When "GTA: The Trilogy" was announced earlier this month, skepticism was quite natural. I was one of the opponents who labeled this collection of "GTA 3," "GTA: Vice City," and "GTA: San Andreas" as nothing more than a cheap money grab. After all, did we really need another port of three games that can already be played anywhere?

This week, Rockstar released the first trailer for the GTA trilogy. None of the games have been fully remade, but the overall enhancements are immediately noticeable. Over the course of an afternoon, I went from thinking about skipping them to enthusiastically pre-ordering them.

Rockstar has also released a blog post detailing the scope of the additional improvements, but what you immediately notice in the trailer is the significant lighting and texture upgrades. Sure, none of the games look like they were released in 2021, but they definitely don't look like 20-year-old titles anymore.

Even more exciting are the confirmed upgrades that are not apparent from the trailer: all three games will add "Grand Theft Auto V-style controls and targeting," making these gaming classics easier than ever to enjoy! It will be. Additionally, the weapon/radio selection wheel will be updated, waypoints will be configurable, and the minimap will be clearer.

Perhaps the single biggest addition is that "GTA Trilogy" will give you the option to immediately try again if you fail a mission. This may not sound like a particularly big upgrade, but anyone who experienced the pain of failing a mission in "GTA: San Andreas" and having to drive back across the entire map to restart will know how game-changing this is.

There are also platform-exclusive upgrades and features: the PS5 and Xbox Series X (and possibly PC) will offer 4K resolution and "up to 60 fps performance," while PC will also support Nvidia DLSS. The Nintendo-Switch is not to be overlooked. This hybrid console will feature touchscreen menus and camera controls, as well as gyro aiming capabilities.

Credit must be given to Rockstar. It's a much bigger array of upgrades than many, myself included, were expecting. Having never actually completed any of these games, but having played them all to varying degrees, I am excited to experience the complete GTA trilogy this winter with modern controls and refreshed visuals.

Perhaps the only disappointing news is the price of the collection. Rockstar has set a retail price of $60 for the "GTA" trilogy, which seems a bit steep. However, considering that each one costs $20, it makes a little more sense. Still, it seems overpriced considering that similar packages with more extensive upgrades, such as the "Crash N. Sane" trilogy, were released for $40.

If you plan to relive your childhood with the GTA trilogy, the wait won't be long. The collection will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch on November 11.