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Back home again!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 45 / 54
Date: June 08, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I don't own a PSP so I didn't pay much attention to Liberty City Stories when it first came out. I just happened to see it today and picked it up. For $20, why not?

Have you ever moved away from home for a long time and had to learn new places and figure out new things? Then you finally visit your home and feel that comfortable familiarity? That's exactly how this game feels. I had no idea until I started playing and began to remember the streets and buildings. There's the pay-n-spray, here's Harwood. Very cool.

If you played GTA III until your fingers bled when it first came out, until it got completely mind-numbingly repetitive (or until Vice City arrived), then you're going to love LCS. Same map, but a whole new story. (And directional button steering again, thank you!!!) Plus a lot of the upgrades from post GTA III editions (motorcycles! improved targeting!)

The missions are varied and fun (and challenging). The old side missions remain, and the ability to just cruise around or cause havoc are there as well.

Spend the $20 and relive the awesomeness of GTA III, but with a whole new plot and cast of characters. And hey, you won't have to bother learning a brand new map. You'll know immediately, "Hey, I've been here before..."

Liberty City: the home that was everso sweet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: June 08, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I have been waiting for this day since I first found out "Liberty City Stories" would be releasing on the PSP console, knowing full well that I wouldn't be handing over two hundred and fifty-five dollars for one game. Regarding the game itself, I had heard of its storyline from everywhere, and always wanting to try it, I knew it'd never be, because let's face it: the PSP console isn't really that wonderful.

I heard that the game's protagonist was none other than the mama's boy himself, Toni Cipriani, and immediately I felt envious because on the "Grand Theft Auto III," Toni was one of my favorite characters. He perhaps isn't as silent as most "dumb muscle," but his loyalty is respectable (in some parts, anyhow) and I think he was a great role to be made the lead in this game. I mean, considering "San Andreas"' front character, who was fine in his own right, let's not get all worked up over morality for Toni Cipriani. Incorporating his story into this one, I enjoyed all of his scenes with his "Ma," who was no less than downright brutal to him, in every sense of the word, throughout much of the game, and since I enjoyed the scenes in "GTA III," these were delightful enough as a sort of reminiscence kicking inward.

On the environment: Liberty City has always been my favorite area, even with Vice City and San Andreas. It's the most interesting, has the greater characters (except for maybe Woozie, who is known on "GTA: San Andreas") and the surroundings alone gratify my needs. The vehicles, perhaps, aren't as preferential, or as stylish, but there are enough to make me happy, and in this game I have the Colt Python weapon again, the hand cannon I've been longing for since Vice City. I think Rockstar did an exceptional job recreating Liberty City down to its nominal detail and whilst roaming the streets, a feeling of nostalgia always comes over me, like being in the identical place yet different all the same. From Saint Mark's to Hepburn Heights, the streets look better than ever, flourishing still as, though the time is set three years prior to "Grand Theft Auto III," Salvatore Leone's crew have overwhelmingly taken over on all sides of town. As each scene unfolds, it's quite enjoyable seeing an empire crumble slowly - that's the way I see it, anyway, but I've told I'm wrong.

The radio stationing is almost identical as its original, only different material; the music is still horribly disappointing, but the talk shows are still delightful to listen to. My favorite would have to be the show Chatter Box, as usual, with its best moment being when Lazlow is stalked by the "goth" chick with the creepy laugh; every time she strikes that chortle, I burst in guffaws. The music in general, as already spoken of, just disappointed me because my tastes drastically vary from that of the ones who have chosen the soundtrack for every "Grand Theft Auto" title, and I'm not complaining; I full well know that people must cater to the wide public, and I'm sure they've done their best, but would a true progressive metal or psychedelic song be too much to ask for? Like, something from Dream Theater or Spock's Beard, or Porcupine Tree, or even some of the more publicly-accepted bands like Tool or The Mars Volta. I just thought it could be better, also.

The graphics have improved greatly. I didn't have any issues with the first one's graphics, but seeing how they have been enhanced, it makes for game play to run that much smoother. The sound effects, in particular, are what I love: the assault rifle's ammunition clinging as it heads the soft gravel is amazing. It sounds just like I'd have it sound like, as with all the weapons' aftereffects; it's just all so beautiful. My only issue, I think, is with the methods of shooting: okay, I wish it was as advanced as "San Andreas," where 1) you don't have to hit L3 and it'll just automatically allow you to manually aim once you hit R1, and 2) you can ran while still firing weapons like the Colt Python and other subsequent pistols. It's not as big of a deal that you can, I just wish you could for personal inclination, I guess. It'd be a lot more enjoyable . . . though, with the Python, it's understandable because of recoil conditions. And seeing as how I'm sure the creators have only been trying to stay as loyal as they can to "Grand Theft Auto III," I respect their choices, anyhow, disregarding my own issues.

Well, that's about it. I think if you've enjoyed the previous "Grand Theft Auto" titles, you should definitely give this one a whirl, especially if your favorite one in the past has been the third game. It's intriguing and beautiful and its scenery is so awe-inspiring, one can't help but want to dive into the ocean and swim the lighthouse (but alas, not possible because you can't swim - use the boat). Plus, if you liked the ruggedness that is Toni Cipriani, I'm confident you'll have fun irritating the local police force with your idiosyncratic sense of correct thug-uality.

A great little package for a bargain at $20

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: June 10, 2006
Author: Amazon User

For a game like Grand Theft Auto to be only $20.00 should strike you as odd. That is because this version of Grand Theft Auto is not as complete as the past ones. Everyone knows the third game in the series rocked both the gaming world in 2001 and created a stir of controversy. That revolutionized gaming, and many followers have tried copying the formula we have grown to love, and have failed. After the subsequent release of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" in late 2002, it added a new, fresh feel to the game with the throwback 80's gameplay, new characters played by real Hollywood voice actors and a bunch of new stuff in it like odd jobs, side missions and overall a brand new gaming experience. The 2004 release of San Andreas brought even more controversy, and added a ghetto theme similar to something like Boyz 'N The Hood or Menace II Society. This was addicting because of fun missions, a great storyline, plenty of space and tons of additions that just brought loads of fun and waste of time into every fans lives.

But, after the PSP explosion, this game was granted an exclusive. It was just recently that it was released on the PlayStation 2. It is not well-known about, mainly because there is nothing new to offer. The game takes place back in 1998 and you are Tony Cipriani, the guy who you took missions from way back in the third one. It is the same Liberty City from the third game. And when I say exact, I mean exact. The only difference is where guns and other items are placed. The storyline is pretty repetitive. It is very similar to many other games released in the past few years or so. There is no new additions to the game. In fact, since this was really, as another reviewer stated, a blow-up of the PSP version, you lose your abilities. Those include swimming, going into various shops excluding your safehouses and the gun store, "pimpin` out your ride" and other really great features that were in San Andreas. Basically, it is Grand Theft Auto 3 pasted with new characters and a new storyline. But, admist all the negatives, this game is certainly 5-star material. But if you are expecting something of the past three Grand Theft Auto games, you will be shut out. This game still has the fun blood, gore, sex, foul language and use of drugs that make it fun.

If you are hesitant to purchase this game, then I tell you, go out and sacrifice your money on it. If you were to pay $50.00 for this game, then maybe I would call you crazy, but I say paying only twenty is a steal. This is still the Grand Theft Auto game that we love, and the controls, character models and controversy that had parents, priests and politicans running mad are all back. But, if you have to have stunning X-Box 360 graphics, then stay away. These graphics are not that good, and even though I haven't noticed any glitches or bugs yet, I am sure that they are in there somewhere. In other words, this is a game that if you are a die hard fan (like me), then you must grab it without hesitation. If you are new to the series, and I ask you where have you been the past 5-6 years, then I recommend that you get the prior three releases. They are all timeless classics that will go down as legends. In the end, this game is a nice, little throw in for the series. Maybe it is a cash-in for Rockstar, but whatever. I still think it is good `ol Grand Theft Auto fun!

Another reviewer stated before that the engine that keeps the Grand Theft Auto series is dying. I have to agree with you. I could compare the series to a band that is starting to fade away and not get as much steam that used to power them. The video game world has been on a huge decline since, maybe, three years ago. All games are just not interesting, and they are too expensive and usually are rushed. I sometimes are pulling out my classic games from 5-6 years ago and buying used games to get enjoyment out of them. This is a problem with big markets taking over. Sure, video games were always huge, but now it is just too expensive and m,anufacterers feel that they have to release this game before someone else releases the same carbon copy. This saddens me, as I used to get extreme enjoyment out of my gaming system. Now that big money is in the mix, the world of gaming just isn't fun anymore. As for Grand Theft Auto, they are going to have to release something legendary as the next project, or else interest will be lost.

It's like returning home

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 9
Date: July 10, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Years ago, GTA was released as possibly the greatest console game of all time. This game revisits the same city as in GTA 3, so it's best to consider it an expansion pack. A little late in the game, but still great. Now I haven't touched GTA 3 in about 4 years, but I still remember the streets, the layouts, the tunnels and so forth.

I personally found the last two games in the series extremely flawed. Vice City was plagued by bad AI, claustrophobic streets, slow cars, and closed end missions. San Andreas was extremely gimmicky, extremely unbalanced, and overall too large and unwieldy. It's good to return back to the best GTA of the series.

This is the easiest of all 4 PS2 GTA games. It's also the most balanced one of them all. The missions are smaller, with an increased reliance on driving and open endedness. For example, there's a mission where you need to chase two vans after destroying a warehouse. You could ride a motorcycle to and shoot the vans, try to ram them with a large car, or after some thought, destroy the vans before destroying the warehouse.

This game lacks some of the useless bells and whistles of the previous games. You won't get the flavor of the week actor voicing a clichéd grade B movie clip, nor will you get washed up 80s one hit wonders on your radio. That's not a problem for me.

This game is all about gameplay. Nothing new, nothing groundbreaking. Just fun. Plain and simple. A refreshing change for Rockstar, and at quite a bargain price.

Pros:
No Gimmicks (e.g. eating, planes)
Open ended missions
Revisits the same city from GTA 3

Cons:
Still need to repeat the earlier parts of missions.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Time to Complete (story missions only): 20 hours

Frustration Level: Medium

Look mother %$^#&@

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 11
Date: July 18, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Wow.

I picked this game up for a cool $20, and I feel like i'm back home. I love the new storyline, new vehicles in LC (which i mostly stay on motorcycles), and just overall feeling of being home. The second i started playing GTA:LCS, The days of my first free roaming killing spree came to mind. I suddenly remembered all the joys of entering in the tank cheat code and riding around LC, blowing up everything that I came into contact with.

One major thing that I have to say about this game... GTA:LCS has to be the MOST VULGAR GTA game in the series... MF this, and F You there... F is almost every other word... and I have to say: I love every single bit of it. This is one of the key elements that makes GTA what it is. And to all you people out there who complain about it and say it's too vulgar: Why are you playing it in the first place? Did you think this game would be any better than the previous 3? Haven't you seen an increase in vulgarity from GTA 3, to VC, to SA?

All in all, this game is fun fun fun. I don't find that it has the hours on end of fun that SA offers, but it does give that at home feeling that makes me feel o so good.

everything GTA 3 was and so much more

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: June 13, 2006
Author: Amazon User

this game is great! lots of side missions, wow ive been playing a long time and im not even 25% done with this game

right now im working on the car salesman missions, im on level 2 its not easy, there are so many side missions and nothing from the first GTA 3 is duplicated. There are packages like in the first but all in diffrent places. In this game anything goes, you can smash cars with a police baton, steal motorcycles, lots of jumps too! A few disappointments is there is no place to turn in stolen cars for cash (so far anyway) some of the missions are way way too easy but they are still alot of fun.

this game is well worth 19.99!

Better than GTA III

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: July 04, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Rarely is a prequel better than the original, but this game is the exception to that rule. It is like GTA III, but augmented with features from VC and SA. The only complaint is that the radio stations are not spectacular. But it is interesting to see the subtle differences in the layout of Liberty City, and interact with many of the same characters from other games. The book is cool, because it mentions efforts to ban motorcycles in the city. I guess they were successful, because there were none in GTA III!

3rd best GTA

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 39
Date: June 06, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Grand Theft Auto is one of the nations most popular series because of the violence,when i was a kid violent games were Doom,Duke Nukem,Wolfenstein 3D tose were bloody as hell games,This is a Great GTA game becuase Liberty City is were the GTA series started it is good because People couldn't buy PSP's and they were die hard fans of the series so this is a chance for them to play it.:p

LSC

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 9
Date: August 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Fantastic game, like al gtas. A mixture of Vice city and San Andreas. A must buy game.

Five star mistake

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 5
Date: June 15, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is my first PS2 game and I'm probably not even half way through. Since getting this game I have finished GOW, HITMAN SA, SOTC, and now I'm starting on FFX. Obviously LCS doesn't have the graphics, storyline, or player control to keep me interested.

Not impressed.

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