Each of the gangs in Liberty City has a signature vehicle that sets them apart from their rivals. Some are small and fast, some are brutish and slow, but they reflect the character of their gang. You’ll find them roaming all over the 3 boroughs of Liberty City, although they’re usually concentrated in the areas associated with each gang. Last time we ran through the details of the vehicles to be found mainly in Portland, this time round we delve into the gang cars from Staunton Island and Shoreside Vale.
Yakuza Stinger:
This 2-seater, 3-door sports coupe is small but perfectly formed. It is a high powered and nimble car with exceptional acceleration and awesome manoeuverability. The Yakuza take the stock Stinger and start to customize it by giving it the signature Yakuza 2-tone silver and red paint job. The most important work happens under the hood, however, and each Yakuza Stinger is a finely tuned piece of machinery.
The Yakuza roam throughout Staunton Island, favouring the areas to the east of Belleville Park and under the Callahan Bridge.
Cartel Cruiser:
From a distance the Cartel Cruiser may look like a suburban soccer mom’s Sports Utility Vehicle. It certainly has the space and safety facilities any respectable parent would look for, but rest assured the Colombian Cartels won’t be storing milk powder in theirs. Painted in electric blue, the Cartel Cruiser always comes with a cut-away rear section, allowing one gang member to stand at the rear shooting a high power machine gun while another drives. The body has been reinforced with metal plating along the sides and a solid metal bumper at the front allows for serious ramming. The Cruiser’s large size belies its high speeds and surprisingly tight handling. If you’re looking for a solid all purpose vehicle for causing havoc, you can’t do much better than the Cartel Cruiser.
The Colombian Cartels are often found hanging out in Shoreside Vale, perhaps due to its strong international transport links.
Forelli Excess:
You’d be forgiven for thinking the occupant of the Forelli Excess was a sales rep or traveling business man. The truth is far more sinister. The Forelli Family favour the Forelli Excess so they don’t draw attention to themselves. And when you’re in their line of business that is a definite advantage. This grey sedan can pass by without attracting a second glance. Although it is a fairly powerful vehicle it isn’t going to win any races.
You’ll probably find a Forelli Excess prowling around in Newport.
Yardie Lobo:
Liberty City’s Yardie population favour the Yardie Lobo for the traditional image they see in it. They want to look like pimps. Few cars you’ll see in Liberty City say “pimp” as loudly as the Lobo. Sleek, muscle car lines, and a tan roof on deep red body work really makes the Yardies stand out. This is a powerful car with good acceleration, although it does tend to be a little unforgiving while cornering or on wet surfaces. If you’re thinking of driving on wet grass, think again. It’s not a particularly strong car, but then again strength isn’t everything.
The Yardies are likely to be found chillin’ in Rockford, on the northern tip of Staunton Island.
Hoods Rumpo XL:
The Hoods Rumpo XL can be easily recognized; the Hoods spray their tag on the side of each and every one in bright pink. They’ve taken the run-of-the-mill Rumpo van and suped it up to their own specifications. Improved acceleration, top speed and handling have all been added. They also made sure the windows are all heavily tinted – they don’t want passers-by getting an inside view of their gang activities. While it is by no means the fastest or easiest gang car to drive, it is unexpectedly drivable.
The Hoods will be hanging around in Wichita Gardens, near the heavily tagged buildings. They don’t take kindly to strangers, especially strangers trying to thieve their wheels, so take care.
This concludes our feature on the vehicles of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, those of you waiting for the game's release have only six days to wait until the game's official release on December the 2nd, 2005. We'll have the Australian review up shortly thereafter so stay tuned to PALGN.
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