Grand Theft Auto Double Pack

"GTA Xbox: Not a Port it's Just In the PlayStation2"

The Good:

The critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series first released on Playstation 2 has been reworked from the ground up. The graphics engine is geared towards 480p, which improves the draw distance and textures, rivaling the PC version of Grand Theft Auto III. The car physics and control are better and more realistic. The controls are customizable to fit a player who chooses to shoot and accelerate with buttons or triggers. The load times are reduced to a few seconds and saving the game is no longer a chore. The characters, which were already motion controlled, now have teeth, eyeballs and fingers that move. You can see the inside of stores and read the traffic signs and get a kick out of the twisted posters on the walls. The face wraps for the pedestrians are detailed and humorous as the first person look option is more precisely controlled. This allows for targeting refinements not available in the PlayStation 2 engine.

The appeal of this series is the way the game progresses. Any vehicle in the game, whether it be boats and cars, motorcycles or dirtbikes and helicopters or planes, is available for a test drive. All the places and people to advance the plot are on the map and a choice is always there in the game to free roam away and to these points of importance. It is a crime story controlled by a thug and that is you. Take the advice of give advice with a gun. It's your choice.
The owners of 5.1 Surround Sound setup will get improved low frequency thumps and scrapes when driving around. The difference in the sound is massive from it's predecessor and heightens the addicting gameplay of all versions included. The game is progressed at the players leisure in both games so a quick playthrough is always available in addition to free roaming rampages.

The Bad:

The frame rate is improved but pop up remains as in the Sony version. While not hindering gameplay, when racing, ramps and trees appear suddenly although the cars are seen better in the Xbox edition.

The Custom Sound Track is awesome, but only the first eleven tracks are there to work with. In Sega GT 2002, a hundred track list on the harddrive can be randomized while driving. Rockstar should have included this. -1 point

total score 9

Rent or Buy: The exceptional features of Dolby Digital and Widescreen 480p support are the foremost reason to buy. If not a rent to witness the quick load times and aggressive gameplay is worth the time.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/10/03