GTA Trilogy Switch Review: Pros & Cons

Despite the technical flaws and issues with the graphical overhaul, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch still offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for fans of the iconic open-world games. The collection includes Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, and San Andreas, allowing players to revisit these classic titles on a portable console. While the visuals may not live up to the “Definitive Edition” promise, the gameplay mechanics, memorable missions, and fantastic soundtracks make for an engaging gaming experience.

In this review, we will delve into the pros and cons of the GTA Trilogy on the Nintendo Switch, providing an unbiased analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this review will help you decide if it’s worth embarking on another crime-filled adventure on the Nintendo Switch.

Visual and Technical Issues

The Nintendo Switch version of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition suffers from various visual and technical issues. Players may encounter problems that impact their overall gaming experience.

Graphical Makeover and Resolution

The graphical makeover in the Definitive Edition aims to enhance the visuals of the original games. However, the resolution is not perfect, resulting in blurriness and a lack of crispness in the graphics. This can be particularly noticeable when playing in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch.

Character Models and Glitches

The character models have been updated, but the results are mixed. Some characters may appear strange or distorted, affecting immersion in the game world. Additionally, various glitches and bugs can be found throughout the games. Texture issues, long loading times, and freezes are among the technical hiccups players may encounter.

Frame Rate Drops

In terms of performance, the frame rate occasionally drops below 30fps, impacting the smoothness of gameplay. These frame rate drops can affect the overall enjoyment and flow of the game, especially during intense moments or action-packed sequences.

Despite these visual and technical issues, fans of the GTA Trilogy can still find enjoyment in revisiting these classic games on the Nintendo Switch. However, it is important to be aware of these flaws before diving into the experience.

Gameplay Experience and Improvements

Despite the technical flaws, the core gameplay mechanics and mission design of the original Grand Theft Auto games still hold up well. The vast open-world gameplay allows players to freely explore the cities of Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas, immersing themselves in the vibrant and dynamic environments.

The mission design in the GTA Trilogy is both varied and engaging, offering a mix of story-driven missions and optional side quests. From high-speed chases to heists and gang wars, players will find themselves constantly immersed in thrilling and memorable experiences.

“The open-world environments are incredibly detailed and offer countless opportunities for exploration. Whether it’s cruising down the streets in a stolen car, hijacking a helicopter, or participating in illicit activities, the sandbox nature of the game allows players to create their own unique experiences.”

One of the notable improvements in the Definitive Edition is the checkpoint system. This feature alleviates the frustration of failing missions by allowing players to restart from a specific checkpoint, keeping their weapons, armor, and health intact. No more starting from scratch and repeating the same mundane tasks!

The aiming mechanics have also been enhanced, resulting in more accurate and enjoyable combat. Whether engaged in intense shootouts or precision sniping, players will appreciate the improved responsiveness and smoothness of the aiming mechanics.

To further enhance the gameplay experience, the developers have introduced a weapon wheel. This allows players quick and easy access to a variety of weapons during combat, eliminating the need to scroll through an inventory menu. Whether it’s a baseball bat, a shotgun, or a fully automatic assault rifle, players can switch between weapons seamlessly and adapt to any situation.

“The addition of the weapon wheel is a game-changer, providing players with a simple and intuitive way to manage their arsenal. Gone are the days of fumbling through menus in the heat of battle. Now, players can effortlessly switch weapons and stay in the action without missing a beat.”

The GTA Trilogy on the Nintendo Switch offers a gameplay experience that captures the essence of the original games while incorporating improvements that enhance the overall enjoyment. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, the open-world gameplay, engaging mission design, refined aiming mechanics, and convenient weapon wheel make for an exciting and immersive adventure.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch, while not living up to its “definitive” promise, still provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the iconic series. Despite its flaws, the game manages to capture the essence of the original titles through its iconic locations, memorable missions, and nostalgic vibes. In handheld mode, where some of the visual issues are less noticeable, players can fully immerse themselves in the fun.

However, it’s important to note that players seeking a more polished and modern experience may find better alternatives on other platforms. The Nintendo Switch version of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy comes with its fair share of frustrations, including technical glitches and graphical imperfections. These flaws may deter some players who crave a more refined gameplay experience.

Overall, the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy on the Nintendo Switch represents a mixed bag of fun and frustration. While it’s undeniably entertaining for fans of the series, it falls short of delivering the promised definitive edition. If you’re willing to look past its flaws and embrace the nostalgic charm, then the Nintendo Switch version is still worth a playthrough. However, if you’re seeking a more flawless and modernized experience, exploring other platforms might be a more suitable choice.