Genre: Action-adventure / Open-world
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Year: 2003
System: Microsoft Xbox
Grand Theft Auto Double Pack is a compilation release that includes two full games: Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Originally released separately for the PlayStation 2, both titles were later bundled together and released for the Xbox in 2003, offering enhanced graphics and audio for the console.
Grand Theft Auto III takes place in Liberty City, a fictional metropolis inspired by New York City, and follows a silent protagonist who rises through the ranks of organized crime after being betrayed and left for dead. It was the first game in the series to use a full 3D engine, setting a new standard for open-world game design with its non-linear missions, free exploration, and sandbox elements.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in a stylized 1980s Miami and follows Tommy Vercetti, a recently released convict who becomes involved in drug trafficking and organized crime. The game expands on its predecessor with improved graphics, a larger map, more vehicles and weapons, and a strong emphasis on narrative, complete with voice acting from film stars such as Ray Liotta.
The Xbox version of the Double Pack features visual improvements over the original PlayStation 2 versions, including higher resolution textures, better lighting effects, and improved draw distances. Custom soundtracks are supported via the Xbox hard drive, allowing players to use their own music while driving in-game vehicles.
The compilation received critical acclaim and holds high aggregate review scores. On Metacritic, the Xbox version of the Grand Theft Auto Double Pack holds a combined score of 93/100.
