This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
While this collection had a rocky start at launch, it has received massive updates (especially the Late 2024 "Classic Lighting" patch) that make it the absolute best way to play these legends on Xbox. Whether you're on the powerhouse Series X or the portable Series S, this is a nostalgia trip worth taking.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Classic Lighting Mode: You can now toggle on the original "warm" sky colors and atmosphere. It restores the iconic orange sunsets of San Andreas and the neon haze of Vice City that fans felt were missing at first.
GTA V-Style Controls: The biggest game-changer. The modernized weapon wheel and radio selection make the gameplay feel smooth and natural for modern players, while keeping the classic "jank" charm of the originals.
Series X Performance: On the Series X, you get a crisp 4K resolution at a steady 60fps. The draw distances are massive—seeing the entire state of San Andreas from the air without the old "fog" (unless you choose to turn it on) is breathtaking.
Quality of Life Upgrades: The ability to immediately restart a failed mission and the addition of GPS waypoints on the mini-map save hours of frustration compared to the original PS2/Xbox versions.
The Verdict:
You’re getting three of the most influential games of all time—GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas—all in one package. With the bugs largely squashed and the lighting fixed, it’s a 100+ hour masterpiece of open-world history.
