GTA: Liberty City Stories Reviewed...

[crackeriah]

...by IGN, 1up, EGM and others. So far it's looking good at 90% over at gamerankings (http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/925776.asp).

I was taking a wait-and-see attitude...and now I've seen. I'll be picking this up after work today.

[Kelegacy]

Sweet. I'm a GTA whore and I'll eventually own a PSP to play this game...after it gets a bit more affordable and a bigger gaming library.

[Varsity]

I'm a GTA whore
I won't make the obvious joke. ;)

[Dabombpizza]

What?! A good game for PSP besides Lumines? No way!

While I really want to play GTA on a portable, I'm not willing to throw $250 + mem stick away to play for 3 hours at a time (without power brick) and play 2 games at a time while Sony tries ifinitely to stop me from playing emulators on the hardware I own.

But besides that the game looks sweet.

EDIT: Just read the review and I must correct myself. 4 hours at a time.

[agentgray]

Finally, the PSP is getting some high-quality love. (Still at $50 a pop!) I agree with the previous poster. Lumines is getting old.

[fitbabits]

Sweet. I'm a GTA whore and I'll eventually own a PSP to play this game...after it gets a bit more affordable and a bigger gaming library.
You're just a whore - a dirty, flaming whore!! And that's exactly why I think you're so swell!

I have a sneaking feeling that my in-laws are getting me a PSP for Xmas. And I just don't want it. I'm not a big handheld gaming guy at all. I'd much rather use my hands for other, more enjoyable activities while on the road or in the air.

[The Iron Weasel]

I dunno, not even this makes me want a PSP at all. Seriously I don't know why. At this point I'd rather have a DS.

[Dabombpizza]

Ok, I've read the reviews, and now I really want to get it just for GTA wireless multiplayer which is what I've been dreaming about since GTA2 (the last GTA to have multiplay). I don't count the mod for vice city, it just wasn't that incredibly fun.

[Oversized Landmass]

The IGN review really seemed to indicate that it was GTA3 on a handheld basically, with more flaws than the original. Really not a killer ap to make me buy the PSP.

[The Iron Weasel]

The IGN review really seemed to indicate that it was GTA3 on a handheld basically, with more flaws than the original. Really not a killer ap to make me buy the PSP.

Dude, IGN gave DOA: Xtreme Beach Volleyball...a...9.4....do you really want to listen to IGN?

[farley2k]

Did you all read the review or just the score? Seriously if you just read the review you are left thinking of a "B" maybe "C" game.

Things it pointed out

1. they describe the targeting system as "this targeting system feels downright broken when in comparison to other 3D action titles."

2. missions vary from way to hard to way to easy.

3. load times sound terrible! "More importantly though, these travel-intensive missions become wildly time consuming -- Every mission in LCS takes only five to ten minutes of action to complete, but then there's the five minutes of travel and two minutes of load times to consider. Plus, some of the missions can be tough, so you'll try each several times."

4. the travel system sounds annoying. "LCS includes a taxi cab system where a taxi ferries you back to a mission when you die. But the consequences for using this system are way too severe. To start, you lose every single weapon in your possession. And if you had body armor you lose that also. Certain weapons are very rare and some are just expensive. Either way you never, ever want to lose them. So taking a taxi after losing a mission is a total non-option."

5. you can't save at any time. "Add this to the fact you can't save the game wherever you want (only at three safe houses) and things become very unfriendly."

6. cops focus only on you despite any other criminals or crimes going on.

[Dabombpizza]

Dude, IGN gave DOA: Xtreme Beach Volleyball...a...9.4....do you really want to listen to IGN?
They also posted that "Console controller beats mouse player" article yesterday. Pure propaganda crap. And do we have to recount Driv3r?

[fitbabits]

Did you all read the review or just the score? Seriously if you just read the review you are left thinking of a "B" maybe "C" game.

Things it pointed out

1. they describe the targeting system as "this targeting system feels downright broken when in comparison to other 3D action titles."

2. missions vary from way to hard to way to easy.

3. load times sound terrible! "More importantly though, these travel-intensive missions become wildly time consuming -- Every mission in LCS takes only five to ten minutes of action to complete, but then there's the five minutes of travel and two minutes of load times to consider. Plus, some of the missions can be tough, so you'll try each several times."

4. the travel system sounds annoying. "LCS includes a taxi cab system where a taxi ferries you back to a mission when you die. But the consequences for using this system are way too severe. To start, you lose every single weapon in your possession. And if you had body armor you lose that also. Certain weapons are very rare and some are just expensive. Either way you never, ever want to lose them. So taking a taxi after losing a mission is a total non-option."

5. you can't save at any time. "Add this to the fact you can't save the game wherever you want (only at three safe houses) and things become very unfriendly."

6. cops focus only on you despite any other criminals or crimes going on.
Ah, the beauty of an IGN review, where the score often bears no relation to the review it's attached to.

It's *almost* like the score was given first, then the reviewer reviewed the game. Surely not...

[Abednigo]

Sorry, I'm still not sold on getting a PSP. GTA just doesn't do it for me.

Now put Final Fantasy remakes on it, and maybe.

Oh wait, that's on the DS. I have one of those. ;)

[The Iron Weasel]

A GOOD Metal Gear game would probibally sell me on PSP.

[Dabombpizza]

Sorry, I'm still not sold on getting a PSP. GTA just doesn't do it for me.

Now put Final Fantasy remakes on it, and maybe.

Oh wait, that's on the DS. I have one of those. ;)
Dear Abednigo,
I adore your sarcasm and lovable charm, all without swearing. And when DS goes online I'm going to kick your silly little ass.
;)

[Abednigo]

Dear Abednigo,
I adore your sarcasm and lovable charm, all without swearing. And when DS goes online I'm going to kick your silly little ass.
;)

Bring it on brother! Or sister... :eek: :D

[The Iron Weasel]

Bring it on brother! Or sister... :eek: :D

Do you really think a single girl posts on here? :D

[if76]

I think IGN must encourage their reviewers to write the longest reviews possible so they can show more adds. Any major review is at least 5 pages! I don't feel like reading that much just to get one man's opinion.

[The Iron Weasel]

I think IGN must encourage their reviewers to write the longest reviews possible so they can show more adds. Any major review is at least 5 pages! I don't feel like reading that much just to get one man's opinion.

Not to mention that, the reviews are long winded and poorly written because of it.

[CrysDark]

Dude, IGN gave DOA: Xtreme Beach Volleyball...a...9.4....do you really want to listen to IGN?


I really liked that game... Good graphics, fun volleyball, entertaining mini-games, and jiggle! Sounds like a 9.4 to me.

Though I do agree that IGN scores are not relevant to the game review.

[The Iron Weasel]

I really liked that game... Good graphics, fun volleyball, entertaining mini-games, and jiggle! Sounds like a 9.4 to me.

Though I do agree that IGN scores are not relevant to the game review.

I didn't say that I didn't enjoy it. ;)

[farley2k]

Ah, the beauty of an IGN review, where the score often bears no relation to the review it's attached to.

It's *almost* like the score was given first, then the reviewer reviewed the game. Surely not...


My thought is that the score is basically set by how big the release is, advertising dollars, etc. so reviewers try to put their real opinion in the article knowing that the score will be set by forces out of their control.

With that in mind it is clear that GTA:LCS is "ok" at best.

[Abednigo]

Do you really think a single girl posts on here? :D

Stranger things have happened. :D

[11thfinger]

What?! A good game for PSP besides Lumines? No way!

I've played nothing but Metal Gear Acid since I got my PSP in April. The tacked on multiplayer is the most fun I've had in competitive gaming in a long time.

[agentgray]

Ok. All the posts here have finally convinced me. I'm so done with my PSP.

[DoubleUranium]

What?! A good game for PSP besides Lumines? No way!


Sorry were you saying something? I was too busy playing Burnout on my PSP.

[Dabombpizza]

Sorry were you saying something? I was too busy playing Burnout on my PSP.
LoL, point taken. Anyway, I'm going to get back to playing Advance Wars DS, Meteos, Trauma Center, Castlevania, Pheonix Wright, and Kirby. Oh, I'll also be looking forward to Metroid Prime: Hunters, RE: DS, Animal Crossing:WW, FF3, Children of Mana, Crystal Chronicles: DS, and couple other I can't remember.

Oh hey, how was Death Jr.? Heard it was fun as hell (sorry, couldn't help myself).

EDIT: Don't forget to put a space between the : and the D or else you end up with :D. Seriously, do we need more games to remind us that yes, we are playing on a DS in the title?

[Hellstorm]

Puppies VS GTA? I'll bet puppies wins.

[The Iron Weasel]

Stranger things have happened. :D

That is true.

[Kelegacy]

Originally Posted by The Iron Weasel
Do you really think a single girl posts on here?

I post here everyday.

[pacmanfever]

Just read the review and I must correct myself. 4 hours at a time.
according to 1up.com (http://1up.com/do/reviewPage?pager.offset=2&cId=3145010), the battery only lasts 2 and a half hours. i want to love this game, but that combined with the two minute load times makes me sad.

[fitbabits]

I post here everyday.
I've seen your beard!

[Groo]

Did you all read the review or just the score? Seriously if you just read the review you are left thinking of a "B" maybe "C" game.

Things it pointed out

1. they describe the targeting system as "this targeting system feels downright broken when in comparison to other 3D action titles."

2. missions vary from way to hard to way to easy.

3. load times sound terrible! "More importantly though, these travel-intensive missions become wildly time consuming -- Every mission in LCS takes only five to ten minutes of action to complete, but then there's the five minutes of travel and two minutes of load times to consider. Plus, some of the missions can be tough, so you'll try each several times."

4. the travel system sounds annoying. "LCS includes a taxi cab system where a taxi ferries you back to a mission when you die. But the consequences for using this system are way too severe. To start, you lose every single weapon in your possession. And if you had body armor you lose that also. Certain weapons are very rare and some are just expensive. Either way you never, ever want to lose them. So taking a taxi after losing a mission is a total non-option."

5. you can't save at any time. "Add this to the fact you can't save the game wherever you want (only at three safe houses) and things become very unfriendly."

6. cops focus only on you despite any other criminals or crimes going on.

Sounds like a lot of the reasons I've hated the GTA games since GTA3. In other words, it'a faithful recreation of the console games.

[benson]

I thought hard about getting this game, or selling my PSP. I'm going with selling the PSP. I love the emulators, don't get me wrong. But I just won't get enough out of playing 15 year old games to rationalize the $250 spent for it. Especially since the rest of the games suck. Most of them look nice, but I can't stand the load times and other smaller issues with each game. So I'll sell the PSP to finance the Xbox 360.

Though with the emulators, I get to play "Steven Seagal is the Final Option" on SNES even though it never came out! And loads of other oldies but goodies (you won't believe the amount of Super Dodgeball and Chrono Trigger I played on the plane to and from Germany).

[The Iron Weasel]

I've seen your beard!

Girls can have beards, never heard of a bearded lady?

[fitbabits]

Girls can have beards, never heard of a bearded lady?
Actually, I have! Not only that, I have one working for me just down the hall. However, that's not quite the beard I was talking about! :)

[The Iron Weasel]

Actually, I have! Not only that, I have one working for me just down the hall. However, that's not quite the beard I was talking about! :)

*shudders*

[mister_slim]

Think Sony uses long load times to reduce production costs? The game is too short? Bump up the load times a few seconds.

[derp]

But I just won't get enough out of playing 15 year old games to rationalize the $250 spent for it. Especially since the rest of the games suck.

Interesting. I looked for quite a while to find a handheld that ran all the emulators I was playing and found the $250 spent on the PSP is an incredible bargain. I have to agree that the retail games are not appealing enough. But come on, a $250 LCD handheld with all these emu options does not need much rationalization.

[thecrazyd]

Interesting. I looked for quite a while to find a handheld that ran all the emulators I was playing and found the $250 spent on the PSP is an incredible bargain. I have to agree that the retail games are not appealing enough. But come on, a $250 LCD handheld with all these emu options does not need much rationalization.
Except that you also have to buy expensive storage to house the emulators, and that Sony is constantly trying to break emus with firmware that comes bundled with games. Rather use my laptop.

[mfpantst]

Think Sony uses long load times to reduce production costs? The game is too short? Bump up the load times a few seconds.
Sure. Minus the part where a different company makes the GTA games.

[Everlost_MI]

Sweet. I'm a GTA whore and I'll eventually own a PSP to play this game...after it gets a bit more affordable and a bigger gaming library.

Ditto. Trapped in an I.T. conference until Sunday in downtown L.A. with no Best Buy/Circuit City/Ebgames for me to go and finally get a PSP and GTA is driving me mad. That and having my wife plan out our free time until she leaves early Thursday morning has curtailed my EvAv time.

/wanker mode off

[Captain Awesome]

Awesome, so what's this 8 games now?

[CrysDark]

Couldn't they release games on MS duo, cut the power drain from the UMD? Just use UMD to play movies, and it would drive the costs of memory sticks down because of high demand.

[mfpantst]

Couldn't they release games on MS duo, cut the power drain from the UMD?
Probably, but then you have storage and media cost issues. Plus, 4 hours in one sitting is enough brain rotting for the average human being. Don't ya think?

[CrysDark]

Probably, but then you have storage and media cost issues. Plus, 4 hours in one sitting is enough brain rotting for the average human being. Don't ya think?

Not to most of the people complaining about it in this thread, you would think that an unlimted power supply would not satisfy.

This would also address loading issues, and also once companies start mass producing games on the chips the price will come down.

[Chris_D]

Another PS2 port that's crappier than the original? Try harder guys.

[Kelegacy]

Another PS2 port that's crappier than the original? Try harder guys.

Huh? This isnt a port. It's an original game set in Liberty City, the same setting as GTA III. And it takes place years before, so it's a prequel of sorts to the PS2 GTA saga.

[Groo]

Huh? This isnt a port. It's an original game set in Liberty City, the same setting as GTA III. And it takes place years before, so it's a prequel of sorts to the PS2 GTA saga.

Don't try to use logic and facts, they don't faze fanboys...

[Chris_D]

Ah yeah.. worse graphics, crappy controls, longer load times, short battery life, less bystanders.. I guess that does qualify as a different game after all!

[Kelegacy]

Ah yeah.. worse graphics, crappy controls, longer load times, short battery life, less bystanders.. I guess that does qualify as a different game after all!

Anything else you want to get off your chest. It seems the good outweighs the bad (you know, that thing called gameplay??) and people have been digging the game nearly as much as the ones on the PS2. Plus, it has multiplayer.

And yes, this is a different game after all, despite your wishes for GTA doom.

[Chris_D]

GTA crossed with Doom! I'd be all over that!