Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

 PSP
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 632 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 433 out of 632
  2. Mixed: 111 out of 632
  3. Negative: 88 out of 632
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  1. SeanS.
    Oct 28, 2005
    6
    Not the game we were promised. This seems like GTA-lite. If you're a fan of GTA games, then you will notice were they cut corners. There are fewer people in the city, the missions are short and dull and the action isnt as intense. This game wasn't made by the same team as the PS2 versions. Keep that in mind.
  2. Gtafan
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    Best handheld game evar!!!
  3. qwerty
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    Simply marvellous.
  4. Liam
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    if this game was released onto a major consol this would have got some poor reviewsplus it would be very unfair to compair this with a consol version, but the truth is its released onto a hand held system and this game would not run on anything that has nintendo written on it. controls are spot on considering its on a hand held system the graphics are amazing and the sound is top notch.if this game was released onto a major consol this would have got some poor reviewsplus it would be very unfair to compair this with a consol version, but the truth is its released onto a hand held system and this game would not run on anything that has nintendo written on it. controls are spot on considering its on a hand held system the graphics are amazing and the sound is top notch. missions are created for short term play, just aswell because i like to just pick up and play, if i wanted to have bigger missions ill just play GTA on my PS2. this is a great game and worth every penny. so far all the major mag reviews have got it right so ignore the reviews buy the couple of users who have spammed this review section with there anti playstation reviews(i guess they all have Nintendos and feal they have to play the my Handheld is better thn yours) 10 out of 10… Expand
  5. TerryB.
    Oct 28, 2005
    10
    Wow, I guess too many were expecting SA on the PSP. Compared to GTA3, which this game was built around, this game is a step up. I'd rate this as equal to or maybe just a hair below Vice City on overall experiance. The controls are tough at first because you're losing 2 buttons from the console versions. But they are fine once you get used to it. YES it is free roaming, I spent Wow, I guess too many were expecting SA on the PSP. Compared to GTA3, which this game was built around, this game is a step up. I'd rate this as equal to or maybe just a hair below Vice City on overall experiance. The controls are tough at first because you're losing 2 buttons from the console versions. But they are fine once you get used to it. YES it is free roaming, I spent hours looking for packages, unique jumps and rampages. I'm not even half way through the story after almost 4 solid days of playing. The game is huge. Battery is no more a problem here than with 90% of all the other PSP games and loading times are very short by comparison. This game is a blast. I wish people would stop comparing it to the console versions. This is a portable GTA that has more content than GTA3 and is just as fun to play.… Expand
  6. Mobius
    Oct 28, 2005
    9
    A great game that captures what GTA is all about. this review ignores all other versions and assumes that the user has never seen GTA before.. OMFG what a great game the controls are exactly what you can expect from a hand held system, the graphics are may look odd but if you have seen other versions of gta then they are the same, but the PSP realy shows just how much information the PSPA great game that captures what GTA is all about. this review ignores all other versions and assumes that the user has never seen GTA before.. OMFG what a great game the controls are exactly what you can expect from a hand held system, the graphics are may look odd but if you have seen other versions of gta then they are the same, but the PSP realy shows just how much information the PSP can throw about. so great sounding great controls and great graphics. if you are one of those people who feal threatend by the PSP well go and buy a Nintendo DS along with nitendogs and you go and have a a game with the other 6 year olds who posted crank reviews for this game. GTA is for Adults only.… Expand
  7. TechniM.
    Oct 28, 2005
    6
    While technically proficient, this portable version of the great GTA series is lacking in several catagories. Yes, the controls are wonky. Yes, the missions aren't as interesting. But there's still a lot to do, so if you can look beyond those things, you might like this game. I hope Vice City Stories is better, though.
  8. SonyGaming
    Oct 28, 2005
    3
    The "free roming" aspects are toned down. this game is good to pick up and play for a few minutes to play through a mission or two. You'll get bored with it after a few days, though. I sure did.
  9. DaveandB
    Oct 28, 2005
    5
    I'm sick of people praising this game as a "technical achievement." It's just not fun! Who cares how many polygons they got the PSP to push. I'm all about gameplay, and they took out lots of things I like about the series. GTA purists will find a lot of faults with this game.
  10. Guy
    Oct 28, 2005
    9
    How would you sort out the camera view problem. There is only one analogue. I think they've done well with what they have got.
  11. StephenJ.
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    Absolutely Unbelievable. I pulled out GTALC at work today and was totally in awe that here i was playing a GTA game with all its complexity while i should be working. The framerate is smooth, the widescreen view is Pixelisious. I love it. Try playing this on your DS Fanboys. Is it just one loony posting all those negative comments since they are posted in little groups.
  12. BillS.
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    Notice something about these reviews - Poor battery life? Bad controls? Little quips about gaming and Sony? These are fanboy reviews. Nintendo fanboys. This game is spectacular, the control is fully configurable. The critiques here are copied from web forums wherein Nintendo fanboys bash and cry over a game they will never see on the DS. They hate GTA, because they can't have it. Notice something about these reviews - Poor battery life? Bad controls? Little quips about gaming and Sony? These are fanboy reviews. Nintendo fanboys. This game is spectacular, the control is fully configurable. The critiques here are copied from web forums wherein Nintendo fanboys bash and cry over a game they will never see on the DS. They hate GTA, because they can't have it. Meanwhile, as the REAL critics are saying, this is a fantastic achievement on a handheld. Incredible depth of environment and freedom of action, hours on hours of jobs and missions. I've been driving around and doing odd things just like I did at first when I initially got into GTA:VC on the PC. It's eerily similar -- but on a handheld, which is amazing. Now, the game does suffer from a few issues immediately apparent - such as some mild LCD smearing, which most PSP games with high framerate seem to exhibit. The analog nub is somewhat touchy, but there have been posts indicating that reversing steering/walking seems to work wonders. Neither of these elements serve to taint the overall experience or the jawdropping feat of a full-scale GTA game on a handheld. Loading times are quick, there's no loading pauses, the city isn't broken down into tiny segments as some feared/predicted. It's an amazing game and will sell GOBS of PSPs. A true must have AAA-level game, as IGN, GameSpy, EGN, 1UP and all the others are saying thus far. Do not believe teh fanboy comment-pirates!.… Expand
  13. Matty
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    It is the best game for psp the graphics r amazing dont listen to these stupid people who give it a low rating if u have a psp go and buy it. ok the controls take a bit getting used to but the rest is excellent i cant stp playing on it.
  14. Brodie
    Oct 27, 2005
    8
    If you've played GTA3, then you've played this game before. Also, you probably enjoyed it more when you had it on the big screen powered by your PS2. That being said, this is still a very enjoyable GTA experience. It's by far the most ambitious PSP game to come out since launch, and definatly in the top 5 of must haves for the system. It took me almost no time to adjust to If you've played GTA3, then you've played this game before. Also, you probably enjoyed it more when you had it on the big screen powered by your PS2. That being said, this is still a very enjoyable GTA experience. It's by far the most ambitious PSP game to come out since launch, and definatly in the top 5 of must haves for the system. It took me almost no time to adjust to the controls, im really not sure why so many are complaining about them. The auto lock-on is the same unreliable targeting system its always been on the consoles, nothing new there. The graphics are nice and clean, and the voice actingdialogue is what you'd expect of the series. If your burnt out of GTA, this game has nothing new to offer you. But if you want some mini-gta mayhem on the go, with the promise of dozens of fun filled hours, this is a great great buy you won't regret.… Expand
  15. MiguelG.
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    I don't get some people. This is a portable machine (PSP) it has a battery - it's suppose to run down..., the controls are diferent (PS2 controlers are the size of this machine itself)... This is a great technical achievement, I really hope developers keep doing their best (as they did with this LCS) and do not strip down the games for battery life sake, or load times, or I don't get some people. This is a portable machine (PSP) it has a battery - it's suppose to run down..., the controls are diferent (PS2 controlers are the size of this machine itself)... This is a great technical achievement, I really hope developers keep doing their best (as they did with this LCS) and do not strip down the games for battery life sake, or load times, or whatever, just push the machine to the limits, I'll buy a spare battery, and I'll get use to the controlls. Forget about this PS2 old timers.… Expand
  16. JohnnyB.
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    The critics of the load times and controls are just being overly critical- I picked up the controls in a matter of minutes and the load times are shorter than any of the load times on the GTA PS2 games and shorter than many other PSP titles. Sure, the game has some of the same flaws as of the other GTA titles- the cars don't handle very well at times, the camera angle isn't The critics of the load times and controls are just being overly critical- I picked up the controls in a matter of minutes and the load times are shorter than any of the load times on the GTA PS2 games and shorter than many other PSP titles. Sure, the game has some of the same flaws as of the other GTA titles- the cars don't handle very well at times, the camera angle isn't always the best, and aiming when shooting can be frustrating- but Rockstar has done a remarkable job in fitting a GTA game on a UMD and despite it's flaws, GTA:LCS is easily the best game yet for the PSP.… Expand
  17. PaulClarke
    Oct 27, 2005
    4
    First things first. It ain't a "free roaming game" - There simply isn't anywhere you want to roam.

    Second the control method is not very good. Wear your wrist strap if on the move when playing this. ONe oway or another you'll drop your PSP when trying to get your head around the dodgy controls Battery life isn't really an issue. For less than 20 quid i got a    First things first. It ain't a "free roaming game" - There simply isn't anywhere you want to roam.

    Second the control method is not very good. Wear your wrist strap if on the move when playing this. ONe oway or another you'll drop your PSP when trying to get your head around the dodgy controls

    Battery life isn't really an issue. For less than 20 quid i got a replacement battery (as well as other stuff) and the game lasts nearly 4 hours with it. Even newer batteries with (supposedly) twice the capacity again are available. Battery life is no more of an issue with this than with most other PSP games

    Finally, missions are not up to the standard of GTA3 never mind its successors. Quick and boring.

    Overall. Dissapointing. MAybe I would think better of it if it wasn't GTA. But my expactations certainly have not been met (and they were realistic - i know the PSP isn't going to complete with my £1800 PC and San Andreas, or even the PS2) - but to fall this far short is not what I was expecting

    Shame    … Expand
  18. ShaneB.
    Oct 27, 2005
    7
    Is it just me or is this a disappointment? Like others have said, the controls are hard to get used to, but even when you get used to them the aiming is still wacky. This may be the best PSP game, but its still just going through the motions.
  19. Squigly
    Oct 27, 2005
    3
    Let's get one thing out of the way...this aint the GTA you are used to. Liberty Citry Stories means well, but it just doesn't FEEL like the other games. You are limited in playing "cops n robbers" like in the older games, so all you have to do after a while is do the missions, which have bad writing and bad controls.
  20. DylanD.
    Oct 26, 2005
    5
    Average. the controls are broke.
  21. JaretM.
    Oct 26, 2005
    3
    I can't get used to the controls. what's the point?
  22. HeavyD.
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    Great game, Controls were a little difficult to get used to at first, (Used to playing the orginials on PS2) but quickly became used to new controls. Just as fun and entertaining as the first. Great buy, FINALLY a good platformer.
  23. CheneyR
    Oct 26, 2005
    6
    PROS: Big game with lots of stuff to do, good graphics. CONS: Wonky controls, boring at times, unfunny.
  24. SITM
    Oct 26, 2005
    6
    This game is so much fun, but I thought the who...*battery dies*
  25. GirlGamer
    Oct 26, 2005
    4
    Being on a handheld is no excuse for being a bad game. LCS is just the worst game in the series since GTA3. I had prolems with the controls and stuff, sure, but what really kills this game is that it was made to be played in short intervals. That's fine (especially since the Battery life leaves much to be desired) but best part of GTA was spending hours on the interesting misisons Being on a handheld is no excuse for being a bad game. LCS is just the worst game in the series since GTA3. I had prolems with the controls and stuff, sure, but what really kills this game is that it was made to be played in short intervals. That's fine (especially since the Battery life leaves much to be desired) but best part of GTA was spending hours on the interesting misisons and random action. LCS strips most of the fun out of the games. The reviewers saying this game is just like the PS2 games must not be noticing how sparse the islands are and how damn short the mission are.… Expand
  26. Mappy
    Oct 26, 2005
    6
    What happened to my GTA? Now it seems too cheesy and the analog nub takes a long time to get used to. And forget about multiplayer. The battery life sucks!
  27. GregS.
    Oct 26, 2005
    4
    People seem to be giving this game good reviews because it's a handheld game. but if rockstar wants us to think its as good as the console versions, then im going to judge it like a console game. The controls are bad. Really bad. And there aren't enough good missions.
  28. Wongit
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    Finally there's a good game on the PSP. This is the first great game for the PSP. Its nothing short of the masterpieces you play on the console versions. Its got everything thats in GTA3, and the nice little touches from Vice City. Its got great voice acting, great control, and a interseting story. It has graphics that pretty much surpass any other PSP title. The story missions dont Finally there's a good game on the PSP. This is the first great game for the PSP. Its nothing short of the masterpieces you play on the console versions. Its got everything thats in GTA3, and the nice little touches from Vice City. Its got great voice acting, great control, and a interseting story. It has graphics that pretty much surpass any other PSP title. The story missions dont bother me at all. their your typical fun GTA missions. The side missions are great, and there is alot to do outside of your normal missions, like run around and create havock. This is a definite must own for any PSP owner. Its everything you cherish and love in a GTA game in the palm of your hands, honestly what more could you ask for.… Expand
  29. BillK.
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    The bad user reviews you are seeing are most likely the 12 year olds that get caught up in the silly PS2 vs. XBox or Halo vs GTA or PSP vs DS debates. Bottom line is this is THE best game for the PSP out right now. Period. After being heart broken that Madden 06 had major bugs, I am just elated that I have a full-fledged GTA complete with full "living," expansive city to roam freely The bad user reviews you are seeing are most likely the 12 year olds that get caught up in the silly PS2 vs. XBox or Halo vs GTA or PSP vs DS debates. Bottom line is this is THE best game for the PSP out right now. Period. After being heart broken that Madden 06 had major bugs, I am just elated that I have a full-fledged GTA complete with full "living," expansive city to roam freely in....ON A HANDHELD. Simply amazing.… Expand
  30. elchuyD
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    I think rocksar made a great job puting this game in the psp. for those people rating it very low I say to them. keep in mind that this is the first time a game of this kind is playable in a hand-held system. I don't know how many gaboy game they have seen that are even close to gtalcs. if you try to compare it to gta in ps2 you might be disappointed but agian keep in mind this is a I think rocksar made a great job puting this game in the psp. for those people rating it very low I say to them. keep in mind that this is the first time a game of this kind is playable in a hand-held system. I don't know how many gaboy game they have seen that are even close to gtalcs. if you try to compare it to gta in ps2 you might be disappointed but agian keep in mind this is a psp. Well Great job with this game I'm enjoying it.… Expand
  31. GameFAQs
    Oct 26, 2005
    5
    The IGN review gets it mostly right but i think the minor plusses don't make up for all the problems.
  32. MarkG.
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    To bring a polished Liberty City to the PSP along with 10 radio stations, motorcycles and more, Rockstar deserves applause. We all know that this game will sell the PSP. Don't give Liberty City Stories a bad review because the control is not great - Rockstar is just working with what they've got. Fact is, once you get used to the PSP, there's nothing cooler than being able To bring a polished Liberty City to the PSP along with 10 radio stations, motorcycles and more, Rockstar deserves applause. We all know that this game will sell the PSP. Don't give Liberty City Stories a bad review because the control is not great - Rockstar is just working with what they've got. Fact is, once you get used to the PSP, there's nothing cooler than being able to play Grand Theft Auto anywhere!!!! It looks good, sounds good, and once again has a well-written story with fantastic voice acting. 10/10!!!… Expand
  33. Mattmattz_1223
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    What people are forgetting is that this game is unable to provide the power of the console series because it is on a handheld but i believe that Rockstar Leeds have done a near-perfect job of pulling it off, some minor issues with controls which you'll get used to. Plus the game is so big, and multiplayer is fantastic.
  34. JasonR.
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Gta liberty city stories is truly a fascinating game. graphics game play and everything is equaly as good as xbox. controls are easy and every thing is fun this game is great i recomend it to ALL!!, go get it now!
  35. Horatio
    Oct 25, 2005
    4
    Why this game is getting good scores is beyond me. i guess these professional game reviewers forgot about gameplay and are impressed with the graphics.
  36. PaulC.
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Don't listen to these bad reviews. The game is technologically incredible. I felt like I was playing GTA on my couch it was so pixel perfect. New missions,new storyline in GTA III's world makes for a fun time on the go. Bottom line: If you own a PSP, you need this game.
  37. ChrisB.
    Oct 25, 2005
    1
    Hmm...it sounds like we should all be going for Virtua Tennis instead...that game seems oodles more fun!
  38. JasonL.
    Oct 25, 2005
    3
    LCS is the definition of a rehash. It adds nothing new and does everything WORSE than the console games.
  39. SteveM.
    Oct 25, 2005
    6
    Overly ambitious...this just doesnt work on the PSP. the screen has "ghosting" problem all the time. and its hard to tell what's going on. Read the reviews, don't look at the scores. lots of the reviews say tons of negative things about the game, yet they give it a grwat score? why? I don't like this game and I'm a big GTA fan.
  40. D.W.
    Oct 25, 2005
    4
    I've been playing for a few days and there are like 3 missions that I liked, the rest are really bad. and what's up with the battery life? sony needs to release a better battery if they're going to keep making games like this.
  41. AndrewL.
    Oct 24, 2005
    10
    This game takes everything from the console counterparts - the riveting stories, great music, wonderful cars, mediocre shooting controls, outstanding city graphics etc. and squeezes it onto a handheld. With BETTER graphics than all the console games. Truly amazing, and one of the greatest technical feats of our time.
  42. JoshK.
    Oct 24, 2005
    5
    GTA comes to the PSP, but they messed up the controls. Aiming takes a while to get used to and the usual hiccups that only Rockstar can pull off are still present. The biggest problem, though, is with the missions. They are BORING! At least they're short.
  43. BobbyB
    Oct 24, 2005
    10
    The best game you've ever played on your PSP! GTA: Liberty City Stories has great graphics,game play,character,locations TOP NOTCH! Go and get it now!
  44. MatthewJ.
    Oct 21, 2005
    6
    Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is the second handheld game in the popular franchise. Unlike the console games, however, LCS was produced by Rockstar Leeds, whose previous projects include Barbie Horse Adventure and the disappointing PSP port of Rockstar's own Midnight Club 3. It's unfortunate that the talent that produced the console games was not fully behind this Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is the second handheld game in the popular franchise. Unlike the console games, however, LCS was produced by Rockstar Leeds, whose previous projects include Barbie Horse Adventure and the disappointing PSP port of Rockstar's own Midnight Club 3. It's unfortunate that the talent that produced the console games was not fully behind this project, because this game reminds the player around every corner that it's inferior to its big brothers. The random, exciting violence that attracted millions of gamers (and lots of controversy) has been toned down. Liberty City itself looks like a ghost town, which is there just for you to finish your objectives. Indeed, the game seems to want to hold your hand through most of the story, and there's not much opportunity to start some mindless mayhem. While the loading times are better than in Midnight Club, they are still unacceptable for a handheld title. Games like this should let you pick up and play, not wait a minute for the game to start. The best part of the game is the colorful graphics, which look better than in the PS2 original. Liberty City looks great on the small screen. If you want GTA action on the go, this game is for you. Just don't expect the same kind of experience as the console games. This one is quite underwhelming.… Expand
  45. TK.
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    It is a FULL gta game on such a small disc, it is GTA 3 plus loads more, it lasts 4 hours and has no load times exept at game start up and when traveling between islands and those loads are only about 15 seconds and it has seven multi player modes for up to six players, whats not to like?
  46. LeeR
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    This is the reason I purchased the PSP the day it came out. Sony is known for getting Grand Theft Auto on any system they put on the market. I Have been a fan of the series since day one. I only need a NBA, NFL, and Grand Theft Auto game to keep me happy on any system. Murder on the go is the perfect stress release. Besides if I wanted to play games with crappy grafics I owuld have a DSThis is the reason I purchased the PSP the day it came out. Sony is known for getting Grand Theft Auto on any system they put on the market. I Have been a fan of the series since day one. I only need a NBA, NFL, and Grand Theft Auto game to keep me happy on any system. Murder on the go is the perfect stress release. Besides if I wanted to play games with crappy grafics I owuld have a DS right now. DS=N64=crap. Game Cube made portable= good system if they can get there hands on GTA.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PSP Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    As a value proposition, there's nothing on PSP that comes close. It's a gigantic game; the core gameplay will probably take you 40 or 50 hours to get through, and it has 33 additional "games" that have the potential to occupy you another five or even 10 hours, if you really want to push it.
    Read full review
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    Although flawed, Liberty City Stories is a remarkable achievement; it shames the efforts that many other developers have put into their PSP games.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    90
    While rough around the edges, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories offers a deep, console-like GTA experience. There's so much to see and do that finishing the main story portion leaves around 60% of the game to experience.
    Read full review
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