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Grand Theft Auto Advance
Return to Liberty City in this classic top-down adventure! Play as Mike on a revenge-driven quest after being framed for murder. Navigate the dangerous streets, complete missions, and uncover who set you up in this retro GTA experience.
What is Grand Theft Auto Advance? A Handheld Classic
Grand Theft Auto Advance is a unique entry in the legendary GTA franchise, originally developed for the Game Boy Advance by Digital Eclipse in collaboration with Rockstar Games. Set in Liberty City one year before the events of GTA 3, this top-down action game follows Mike, a criminal who was supposed to complete one last job before leaving the city. When his partner Vinnie is killed in an explosion, Mike becomes the prime suspect and must uncover who framed him while evading the police. The game blends open-world exploration with mission-based gameplay, featuring familiar GTA mechanics adapted to a 2D perspective. Players can steal vehicles, engage in combat, complete story missions for various criminal organizations, and explore three interconnected islands. Despite hardware limitations that removed voice acting and 3D graphics, GTA Advance preserves the core experience of freedom, crime, and consequences that defines the series. It remains one of the most ambitious handheld adaptations of a console franchise.
How to Play: Navigate Liberty City's Streets
Master these controls and strategies to survive Mike's dangerous journey through Liberty City.
Normal Mode Controls: Use arrow keys or WASD to move your character on foot. Press the action key to enter vehicles, interact with mission markers, or pick up weapons.
Driving Mode Controls: Steer your vehicle with directional keys. Use the accelerator to increase speed and brake keys to slow down or reverse. Exit vehicles by pressing the action button when stopped.
Combat System: Engage enemies using your equipped weapon with the attack key. Time your strikes carefully in close-range fights. Collect weapons from safehouses or defeated enemies to expand your arsenal.
Mission Progression: Approach mission markers indicated on the map to start objectives. Complete tasks ranging from vehicle theft to combat encounters. Earn money, weapons, and vehicle upgrades as rewards.
Safehouse Management: Visit safehouses scattered across the city to save your progress and store collected loot. These locations serve as respawn points if you are arrested or defeated.
Strategic Planning: Study each mission's objectives before rushing in. Plan escape routes during heists and car chases. Balance aggression with caution to avoid overwhelming police attention.
Exploration: Search the city for hidden packages, shortcuts, and bonus content. Learning the street layout improves mission efficiency and helps you evade pursuers during chases.
Core Gameplay Features: The Retro Crime Experience
Top-Down Action Perspective
Experience Liberty City from the classic overhead camera angle that defined early GTA games. This 2D perspective offers a unique tactical view of the city, making navigation and combat feel distinct from modern 3D entries. The retro viewpoint brings nostalgic charm while maintaining the franchise's signature open-world freedom and chaotic action sequences.
Story-Driven Mission Structure
Follow Mike's revenge tale through a series of structured missions across Liberty City. Each objective advances the narrative as you work for various criminal organizations including the Yakuza and Colombian Cartel. Missions range from car thefts and bank robberies to street fights and high-speed chases. Uncover the conspiracy behind your partner Vinnie's death through branching storylines.
Vehicle and Combat Systems
Steal and drive a variety of vehicles through Liberty City's three islands. Master simple but responsive controls for both driving and on-foot combat. Engage in street fights using melee attacks, collect weapons from safehouses, and participate in thrilling car chases. The game requires strategic timing and precision despite its accessible control scheme.
Open-World Exploration
Roam freely across a faithful 2D recreation of GTA 3's Liberty City. Discover shortcuts, hidden collectibles, and bonus opportunities throughout the urban landscape. Visit safehouses to store loot and save progress. Meet familiar characters like 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen while exploring the interconnected boroughs. The city feels alive with gang activity and police presence.
Grand Theft Auto Advance: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Theft Auto Advance free to play online?
Yes, you can play Grand Theft Auto Advance free through browser-based emulators and online gaming platforms. No download or payment is required to experience this classic GTA title in your web browser.
When and where is Grand Theft Auto Advance set?
The game is set in Liberty City in the year 2000, one year before the events of GTA 3. It takes place in a 2D recreation of the same city featured in GTA 3, with familiar landmarks and street layouts adapted to the top-down perspective.
Who is the main character in GTA Advance?
You play as Mike, a criminal planning to complete one final job before leaving Liberty City. After your partner Vinnie is killed in an explosion, you become the prime suspect and must uncover the conspiracy while evading law enforcement.
Do any GTA 3 characters appear in this game?
Yes, several GTA 3 characters return including bomb-shop owner 8-Ball and Yakuza co-leader Asuka Kasen. The game also introduces new characters like Cisco, the Colombian Cartel leader, and King Courtney of the Uptown Yardies.
How does the gameplay differ from 3D GTA games?
GTA Advance uses a top-down 2D perspective similar to the original GTA games. The city has no sloped surfaces or underground tunnels due to technical limitations. Despite the simplified graphics, the game maintains core GTA mechanics including open-world exploration, vehicle theft, and mission-based progression.
What types of missions are in the game?
Missions include bank robberies, car thefts, street fights, assassination contracts, package deliveries, and chase sequences. Each mission advances the revenge-driven storyline and often involves working for different criminal organizations across Liberty City.
How do I save my progress?
Progress can be saved by visiting safehouses scattered throughout Liberty City. These locations allow you to store collected items and serve as respawn points. Browser versions may also include quick-save features.
Can I drive different vehicles in the game?
Yes, Liberty City features a variety of vehicles you can steal and drive including cars, trucks, and other transportation options. Each vehicle type has different handling characteristics affecting speed, acceleration, and maneuverability.
How does the wanted system work?
Committing crimes in view of police or civilians raises your wanted level. Higher wanted levels result in more aggressive police pursuit. You can evade capture by hiding, leaving the area, or using safehouses to reset your status.
Can I freely explore all of Liberty City?
Yes, the game features open-world exploration across Liberty City's three islands. Some areas may be initially locked behind story progression, but you can eventually access the entire city to discover secrets, collectibles, and side activities.
Who developed Grand Theft Auto Advance?
GTA Advance was developed by Digital Eclipse in collaboration with Rockstar Games. Originally intended for release by Crawfish Interactive, development was transferred to Digital Eclipse after Crawfish went defunct in 2002.
How does this game connect to GTA 3?
GTA Advance is a prequel to GTA 3, taking place one year earlier in the same city. The storyline provides background context for some GTA 3 events and characters. However, the top-down perspective and technical differences create a distinct gameplay experience.
How long does it take to complete GTA Advance?
Completing the main story typically requires several hours depending on your familiarity with the game and skill level. Additional time can be spent exploring the city, finding collectibles, and completing optional side activities for full completion.
What are some tips for new players?
Learn the city layout early to improve navigation during missions. Save frequently at safehouses to avoid losing progress. Practice driving and combat controls before attempting difficult missions. Keep an eye on your wanted level and know where to hide from police when necessary.