Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories [PS2]

As we all know, the gaming world has a lot of Grand Theft Auto ripoffs. Despite the pretenders, Rockstar usually comes through with something new and innovative to further its lead against all the wannabes out there. Liberty City Stories on the PlayStation 2 is an exception, but for good reason. First, it's more designed as a sidebar to the franchise than a new chapter. Second, it's the first-ever PSP-to-console port. These excuses allow for Liberty City Stories to be cut some slack, but one can't deny the fact that it doesn't live up to the series' lofty legacy.

Liberty City Stories takes it back to the New York-inspired world from GTA III. Instead of being the nameless nobody from the previous title, you're tough-guy Toni Cipriani. You've come back on the scene after doing some good for the family, but they aren't too happy to see you. As a result, you aren't exactly displaying employee-of-the-month attitude. It's a tumultuous relationship where Toni feels he isn't receiving the respect he deserves. You're basically forced to work your way back up the ranks of the Leone family.

It's ironic, because as much as most gamers have played the GTA series, it seems a little offensive to have to work through such a long tutorial phase. By now, everyone knows how to jack a car and shoot a gun [Now there's a sentence the mainstream media could take out of context... -Ed].

The landscape is identical to GTA III's, so there's no new scenery to take in, either. Deja vu aside, Liberty City Stories' gameplay is in line with previous Grand Theft Auto titles: You'll drive around, bust caps, and throw haymakers -- all while working to complete criminal-minded missions. The targeting is free from problems and the driving physics are as tight as ever. Unlike GTA III, a variety of two-wheeled vehicles can be used. It's still a good, cathartic time, just a little too familiar.

Those who have seen the progression of the series will be a little disappointed in how basic everything is. The missions lack inspiration, though Toni's mom is one of the best characters to ever appear in a GTA title. They're also a little unbalanced. Progression becomes a grind as you complete a task, run home to save, and then cruise to the next location. Since we don't see anything new in transit, it all becomes boring in record time. There's obviously none of the real estate-buying or indoor areas from Vice City, or the character customization and team mechanics of San Andreas. It's a big step backwards in that respect.