Where Can I Buy GTA 1?

[NeverLate]

I'd like to buy GTA 1 and GTA 2, however i couldn't find anywhere. They are exist on Steam, but they aren't for sale. Why aren't they on sale? Is there a platform where I can buy these games digitally?

[ThermalSmoke]

@NeverLate Freeware, my friend. Rockstar hasn't given any alternatives to buy GTA 1 or 2, so the only way you're going to experience GTA 1 is by playing the Max Pack version by Toshiba-3. It includes not only GTA 1, but London 1969 and London 1961. The best way to play these 3 games, but a side mission in London 1961 is so bugged, it sends you to the "results" screen. It doesn't mean you beat the chapter, the game treats it like you quit your playthrough. So 100% is impossible. The other alternative way to play GTA 1 and London 1969 is to buy/emulate the PS1 versions, the PS1 versions are butchered but decent ports to play the games. For GTA 1, Aside from 1 or 2 side missions cut in every chapter of the 3 cities, it has few bugs in either AI or traffic. Same goes for London 1969, the base game seems fully intact and no missions are cut, but the ending chapter mission is bugged, so you got to know in advance what to do. The two things these port have cut is the multiplayer feature, which was readily available in the main menu for the PC version of GTA 1 and London 1969. There is no port of London 1961 for the PS1, it's PC exclusive. Most people seem to go for the Max Pack version. If playing with keyboard is too uncomfortable or too hard, you could map your controller to the Max Pack version's keybinds and play it whichever way you see fit. Another thing about the Max Pack version, is that it uses save states so it should be a more smoother ride for any mess ups along the way. Oh, and multiplayer isn't TOO difficult to setup, so I'll leave a link as well if you're interested.
 

As for GTA 2, you could reasonably find it at the "Rockstar Classics" website. It's free to download along with GTA 1. Why didn't I mention that version as well? Although it tries to be compatible with the latest versions of Windows 8 and 10, it has a bug regarding score and sound. It's a pain to get working so I REALLY don't recommend going through that headache. Back to GTA 2, aside from "Rockstar Classics", there's also the 11.44 version by Sektor. It fixes a few bugs from the base version of GTA 2 but comes with a draw back. You can't listen to ANY of the music from GTA 2. As of this time, I haven't heard of an update that includes the OST intact and listenable in-game. Otherwise, that be the definitive version. Which it is, but without the music the game feels barebones. Both have multiplayer, but I'm not too experienced enough to explain it, so you could probably talk with GTA 2 forum members for help or click the link at the bottom. As for controller support, Steam is an option. GTA 2 doesn't have save states, but there's a widescreen patch that not only gives the game full resolution, but also allows you to save state. So you should be all setup.

Rockstar Classics: Rockstar Classics - Free Downloads (GTA & GTA 2)
GTA 2 11.44, by Sektor: vike's GTA2 update patch enhancement upgrade fix v11.44 - GTAMP
GTA 2 Multiplayer: GTA2 multiplayer FAQ – GTAMP.com
GTA 2 Maps: MapA/W (gtamp.com)

GTA 2 Widescreen patch: Widescreen Fixes Pack - plugins to make or improve widescreen resolutions support in PC games (thirteenag.github.io)

Before I go, I want to at least give a few words of wisdom;

1.) In GTA 1 and London, you cannot save before, during, or after a mission. The game will ONLY save after you see the end chapter cutscene.

2.) GTA 1 and London offer no rewards for 100% other than a high score, you just need enough points to beat a chapter. But it is recommended to look for bonuses and other power ups hidden in crates located in alleyways or rooftops. (There are no crates in GTA 2, the power ups and weapons are visible). You could also sell cars at docks to rack up points, but having a high point multiplier could also give you a lot more points. Oh, and try to bring the vehicles in mint condition as much as you can, that will also help. Kill Frenzies, later called "rampages" in the series, are also an option to gain points.

3.) GTA 1 and London 1961 are very trial and error so be prepared to reset a few times a chapter, because failing too many missions will only get you so far in points. Especially London 1961.

4.) If you need a recommendation on where start, go for GTA 2, play London 1969 second, then do GTA 1 third, and save London 1961 for last. Why this order? GTA 2 is better balanced than GTA 1 and actually lets you save at anytime except during a mission. London 1969 is a smooth introduction into the mechanics and gameplay for GTA 1 and London 1961, it's the easiest game to play and should be a relaxing ride. GTA 1  has a weird difficulty balance that's all over the place and by the 2nd chapter of San Andreas it just goes off from there, but it's playable. London 1961 is dead last and the most difficult of the 2D GTA's. You will see why when you get to it.

 

5.) The games should be played with a map in hand, you can find the maps for GTA 1 and London in the DOCS folder of the Max Pack version. For GTA 2, the link above should help. These maps will be VERY useful for finding the shorter routes to outsmart aggressive cops and to be wary of certain gang members you may or may have not pissed off.

 

6.) The overworld for all 4 games are massive, power ups and weapon locations are hidden differently in each chapter of a mission or city, so it's best to note down the location of any of these findings. Take your time with the game. If your stuck, seeking a guide/walkthrough for help is nothing to be ashamed of, the games are difficult.

 

7.) If you lose the location of a save point in GTA 2, you could always look for it in the map or use a TV Van, wherever the antenna points is where the save churches are located. You will know what a TV Van looks like in GTA 2 when you steal- I mean, "borrow" it.

 

8.) Get out of jail free cards (or GOOJFC for short) and armor are very useful for every mission regardless of game, always grab them before doing a mission or kill frenzy. When arrested, a GOOJFC won't make you lose your points multiplier and weapons. The only thing you will lose, is the power up itself when you are busted. (And maybe the mission if you are doing it).

Otherwise, if you have ANY questions regarding GTA 1 or London I would be more than happy to help. As for GTA 2, I could only help so much, so you may need to ask members of the forum or seek outside knowledge. Have a great day!

Edited August 22, 2021 by ThermalMoon

[jm-9]

@ThermalMoon This is a great post. I just have a few things to add:

 

1. The Rockstar Classics site you linked to is not an official Rockstar site. The original official site was www.rockstargames.com/classics, and also contained Wild Metal Country for free. That is long since defunct. Nonetheless, I haven't heard anything bad about games downloaded from the site you linked.

 

2. To get music in GTA 2 11.44, copy the GTAudio folder from the data folder of the Rockstar Classics download to the data folder of GTA 2 11.44.

Edited August 24, 2021 by jm-9

[Graven]

Yeah, 1 & 2 have been free downloads for quite some time.

There was this funny guy in our firm. He was working mainly as a gofer, delivering our products to neighboring areas using public transport.

During the day, he also visited every possible flee market, bargain sale and shop opening ceremony he could for free servings and cheap goods.

And he still does it years after retiring. Not the sharpest pen in the box, but I admire how he can pull through day spending only few euros, or nothing at all.

Even though I started playing games in the early 1980s, C64, Speccy etc...I never bumped into GTA before Vice City.

I've been going through shelves and drawers in our factory due to some changes, looking out for any vintage stuff to hmm "save".

Found this along with some other old PS1 and PC games.

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 2021 by Graven