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PSP | Action | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Boxart for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories 19 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.00
  • SOUND: 4.50
  • CONTROL: 2.50
  • FUN FACTOR 3.75
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.5
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.0

Preview: 15 Things You Need to Know About GTA: Vice City Stories (Page 1 of 2)

Preview by Chris Morell | 10/27/2006 | 16:51:16 PM PST

We have it, we've played it, and here's what you need to know if you're thinking of picking up GTA: Vice City Stories.

Vice City Stories marks Grand Theft Auto's second showing on the PSP, proving at least one new reason to dust off your Sony handheld. But how different is it from Liberty City Stories, and even more importantly, what's new and improved from the original GTA: Vice City? The following 15 reasons should provide just what you need to know!

Key characters return

Since you play as Lance Vance's brother, Victor, there is some family familiarity right off the bat. But other minor characters, such as Vice City's sole porn legend also make cameos in VCS.

Swimming is in

In a key upgrade over Vice City and PSP predecessor Liberty City Stories, players can swim to safety in Vice City Stories. The swimming controls are intuitive, and this functionality comes in handy during the many boat-based missions. Interestingly enough, cops can also swim, should a tenacious one happen to follow you into a ravine. But you can't swim forever, obviously, or you'll run out of precious oxygen and sink like a stone.

Vehicles galore

After all, the game is still Grand Theft Auto, so of course Rockstar didn't skimp on the vehicle side. Look for bikes, helicopters, boats, and planes, as well as ATVs, buggies, and even a Sea-Doo-type watercraft to make their first appearances in Vice City.

$@#&!!!

Yes, you'll hear quite a few f-bombs. Bully may have shown a kinder, gentler side of Rockstar Games, but VCS spares no expenses in the vulgarity department. This is a mature game, and if your virgin ears don't like it, TS.

Cut scenes look better

Don't expect any cinematic revolution in VCS, but the good news is that they've seen a key boost since LCS. Cut scenes still have that gritty, somewhat low-budget look...but then again, that's part of the Rockstar charm that keeps people coming back.

The voice acting shines

Vice City and San Andreas started a trend of impressive voice work for GTA. VCS is certainly no exception, keeping the series at the top of the curve in voice acting.

Look for celebrities

We can't say which ones, or even how famous they are, but you will surely recognize a few.


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