T R A N S C R I P T . . .
Hello and welcome back to the ninety-eighth episode of this GTA III The Definitive Edition video game series. Just admiring that plane crossing over that skyscraper, pretty cool. Anyway, so today, weβre gonna go attempt our final optional Off-Road Challenge, which is in Shoreside Vale. Exactly where we ah, just recently took out a gang of Southside Hoods Purple Nineβs for D-Ice. When his younger brother was rolling with us. So, weβll be driving a Patriot, no different to our first Off-Road Challenge in Patriot Playground.
But, I reckon this might be a better one. This will be a lot of fun. Letβs go suss it out. Alright, weβre here. Nice looking Patriot. This is βGripped!β. Five minutes to collect twenty checkpoints in any order. Fifteen seconds granted per checkpoint. Alright, letβs go! Oh, almost jumped into the ocean. Alright, no pressure. I love how this can rock climb so well. Still definitely one of my favourite vehicles in GTA three. Letβs grab this one if we can. Cβmon, you got it. This definitely is a little more challenging than Patriot Playground.
Itβs a full hill climb. Alright, weβll go up here. We may have too of anyway. Hopefully this way works, Iβm not sure, Iβd say it would. Thereβs a bit of a jump, it couldβve been. I mean, weβll find out if Itβs gonna work or not. Yo, this is a sick Off-Road Challenge. Oh my god. Alright, back it up. Weβll, we got plenty off time. I just donβt know if the remaining are as accessible as they have been so far. Weβll thatβs not good. Cβmon roll, awe. Cβmon yes, my god. Okay back up, here we go. Oh alright, weβre there. Unless thereβs a drop there.
Stay on this ridge. Oh man, no reverse. I thought I was going down there for sure, brakes or not. Alright, looks like we got it. It may have not been the best strategy, but it worked. There we go, and that was Gripped! No more Off-Road Challenges remain. But the good thing is, we now have a Patriot, which I do really enjoy driving. So, letβs go back to the Safehouse. This calls for the Patriot. Alright, weβre getting up there. Cβmon yeah. Okay, this one goes in the middle for some reason. I hope you enjoyed this episode and Iβll see you on the next!

Summary
Grand Theft Auto 3 exploded onto the gaming scene back in 2001, flipping the script on open-world games and setting a new standard for immersive storytelling paired with free-roaming gameplay. Many gamers still recall the sheer thrill of navigating Liberty City, living out a virtual life of organised crime. The game was a pivotal moment in the Grand Theft Auto series, securing its place in gaming history and breaking ground for its successors.
With the release of GTA 3 The Definitive Edition, players can now relive their favourite classic moments with updated visuals and modernised controls. This isnβt just a simple remaster. It brings a fresh look to the chilling, crime-ridden streets while maintaining the charm and danger that fans fell in love with two decades ago.
The Definitive Edition promises enhanced graphics, with improved details and lighting that adds a new depth to the cityβs atmosphere. Thereβs a noticeable upgrade in gameplay mechanics too, making the game more accessible to a new generation of players without losing the originalβs intensity.
When it comes to anticipation, expectations were sky-high among both die-hard fans and critics. Many were eager to see whether the new Edition could walk the tightrope between honouring the nostalgic elements and implementing worthwhile contemporary improvements.
Gripped! β OFF-ROAD
An In-Depth Look at Mission βGripped!β: The Off-Road Challenge
The mission βGripped!β in GTA 3 The Definitive Edition offers an exciting detour from the main storyline, bringing a unique off-road challenge to gamers. This optional mission is accessible at the Staunton View picnic area in Shoreside Valeβs Oceanside Park. Here, eager players can jump into a robust Patriot vehicle parked in the parkβs vicinity and take on the missionβs intense off-road adventure.
Objective-wise, the challenge is straightforward but thrilling. Collect 20 checkpoints scattered across grassy hills, with the pressure mounting as each checkpoint grabbed adds urgency to the adventure. The mission kicks off the moment the first checkpoint is collected, starting a ticking timer that gives you 15 seconds to reach the next one and reaches a total of five minutes on the clock by checkpoint 20, itβs a high-stakes dash against time that keeps adrenaline levels high.
Navigating the hills in the Patriot is no easy feat, so here are a few pointers to improve your odds. First, focus on memorising checkpoint locations on your first few attempts. This helps in planning a path that minimises time lost on tricky turns or deceivingly steep slopes. The Patriot, while sturdy, doesnβt handle like a sports car, so adjusting to its weight and momentum is crucial for success.
Completing all 20 checkpoints within the time frame nets you a sweet reward of $40,000 GTA, a nice payoff that can bolster your in-game finances. This reward incentivizes players to refine their technique, turning this side mission into more than just a trivial pursuit but a strategic endeavour. So, buckle up and see if you can conquer the challenge, reaping both the reward and the triumph of victory.
The Legacy of GTA 3 and Why Itβs Still Dominating Gaming Conversations
Grand Theft Auto 3 The Definitive Release wasnβt just another game; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined what players could expect from the digital world. Its open-world gameplay set the bar for others to follow, offering unprecedented freedom and depth. Years later, weβre still talking about it, and for good reason.
One aspect that makes GTA 3 stand out is how its missions β like βGripped!β β enhance the gameβs immersive quality. These missions are more than tasks; they create a rich tapestry of in-game experiences that contribute to a deeply engaging environment. Each challenge adds a layer of complexity and excitement, encouraging players to explore Liberty Cityβs sprawling landscape.
The innovations introduced in GTA 3 have become the blueprint for future Rockstar titles. Its impact on gaming mechanics, narrative depth, and character development laid the foundation for games that came after. It wasnβt just playing a game; it was stepping into a living, breathing world where every choice could have consequences.
Reflecting on the lasting influence of GTA 3, itβs clear why it remains a talked-about topic. Itβs not just nostalgia that draws players back to Liberty City but a recognition of the gameβs role in shaping modern gaming standards. In the Definitive Edition, these elements remain, solidifying its place in how we discuss and conceive open-world games today.

That was a fun mission to watch.
I think you were saved by a tree at least once on one of the later checkpoints; but the good news is that you made $40,000 off of that mission, you know what I am saying!
Itβs actually nice to see that these kinds of missions exist on the video game as opposed to shooting ones and such.
Great work, see you again on the next one.Β
-ALEJANDRO G.
Great breakdown of the βGripped!β Off-Road Challenge in GTA III: The Definitive Edition!Β The tips on handling the tricky terrain and tight checkpoints were super helpful, this mission can be frustrating without the right approach. I also appreciate the insight into how the remasterβs physics affect the challenge. Definitely looking forward to more guides like this! Keep up the awesome content!