Many issues that come to the forefront of a PSP game are small or even nonexistent on the PS2. Loading times are not as big a problem on the PS2, where this is a major problem with PSP games. Liberty City Stories on the PS2 loads just like any other GTA game, you won't be staring at the loading screen for long.

Without a second analog stick, the PSP had to work around that obstacle. Liberty City Stories controls better with two analog sticks on the PS2, if only because we have been with this design for three releases on the console.

Just like the PSP release, it can't be helped but to draw comparisons to GTA III. And considering this title is geared toward people who do not have a PSP, the comparison between the two is every bit as valid.

As stated, this is not an evolution of the series since San Andreas. In many ways, the style and flair that GTA III presented is missing from LCS. This is the fourth GTA on the console, and it is showing its age. That much has nothing to do with it being ported.

Liberty City Stories does, at least, incorporate bits and pieces from Vice City and San Andreas into the game. The targeting system is a massive improvement over GTA III, for example. It is hard to believe, but GTA III did not have an in-game map, LCS has a map similar to the one in Vice City. Also added is a long list of side-missions not in the 2001 hit.

Although Michael Madsen did not reprise his role as Toni Cipriani, the voice work is on par with the series. The cut scenes and story are the selling point to Liberty City Stores. The story is what keeps the game going, and it moves at a pretty good pace.

If you have the PSP version, there is no reason a buy the game you already have. However, if you are a PS2 owner who wants another whack at a Grand Theft Auto game, the value here cannot be beat.

At the end of the day, $20 for the full, non-watered down, GTA experience cannot be ignored. Go pick this up and enjoy it for what it is.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is rated M (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs. This game can also be found on: PSP.