Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Adventure, Racing
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
- Developers: Rockstar Leeds, Rockstar North
- Publishers: Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
Introduction
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the ninth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series and a prequel to Grand Theft Auto III (2001). The game was released on October 25, 2005, for the PlayStation 2 and October 31, 2005, for the PlayStation Portable.
Story
The story of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories follows Toni Cipriani, a made man in the Leone crime family. After being forced into hiding for killing a made man, Toni returns to Liberty City to find the city in chaos. Warring mafiosi vie for control as the town begins to self-destruct under waves of political corruption, organized crime, drug trafficking, and union strikes.
Toni is tasked with cleaning up the mess and bringing the city under Leone control. However, he soon finds himself facing opposition from deranged hit men, morally depraved tycoons, cynical politicians, and even his own mother.
Gameplay
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an open-world game that allows players to explore the city of Liberty City on foot or in a vehicle. Players can complete missions to progress the story, or they can simply explore the city and cause chaos.
The game features a variety of missions, including driving missions, shooting missions, and stealth missions. Players can also participate in side activities such as street races, vigilante missions, and gambling.
Characters
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories features a cast of memorable characters, including:
- Toni Cipriani: The protagonist of the game, Toni is a made man in the Leone crime family. He is a skilled driver and shooter, and he is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants.
- Salvatore Leone: The head of the Leone crime family, Salvatore is a ruthless and ambitious man. He is determined to take control of Liberty City, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
- Maria Latore: Toni’s girlfriend, Maria is a kind and compassionate woman. She is caught in the middle of the conflict between Toni and the other crime families, and she fears for his safety.
- Vincenzo Cilli: A high-ranking member of the Leone crime family, Vincenzo is a close friend and mentor to Toni. He is a skilled strategist and a loyal ally.
Setting
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is set in the fictional city of Liberty City. The city is based on New York City, and it features a variety of landmarks such as the Statue of Happiness, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The game’s world is divided into three islands: Portland, Staunton Island, and Shoreside Vale. Each island has its own unique atmosphere and set of challenges.
Reception
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and huge and detailed city. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is considered to be one of the best games in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game’s success helped to solidify Rockstar Games’ reputation as one of the leading developers of open-world action-adventure games.
Conclusion
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is a classic open-world action-adventure game that offers a compelling story, engaging characters, and a huge and detailed city to explore. The game is a must-play for fans of the Grand Theft Auto series and for anyone who enjoys open-world games.
Review Score
8.5/10