Three years after its controversial launch, the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition has finally received a massive update that brings it closer to what fans initially expected. Rockstar Games’ surprise patch, which dropped on November 12, has introduced numerous improvements to lighting, animations, and gameplay mechanics that have longtime fans of the series nodding in approval.
However, while the community is largely positive about these changes, there’s still one glaring issue that seems to have been overlooked entirely. And for many players, it’s the most crucial aspect that needed fixing since day one.
The Missing Piece of the Definitive Puzzle
The latest update has transformed the trilogy in ways many thought impossible. The restoration of classic fog effects, improved draw distances, and enhanced environmental details have brought these beloved titles closer to their original vision while maintaining modern conveniences. The patch has also fixed numerous gameplay issues that plagued the collection since launch, from wonky targeting systems to inconsistent frame rates.
One player recently took to Reddit to share their experience with these new changes:
The volumetric fog and classic lighting options have certainly done wonders for the game’s atmosphere. The neon-soaked streets of Vice City finally pop with their intended vibrancy, while San Andreas’s countryside feels appropriately mysterious during those midnight drives. But it didn’t take long for fans to notice what was still missing:
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Unfortunately, the answer to that question isn’t what fans were hoping for:
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The character models have been a contentious issue since launch, with many players noting that they seem to have missed the attention to detail given to other aspects of the remasters. While the environments shine with new life, the characters still look like something from a mobile game port.
A Step Forward, But Not Quite “Definitive”
The gaming industry has seen its fair share of successful remasters/remakes in recent years. From Resident Evil to Dead Space, and most recently, Silent Hill 2, developers have shown that it’s possible to modernize classics while maintaining their core essence.
This makes the current state of the GTA Trilogy particularly puzzling—especially coming from a studio with Rockstar‘s resources and reputation. Some fans can’t help but compare it to other remasters that have set a higher bar:
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The sentiment is understandable. Games like Mafia: Definitive Edition have demonstrated how to completely rebuild a classic while staying true to its original spirit. The fact that Rockstar Games opted for a more conservative approach with their most iconic trilogy has left many fans wondering what could have been.
Some players are still taking a cautious approach:
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While the latest patch shows continued commitment to improvement, the trilogy still has some way to go before truly living up to its “definitive” moniker. This raises questions about the future of other potential remasters in Rockstar’s catalog—will we ever see properly modernized versions of games like GTA IV or Bully?
What do you think about the latest update? Are the improved visuals and gameplay mechanics enough to make you give the trilogy another shot? Let us know in the comments below!
