Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

It’s usually the PSP that plays host to a variety of Playstation 2 ports, but in an odd turn of fate, the Playstation 2 will be getting its first port of a PSP title (and with Lumines Plus on the way, it appears it won’t be the last). Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories exploded onto the PSP earlier this year. The series has been a system-seller for the Playstation 2, and for many it was the game that would convince them to take a plunge and purchase the PSP. Hopefully those people have enjoyed the other excellent titles (Other excellent titles? Where? - Ed) for the machine, because the PS2 versions of Liberty City Stories looks set to fix many of the problems that existed in the PSP version.

As was the case in the PSP version, Liberty City Stories takes place in its namesake city during 1998. Toni Cipriani returns as the star character, working for the Leone family. As he rises up the Mafia ranks, Cipriani will need to fend off a variety of threats, most of which stem from the usual suspects. Fans of the series will enjoy the various cameos from certain cast members, but new players will not be required to have an understanding of the series and its storyline. Regrettably, the Liberty City Stories’ plot wasn’t as fleshed-out as its console counterparts, but fortunately it compensated with the classic delinquency that the series is known for.

The PS2 version of Liberty City Stories is a direct port, meaning that there will be little in the way of new features, but there will be some improvements. The loading times will improve, thanks to the DVD format, and the framerate will improve due to the extra processing power of the Playstation 2. It was also receive a budget price-tag, allowing it to become easier to swallow than the full-price PSP version.

Those who are looking for some more of the same great Grand Theft Auto action and haven’t already picked up the PSP version would be foolish to turn a blind eye to Liberty City Stories, especially given its budget price-tag. While the story might not be as strong, the game promises to offer the same great gameplay the series has always offered. However, those who already own the PSP version are likely to find little here that warrants a repurchase. Check out NZGamer in the future for a full review with further details.