The Fish Factory boat missions in Grand Theft Auto III offer a unique and explosive challenge, primarily found in the waters surrounding Shoreside Vale. These missions involve utilizing a specialized boat to destroy enemy cargo, providing a break from land-based combat and offering a decent financial reward for your efforts.
Mission Giver and Location
These missions are typically initiated by characters associated with the criminal underworld who operate near the docks. The primary location for these missions is often around the Fish Market area in Shoreside Vale, where you'll find the mission marker.
The Boat: The Predator
You'll be piloting a specific type of boat for these missions, often referred to as the 'Predator' or a similar fast, armed vessel. This boat is equipped with mounted machine guns or a rocket launcher, making it suitable for naval combat.
Mission Objectives
The core objective of the Fish Factory boat missions is to destroy a series of enemy targets, usually cargo boats or barges, that are carrying illicit goods. These targets will often be moving, requiring you to pursue and engage them effectively.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Targeting: You'll need to aim your boat's weaponry at the enemy vessels. Strafing or maneuvering your boat to get a clear shot is often necessary.
- Evasion: The enemy boats may also be armed and will attempt to shoot at you. Dodging incoming fire and using your boat's speed to your advantage is crucial.
- Destruction: Once a target is sufficiently damaged, it will explode. You'll need to destroy all desated targets to complete the mission.
- Time Limits: Some missions may have a time limit, adding an extra layer of pressure to complete the objectives quickly.
Example Mission Walkthrough (Hypothetical)
Let's imagine a typical Fish Factory mission:
- Start the Mission: Approach the red marker near the Fish Market in Shoreside Vale.
- Board the Boat: Get into the armed boat provided.
- Receive Objectives: The game will display your targets – usually a convoy of cargo boats.
- Pursue and Engage: Chase down the first cargo boat. Use your mounted weapons to inflict damage.
- Destroy Targets: Continue firing until the boat explodes.
- Repeat: Move on to the next target, adapting your approach based on their movement and any enemy fire.
- Complete: Once all targets are destroyed, the mission is successful, and you'll receive a cash reward.
Tips for Success
- Master Boat Controls: Practice maneuvering the boat before starting the mission if you're unfamiliar with its handling.
- Prioritize Targets: If there are multiple targets, focus on the ones that pose the greatest threat or are easiest to reach.
- Use Cover: While limited on water, use larger islands or structures to briefly break line of sight if under heavy fire.
- Conserve Ammunition (if applicable): If your boat has limited ammo, aim for critical areas to maximize damage.
Rewards
Successfully completing these missions provides a cash reward, which can be substantial depending on the mission's difficulty and the number of targets. These missions are a good way to earn money, especially when other activities are unavailable or you're looking for a change of pace.