VCS: Okay, so it's actually coming to PS2

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 7th 2007 at 7:00PM }

We told you so. But now it's official. March 6th for North America. March 9th for the UK.

Press release after the cut.

[Via Joystiq]

Rockstar Games announces Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the

PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

New York, NY – February 7, 2007 – Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be coming to the PlayStation 2 system. The title will be available in North America on March 6, 2007 and will be on European retail shelves on March 9, 2007.

Since its release in October, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system has garnered praise and acclaim worldwide. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories offers PlayStation 2 system owners a big screen experience of the same storyline and missions, featuring the open-world, innovative gameplay, incredible production values and diverse music that are the trademarks of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Tags: grand theft auto, GrandTheftAuto, gta, playstation 2, Playstation2, ps2, vice city, vice city stories, ViceCity, ViceCityStories

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Shane @ Feb 7th 2007 7:18PM

spir00 @ Feb 8th 2007 7:15PM

exclusive.......definition of exclusive....
I once heard a podcast a few days ago (not sure who, but it might have been 1up,gamespot's hotspot, psm, the psp show or psp podcast) where someone talked about how exclusive just really mean for 2years and then they come to another system. Exclusive should be part of a rule. Once exclusive, always exclusive. Now these days when I hear of exclusive, I think of how long will it be ported. Notice when a company anounce that its coming to another system, its alreadt develop or being develop. But I don't care much.

Ok i ran out of ideas for a nickname @ Feb 7th 2007 8:43PM

Oh well its going to be cheap at least,time to take the dust of the ol'ps2.

How much was the original becase i only saw it on 50$ to 60$.I never bought it because i think it was too expensive maybe that was the problem is was too expensive for a handheld game i rather pick Gradius collection or Gears of war.Ds games are like in 30$ including NSMB.

Well at least it sez:

"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system has garnered praise and acclaim worldwide."

That somehow makes me feel better,still i dont know why Rockstar said it wouldnt become a port i guess they thought it would sell higher but it was too expensive i would buy it for 40$ but come on now as a port dont even worth the full price since you can get it on the ps2 with less loading times (i guess).

Anyway i guess i would get the port for 20$ bucks but im going to get crackdown and killzone first.

Ok i ran out of ideas for a nickname @ Feb 7th 2007 8:54PM

Well at least is going to be cheap.Time to dust off the ol'ps2.

Still bothers me that other original is going as a port but i guess is not rockstar fault,the lackluster sales where lower than poor.But i guess it was because it was too expensive it was like in 50$ to 60$ in stores(At least in where i live).

I would buy it on 40$ but on 60$ i think is too expensive for a handheld game,i rather pick Gradius or Mercury instead.Many Psp games are over 40$ specially the best ones i think that hurt the sales.DS games are like in 20$ or 30$ bucks.PSP is a really exepnsive thing.

"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system has garnered praise and acclaim worldwide."

That part makes me feel better,i dont know why.Well i guess im picking it for the Ps2 is going to be cheaper and i think is going to have less loading times.Buying it on 50$ for the PSP is not worth it specially since now is a port.

GTA:VCS seeing you on 20$ after i get KZ:L and Crackdown.

Strangler @ Feb 7th 2007 10:06PM

"Since its release in October, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system has garnered praise and acclaim, but slower than expected sales, worldwide."

I dont get why they port it to the ps2, I mean it sold pretty well on the psp just as lcs did. Did they really expect it to sell just as good as the sp2 gta games did which were exclusive with a completly different city and story and sold to a userbase multiple times larger than the psp's? Seriously what were they expecting?

pixelator @ Feb 8th 2007 5:57PM

"Buying it on 50$ for the PSP is not worth it specially since now is a port."

You're an idiot.

If the PS2 was portable, you'd have a point. Last time I checked, even my slimline PS2 wasn't small enough or battery operated to chuck in my coat and go.

Same game = same experience? No. This isn't the same experience because one is for a H A N D H E L D. You know, portable. Put it in your pocket. Sit on the john, in the movies waiting for it to start, between class, before a big meeting - portable. PORTABLE.

"the lackluster sales where lower than poor"

Not hardly.

"Many Psp games are over 40$ specially the best ones i think that hurt the sales.DS games are like in 20$ or 30$ bucks.PSP is a really exepnsive thing."

Is English a second or third language for you? DAMN. And no, DS games aren't $19.99 and most PSP games are not over $40.

"it was like in 50$ to 60$ in stores"

More bullshit. GTA VCS wasn't $60. It launched at $49.99 and is now $29.99.

"Buying it on 50$ for the PSP is not worth it specially since now is a port."

You have it backwards. I wouldn't want this on PS2 because it's a port of a PSP game with unnecessary limitations placed on the scope and visuals. Being ported to PS2 changes NOTHING about what it's like to play this game on PSP. It's an ambitious title with tons of gameplay.

I've about had it with you language-challenged, ignorant twits making such a huge deal out of this game being ported to the PS2.

Ok i ran out of ideas for a nickname @ Feb 8th 2007 12:21AM

pixelator STFU.All i heard from you is "im an ignorant fanboy".PSPfanboy please ban this Moron.

If you cant deal with other people opinions then dont read them you loser.Get a life or friends but i guess no one would ever be your friend unless they feel really sorry for you.

I dont care where you live you piece of trash.You cant talk to me like that,So show respect for others Jackass.

If you dont think PSP originals going as ports are a bad thing then you are the idiot,i want to play original games not ports.

Chyld989 @ Feb 8th 2007 1:21AM

"pixelator STFU.All i heard from you is "im an ignorant fanboy".PSPfanboy please ban this Moron."

He wasn't being an "ignorant fanboy" as you so succinctly put it, he was stating mostly fact. A little bit of opinion was thrown in, but not in a bad way (with the exception of "You're an idiot.", but that's better than the whole of your post).

/shrug

Nothing to get upset about.

Kade Storm @ Feb 8th 2007 1:39AM

Dude, pixelator's stated facts.

Hell, even when a title is new, there's many ways to get a cheaper deal!

As for the news piece - don't care.

As already pointed out: GTA: VSC ain't gonna' make a PS2 portable.

And just to counter-balance the mindless "me no want port!" rhetoric, I'm officially starting the Cult of Good Ports!

I want XenoSaga on the PSP! I want the other PS2 and PSx final fantasies on the PSP! I want Metal Gear Acid remade into a stealth action title (not really port, but thought I'd throw it in there). I want more ports! Just do 'em right.

Strangler @ Feb 8th 2007 3:13AM

corrections, I dont get why they ported the first one to the ps2 considering hwo well it sold for a handheld game costing 50 bucks and ahving a way smaller base than the ps2 does.

Strangler @ Feb 8th 2007 3:16AM

"You're an idiot.

If the PS2 was portable, you'd have a point. Last time I checked, even my slimline PS2 wasn't small enough or battery operated to chuck in my coat and go."

alot of people dont use the psp portably becasue the battery life is so bad however and you cant really recharge it unless you buye xtra batteries in a plane (since I dont think they let you plug it into anything). Also, the brightnes and screen make it hard to use in the sun, so that argument doesnt really cut it esps icne many people prefer to paly a game on a big screen.

Aex @ Feb 8th 2007 3:43AM

@Strangler

"alot of people dont use the psp portably becasue the battery life is so bad"

Do you believe everything you read on the internets? The psp battery life is no where near "so bad". Also, if the stock battery is so bad, there are batteries for sale with double the lifespan. My DS lasts 7-8 hours a charge where my psp lasts 6-7 a charge, either way both allow plenty of playtime between charges (seriously when was the last time you had 6hours of portable playtime straight without being within range of a power outlet?)... I guess that 1 hour difference is the "SO BAD"

Alien @ Feb 8th 2007 4:17AM

Thanks Rockstar for suporting my favorite console again - spits on GTA VCS copy and goes away - . Seriously , this is sad , the gam allready soled over 500 k units worldwide , and its not enough . The maps are the same basicly as in VC, they only had a few month of works . Man , these lowlifed scums :(

Strangler @ Feb 8th 2007 4:39AM

"Do you believe everything you read on the internets? The psp battery life is no where near "so bad". Also, if the stock battery is so bad, there are batteries for sale with double the lifespan. My DS lasts 7-8 hours a charge where my psp lasts 6-7 a charge, either way both allow plenty of playtime between charges (seriously when was the last time you had 6hours of portable playtime straight without being within range of a power outlet?)... I guess that 1 hour difference is the "SO BAD"

well than why do people keep mentioning how bad it is on various blogs and forums like joystiq? why do they keep saying they would have wanted one but keep pointing to the batetry lfie if it isn't bad?

Strangler @ Feb 8th 2007 5:06AM

from:
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6165548.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;more;4

"There goes yet another compelling reason to own a PSP.

Actually, I already own one, so in my case it's one less reason not to sell it "

on joystiq there was a similar comment, why would sony allow this kind of competition on their own platforms by allowing companies to constantly port games between one or another, nintendo to my knowledge does not allow this.

txa1265 @ Feb 8th 2007 10:09AM

A few thoughts:
- Exclusivity deals are singular things. Jade Empire, coming to PC soon, had a 18 month exclusivity deal. Others are longer, still others are shorter.
- I think that calling the sales of VCS 'lower than expected' is accurate, but 'lower than poor' is hyperbole. End of year is ~275,000 in NA, whereas the same period (Nov & Dec) for LCS sold >640k units. But there were some other great PSP games this year competing, not to mention a certain couple of consoles ;)
- I also think that the price point of $50 hurt. It will be interesting to see how a month at $30 does for them (again, compared to LCS doing ~120,000 in Jan '06 .. LCS was at $50, though)
- Regarding overall pricing - the $50 to $30 comparison PSP to DS is *so* 2005 ;) Sure it was true early on, but look at 'top tier' games now, and you find that most DS 'AAA' games are $35, whereas the overwhelming majority of PSP games are $40.
- There might be a price difference *perception*, but it isn't backed by much reality.

And ultimately, if you are playing VCS on your PSP, what does it *matter* if it ships for PS2? Doesn't it being a pretty good selling game on PSP and then (assuming) also successful on the PS2 just say that their business model and development system *works*? That they can target a game type that will work decently on the PSP (I don't think it is the most 'handheld friendly' game, but that hasn't stopped me from pumping dozens upon dozens of hours into it) and also translate *directly* to a quality console experience? Doesn't that mean that they will look to keep doing this? And isn't that WHAT WE WANT?!?!

My name is Earl @ Feb 8th 2007 11:56AM

Kade Storm last time i checked saying a bunch of insults and being a grammar whore didnt count as an argument.

IS not a fact,is just a load of shit what pixelator said.

Again i dont complain about the game being a port just that why is it that the ps2 version is going to be cheaper.IS the same Game it should be at the same price.LCS in the ps2 was cheaper than the PSP version.I dont want to buy a game for 40 or 50$ and end with something i could play on my ps2 cheaper.I dont give a crap if i can play it on the PSP or PS2 is a great game just that it should be cheaper on the PSP.Ps2 ports are always cheaper than the PSP versions like Sega genesis collection,great game but the Ps2 version was cheaper for a few bucks.I didnt mind that time because something like SGC is a perfect fit for the PSP.

My point:Both games should be at the same price then is a matter of taste.Im against ports when other consoles or devices are getting the same games cheaper.Is just not fair,why we do have to pay more than the people that is buying it for the PS2? is nonsense.While people still insist that the PSP version worths the extra bucks because is "Portable",it shouldnt cost more just for that.

Also NDS>>>PSP.DS is kicking PSP ass all the way back to the dumpster.PSP=NGAGE.

txa1265 @ Feb 8th 2007 1:22PM

Re: #17 "Also NDS>>>PSP.DS is kicking PSP ass all the way back to the dumpster.PSP=NGAGE."

Puh-lease ... can we TRY to knock this crap off?!?!

I am SO sick of the 'PSP r d0med' and 'DS iz teh sux0r' arguments ... remember the old saying 'you don't raise yourself up by tearing others down'.

zjoe @ Feb 8th 2007 1:39PM

I'm someone who paid $50 for this game, and as good as it was I feel ripped off when:
1) It dropped in price by $20 in less than 2 months.
2) Rockstar indicated they would not be porting this game but did so anyway.

If I knew this game was coming out on the PS2 for less than half the price I paid for it I wouldn't have bought it. Rockstar is fleecing hardcore gamers and I hope this shit doesn't sell on the PS2. I won't be buying any of their games again.

My name is Earl @ Feb 8th 2007 7:10PM

@ Pixelator:
Nice spam you post there Retard.He(?) Is saying that if the PS2 version is avalible why dont go for it?.If you feel offended because someone likes more the Ps2 version you need to stop posting for a minute, take some of those pills your doctor ordered you to, and leave people alone, OK?

pixelator @ Feb 8th 2007 9:12PM

Dear Idiot,

As if I needed to make my point any clearer - in reality, the double post was because I clicked on an old link and not the new one.

Of course, to you that somehow represents a major issue to seize on, because you know, your actual points were summarily crushed by myself and others replying to your adolescent fanboy whinefest.

Zjoe makes a better argument - the game price dropped rapidly (which irritates me as well) and was claimed by the developer to be an exclusive, that it wouldn't be ported... Yet they did. I can see why this would bug people. However, this is substantially differnt than the moronic babble you're spouting, such as the PSP edition somehow being worth less because there's a PS2 version. PS2 owners shouldn't HAVE to pay as much or more for a PSP port, because the game doesn't take advantage of the full capabilities of the console. The PSP version cost $50 to start because the development time that goes into those games is considerable (even when using the existing LCS engine). Your whining just shows how ignorant you are of development costs and how things work in this industry. Not surprising, coming from someone who thinks the target PSP demographic is 15-24 (lol).

"Kade Storm last time i checked saying a bunch of insults and being a grammar whore didnt count as an argument."

Ah, the phrase 'grammar whore'. A delightful tool for identifying double digit IQ types who use it as a 'best defense = good offense' diversion from their own third grade language skills.

"Also NDS>>>PSP.DS is kicking PSP ass all the way back to the dumpster.PSP=NGAGE."

Your true colors are shown, kid. Your comments are null and void on this and any other related subject as a result.

As for strangler, Joystiq and other bloggers talk out their ass in regards to the PSP. It's been getting slagged (especially by some of the JQ writers) since the beginning for battery life when I've gotten 6+ hours from mine before the 2200mAh and 7.5+ after. Better than my DS Lite on full bright, not much worse with the DS on mid.

Strangler @ Feb 9th 2007 12:54AM

from:
http://www.gamebrink.com/playstation-portable/1213-Monster_Kingdom_Jewel_Summoner-reviews.html

"Until now, original PSP rpgs have had mediocre graphics, forgettable music, bad control, long loading times; you name it. On the other hand the PSP has gotten some great rpg ports that run very well and are excellent games…but at the same time they bring up the question: why wouldn’t you just play those games on their original systems? What the PSP has needed is an original rpg that you can’t play anywhere else and one that is so good that you’ll want to keep your PSP on you at all times just so you can play it."

I know this review is only talking about one genre but still it can be universally applied.

Strangler @ Feb 9th 2007 12:57AM

most squaresoft games are always exclusive to only one system, esp true with their mains erie sliek final fantasies or dragon quest no matter hwo they sell. ANyway regarding the comment:

"If the PS2 was portable, you'd have a point. Last time I checked, even my slimline PS2 wasn't small enough or battery operated to chuck in my coat and go."

Actually there are protable screens you cna buy and add on to a ps2 and still be abel to use it in a car/train/plane if you put it in a backpack or bag and bust it out and it will end up costing with the screen probably only as much as a psp costs.

Kade Storm @ Feb 9th 2007 3:27PM

First off, I wasn't talking about the exchange of insults. I was merely endorsing pixelator's critical points, which were valid and factual!

Secondly, I OWN THE PS2 SCREEN! ZOMG! No, really, it's cool - excellent device. However, I still can't use it like a handheld. It's more like a PS2 laptop, but still not a handheld.