bit-tech Shopping: Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 7

Strengths: (1) A solid, but not absolutely perfect, GTA migration to the PSP (2) Some improvements over the previously-released GTA game for the PSP, GTA: Liberty City Stories

Weaknesses: (1) Short draw distance creates "pop in" of buildings, etc.

Summary: Just as GTA: Vice City expanded upon the groundbreaking formula of the PS2 classic, GTA III, this second portable GTA offering feels like a minor upgrade to the first PSP offering with a new narrative and attitude. The main draw of this game is to return to the addicting open-world GTA gameplay on the PSP with a new story, character and setting. There are some improvements in control, fighting and other areas but most players will already know what to expect upon loading up Vice City Stories. That is mostly a good thing, however, as this series offers the best action-and-driving crime narrative on the PSP. The story involves the brother of the PS2's Vice City's protagonist and serves as a prequel. Overall, the action is solid GTA and the experience is an enjoyable one with fulfilling tie-ins to the PS2 Vice City.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Improved Graphics (better framerate, less pop-in), improved mechanics (ability to swim, targeting improved)

Weaknesses: Not much has changed on the GTA formula, targeting can still be bad despite improvements, story is very weak for a GTA game.

Summary: If you liked Liberty City Stories, you HAVE to pick this up. The tried and true GTA formula is followed here, with a bunch of missions you do that open up even more missions, along with a bunch of optional missions to do, such as the usual cop/paramedic/firefighter/taxi missions. A feature retained from LCS is the ability to skip the non-action driving parts of missions, which is nice. Another new feature is the ability to bribe the cops into giving you back all your weapons after you are busted. One annoying thing about this game is the story. It's particularly weak, and seems contradictory at times. The main character is supposedly against illegal activities such as drug smuggling and murder, but he continually partakes in missions that require these activities, allegedly to save his ill brother. The voice acting and music are still excellent as usual, but one area the GTA series has always excelled in is story and here this incarnation of GTA has let us down. As it is, I still recommend this for any GTA fan. It's better than LCS, the GTA formula is still loads of fun, and you get tons of bang for your buck, as you can play this game for dozens of hours without finishing it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Mission variety, side jobs, fun!

Weaknesses: Slightly glitchy, a bit formulaic.

Summary: This is another solid title from the GTA franchise. Those of you who played Liberty City will appreciate being able to swim, outside of that there are few surprises. If you liked the first one you'll like this one too. Phil collins makes a fun in-game debut.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 15 Days

Strengths: Decently good graphics especially for the PSP. Not quite the same storyline as Vice City. Fun!

Weaknesses: The could be a bit better but then again we're playing on a PSP and from what I've seen these are better graphics than other games I've played on it. Need to be away from others while playing *words*

Summary: I've enjoyed the game quite a bit. The same storyline as any other GTA game. It's a portable game yet make sure to MUTE or wear headphones while playing this game in front of others due to *bad words* I know people are used to hearing vulgarities but whenever I take my DS or PSP out I'm usually at the hospital or something. The graphics are better than some I've seen for the PSP but the graphics aren't better than others I've also seen on the PSP. This is a must have for a GTA fan!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 7 Days

Strengths: excellent graphics, awesome music from the past (80s), fun game to play

Weaknesses: -none- at least not for me

Summary: I already loved the GTA Liberty City Stories and this is why I also got this game. I simply didn't want to stop! And Rockstar Games was not disappointing me! This game lets me immerse into a different time and into a completely different world. Great, if you want to get a break! The storyline is well thought out and the missions are fun to play. It also is not "just the PS2 game on the PSP". The storyline is different and there are some more features added. Addiction guaranteed! It is a top game - a blockbuster for the PSP!