The 2021 launch of GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition was a disaster, but Rockstar Games did improve it after three years of updates. With GTA 6 still missing a solid release date, now is the perfect time for Rockstar to revisit two often-overlooked games: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories.
Released in 2005 and 2006 for the PSP, these games were among the best handheld experiences ever, offering full 3D GTA gameplay on the go. They weren’t mere downscaled versions of GTA 3 and Vice City; they expanded those worlds with new locations, characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Many fans still remember them fondly.
Despite the PSP’s hardware limitations, Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories stood out for adding features like motorcycles, more interiors, empire-building, and even swimming.
Vice City Stories also brought back air vehicles and other mechanics from previous GTA games. These games weren’t just side projects—they were important chapters in the GTA timeline, bridging the gap between major releases.
Even though both games were later ported to PS2 and mobile, they still haven’t received proper remasters. The fan interest in GTA 4 and Vice City mods proves there’s a demand for updated versions of these classic titles.
The stories in these games, focusing on Toni Cipriani and Victor ‘Vic’ Vance, are just as impactful as those of GTA 3’s Claude and Vice City’s Tommy Vercetti. Rockstar made sure these characters and their stories added depth to the GTA world. They deserve to be recognized and appreciated, not left behind due to the limitations of their original platforms.
In an era where remasters are common, it’s time for Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories to get the love they deserve. A Definitive Edition could bring these forgotten gems back into the spotlight, allowing more players to discover and enjoy them.
