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Rainbow Six 3: BA
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Pub.: Ubisoft
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Dev.:
Ubisoft
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Score: 8.0 |
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Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack Review
by 007
In case you haven't been up to date with the latest in the videogame market, Rockstar announced that it would be bringing its highly popular Grand Theft Auto franchise to the Xbox this fall. The highly anticipated games have finally arrived, and Xbox fans couldn't be anymore happier. Rockstar has release the Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack for the Xbox, which features Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City games in one complete package for the price of one game. Now with the franchise finally gracing the Xbox with its presence, the skeptics question the improvements made on the game for the Xbox version. Technically, Rockstar has made some very impressive upgrades. In terms of gameplay changes, not much has been done. The result is an impressive debut for Grand Theft Auto on the Xbox.
Features:
-Grand Theft Auto 3 & Vice City in one pack
-5.1 Digital Surround Sound
-16:9 Widescreen
-480 Progressive Scan Input
-Custom Soundtracks
Gameplay:
If you're one of the few that have never before played any of the games in the Grand Theft Auto series, you'll find that from the first few minutes you play, it's the gameplay that is the strong backbone for Grand Theft Auto. If you've had the opportunity to experience Grand Theft Auto on Playstation 2, you'll definitely notice the major technical improvements that have been made for the Xbox version.
First and foremost, cutscenes have been given a big lift now that characters now are in sync with the dialogue, something that was clearly non-existent in the Playstation 2 versions. On the other hand, the loading times are one of the most pleasant surprises. The loading times for levels literally take seconds. As for loading saved games, it's just a efficient and quick. These few upgrades for the Xbox clearly make for a much more enjoyable game experience.
Controls:
Both Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City have similar game controls that fully utilize the Xbox controller. You will find that there has been a more appropriate design that allows for multitasking without having having the instruction manual by your side.
On Foot:
Right Trigger - Fire Weapon/Attack
Left Trigger - Target/Answer Cell Phone
Right Thumbstick - Look Around
Right Thuymbstick Button - Look Behind
Left Thumbstick - Walk
Left Thumbstick Button - Crouch
X Button - Jump
A Button - Run
White Button - Change Camera View
Directional Pad Right - Next Weapon
Directional Pad Left - Previous Weapon
In Vehicle:
Right Trigger - Accelerate (Ascend in Helicopter)
Left Trigger - Reverse/Brake (Descend in Helicopter)
Right Thumbstick - Drive-by/Look Around
Right Thumbstick Button - Fire Weapon
Left Thumbstick - Steer
Left Thumbstick Button - Horn
Y Button - Get Into/Out of Vehicle
B Button - Hand Brake (Fire Missiles when in Attack Helicopter)
X Button - Sub-Mission Toggle (In Emergency Vehicle)
White Button - Camera Select
Black Button - Radio Stations
As you can clearly see, there are quite a lot of controls that you'll have to get under your belt. Fortunately, as you first start playing the game, you'll immediately find that getting used to the controls isn't as difficult than it was at first glance. Nevertheless, it's the compact design that really sets the tone for the controls in both Grand Theft Auto 3 & Vice City.
The main objectives in both titles remain identical, with the main story being the main and only areas of gameplay. You'll assume the task of following the story and completing many objectives and assignments to gain money and access to many other areas. Grand Theft Auto 3 offers gamers many options, but it's Vice City that expands on the third installment in the series in every way possible. Noticeable differences that Vice City has over its predecessor are new vehicles (including Motorbike), and stellar presentation is just a few to name.
Graphics:
Along with the rest of the game, the visuals in Grand Theft Auto 3 & Vice City have been given an upgrade, but more so Vice City. Some of the new visual enhancements in the double pack feature 480 Progressive Scan Input and 16:9 Widescreen, which greatly affect the visual experience.
The vehicles hold some of the best visual improvements with improved textures and lighting. Environments have also been given additional touch ups, but nothing groundbreaking. Character models really haven't improved, but it's the lip-syncing that has greatly affected the game visually.
One of the biggest issues still is the camera, which can cause so many problems at times. Whether you're on foot or in a vehicle, you won't be able to escape the problematic camera that constantly changes at unwanted times. If you're in a vehicle, most of the time you shouldn't have any issues. It's when you're in the motorbike and helicopter where the camera can cause you the most problems.
Sound:
While Grand Theft Auto's gameplay has deemed the series a success, the radio stations, in particular, have made the audio such a strong part of Grand Theft Auto. For the Xbox version, Rockstar took full advantage of the Xbox hardware and supported custom soundtracks in which you can set the radio station to your own music while you cruise around in Grand Theft Auto 3 & Vice City. Along with supporting custom soundtracks, 5.1 Dolby Digital is another audio feature that is supported in the double pack. Dolby Digital really brings out the best in the audio, especially during intense, high impact moments of the game.
Like previously stated, the voice acting has really been one of the highlight enhancements that have made a major impact. The dialogue in both games is so in-depth and immersed that you'll always hear something new or something unsuspected. The sound effects are stellar, especially with the weapons and vehicles.
Overall:
If you're one of the few that don't have Grand Theft Auto 3 or Vice City in your game collection, then there isn't a better time to pick up the Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack. Now that the holidays are just around the corner, Rockstar has unleashed Grand Theft Auto onto the Xbox for gamers to pounce on. With upgrades in almost every part of the game, there isn't a better console to own Grand Theft Auto on.
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| Rating |
| Gameplay: | 9 |
| Graphics: | 7 |
| Sound: | 8 |
| Value: | 10 |
| Tilt: | 8 |
| Overall: 8.4 |
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