Liberty City Stories built upon the gameplay mechanics of Grand Theft Auto: Advance (2004) and Grand Theft Auto III. The controls were refined to accommodate the PSP's dual analog sticks, providing a more intuitive and immersive experience. Players could explore the city on foot or in various vehicles, completing missions, side missions, and engaging in activities like shooting galleries and racing. The game's mini-map and overall UI design were cleverly adapted for the PSP's smaller screen.