Grand Theft Auto originally started as a top-down series on the original PlayStation. Since then, the franchise has become known for its huge open-world that gives players the freedom to do nearly whatever they want.
This latest video from Hat-Loving Gamer takes GTA back to a style close to that of the original games, but with an added twist. Instead of simply being a top-down shooter, Hat-Loving Gamer instead imagined what Grand Theft Auto would look like were it done in the style of old-school Pokemon games.
It works surprisingly well, but it isn't just the pixelated visuals that make this vision so perfect. The video also explores what gameplay would be like in a GTA game that played like Pokemon.
All the staples of both franchises are here: an open-world to ride around, people to mug and police to evade. Fighting and performing various activities are done in a turn-based fashion, just like in Pokemon. Instead of capturing monsters, players instead collect various vehicles, which can then be selected from a garage
In true GTA style, defying the cops will lead to a "Wanted Level." Raise your wanted level high enough and players will eventually have to confront the United States Army. Thankfully, all of the stars of the Grand Theft Auto series are on hand in the video to help battle against the military. Niko Bellic from GTA IV makes an appearance, as does Tommy Vercetti from GTA: Vice City, Claude from GTA III and even Trevor from GTA V.
While the open-world aspect, mugging and car theft is all here, what you won't find in the video is GTA's signature level of violence, profanity or sexual content. This version of the series, just like the kid-friendly Pokemon, is relatively tame. Sure, people are beaten up with baseball bats, but there aren't any lifeless bodies or blood laying around.
When it's all over, you might wish this was real. However, don't expect to see turn-based battles in GTA anytime soon. Just like all of Hat-Loving Gamer's other pixel perfect creations, this is simply a fun what-if video — unfortunately.
