Rockstar Confirms More GTA Loving for PSP

[fitbabits]

According to EuroGamer (http://www.eurogamer.net), Rockstar have confirmed a new GTA game is in development for the PSP (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61489).

Rockstar has confirmed to Eurogamer that another instalment in the Grand Theft Auto series is currently in development for the PSP.

The announcement was initially made by Take-Two CEO Paul Eibeler following the company's decision to reduce its financial forecasts, blaming lower than expected retailer orders and the delayed release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
All you folks currently digging Liberty Stories are now free to cartwheel your way to work/school/the bathroom!

[if76]

I'd like to hear some opinions from some actual PSP owners as I'm a bit skeptical on these review scores. I could see how a 2.5 hour battery life wouldn't effect a reviewer probably playing the game at his workdesk, but how does the average gamer feel about this?

[Groo]

I'd like to hear some opinions from some actual PSP owners as I'm a bit skeptical on these review scores. I could see how a 2.5 hour battery life wouldn't effect a reviewer probably playing the game at his workdesk, but how does the average gamer feel about this?

From what I've read, you can easily play GTA: LCS for 4 hours.

[NightRain]

I've got the game, got it on release day. I have to day I'm quite impressed, here is a little mini review from me..

GTA Liberty City Stories is GTA on a handheld. Liberty City is Liberty City just like in GTA3 with some minor differences (construction). The graphics are very impressive and the draw distance is more than I was expecting. The audio is great and really fits well with the other GTA games, I do however recommend you use head phones since background noise in a room or on the go may make hearing some of the voice acting difficult. This is a problem with the PSP having weak speakers and not a GTA flaw, the voice overs are exactly what you'd expect and are nothing short of fantastic. I was somewhat disapointed with the radio stations but they are still pretty good.

The gameplay is like you'd expect from a standard GTA game, meet people, do dirty work, kill people, rinse and repeat. In total I've played the game for about 7-8 hours and I have only completed 21% of the game so this game has some good play time for you money, I've also found the battery life to be great. I'm getting at least 3:30 play times per charge and that is very good as far as I'm concerned. I've charged my battery twice since I've got the game and it wasn't full when I started playing the first time and I have more than 70% left right now so the 4 hours that online reviews are claiming is very realistic.

What most impressed me was the load times, they are fantastic and this game is one of the fasting loading PSP games on the market. From the time I turn on my PSP until I can actually run around with Tony is about 30-45 seconds at most, and at no time during the game have I ever waited more than 10 seconds, most load times occur when entering a building and/or a mission and these are usually only 2-3 seconds and sometimes less. On a couple of occasions I have seen 8-10 seconds load times but very rarely in comparision to the 2-3 second load times. The game does not have load time while roaming around the city until you unlock new areas, load time between areas is only a few seconds as well. I have noticed that a couple of times getting in or out of a vechical causes a small hickup while the UMD starts or stops the radio, this is rare and its acceptable in most cases and only causes a problem in heated battles.

Score breakdown

Graphics 10/10 - on a handheld they are fantastic, very close to the quality you'd expect from a GTA console title and pretty much identical to GTA3 on PS2 (not PC or Xbox). These graphics are more than I though the PSP would do so early in its development life.

Audio 8/10 - the voice overs are fantastic and all the GTA sound effects and represented perfectly. The radio stations are a bit on the short side before the loop and the music isn't really that impressive considering all the great stuff from the 90's that was included in San Andreas. The ability to use your own custom soundtracks is very cool but having to use the propriority GTA standard and converting them isnt. I want to use the MP3's on my memory card, plese fix this. As I mentioned eariler this game is better with headphones, but most PSP titles are since the speakers are weak, this is not a game fault.

Portability 9/10 - this game is great for the road, quick load times and very good battery life. Some of the cutscenes are a bit long but nothing when compared to Metal Gear Acid. Overall this game is near perfect from a pick up and play on the go perspective.

Gameplay 8/10 - this game has everything you'd expect from a GTA game, it is basically GTA 3 with a few tweaks. It has motor bikes, great features and some very good missions. Some of the missions aren't so hot but the free roaming do what you want GTA gameplay is well represented. I really enjoy selling cars in this game to make some money. I do wish it had some character development features like San Andreas and the ability to swim but you can't have everything in the first GTA for the handheld. I'm sure these features will be included in the next PSP release.

Overall 8.5/10 - This game is fantastic and will give you hours of enjoyment. It allows you to have GTA on the go, while it feels more than GTA 3 that San Andreas is does offer some improvements. Factor in the usual GTA free roaming, the awesome load times, excellent battery life and you've got a great experience on the go. I'll also note that I've had limited exposure to the multiplayer but what I've seen is good and enjoyable and if you have a couple of friends with PSP's and GTA:LCS you can kill many hours playing together, this will shorten the battery life becuase of the added drain from the wi-fi. If you crave killing hookers while you're away from home, or want to see if you can jump that building in a tow truck while your mom watches TV this is the game for you. I'd recommend this game to any PSP owner and if you happen to have a PSP and love GTA then you must own this game. This is one of the best PSP titles on the market, period.

[fitbabits]

Hey, NightRain - that's a good review.

[LilAbner]

Good review, NR....I agree with it mostly but you failed to mention the piss-poor controls during combat on foot. Also, like other GTAs, some missions are outrageously difficult and almost impossible to beat without a cheat. Then you have some missions you can beat with your eyes closed.

The graphics are what amazed me most about this game. They really do match-if not surpass PS2 most of the time.

[ElPresidente]

2.5 hours????

Haven't the PSPs been out for long enough to dispel this bollocks? Most games will give you 5-6 hours worth of gametime on a fully charged battery.

Anyway I just recieved my copy (I live in Australia so I had to import mine... just like I imported my PSP because I couldn't be stuffed waiting... they only officially came out in this country about two weeks ago) but can't play it yet as I'm still chained to my desk at work and it turns out the 2.0 upgrade requires the power adapter to be plugged in... and where is my adapter? Yup... at home. :(

[Groo]

2.5 hours????

Haven't the PSPs been out for long enough to dispel this bollocks? Most games will give you 5-6 hours worth of gametime on a fully charged battery.


You'd think so, wouldn't you.

[Carnisaur]

Hey, If the battery life was too good, Sony wouldn't be able to sell any of their high-capacity batteries. Have you no heart? They're trying to run a business.

[earthworm48]

Liberty City Stories in 2 days in the UK. I really want to try it.

[Silversmith]

For a game series that is so innovative. One must wonder when will GTA jumps the shark.