When Rockstar games released the " Grand Theft Auto" franchise, they started a new era in gaming history, namely the era of " sandbox" gaming. This meant that a player does not need to adhere to the story line to play the game, but can explore the game's universe and do whatever they want, much like a child in a sandbox. This style continues with " Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.""
. Liberty City Stories" was released primarily for the Playstation Portable (PSP) and Playstation 2, and is the ninth episode of the " Grand Theft Auto" series. Since this game is designed to run on more restrictive systems, the " sandbox" area is smaller than previous games. Although smaller, the same game play exists. In this game, the main character, Tony Cipriani (voiced by actor Michael Madsen), has gone back to work for the Mafia after remaining quiet for several years. Tony intends to bring peace to the warring city and put it under his own control. The events of this game take place three years before those in " Grand Theft Auto III." Thousands of missions exist for players, with as many endings and directions.The PSP version allows up to six players to join in a game, whether fighting each other or just destroying the city. Developers also changed the vehicles. Unlike previous " Grand Theft Auto" games, motorcycles and bikes are now usable, but helicopters are not, because of space limitations. This game also features a new game engine, with the developers choosing Image Metrics instead of Renderware for improved facial animations, always lagging in previous games.The game proved a huge success in 2005, with millions of copies sold to PSP and PS2 gamers. Although not officially released to PC, many PC users have found game clones that will operate at home, so players of any system can explore Liberty City again.More reference links: http://www.rockstargames.com/libertycitystories/ http://www.gamesradar.com/awordfromoursponsors/?zone=psp/game_cheats&sendMeBackTo=http%3A//www.gamesradar.com/cheats/psp/grand-theft-auto-liberty-city-stories/
