with regulars Jeremy Parish and Bob Mackey to tell the curious tale of how a small British developer turned a top-down driving game into a AAA global franchise. Honk if you love mob movies!
Art for this episode by Shaan Khan and edits by Greg Leahy.
Music credits:
12:16 - Lemmings (Amiga): Smile if you Love Lemmings
26:13 - Space Station Silicon Valley (N64): Penguin Playpen
42:18 - Grand Theft Auto III: Opening Theme | Flashback 95.6: Rush Rush (Scarface OST)
51:01 - Game FM: Scary Movies (Instrumental)
58:39 - Lips 106: Joyride (Original GTA Theme)
1:13:04 - Double Clef FM: O mio babbino caro (Puccini)
1:19:26 - Flashback 95.6: Scarface (Push It To The Limit)
Closing - Lips 106: Forever (Lucy)