STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED

Classic

Excellent

Good

Fair

Tragic

Packshot

Game Details

Released 03 November 2006

Format PSP

Developer Rockstar

LATEST GAME REVIEWS BioShock 2 Dante’s Inferno Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers Mass Effect 2 Army Of Two: The 40th Day 5 STAR REVIEWS BioShock 2 Mass Effect 2 Left 4 Dead 2 Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Dragon Age: Origins

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Review
Although the PSP library is still dominated by tedious sports sims and half-cocked PS2 conversions, the system’s GTA: Liberty City Stories is one of the most spectacular handheld games ever published. And while LCS remains an essential purchase, Rockstar’s latest slice of urban ultra-violence takes the portable franchise to incredible new heights.

While the hooker-shaggin’, police-cappin’, drug-runnin’ action is much the same as before, Vice City Stories has been given a graphical overhaul reminiscent of the visual leap between the PS2’s Vice City and San Andreas, making VCS look as if it’s running on a next generation PSP or some mysterious new handheld. And while the razor-sharp graphics and finely detailed cityscapes are enough to take your breath away, the developers have also worked to improve the draw distance and allow players to see further than ever before, making it easier to appreciate the epic sprawl of the city.

Rockstar has also listened to GTA fans and included a greater number of missions that see you leaping between different modes of transport – sprinting from souped-up sports cars into speedboats, then finishing the mission behind the controls of a helicopter, for example – and the new Godfather-style mode where you build a business empire and run rivals out of town is a welcome addition to the familiar GTA structure.


Reviewer: David McComb

Get this review and thousands more on on your iPhone, download the Empire Movie Guide now!

Write Your Review
To submit your own review and rating please login or register.

Advertisement

Your Reviews

Average user rating for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

RE: Vice City Stories

I liked it! didnt finish it though ... Read More

Topher182 About me

00:07, 11 October 2007 | Report This Post

Vice City Stories

Vice City on the PS2 was the best GTA. Hear comes Vice City Stories. It might be rather slow at first but its is amazing so dont switch off. Vic Vance is not as likable as Tommy Vercetti but he is still decent. One big problem with GTA is the shooting. However VCS makes a cracking job of it. Thhis really is an essential purcahse. ... Read More

solid snake About me

18:27, 23 March 2007 | Report This Post

RE: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

V Gd. PSP at its best. Also linked to the best GTA game ever. Yes Vice City is better then San Andreas. ... Read More

BasilFawlty About me

20:21, 17 January 2007 | Report This Post

RE: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Couldn't wait to get it. Got it. Realised that it's a game I've already played 4 times. Stopped playing it after a few hours. Haven't played it since. I never thought it possible, but GTA, in its current GTAIII form has finally worn thin. ... Read More

Oh Daesu About me

19:09, 28 December 2006 | Report This Post

SUBSCRIBE TO EMPIRE

Subscribe And Get X-Files Season 1 DVD Get the entire first season of the classic sci-fi series on DVD when you subscribe to Empire magazine!

CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
		Colin Firth on A Single Man The Oscar nominee discusses his stunning latest role
		Benicio del Toro on The Wolfman The star talks delays, reshoots and getting furry...
		10 Egregious Oscar Snubs The worthy contenders that the Academy overlooked
		Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes The winners and losers when actors play real people
		Movie Poster Mashups #56 Browse your iPod, iPad and Apple-related movie poster mashups