It's also a nice touch that the people of the GTA universe no longer have clubs for hands, but rather a full, five, fleshy fingers. One of the many little touches you'll notice while viewing the game in full 16:9 and progressive scan. The only questionable graphic addition is a "trails" option that gives everything a bit of a motion blur during movement.

While not nearly as pronounced as in, say Need for Speed Underground on the PS2, it's the sort of thing you'll either love or hate. Thoughtfully, there's the option to turn it off. I rather enjoy it, particularly in combination with the real-time reflections as it gives a greater sense of speed when racing through the busy streets -- or on the sidewalks... whatever. Sometimes, though, it can feel a bit over-done. Like when every movement by a character in a cut-scene is blurred like some power move out of a kung-fu flick. Good for martial arts, bad for a bunch of fat mob goons sitting around a card table. I almost expected to hear a poorly-foleyed "WHOOSH!" every time someone raised a hand.

But at least that "WHOOSH!" would've been in full Dolby 5.1, another edge the Xbox version has which sinks the player even further into the cinematic experience these games can offer. And if the soundtrack isn't moving you as much as the video -- change it! You can rip tracks onto the Xbox and play them en lieu of the provided in-car radio stations. Personally, this isn't an option I would use much as I thoroughly enjoy the games' soundtracks, but the possibility is there and nice to have.

Polygonal improvement: actual fingers
Given the spectator-sport nature of these games, the living room and a big TV are the best way to play them and it feels as if all the right options are in place to make sure you and your friends can have blast, no matter who's at the controls. Which, by the way, do take a little getting used to; especially if you're used to the PS2's shoulder buttons. I found that holding down the right trigger to accelerate started to cramp my index finger after a while (even on the S controller). But the controls can be changed to suit the player, so that's really a minor quibble.

And, as the Don said to me when I was made, "Minor quibbles aren't worth killing over... unless it's really, really necessary." I've played the PS2 and PC versions of both games and am rediscovering the joys of public mayhem all over again due to the Xbox's additions. As the best of any platform -- and for the price of a single game, no less -- this may be something you'll want to pick up even if you're pretty sure you've been there and done that. If you're still wondering what all this GTA hubbub is about and have yet to experience the rush of blowing up a fleet of pursuing FBI SUVs while running over a few roller-skaters and old women, then get out there and get the Double Pack.