So, what made GTA Java games so popular? For one, they offered a unique gaming experience that was unlike anything else on mobile devices at the time. The games featured:

While Rockstar Games did not release a mainline GTA III or San Andreas on Java, they did experiment with the mobile platform during the early-to-mid 2000s. Grand Theft Auto (Java Port)

To understand why these games were so beloved, you have to look at the constraints developers overcame:

This sequel shifted to a side-scrolling/isometric hybrid perspective, featuring a story heavily inspired by GTA San Andreas . It included a diverse vehicle selection, upgraded gunplay, and impressive pixel art environments representing Los Angeles. 2. American Popstar / Miami Nights (Gameloft)

These games had compressed audio, 2.5D graphics, and shorter missions, but kept the GTA spirit.