Rockstar Games That Are Difficult To Replay Nowadays

Key Takeaways

Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2 are classics but aged poorly with clunky controls and repetitive gameplay.
Bully’s linear story and outdated mechanics make it hard to replay, despite an excellent narrative.
Red Dead Revolver is overshadowed by its sequels and hampered by outdated game mechanics.

As a seasoned gamer who grew up with these iconic titles, I must say revisiting them today is a bit like meeting old friends who have aged quite a bit and haven’t quite kept up with the times.

Rockstar Games stands as a titan in the entertainment industry, known for launching some of the most successful video game series worldwide. Each new title they unveil grabs attention for extended periods. Despite Grand Theft Auto 6 not yet being available, excitement about it continues to escalate daily. Their stellar reputation is earned through their habitual delivery of games with impressive production quality, compelling narratives, and enjoyable gameplay.

These games often offer multiple playthrough options, making them highly re-playable. However, time has a way of making even revolutionary games from the past seem less appealing today. Leaving behind sentimental feelings and focusing on the present, some classic games may no longer meet modern standards. This is not limited to Rockstar’s games but applies to many developers. The games selected for this list were fantastic when first released and in many ways still are, but playing them now can be quite challenging.

This list omits certain games that weren’t particularly enjoyable from the get-go, and it bundles together some titles from the same series, which can be challenging to revisit due to similar issues.

9 Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2

Classics That Feel Even Older Than They Are

Instead of treating the first two “Grand Theft Auto” games individually, we group them together due to the fact that while enhancements were added between the two titles, both can be challenging to replay now for similar reasons. Despite their nostalgic appeal, it’s unlikely anyone would argue that either one is among the top-tier “Grand Theft Auto” games overall.

These games have not aged gracefully, and to be frank, they seem even more antiquated when played now. The control scheme, reminiscent of tank controls, is awkwardly clumsy by contemporary standards. Additionally, the top-down perspective and 2D graphics can sometimes make it challenging to comprehend what’s happening on the screen. Despite the impressive visuals these games boasted in 1997 (for Driver) and 1999 (for GTA 2), they appear quite dated in today’s world of high-definition gaming.

The biggest hurdle to replaying them today, though, is the mission design. The gameplay feels simple, and missions and objectives get repetitive fast. GTA 1 in particular can be brutally difficult and feels downright unfair at times. GTA 2’s improved saved system alleviated this a little, but barely. The Grand Theft Auto DNA so many love is here, and there’s still fun to be had, but few modern gamers have the patience needed to replay and finish either game.

8 Bully

Revisiting The High School Years

Individuals who had a fondness for high school often recall their academic years with an idealized perspective, focusing on the mischief they caused, friendships formed, and beloved teachers. However, they frequently overlook the tormentors, social pressures, and never-ending assignments. This sentiment is also shared by those who cherished Bully, a game that was nearly 20 years old. Its story has aged gracefully, remains as entertaining as ever, and introduced one of Rockstar’s most memorable characters.

Although some contemporary gamers might find it somewhat linear, the simplicity can be a welcome change from the numerous meaningless choices in many modern games. Regrettably, certain elements have not aged well over time. For instance, the class mini- games, though initially engaging, soon become monotonous. The combat itself is not flawed, but appears simplistic compared to contemporary standards. This is exacerbated by the predictable AI of enemies, which ceases to be a challenge quickly. Moreover, the movement controls, particularly when using the game’s limited vehicles, can feel cumbersome. Despite these criticisms, they stem from a place of affection for the game. The widespread demand for a remake or sequel of Bully from fans is due to their desire to experience a version that matches their cherished memories of it.

7 Grand Theft Auto 3

Revolutionary, Innovative, And Over 20 Years Old

Speaking of Grand Theft Auto 3, it seems almost blasphemous to criticize such a legendary game. Over the past two decades, countless articles have been penned extolling its revolutionary nature and groundbreaking innovations. Its release truly revolutionized the gaming world in the early 2000s. Yet, revisiting it now can be quite jarring.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that, once more, the gameplay controls seem somewhat awkward compared to other titles on this list. The weapon aiming, in particular, doesn’t feel intuitive, and the lock-on system used by most weapons can be frustrating at times. Regrettably, there’s no option to take cover, crouch, or dodge enemy attacks, making combat situations a game of chance where I pray my health bar holds out until all enemies are defeated.

The mission structure was actually impressively varied for the time, but there are some annoying difficulty spikes — especially considering dying means losing all your weapons. That’s a real pain. The limited save system, which relies on one safe house per island, can also suck the fun out of going back and replaying GTA 3 today. All in all, it’s one of the hardest Grand Theft Auto games, but its difficulty comes from wonky mechanics rather than design. Lots of fans hoped these wrinkles would be ironed out in the 2021 remaster, but alas.

6 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

A Masterpiece Showing Its Age

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City holds up better than its earlier counterparts, even though it followed GTA 3 by only a year. Rockstar effectively packed in numerous enhancements. Despite these improvements and being considered one of the top PS2 sequels, replaying the game today can be quite challenging. While the combat was upgraded and weapon options significantly expanded, there’s still no option to take cover or dodge during shootouts, which makes many gunfights feel less engaging (or enjoyable).

The challenging moments in Vice City, particularly the notorious RC helicopter missions, are more aggravating than they were in GTA 3. Most players would prefer to traverse a Lego-strewn floor barefoot than endure those missions again. The game’s structure, which restricts access to the second island for half the game, feels outdated and overly restrictive. Additionally, it seems Tommy Vercetti never learned to swim, which some find amusing. Tommy, voiced by the gifted Ray Liotta, was a beloved character, and his passing in 2022 adds a bittersweet note for many fans when replaying the game. Despite these issues, Vice City remains a beloved game. A remake with updated mechanics is a dream scenario for fans.

5 The Warriors

A Nostalgia Trip For Fans Of The Film

The game titled “The Warriors” has traditionally relied heavily on evoking nostalgia. Originally released in 2005, it retells and expands the storyline of the classic film from 1979. Even back then, the enjoyment derived from playing was significantly influenced by one’s fondness for the movie. Nowadays, being a fan of the film, or having watched it at some point, is almost essential to appreciate “The Warriors“.

Regrettably, revisiting and playing through The Warriors again today isn’t as straightforward or engaging as it might have been initially. Compared to contemporary beat-em-up games, the combat in this title feels somewhat dated and repetitive, lacking the complexity and depth found in newer releases. Additionally, the game’s narrative is linear with few deviations, and many missions share similarities, making the overall experience feel monotonous. Lastly, character development is minimal, offering limited growth or advancement for players. While this may appeal to gamers frustrated by RPG mechanics being prevalent in modern games, the lack of variety means there’s less motivation to replay The Warriors more than once.

On a positive note, the game’s narrative remains as grandiose as before, and it brilliantly complements the movie for fans. Additionally, The Warriors boasts one of Rockstar’s finest soundtracks yet, ensuring an enjoyable experience for music enthusiasts throughout.

4 Red Dead Revolver

Outshone By The Sequels

Red Dead Revolver, despite being a classic, can be challenging to enjoy nowadays due to many aspects shared with third-person shooters from the same era. It’s an entertaining title marred by outdated mechanics. The majority of levels are essentially shooting ranges where the player takes cover behind handy objects like crates or rocks, and waits for enemies to expose themselves. These shooting segments are punctuated by a difficult (once-innovative) dueling mini-game and boss characters that soak up bullets excessively.

As a fan, I must confess that while some criticisms may resonate with Red Dead Revolver, it shares similarities with other shooters of the same era. Frankly, the game’s captivating story is really the only compelling reason to revisit it. Unfortunately for Red Dead Revolver, it finds itself overshadowed by the brilliance of its successors, Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2. Both are widely regarded as among the greatest games ever made. Therefore, anyone choosing to replay Red Dead Revolver today might soon find themselves yearning for the experience offered by those masterpieces instead.

3 Midnight Club: Street Racing

Racing On The Mean Streets Of The Year 2000

Developer: Rockstar Games	Release: 2000
Platforms: PlayStation 2	Genre: Racing

Initially introduced as a debut game for the aging PlayStation 2, Midnight Club: Street Racing, though it was once an impressive arcade racing title in 2000, may not live up to the memories you have of it. Replaying it today offers little incentive due to its dated driving mechanics and physics that seem rather simplistic and floaty compared to modern racers.

The issue lies in the fact that there isn’t much variety or depth in the original Midnight Club compared to its successors, particularly those on the PS3 which are considered some of the best racing games. The game offers minimal content with limited car and track options, gameplay modes, and customization features. This lack of diversity results in a low replay value. If you’re seeking a nostalgic Midnight Club experience, it would be more beneficial to opt for one of the sequels instead.

2 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Not As Big Or Detailed As Remembered

Compare Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas side by side, and you’d hardly believe there was a mere three-year difference between them. If GTA 3 was groundbreaking, then GTA San Andreas took things to an astonishing level. Instead of a city, it offered an entire state for chaos, and its narrative was not just good but genuinely well-crafted. To this day, it remains one of the finest open-world games on the PlayStation 2, and many argue it’s one of the best ever created. Period.

In an outstanding fashion, Rockstar significantly exceeded expectations with the creation of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Regrettably, playing it now reveals certain flaws that were previously unnoticed. To begin with, the grandiosity of its map was achieved through some impressive technical trickery and intelligent design decisions, making it seem vast at the time. However, in retrospect, the map seems rather compact. The controls have seen significant improvement from Grand Theft Auto 3, particularly aiming, but they fall short compared to contemporary action games. What truly diminishes its replay value is the design of some missions. For instance, Wrong Side of the Tracks and the RC missions can be quite frustrating to revisit today. There are undoubtedly enjoyable aspects, but the absence of a mission replay feature makes revisiting them an arduous task. Additionally, attempting to complete the repetitive gang warfare system again is not particularly enjoyable.

1 Manhunt 1 & 2

Not So Edgy Anymore

The “Manhunt” series is being offered as a pair because they share similar challenges that make revisiting them difficult. However, it’s important to note that while there are some similarities, “Manhunt 2” is not just a duplicate of the original. Rockstar Games did enhance the gameplay significantly between releases, particularly in the stealth system and storytelling. In fact, “Manhunt 2” made significant strides in storytelling compared to its predecessor. Interestingly, many fans of the series actually appreciate the original more due to its more immersive atmosphere.

Today, it’s challenging to replay both games due to two primary factors. Initially, the gameplay mechanics in neither title have held up particularly well over time. These predominantly stealth-based games require players to spend extended periods hiding in the shadows, only to ambush enemies at opportune moments. However, these enemies exhibit inconsistent behavior: sometimes they’re oblivious to their surroundings, while other times their senses are so acute that they’d make Superman question his abilities.

The second point is that in 2003 and 2007, the appeal of these games lay in their extreme nature. The Manhunt series was infamously violent, sparking calls for censorship worldwide, even being banned in certain regions. However, neither game appears as edgy or excessively violent by today’s standards. Instead, it seems that Rockstar was attempting to provoke politicians who often blame video games for societal issues into giving them free publicity. Those who revisit Manhunt now in search of what once made it notorious may find themselves underwhelmed and disappointed.

2024-09-17 06:04