Grand Theft Auto Advance - Australian Review (Reviews)

Chris Stead, GamePro Australia

07/06/2005 11:42:39

The GBA is no longer the domain of fluffy pink things, fat plumbers and anime porcupine haircuts, there's a new kid on the block and he's all about stealing cars, shooting hookers and other such anti-social shenanigans. And thankfully, having ruined its good name on the GBC in the 90's, GTAs long awaited handheld return is a winner.

As always with GTA, the story is intriguing. When the game begins, you and your partner Vinnie are running errands for the Mob and are but a few cash jobs away from being able to escape Liberty City for good. However, when your getaway car blows up with Vinnie and all the cash inside you must seek a new escape route, avoid the cops and gain revenge instead.

The gameplay is reminiscent of the top-down style gamers enjoyed in GTA and GTA 2 while incorporating elements from more recent series titles. Naturally the graphics aren't console worthy, but you still get the same sense of open-endedness and freedom for which the series is renowned. In fact, even gamers who didn't hit the GTA series until its 3D editions will still feel at home, with combat, car jacking, mission progression, shops and even the SFX feeling as comfortable and familiar as your favourite undies.

GTA definitely has more legs than your average GBA game too, with plenty of different vehicles to drive, over 300 missions (story and side-quest) as well as a giant world to explore - it will last for months. There are some flaws though. The controls are troublesome when jacking cars, often causing you to jump rather than enter. The missions also lack the variety of the latest releases, relying almost solely on drive from point A to point B gameplay, plus the map is a pain in the arse to decipher.

But that aside, GTA on the GBA succeeds in capturing the style, flair and fun of the series and its fans should not hesitate in adding this to their handheld arsenal.

Verdict
Despite being toned-down for the handheld format, GTA still captures the fun and freedom for which the series is lauded.
Pros: Tonnes of missions, interesting mature story, ground combat solid.
Cons: Jacking cars is annoying, too much mission similarity, music gets repetitive.

Score = 8.5/10



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Graphics: 4.0 Sound: 3.5 Control: 4.0 Fun Factor: Fun Factor
Scoring scale: 1-5
Publisher: Take 2 / Developer: Rockstar North / Genre: Action, Adventure / OFLC Rating: MA (15+)