Very hard to stop playing. Almost addicted to it. Can spend hours at a time playing Loving it. This according to my 14 year old son.

A lot of times when you buy a new system, you tend to check out the games that are sort of unanimously agreed on as a game to get. After awhile of playing my DS and Wii, I thought I'd give in and get a PSP as well and many games were suggested or looked intriguing but familiarity and a good price brought me to Liberty City Stories. While the content isn't exactly for all ages, LCS shows what exactly Sony's tiny machine can pull off and aside from a few hiccups, this is a great game to check out for recent PSP purchasers or longtime owners - provided you're old enough for this of course.

Story: Taking place in 1998, 3 years before the original Grand Theft Auto III, Tony Cipriani as just arrived to Liberty City after laying low from killing a "made man" which is a big mafia no-no. But his absence has left others taking over what he had so Tony has to rise up again in the ranks and take on various tasks to be where he used to be or maybe even further.

Graphics: Despite its smaller system, the PSP always looked like it could handle more complex games like God of War or Crisis Core and while graphically LCS doesn't impress on a aesthetic level, the fact it's even on this system with all 3 islands (Portland Island, Staunton Island and Shoreside Vale), the streets and the exact map layout of each. As for how the game looks, the GTA series has never really had an attractive look and on the PSP, it's a bit more forgiveable.

Sound/Music: The GTA series has always had great voice acting and in this one, there's a few notable roles that work well while others just don't really fit and lack a certain something. Tony for example doesn't really have the drive of Tommy or the care of CJ (yes I said care), this guy just feels more "angry mode" than anything. The music comes from the radio stations when you're on a vehicle and I never did like GTA3's radio stations and often listened to the Chatterbox though in some cases on a more intense mission, I had big operatic orchestral music on like Double Clef FM.

Gameplay: III started the whole "open-ended gameplay" that many have been copying which allow you to traverse the city and do whatever you feel like. That's here as well from taxi and vigilante missions to the main stories, or just doing insane jumps and finding hidden packages, completists could have a ball with this one. The main story missions are the same as always: pick someone up and drop em off and/or shake off cops, blow up something or go on assassin sprees where you have to off someone. The problem comes in the narrative where there was always a drive to the missions but since the story wasn't that intriguing, the missions felt more like tasks to do or errands.

Controlling on the PSP did feel different since I was so used to the Dual Shock and the analog gets the job done although sometimes it was too finicky with me trying to correct myself and the lack of a good camera control doesn't help. Pushing the L shoulder and moving the analog allows a rotating camera but it always felt awkward. The other notable problem is the targeting system where it's way too easy to target civilians or others instead of the guy you want and enabling the free-aim by pressing the down button felt sluggish and it's best to just reposition. Other than that, the game still controls the same, although you can't swim (poo).

If you're old enough and were a fan of the game, it's a good idea to check out Liberty City Stories. It's not quite the best in the series or the worst but it's worth looking into it anyway.

Hi i was wondering if you can help me, im thinking about getting this game but i was wondering if this is the Grand theft auto game that downgrades the psp

This game is great. It is basically GTA III, but on PSP, so it is in your pocket. The storyline is new, obviously, and there are motorcycles and other additions that were not in the original. And with a price at only $20, this game is a must for any PSP owners. Do yourself a favor, just buy it!

This is one of the best PSP games out there. Excellent Series. Quick delivery. Have fun!

It's a good game, it disappoint me in a few things, but at least its better than GTA-San Andreas (and that game wasn't bad, ok?).

It's a GTA game. If you played any of them, why read the reviews? It's a portable GTA game. Enough said. Buy it. Now. Go.

This game is defiantly for adults. Good graphics, the music,is cool but is very violent....parents you have been warned!! I would not purchase this for any teenager, but my teenager newphews love this game. I guess it is because they know it has graphic violence, cursing,etc.

The game got old after a while because everytime you get "wasted" you start the story all over again. The good news is you can "save" your spot so to speak and pick up where you left off. You just drive around town, running amok! But even that gets old after a while.

Over all, I give it 3 stars, because they are other games that I like better, NFL football, Socom, Star wars, etc. This game is way overated

I would highly recommend you buy Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories instead of this game.
I have been a huge fan of the entire Grand Theft Auto series on PC, so I figured I should buy it to play on my new PSP as well.
I was highly disappointed.
Luckily, I also grabbed Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories which was a LOT more fun.

Enjoy!

This game is the whole reason why I bought the PSP slim. I played the PC version and could not stand looking at the screen longer than 15 minutes until I felt sick....motion sickness I guess. Playing it on the PSP eliminated that problem. It still amazes me to have all three islands on a small little handheld. The controls are better than expected. Unlike the PC, you've got the option and advantage of auto-aim. The only problem is, once you're done with the game, the PSP slim seemed to crash randomly. The only way to avoid this seemed to require loading another game...minor inconvenience. I still highly recommend this game to PSP ownerz. (Of course, this is the patched 2.6 fw version)

If you like the normal playstation version, you'll like this version too. it's one of those games that can keep you entertained forever. you can follow the storyline for as long as you like and if you get bored with that you can find some other mission to do. then if you get bored with that, find another one. an return to the storyline whenever you like.

Well, I'd hoped for something a little different from the original. But, there's not much new. The missions are different. But it's the same world. So, for me, boring.

When I bought a PS2, the first game I bought was a GTA game. I bought 2 other GTA games after that because I loved it so much. So when I had to pick a game to buy along with my new PSP, Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories was my first choice.

So what's to like about this game? First of all, the graphics are awesome. Because this was my first PSP game, I didn't know what to expect with the graphics so I was pleased to see that the PSP version is almost identical to the PS2 version, graphic-wise. Second, those people who like storylines in video games will like this game. Before every mission, you see a brief explanation of exactly what is going on and why you're about to do the mission. Third, aside from regular missions, there's quite a few other things to do. You can do ambulance missions and taxi missions. You can do what I do and just steal cars or motorcycles and drive around. These mini-games are great bonuses to break up the main part of the game.

And what's not to like? Look, this game is meant for adults, hence the "M" (Mature) rating. I absolutely do not recommend this for kids. The negative reviews you see on Amazon for GTA games are from people who don't understand what video game ratings are. There's a lot of swearing, violence, and mob-type activities. If this offends you, stay away from this game. I don't consider this to be a negative but rather a warning.

If you're a GTA fan, you must add this game to your PSP collection.

These games never seem to get old although the storyline never really changes. This game is no exception. Graphics are some of the best on PSP.

Does Anyone Know If This Game Is The Unpatched Version B.C. I Need The Unpatched V. with The 2.0 FW on The Disk, Thank You

I love this game. It doesnt have as much features and cheats as the newer games. but i like that is the mafia.

Great time killer...lots of action & things to do.

Does Anyone Know If This Game Is The Unpatched Version B.C. I'm Downgrading My Firmware To 1.50 and I Need The Unpatched V. with The 2.0 FW on The Disk, Thank You

Grand Theft Auto : Liberty City Stories makes it as the first 3D portable GTA game. Of course a few features were taken away from the console version, but a few were added also. The story mode is fun to play through and the city is fun to toy around with. The soundtrack and graphics are great. Though toying around in the city can get boring after a while. To sum it all up, people who have been spoiled with San Andreas will notice a set back, but a 3D GTA is great to have portable.

Pros: Plenty of room to explore and experiment ; Many things to do and weapons to use.

Cons: Formula can somewhat get old ; A step back from the consoles.

i enjoyed the game very much i am glad bought it.

It's just unbelievable I can play something this cool on a portable system. Download the Custom Tracks software from Rockstar and you can put your favorite tunes into the game's car radios as well. I recommend surfing music (Beach Boys,) old classics (Dean Martin, Bing Crosby) or even Christmas music.

I've enjoyed this just as much as GTA 3 and GTA Vice City for Playstation 2, even if it is a little smaller. I mean, hey, it's on a handheld!!

Not for kids, but hopefully you already know that?

This was the first game I purchased for my PSP. It has graphics that are comparable to the PS2, in fact I was impressed by the similarities. You get the same run and gun (and drive) experience you expect from the GTA series. That said, it is the same run and gun experience. If you played GTA Liberty City on the PS2 you will be playing the same GTA on you PSP. There are some missions that vary here and there but for the most part it is the same game. If you beat it for the PS2 I cannot recommend purchasing it for the PSP. You do get the GTA experience but after only 5 hours of playing it I was already bored. If you get kicks out of deja vu than you might want to pick it up again, or if you never played the original. Overall it is a good game that I recommend to PSP owners that never played the original. To those who have already dedicated hours to the PS2 version, your money is better spent elsewhere.

I recently bought a PSP so I will have the system when Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories comes out this fall. I am a big fan of Rockstar Games titles so Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories was the first game I purchased for my PSP. It is nice to have a little piece of Rockstar on your PSP. Of course the missions are new and the main player actually talks this time.

I will say though that it's a lot like Grand Theft Auto 3. It's kind of hard going back to Liberty City after hanging out in Vice City and all of the coolness of San Andreas. But hey it's a great distraction and a lot of fun. I sprung for the strategy guide, it's worth it if you want to look ahead at the missions or want some hints.

I enjoy this game quite a bit and it is definitely fun. It has basically the same map as the original Liberty City which was expected. The missions of course are totally new although they still are that Grand Theft Auto feel. I wish some of the controls were a little different like looking around while you are driving. You can't control the vehicle and look around at the same time. Some pretty funny missions too.

I have never had a GTA game before, but my cousin reccomended it and people make such a big deal about it so I bought it. I must say, they make way too much hype about these games, and having played thr Godfather for PC, I'm telling you, just wait till it comes out in a month (Sept. 2006) and don't bother with GTA, unless you really like GTA games. I guess it's just because I like the classic 1930's-1950's mafia stuff more than the modern, but the bottom line is: Unless you're a big fan of GTA already, just wait for the Godfather.

This game was the main reason I bought a PSP. And to be honest, it is worth every penny. The graphics aren't quite as detailed but still very impressive. The action feels just as gritty and real as on the big-brother consoles. Pretty cool storyline but there is an issue with repetition as far as the missions go. My only complaints are that the game freezes up sometimes, and that the pedestrians on the street don't talk as much junk as on the other versions.

Still, get this game.

This game is awsome is very complete u have no idea how many things you can do an discover during the game, can spend hours playing it....GREAT

I only had about a half-hour to play this yesterday, but so far its my favorite in the series. It starts out strongly, and contains a lot of adult dialogue that made me chuckle. The graphics are excellent for the PSP. The fact that I found it new on store shelves for only $15 made it that much sweeter. If you have a PSP, get this game. Check around though, you can find a deal on it.

I may be a little harsh on this game, because I've played all the 3D GTA's.
First; the graphics. Despite what you might have heard or read the LCS graphics are not as good as other offerings from console systems. It looks great for a PSP game, but no where near the quality of PS2 or XBOX. I'm not saying the graphics are bad, in fact, they are quite good. Just don't be fooled into thinking you're going to be playing a PS2 game on your PSP. Some pixel shading and blurred movements fool the eye a little, but you'll see the diffrence.
Secondly; The gameplay. The missions are as "Pizza-delivery" as you can get. I personally don't mind those types of missions, but I can see where some people may think them tedious and/or boring. Sometimes I find myself smashing into Police cars or shooting random people on the street just to get my blood pumping after doing 2-3 missions. They usually involve picking up and dropping off hookers and or drugs and or guns you name it, you pick up or deliver it! There are a few really cool missions usually relating to a major city event or underworld power struggle. There are also a few really neat sidequest's that will have you shaking your PSP in frustration (if you don't use any of the 8 million cheat codes that is). All in all the games play hasn't changed much since Grand Theft Auto 1.
Third; The sound. GTA as a series has almost always provided funny audio content, either on the radio or just random things people shout at you or each other. The music is great with tracs from Redman and Method man on the "rap" station you can't go wrong! The other stations include regae, punk, and even Indian music!?! The car sound effects are little off. They didn't give me the "feel" of driving, but the explosions, the gunfire, and the ambient sounds make up for poor car effects.
Lastly; The replayability I personally play this game at least once a day. However I could see where some people may return to GTA San Andreas for their GTA fix, rather than LCS. After you beat all the missions and side quest's, there is really no reason to play the game. That said if you and a few friends have this title Ad-Hoc can add 100's of hours to the replayability. Sadly no Wi-Fi support. Hopefully Rockstar will fix this with their next installment.

Overview: Great game, roam among the cities, kill, save, jack cars, rob stores, buy guns.

Gameplay: Storyline is great, when you're driving a car and you finish a big mission, the radio automatically turns to LCN (Liberty City News) and tells you the story, i always loved listening in on this. The mission are medium-hard and on bigger missions it usually took me over 10 tries, im new to the 3D GTA games, im an GTA1 and GTA2 player. Anyways, some characters include Salvatore Leone, Vincenzo, JD, Donald Love, Maria, and the reverend in the church missions on Staunton Island.

Sounds: Great sounds for this game, guns sound realistic, explosions sound realistic, cars and bikes sound realistic, it's great. The voice acting is also hi quality. And i almost forgot the radio. 10 stations, ranging from rock, to indian music, to talkshows, to hip-hop and rap. And Lazlow is back!

Graphics: D*MN! I couldnt believe i could get this quality of graphics on a PSP, but i knew that the PSP graphics were already good, but not this good. It's as good as GTA3 and almost better than GTA:VC (I've played them a few tries)

Controls, tech stuff, ect. The controls are pretty simple. Here are the controls on foot:
Analog Stick: Movement
Left/Right buttons: Change weapons
Down: Free aim
Up: Special Mission
L+Analog: Look or fine aim
R: Target
Triangle: Enter vehicle
Circle: Attack/fire weapon unless a sniper rifle or rocket launcher, in which case you aim with R+Analog
Square: Jump/Zoom in while targeting
X: Sprint/Zoom out while targeting

You get used to these controls of course.
I'd give you the in car controls but im too lazy.

Loading times, very very fast, the 3 islands are seperated by a short loading screen.

The case comes with, the UMD of course, info packet which is like a mini-newspaper titled Liberty Tree, and comes with a map of Liberty City in 1998.

Movies impressed me as well, great graphics as usual and great voice acting.

also, NO MENU! You pop in the game, turn in on and it loads for 3 seconds and you're in Portland (First island)

Houses: First was a little small, 4 rooms, and only 1 garage space.
Second was better, 2 car garage.
Third, you get a big 2 story pink house with 2 garage spaces and when youre done with the game, next to the house you get loads of weapons.

Only downside is, the game was beat in one month.
:(

GTA Liberty City Stories is really good for a fan of the series. The graphics are great for a handheld. You can even compare them to the GTA's on the consoles, thats how good they are. There is some slowdown just like the consoles though. When your driving and theres cops all around you the game lags pretty bad. I also ran into some freezing problems. I got it new so there should be no freezing. But occasionally the game freezes when it load up. And there were also some sound problems. You could get on a bike and drive around, but the bike doesn't make the bike sounds. there are no sound effects of the bike. So I just get off then back on. Sure the story line is not that great, but neither are the other ones. People dont play for the story though. They play to have hectic distructive fun, which is what you will be doing for hours doing whatever you want to do in Liberty City. Yes the setting is the same as GTA 3, but with plenty more to do, you wont care at all.
PROS: graphics
gameplay
handheld wonder
CONS: some lag
story line
repetitive
basically the same as the other GTA's
some freezing

First of all I love the graphics.Second It's awsome.The missions are fun the multiplayer is awsome.Just riding around town is fun.I like to get the cops after me.It's in my PSP right now.If you like the other GTA games you'll love this one.Sure it cusses and has drugs.But i don't care.it's fun and thats all that matters.

What a great experience this game is. You get to drive around in a variety of cars, work as a taxi driver and explore the vast sprawling city of Liberty. The only slight drawback is that while making my way around town I was occasionally offered work from seedy underworld gangsters - naturally I ignored these offers! That aside this is a great game and a wonderful piece of escapism. If youngsters today spent less time listening to rappers like 50 Cent and more time playing games like this there might be some hope for them. Two thumbs up!

This game is awesome!!! It's got gta 3, gta vice city, and gta san andreas all in one. This game would be nothing without the blood, sex, drugs, and swearing, remember one thing, this game is BAD, my mom had to get it for me, and she was thinking second thoughts about getting it even though I have all the gta games. The blood and gore is the worst thing in the game, second is the swearing, third is the sex, and last is the drugs. I was shocked at the unbelievable graphics. But the controls were a little hard. I hope the review will help u.

This game is cleanest game in the GTA groupe hardly any sex and if you don't do the missions none at all. Violence is a problem but is if you are over 12 you will be fine best game for PSP. Cussing yes but all M games cuss worst word said is F*ggot. So overall the game is good enough foor any teenager hat wants it game is good for anyone 12 and up.