Grand Theft Auto Double Pack

Grand Theft Auto Double Pack is a two-in-one compilation that offers both Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, two of the most controversial and critically acclaimed open-world action games of all time. In both titles, you play as an up-and-coming thug in the brutal and crazy world of organized crime. Whether in the present-day world of Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto III or the retro, 80s-themed Vice City of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, you'll aim to become the most feared criminal around town. Thanks to the plethora of content and highly replayable nature of GTA: Double Pack, this is one compilation that provides endless hours of fun.

Main Game Features

• Two full games with unique stories
• Sprawling city maps with action missions
• Sandbox gameplay that encourages freedom

Story

Grand Theft Auto Double Pack contains two complete Grand Theft Auto games, each with their own unique story and world to explore. In Grand Theft Auto III you play as Claude, an inexperienced crook who catches a lucky break when he escapes from a prison transport truck. On the run from the law and in need of work, Claude pulls off odd-jobs for various crime families around Liberty City, a cramped city full of skyscrapers and seedy characters. In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City you play as Tommy Vercetti, a seasoned mobster who lands in hot water after a drug deal goes wrong. In an effort to appease his boss and gain revenge on those who betrayed him, Tommy begins to work his way through the local gangs of the sunny islands of Vice City. Both games are considered controversial for both their gameplay and narrative content, resulting in memorable and shocking moments of violence.

Gameplay

Although the stories told in both the included Grand Theft Auto games are plenty memorable, it's often the gameplay that fans will fondly remember. Unlike other games developed in the early 2000s, GTA III and Vice City encourage fans to go off the beaten path and carve their own way through their worlds, offering free-roam access to players almost immediately. Due to the unrestricted nature of the game world, players are free to steal cars, run over pedestrians, and attack whoever they please. Although this concept of player-freedom has been a staple of the Grand Theft Auto franchise throughout its existence, the updated 3D nature of the graphics makes the action much more appealing. Luckily, both games are packed with a large variety of things to do, including main story missions and additional side-quests to pursue. You'll most likely find yourself completing various missions while getting gleefully lost in between, exploring the cities and earning more cash and goodies. You can purchase a variety of weapons from the gun vendors, take up a stake in the real estate business, and much more. As you progress through the story, new areas of the cities will open up for you to explore, while also unlocking new vehicles and weapons.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you dive into Grand Theft Auto III or Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, both of these games are absolute classics and incredibly fun to play. Grand Theft Auto Double Pack combines both games into one easy package, making it a must-have collection for any fan of action titles. While there are still some gameplay hiccups that stem from the early-2000s game design, Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City are still a blast to play. If you're looking to blow off some steam, the Grand Theft Auto series are easy picks for some quick fun, and the two included in the Grand Theft Auto Double Pack are some of the finest in the franchise.

Pros

• Engaging narratives
• Highly replayable core gameplay
• Awesome cheat codes

Cons

• Controls feel outdated
• Driving and shooting feels clunky at times

Like it or not, the Grand Theft Auto series has rocked the world of videogames. Some might just credit its success to its mature theme and excess violence, but the fact of the matter is that behind all that bloody fluff are some incredible videogames. Years down the road, Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City will be remembered as the defining games of this generation, not only because of the controversy it created, but also because of the numerous innovations it brought to the table. Now Xbox owners can see what all the fuss is about with Grand Theft Auto Double Pack, a two in one title with both Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Gamers across the country, hardcore or casual, have undoubtedly heard of GTA. Because of that, I won't drone on about the basic premises of the two games, but will just point out the major changes. But on the off-chance that you've never heard of the GTA, then I'll direct you to our two reviews that'll get you caught up on the whole car-jacking phenomenon: Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City.

Right off the bat, know that Grand Theft Auto Double Pack contains the complete versions of both Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Nothing more, nothing less. Anyone expecting new content from the two will likely be disappointed. That said, GTA3 and Vice City are both as fun as ever -- those who have never experienced the two are in for a treat.

The look and style of both games remain the same, but the visuals look much cleaner. Framerates are much steadier this time around and textures look a lot sharper. Character models look much smoother as well, and the irritating lip-synching inconsistencies noticeable on the PS2 and PC versions have been fixed here. But perhaps the most notable change is the shortened load times (both in-game loading and from boot up), which helps create a seamless experience between each section of town. But despite these additions, GTA3 and GTA: VC are both starting to look dated next to the current crop of action games. That's not to say it looks bad, but what was impressive two years ago isn't as impressive today.

The audio, however, has held up well. The impeccable voice-acting and fantastic music has remained intact for both versions, with the addition of customizable soundtracks if the music isn't your thing.

If you've had your fill of GTA3 and Vice City, then there's not much here for you -- the enhanced visuals just aren't worth fifty bucks unless you're an absolute GTA-nut. However, if you've yet to cause mayhem on the streets of Liberty City or cruise around Vice City while listening to Love Fist on VROCK, then Grand Theft Auto Double Pack is a great place to start.