Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is finally here, and just in time for the holidays, but is it really worth the wait? Is it truly innovative or just a recycled version of last years best-selling Grand Theft Auto III? What is better, what is worse, and what is the same?

The game itself looks, feels, and controls just like its predecessor, so players of last years hit will feel right at home with the controls. The aiming system has undergone a pretty descent upgrade and now you can duck behind objects using the L3 button. Other than these two new aspects, the control is very reminiscent of the original and very smooth.

Overall, the frame rate has improved, but I was a little overwhelmed with the way the player character moves. Maybe it is not so different from GTAIII, but I feel like his movements are now more quick and unrealistic. However, it only takes a second to get over this minor flaw. Pretty soon, you are doing all the things you loved doing in Liberty City's adventure.

There are definitely more cars than GTAIII, but they are not too much more impressive (until you find the Lamborghini look-alikes, that is). However, you can now find motorcycles that add a fun and challenging new twist to the old formula. Basically, there is a scooter, a Harley, and a good-old "crotch rocket." The bikes are truly a challenge to control, and falling off is as easy as sideswiping a streetlight. Speed is pointless unless you are truly experienced.

But what new features change the driving system this time? The controls are the same, fluid movements, steering, and such, but now the police understand weaknesses in cars. If you get too close, they will shoot out your tires or throw down spike strips, and without air in your tires, natural physics takes over the control of your car, making it impossible for you to steer your way out of danger. This is fine, however, because now you can jump out of a moving vehicle by tapping the triangle button and leap out of danger's way.

Speaking of the police, they are a bit smarter this time around. Aside from adding the spike strips and the ability to shoot out your tires, the cops will also be less tolerant in Vice City than those lazy law enforcers from Liberty City. It seems like these cops are just waiting for you to mess up. They also know when to bring in the swat team, as getting stars is very much easier in Vice City. After three or four stars, the swat team starts coming in. And don't think you can get away with just standing on top of the parking garage throwing grenades at them this time. Now, they will swing down from ropes on the helicopters and take you out no matter how high you go. And don't even think about setting foot inside the police headquarters. They will shoot at you on sight.

This brings us to another good point, buildings. You can now go inside of a lot of buildings. Clubs, malls, your hotels, and ammo shops (again) are all open for you to enter and enjoy. You can even buy buildings in the game. Some will provide a hotel to save your game, a garage to store your cars, or even a business to increase your funds. Real estate is the name of the game here.

Overall, the game has vast improvements over its predecessor. The missions are better. The story line is much more developed (it starts out great and only gets better), and the enhancements are helpful and interesting. If you are obsessed with Grand Theft Auto III, and you have to continue the saga, buy this game. However, if you haven't finished GTAIII yet, play that first. Wait for the price to drop about 10 bucks. If you have the cash, spend it; you won't be disappointed. This game adds enough to make any respectable future criminal wet his or her pants with enjoyment!