Last year, "Grand Theft Auto III" sold more copies than any other Playstation 2 game in history. It also received more criticism about its mature content than any other game ever has. This year Rockstar North, formerly Rockstar studios, takes us back to everything we loved about GTAIII: violence, sex, drugs, and total freedom.

The next installment in the series, "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," gives players the freedom to roam the city or participate in various missions, as was the style in GTA3. This, however, is where the similarities end. This time, players will take on the role of Tommy Vercetti as they roam a fictional city (resembling retro 80s Miami) that is more than twice the size of GTA3's Liberty City. Yet, this time, there are no broken bridges and no sealed tunnels. The entire city is free to roam from the moment the game loads.

Every factor of the game has been more than doubled and improved. A huge assortment of weapons will be made available throughout the game, and for those players who enjoy stealing vehicles and racing from the police, the folks at Rockstar are giving you an assortment of over 100 cars, trucks, helicopters, motorcycles, and even rollerblades.

Tommy Vercetti himself has a host of changes over GTA3's no-name hero. For instance, the player's character can now speak, change clothes, and furnish his hideout, which brings up another great element to Vice City. Many buildings, such as malls and skyscrapers, can be explored on the inside. And if that isn't spectacular enough, a motorcycle is just small enough to fit through the entryway to some of these localities. Imagine driving a Harley through JC Penny while shooting everyone in sight with that good old Uzi.

So, for anyone who thought "GTA3" couldn't get any better, be prepared for "GTA: Vice City." This game is going to set new standards for free-roaming game play, senseless killing, and gratuitous violence. Slated for an Oct. 29 release date, this game is going to be a fast seller, so reserve one now!

More info on "GTA: VC" can be found at:

www.gamespot.com
www.rockstarnorth.com