Grand Theft Auto online is getting a top down racing mode

Move over Micro Machines!

The original Grand Theft Auto and its first sequel employed a different viewpoint to the games we have today. Instead of being third-person, they went for a top down view due to hardware limitations of the time. PC’s and consoles weren’t able to render massive cities with huge draw distances, so limiting the view to only the ground cut down on the need for a skybox and any verticality in level design. It was a compromise that gave Rockstar the confidence it needed to keep pushing themselves to do better.

While some people prefer that style of game, the only other GTA title to even attempt it was Chinatown Wars on the DS, PSP and iOS/Android. Rockstar basically moved on from that style and relegated it to the past. That is, they were content doing that until this new expansion for Grand Theft Auto Online got a surprise announcement.

Launching on April 25 (just a few days after the long anticipated return of Micro Machines), Tiny Racers sees the cars shrunk down and the viewpoint shifted to make for some childlike toybox shenanigans. Players will have access to various courses with power-ups, stunt maneuvers and head-to-head competition. In all honesty, this looks better than heists to me.

The update will only be available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. GTA Online has long left the confines of last gen consoles.

Rockstar Games [Twitter]