Grand Theft Auto Double Pack (Xbox)

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * * * *

Former PlayStation 2 best-sellers Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto Vice City are about to debut on the Xbox. The two are packaged together as the Grand Theft Auto Double Pack, which has been available on the PS2 since last month.

Developers Rockstar Games have given the ageing Grand Theft Auto III a proper facelift for the Xbox.

Graphics are sharper and more consistent with the glossy, polished look of Vice City and load times are non-existent. Dramatic new rain and fog effects make driving an improved challenge. The cars come in eye-catching colours and feature a metallic sheen that will make you think twice about ruining the paintwork. They have also enhanced the lighting; this is practical for driving around Liberty City, which looked bleaker on the PS2.

In contrast, Vice City (based on Miami) is a thriving, neon-lit metropolis, three times the size of Liberty City and much of it accessible straight away. There are more pedestrians to dodge, more cars to borrow, more weaponry, boats, motorbikes, indoor locations and double the number of missions.

Players assume the role of Mafia hood Tommy Vercetti. Recently out of jail, Tommy owes his former employers and is forced to start earning.

The plot features a cast of shady characters, and Rockstar recruited some notable stars to provide the voice talent, including Hollywood tough guys Dennis Hopper, Ray Liotta and Tom Sizemore, Miami Vice star Philip Michael Thomas and adult actress Jenna Jameson.

Vice City features an excellent soundtrack, with nine hours of retro hits from artists such as Kool & the Gang, Blondie, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, Roxy Music, the Psychedelic Furs and other leading 80s acts.

(Xbox, $109.05)


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