Grand Theft Auto: Liberty 1971

April 30, 2009

Grand Theft Auto: Vercetti Stories (An early title)

1971. Liberty City is a City scarred by gang violence, fueding Mafia families carrying out contract killings in broad daylight, a grim reality for it's hardworking citizens. The Forelli Family, the oldest and the strongest of the three families, want to bring about a change in the way the Mafia does business, and want to make peece with there long time rivals, the Barone Family, who are threatening the Forelli's dominance, growing in power, and growing ever influential on the commission.

A new alliance has been formed between racially motivated street gangs, to become one unit known as the "Panthers". Many of the gangs involved in the Panthers alliance were previously hitmen, bag boy's and general dog's bodies for the Italian Mafia. They see the turning point in racial attitute as a sign to start a campaign of fear, and change.

The Sindacco Family, are searching for a foothold in a new place. After being ran out of Las Venturas, a city they once dominated, first by a billionare property tycoon who forced a change in state law to weaken the Mafia's power, and once he was out of the picture, by rival Mafia families muscling in on there empire. They were turned away from relaxed Vice City by ruthless drug lords the Mendez Brothers, and fled to Liberty in hope of building an empire.

For Tommy Vercetti, a young Mafia Hitman and Enforcer working for the Forelli Family, it's a case of nothing but war. His complete and idiolistic loyalty to his boss and friend, Sonny Forelli, is ever increasing, and Tommy will soon learn the concequences of his increasing willingness to rise the ranks.

Storyline

The Story will begin just days after the turn of 1971, and will center around the reason behind the Harwood Incident. A main element consistant throughout the storyline will be the increasing hate of you from rival gangs, and later your family. However another main element will be centered around Tommy's ambition to rise in the Forelli Family, making increasingly ambitious moves to get the attention of Don Giovanni Forelli.

This idea would proberly be more suited to an expansion, with roughly 30-40 missions.

Setting

I know this is bound to stir some sort of argument up, but I don't want it to.

I am going to use GTA 3's Liberty City as the basis of the setting. Both Liberty City's are part of Liberty State, or the State of Liberty. The area discussed in this topic is "Up state". Historically, they both hate each other, refusing to build a bridge between the cities. The only way between the cities is by air, and even then, travellers are subject to stricter than usual security checks upon arrival. The gangs reflect this, especially the Sindacco Family who have a particular dislike for the Lupisella Family.

The city is now heavily based on Detroit, with key landmarks from the GTA 3 rendition worked into the setting, such as Marco's Bistro, Leone Mansion, Chinatown, and so on. I chose Detroit because of it's industrial background, and of course the Motown scene in the 60's-70's period. GTA 3 was not based on New York, it had elements of New York, and other cities such as Detroit.

The borough of Portland is the real heart of the city. The largest of the three borough's, Portland is an industrial center, populated by industrial workers and there families. The area is inpoverished, a factor in the rise and popularity of the music scene.

The island-borough of Staunton Island is reachable by over water bridge and by the Staunton Ferry. The island serves as the Downtown district, the home of the cities famous landmark skyscrapers, real symbols of it's industrial heritage.

The third and final borough is surburbian Shoreside Vale, reachable by toll bridge from Staunton Island. Apart from a small industrial district, home to car makers Imponite, and the cities Airport, the area consists of Surburbs, ranging from quiet and pleasent to rougher area's. The Wichita Gardens Apartment Complexes was recently the center of a race riot.

Police System

The police in Liberty are known for there tough, bang to rights attitude. They take no crap and won’t think twice about battering you with their nightstick if you give them any lip. The officer’s backgrounds differ; Liberty’s police department is made up mainly of white officers, ranging from Irish and Italians to natives of the Midwest, all officers seemingly like to discriminate against the various ethnic backgrounds.

Officers will drive around the streets in Police Patrol vehicles and Police Cruisers. If you commit a crime, they will arrive in these vehicles. Each contains two Nightsticks and two standard Colt Revolver and Ithaca 37 Shotgun weapons.

If you are unarmed, and not attempting escape, these officers will approach you and attempt to arrest you. If you attempt to break free, they will produce nightsticks and give chase. If you are caught, you will be beaten to the ground and taken into custody.

If you initially appear unarmed and pull a weapon, officers will immediately begin to beat you with their nightsticks, only firing at you if you fire at them.

If you are armed, Police Patrol/Police Cruiser officers will surround you, taking cover behind their car doors. They will call for back up before drawing guns, aiming at you. Police Response vehicles will soon arrive, with officers armed with the standard issue gun and a Shotgun. At this point, if one of these officers approaches you and attempts to arrest you, if you resist by firing your weapon at the officer, all officers will fire at you. However, if you take the officer hostage, or have a civilian hostage, they will not fire. Instead, roads surrounding you will be blocked off with Police Cars. Civilians will be kept back by the officers controlling them. If you fire at the officers, or harm your hostage, alive officers will call for S.W.A.T support. These heavily armed officers will arrive accompanied by a negotiator. The negotiator will attempt to talk you into releasing the hostage while the S.W.A.T officers will surround you.

As the negotiator attempts to negotiate with you, you will be prompted on screen to reply. This will be similar to in San Andreas. Pressing < will hear Tommy give an Aggressive Response, threatening violence. Pressing > sends a peaceful response, usually telling the Negotiator a demand such as "move back". Use of responses will prolong a peaceful situation where officers do not fire, unless you hurt the negotiator or the hostage.

Police Officer appearance and traits,

Age – young. Build – Slim, athletic. Personality – Rookie.

(A rookie officer is more likely to wait for backup, an officer with an athletic build will also chase faster)

Age – young. Build – Large, fat. Personality – Rookie.

(A fat officer chases slower than fitter officers. They will also tire of fighting you faster)

Age – Middle aged. Build – Average. Personality – Fair.

(A fair officer will not resort to violence unless provoked. They are also unlikely to shoot at you without warning. They are fairly fit and can chase after you for prolonged periods)

Age – Middle aged. Build – Large, muscular. Personality – Brutal.

(A brutal officer is carefree in his duty. They will have no reservations about resorting to violence and abusing your background in the process. A brutal officer will beat you until arrest, and are most likely to fire at you if armed.)

Age – Old. Build – Average, slow. Personality – Professional.

(A professional officer is thorough and by the book. There ultimate goal is your arrest, and if they are forced to shoot, they will aim for neutralizing shots)

Age – Old. Build – Average, getting fat. Personality – Bored.

(A bored officer just wants to retire, and their main goal is finishing the day and going home. They are slow to respond; there age lessens their ability to give chase to you. They are also more likely to miss their target due to failing eyesight.)

Officers have a wide range of clothing items available to them. They will wear them according to the climate.

Daylight, warm and sunny – Short/Long sleeved shirts. Aviator sunglasses.

Daylight/Night, overcast – Uniform bomber jackets.

Daylight/Night, rain. Uniform Coats.

Daylight/Night, storms. Long Uniform Coats.

Uniform is coloured dark blue, coats have gold buttons while jackets are black.

During pursuit, officers will wear gold and blue crash helmets. Squad cars are blue with a gold stripe down the side.

Police Officers carry Nightsticks and Colt Police Positive Revolvers with them at all times, back-up officers arriving in cars will spawn with Ithaca 37 Shotguns aswell as Police Positive Revolvers.

S.W.A.T officers carry Smith & Wesson M76 sub-machine guns and M16A1 Assault Rifles. S.W.A.T Marksmen carry a Remington Model 700 Sniper Rifle.

Weapons

Melee

- Brass Knuckles

- Baseball Bat

- Wooden Baton(Police Weapon)

- Hammer

- Ice Axe

Use the environment to your advantage. Tommy is able to pick up stray objects, ranging from bricks and glass bottles on the streets, to dumbbells, weights, and metal poles in the Saint Marks Gym.

Handguns

Low - .38 Snub Nose Revolver

Medium - Colt Police Positive Special Revolver(Police Weapon)

High - Colt Python

Machine Pistols/Micro-SMG's

Low - Colt M1911 Fully Automatic(3 round burst fire) Pistol

Medium - Ingram Mac 10

High - Mini Uzi

Sub-Machine Guns

Low - M3 "Grease Gun"

Medium - Full Sized Uzi

High - S&W M76 (SWAT Weapon)

Shotguns

Low - Browning Auto-5

Medium - Lupara Shotgun

High - Ithaca 37 Pump-Action Shotgun (Police Weapon)

Assault Rifles

Low - M1 Carbine

Medium - AR-18 Assault Rifle

High - M16A1 Assault Rifle

Sniper Rifles

Medium - Remington Model 700 (Police Weapon)

High - M14 Battle Rifle

Grenade Launchers

Medium - M79 Grenade Launcher

High - EX-41 Grenade Launcher (3 round reload)

Mr. Moffat's weapons (High-Power Weapons available from Mr. Moffat, and not Ammunation)

M240

M2 Flamethrower

BAR Machine Gun

Mr. Moffat also sells Silencers for the Colt M1911 and Ingram Mac 10, which can be discarded at any time.

Mr. Moffat's Weapon Accessories

Mr. Moffat sells weapon accessories that provide additional abilities to specific weapons.

Silencer - Silences all shots, will not alert police and people not directly viewing what you are doing. Available for - Colt M1911, Ingram Mac 10 and the M14 Battle Rifle.

More to come later.

Fighting Style

As a streetwise Liberty native, Tommy Vercetti knows how to handle himself. “B” serves as the base for the first set of attacks. When locked on, one push of B will cause Tommy to throw a left jab, which will daze the target for a second (depending on your muscle) if not blocked. A second push of B will cause Tommy to throw a right cross, further dazing your opponent. Your opponent’s health circle will now turn red, signalling a finisher can be used.

There are four ways a finisher can be applied,

Pressing “Y” will have Tommy punch the opponent in the stomach. The opponent will then bend down in pain; Tommy will hold them by the throat. If a wall is near, pressing “Y” a second time will have Tommy throw the opponent against the wall, a final press of “Y” will see Tommy finish the enemy with three strikes to the face. This can also be done if there is no wall nearby, in which the game play will detect that. Tommy will instead stand his enemy up straight and bring his fist down three times on the enemies face.

Pressing “B” will have Tommy trip his opponent up with his foot, pushing him to the ground. Pressing “B” again will have Tommy crouch over and drag the enemy to a kerb (again, same situation as the first combo). Pressing “B” a final time will see Tommy stamp on the enemies head. If there is no kerb nearby (a kerb may also include a step), pressing “B” a second time will still have Tommy crouch over, but this time he’ll hold the enemy by the neck. Pressing “B” a final time, Tommy will punch the enemy three times in the face before resorting to smashing his head off the pavement.

Pressing “A” will see Tommy grab hold of his enemy and launch a knee to the face. A second hit of “A” will produce a stronger knee to the face; Tommy will let go of the enemy, sending them to the crouched position. A final push of “A” will cause Tommy to clench his fists together and smash the person over the back.

With each combo prompt, “Y” “B” or “A” will appear at the top of the screen. During each of these prompts, your enemy has a chance to counter. You can, however, reverse there counter by pressing “X”. If you reverse the counter, depending on which hand they throw a punch with, Tommy will grab hold of it and land a punch to the enemies face. An enemy can also try to counter with a kick. If a kick is reversed, Tommy will grab the enemies’ leg between his arm and elbow and vault the person to the floor, proceeding to violently ram the person’s head off the floor until death.

This may seem complicated. But in the words of Sonny Forelli, “if they f*ck around, put em’ down”.

Tommy can also "sucker-punch" any one he encounters. To do this, lock on to the target. The recticle will turn solid red after a moment or two. As long as the recticle is solid red, the target is prone to be sucker punched.

Portland Interiors

Marco’s Bistro

Italian style Bistro, the centre of the Forelli Family’s heritage. Purchased by Marco Forelli senior in 1930, it was ran by him until his death in 1960. Giovanni Forelli, his nephew and current head of the Forelli Family, currently runs it.

Therefore, it is the centerpiece of the Italian-American community. Members of the Forelli Family can always be found dining inside, the higher ranking Soldato’s providing you with “favour” missions.

Tommy is able to purchase meals from the Bistro. Pasta, Meatballs and (It's spelled Raavi, go edit your post) are commonplace, as are deserts such as Cannoli. Eating with a Forelli will reward you with extra dialogue. When Tommy purchases Pasta dishes, he will receive them at a table in which he will sit down and eat at.

Saint Marks Gym

A gritty close-knit gym located in Saint Marks. Robert “Bobby Blows” Venturallo oversees things. The gym features a large boxing ring, of which Tommy can spar with other trainers and improve his fighting skill. Tommy can also use weights to bulk up.

Cipriani’s Resteraunt

Newly opened Sicilian eatery, ran by serious Sicilian Toni Cipriani and his wife, Carmela Cipriani. Tommy can eat the usual pasta dishes here, as well as authentic Sicilian Pizza. They do require that you don’t cause trouble, though.

Clothing

Clothing shops return. Items purchasable are the following,

Tracksuit (open or closed, open with vest underneath)

Patterned T-Shirt

Wide-Collared Shirt

Leather Jacket (open or closed)

Double-Breasted Suit

Blazer

Suit Jacket (with or without tie)

Jeans

Flared Trousers

Suit Trousers

Formal Shoes

Sneakers

Aviator Sunglasses

All items of clothing are customisable with colours.

Shooting System

The shooting system is the same as GTA IV with some minor tweaks. Shooting someone in the hand will cause them to drop their weapon. Shooting someone in the leg will cause them to drop, and when they begin to walk, they will limp.

Vehicles

Admiral – Lincoln Town Car

Ambulance – Ambulance

Ambulance – Ford Van Superior

Banshee – Dodge Challenger

Blade – Buick Rivera

Bobcat – Ford F-100 Ranger

Boxville - GMC Step Van

Broadway – Cadillac Fleetwood 75

Buffalo – Pontiac GTO

Bug – Volkswagen Beetle

Bullet – Ford Mustang

Burrito – Ford Econline

Cabbie – Checker Cab

Cadrona – AMC Gremlin

Camper – VW Camper Van

Cheetah – Ferrari 365 GTC Coupe

Clover – Chevrolet Nova SS

Club – Volkswagen Type 3

Cognoscenti – Maserati Ghilibi

Comet – Porsche 911

Coquette – Corvette Stingray

Dukes – Charger R/T

Elegant – Ford LTD Brougham

Emporer – Cadillac Fleetwood

Esperanto – Cadillac Eldorado, fleetwood series

Feltzer – Mercedes 300

Firetruck - Firetruck

Fortune – Mercury Cougar

Glendale – Cadillac Sedan Deville

Greenwood – Dodge DeSoto

Hermes – Ford Mercury

Hustler – Ford Hot Rod

Idaho – Buick Riviera

Infernus – Lamboghini Miura

Ingot – Ford Country Squire

Intruder – Plymouth Fury

Landstalker – Chevrolet Suburban

Majestic – Dodge Polara

Manana – Dodge Monaco

Marbelle – Ford Gran Torino Sedan

Merit – Chrystler Newport

Mule – Chevrolet Sport Van

Nebula – Oldsmobile 98

Oceanic – Chevrolet Bel Air

Oracle – BMW 2002

Perrenail – Chrysler Town and Country

Peyote – Ford Thunderbird

Phoenix – Pontiac Firebird

Picador – Chevrolet Chevelle SS truck

Premier – Ford Galaxie 500

Police Patrol – AMC Matador

Police Crusier – Ford LTD

Police Response – Ford Galaxie 500

Pony – GMC Vandura

Pulova – AMC Matador

Regina – Plymouth Fury Suburban

Rhapsody – AMC Pacer

Ruiner – Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Sabre Turbo – Oldsmobile 442

Sentinel – Chevrolet Impala Sedan

Sentinel XS – Chevrolet Impala

Stallion – Plymouth Barracuda

Starsky – Ford Gran Torino

Stinger – Shelby GT 500

Stretch – Lincoln Town Car Limo

SWAT Boxville - GMC Step Van

Tampa – AMC Javelin

Taxi (Premier) – Ford Galaxie 500

Travolta – Chevrolet Vega

Taxi (Marbelle) – Ford Gran Torino Sedan

Vigero – Chevrolet Camaro

Virgo – Lincoln Continental

Vincent – Ford Pinto

Washington – Plymouth Gran Fury

Willard – Dodge Coronet

Windsor – Jaguar E-Type

Click the links to get a feel for what the traffic on the streets would be like.

Extortion

“You just smack ‘em around until they pay you”

Extortion has been a life-blood of the Mafia for decades. Fortunatly for you, there are a wealth of stores and merchants needing “protection”.

The system is very simple. The head of the crew you are in, in this case, Sonny Forelli, will give you a collection route. When Collection Day arrives, this route will appear in red. It’s your job as an associate of Sonny’s crew to work this route and extort all the businesses on it, maximising profit. Half of the money will need to be delivered to Sonny directly at Marco’s Bistro, as tribute.

Tribute can be disheartening, but it’s necaserry. However, there are other ways to make back your tribute losses. The Forelli Family aren’t the only organized crime family in the city. Other organizations routes will appear on the map, represented by the following colors,

Barone Family – Blue

Sindacco Family – Purple

Leone Family – Orange

Yakuza – Yellow

Triads - Brown

Irish Mob – Green

Panthers – Black

Not all of the gangs work on the same collection day as you. You will be alerted when a family is collecting, and there route will appear on the pause menu map. Jumping the gang will earn you there profits for the week. It’s best to follow the gang until there route is finished, and jump them when they have collected from all of there businesses.

Hijacking a gangs protection money isn’t brushed off lightly. They will retaliate, attacking you when you are collecting from your route, sending heavily armed hit-squads to obliterate you and take your earnings.

Actually extorting a merchant is similar to the Godfather games. You go into a store and a meter will appear, seperated by a black line. Getting the meter over the black line means you have succesfully extorted the merchant.

This can be done in various ways. Physical violence, trashing the store, beating up customers, it will all add to the convincement that they should be paying you for protection.

If a rival organization attacks your route, retaliation is key. You can try to gain a gangs collection route from them. First, to do this, you must convince the stores(one by one) that there current “protectors” aren’t worth paying.

This is done by inflicting fear on a merchant. This can be done in various ways and forms. When you enter a rival store, a “fear” meter will appear. Initially, it will be empty, unless you walk into the store with a weapon drawn.

Proceed to hold up the store in a robbery, and they’ll give you whats in the till. This will fill the fear meter up halfway. To really inflict fear on them, carry on with the attack. Attack them with your fists or a melee weapon, but leave them alive. This will tip the fear meter over the black bar, meaning success. Or alternatively, shoot them. Experiment with different ways of filling the fear meter, the more of it that’s filled means the more reason the shopowner will have not to pay a rival family.

You can also torch the shop. Torching the shop will automatically convince a shop owner that a rival family is not up to the job, however the shop will be closed for a week, meaning earnings cannot be collected. An arson job is also more likely to provoke retaliation from the gang.

Taking a full collection route will mean severe retaliation. All of your routes will be attacked. Giving half of your cut(optionally) to Sonny Forelli will mean that Forelli Family associates will hang out at the businesses, providing more defense and a stronger reason/proof that the Forelli’s are protecting a merchant, meaning he is less likely to pay a rival family.

The other families aren’t dumb. They know you can’t be in two places at once.

Character Profiles

Tommy Vercetti

Age – 20. Height – 6 feet 2 inches. Build – Athletic/Muscular

Fiercely loyal to childhood friend Sonny Forelli, Tommy Vercetti is a Liberty City native. Born in 1951, his mother was an alchoholic who left while Tommy was at a young age, forcing him to watch his fathers struggle to keep the family afloat. Tommy would often help out, accompanying his father to the print works he managed in Staunton Island. It was during this that he met members of the Forelli Family, including young Sonny, who’s father did direct business with Vercetti’s father. Tommy came to respect Sonny for showing him the ways of “the life”, and disipline, the two of them going to the Forelli frequented Saint Marks Gym to attend Boxing. As Tommy was drawn deeper and deeper into the mafia, his father felt disdain at his son’s path in life, urging him to earn an honest living, exclaiming at while he respected Giovanni Forelli and did business with Giovanni Forelli, he never morally approved of his methods and wrongdoing. Tommy’s idolisation of Sonny drew him further and further away from his father, and increased his own capabilities to get things done for Sonny.

Sonny Forelli

Age – 21. Height – 6 Foot. Build – Muscular.

Son of Forelli Family Don, Giovanni Forelli, Sonny Forelli is the youngest and newest Capo in the family. Ambitious, his crew is made up of men of the same qualities, eager to earn, and eager to prove. Sonny puts on a tough front, never wanting to look weak in front of his father, however he is reluctant to do dirty work himself.

Don Giovanni Forelli

Age: 47. Height – 5 feet 11 inches. Build – Average.

One of a long line of Sicilian Don’s of the Forelli Family, Giovanni Forelli is a man who commands respect. He is wise, having an un-assuming front, always prefering to stay low key. He is eager to include his blood relatives in the family business, especially only son Sonny, whom he has trusted with a great amount of power.

Luca “Mental” Mentalino

Age: 24. Height – 6 feet 8 inches. Build – Heavily built, muscular.

Giant Forelli Family Soldier in Sonny Forelli’s crew. Luca Mentalino is one of Sonny Forelli’s hitmen. He has no reservations about brutal mafia killings and executions, his dark sense of humor a chilling accomplice to his acts of pure evil.

Tony Mentalino

Age: 29. Height – 6 feet 4 inches. Build – Heavily Built.

Equally mean elder brother of Luca Mentalino. Tony is generally considered the smarter of the Mentalino brothers, and for this, he has the same feared reputation of his brother.

Mr. Moffat

Age: 40. Height - 6 foot. Build - Muscular.

Australian weapons dealer and general firearms expert, Mr. Moffat is a disgruntled former member of the Army, of which he left after seeing conflict. Leaving the armed forces, he took high quality weaponary with him. He supplies the Forelli Family with weapons, and will also provide Tommy with the same service after his side-missions are complete.

Don Sergio Sindacco

Age: 53. Height – 5 feet 10 inches. Build – Fat.

Old-School Sicilian Mafia Don based out of Las Venturas. Sergio Sindacco had a massive empire in Las Venturas during the late 50’s and 60’s, before his casino’s faced legal action to be closed. This, coupled with pressure from rival mafia families, have forced Sergio to look to other alternatives of expanding his family, including Liberty City.

Paulie Sindacco

Age: 25. Height – 5 feet 11 inches. Build – Stocky.

Eager Underboss and son of Sergio Sindacco’s family. Huge fan of Elvis Presley.

Franco Forelli

Age: 27. Height – 6 foot. Build – Average.

Forelli Capo. Cousin of Sonny Forelli and Nephew of Giovanni Forelli, Franco Forelli plans to move to Liberty from Palermo, Sicily.

Giorgio Forelli

Age: 23. Height – 6 feet 2 inches. Build – Muscular.

Cousin of Sonny Forelli and Enforcer in the Forelli Family. Generally considered dumb muscle.

Carlo Leone

Age: 62. Height – 5 feet 9 inches. Build – Frail.

Sicilian Godfather of the Leone Crime Organization. A man who commands total respect, he is behind the recent expansion to Liberty City.

Salvatore Leone

Age: 28. Height – 5 feet 11 inches. Build – Muscular.

Suck-up opportunist Capo of the Leone Family in Liberty City.

Toni Cipriani SR

Age: 50. Height – 6 feet 5 inches. Build – Heavily Built, Muscular.

Huge Right-Hand man of Carlo Leone. Fiercely loyal and a brutal killer, he currently manages Leone operations in Liberty City. Lives with his wife and child, Toni JR at Cipriani’s Resteraunte.

Mike Columbo

Age: 27. Height – 6 foot. Build – Stocky.

Young Forelli Family associate.

Don Peter “Moustache Pete” Barone

Age: 70. Height – 5 feet 7 inches. Build – Average

Strictly old school Don of the Barone Family, a big Italian organization in the city.

Sal “Sally” Barone

Age: 42. Height: 6 foot. Build – Heavily Built.

Underboss and sadistic killer in the Barone Family, son of Don Peter Barone.

Benny Solano

Age: 38. Height: 5 feet 11. Build – Fat

Associate of the Barone Family. A reliable man.

More of these to come later on.

Gangs

The Forelli Family

Led by: Don Giovanni Forelli

Key members: Enzo Zoff(Underboss), Sonny Forelli(Capo), Franco Forelli(Capo), Marco Forelli Jr(Soldier), Giorgio Forelli(Enforcer), Luca Mentalino(Enforcer), Tony Mentalino(Soldier), Tommy Vercetti(Associate), Mike Columbo(Associate)

Main hangouts: Marco’s Bistro(Saint Marks), Saint Marks Gym(Saint Marks), Pizza P.I Italian Resteraunt(Little Italy)

Weapons: Snub Nose Revolver, M1911 Pistol, M3 Grease Gun

Appearance: Wide Collored Patterned Shirts with Leather Jackets, Double Breasted Jackets with Red Ties.

Backstory

An underworld force since the 1940’s, the Forelli Family are the strongest of the three Liberty City Families. The current Don, Giovanni Forelli, is considerably younger at 47 than his predessecor, his father Sergio Forelli, who handed over the reins at the age of 65. Sergio Forelli now shares his wisdom as a Consigliere on occasions, and mentors Giovanni’s son Sonny, a family Capo.

The Forelli Family’s longtime enemies, the Barone Family, have recently been the center of the families focus. Giovanni Forelli is a peaceful Don, and has been pushing for Peace with the Barone’s, but that has been made ever difficult by the Barone’s support of the Las Venturas Organization the Sindacco Family for the Liberty City Families. When the Forelli’s, and then third family “The Ghiradello’s” voted against allowing the Sindacco’s onto the commission, the Barone’s wiped out the Ghiradello’s, a peace agreement being agreed on the condition of the Sindacco’s being allowed into the Liberty City Families.

The Barone Family

Led by: Don Peter “Moustache Pete” Barone

Key Members: Sal “Sally” Barone(Underboss), Benny Solano(Soldier)

Main hangouts: Resteraunt Genco(Little Italy)

Weapons: Snub Nose Revolver, Uzi

Apperance: Blue Suits with ties.

Backstory

Prominent in underworld business since the early 50’s, the Barone Family originate from Sicily, and uphold traditional values. Don Peter Barone has the nickname “Moustache Pete” because of his decendance from the old school mafioso generation of Moustache Pete’s, mafiosi who liked to do things the old way. Giovanni Forelli has recently tried to break that habit, knowing violence is not what the Liberty City Families want after the passing of the R.I.C.O act.

The Leone Family

Led by: Capo di Tutti Capi(Boss of all bosses) Don Carlo Leone

Key members: Toni Cipriani(Capo), Salvatore Leone(Capo)

Main hangouts: Leone Mansion(Saint Marks), Cipriani’s Resteraunte(Saint Marks)

Weapons: M1911 Pistol, M3 Grease Gun, Lupara Shotgun

Apperance: Double Breasted Black suits, Fedora Hats

Backstory

A Sicilian outfit for generations, the Leone Family recently expanded there operations to Liberty City in 1966, headed by Sicilian Godfather Carlo Leone. He established the Leone Family as a dominant mafia force, one that does not run with the Liberty City Families but pays them due respect. He handed over the Liberty City operation to his right hand man Toni Cipriani in 1970, who now travels between Sicily and America to carry out Carlo’s wishes. Young Caporegime and nephew of Carlo, Salvatore Leone, is unhappy with the Leone’s unwillingness to join the Liberty City Families, and is making moves to join.

The Sindacco Family

Led by: Don Sergio Sindacco

Key members: Paulie Sindacco(Underboss)

Main Hangouts: The Dolls House, Big Shot Casino

Weapons: M1911 Pistol, Uzi, Ithaca 37 Shotgun

Appearance: White Suits, pompadour haircuts

Backstory

Having made there fortune in establishing an outfit in lucrative 50’s and 60’s Las Venturas, the Sindacco Family were the target of a change of state Law by an eccentric billionare, forcing them to give up there empire and look for investment elsewhere. They were turned away from Vice City by ruthless drug lords the Mendez Brothers, so fled to Liberty under the protection of Peter Barone and opened a casino in hope of re-couping profits. They joined the Liberty City Families under the guidance of Barone, who wiped out the opposing Ghiradello Family.

Yakuza

Led By: Shogo Kasen

Key members: N/A

Main Hangouts: Karate Dojo(Staunton Island)

Weapons: Uzi

Apperance: Pastel Colored Suits with ruffled patterned pink shirts

Backstory

Traditional Japanese organization trying to establish themselves in Liberty. They are fronted by a number of Japanese businessmen, making legitimate investments in the area while also concentrating on importing illegal meats and gambling rackets.

Triads

Led by: Wang Cheung

Key members: N/A

Main Hangouts: Chinatown

Weapons: Scorpion SA VZ 68

Apperance: Smart Blue Suits with lively colored shirts.

Backstory

Fronted by Oriental fish businessman Wang Cheung, the Triads have been trying to establish themselves since the late 60’s. They have been constantly pushing the Mafia, who have taken an instant dislike to them.

Irish Mob

Led by: Donald “Donny” Regan

Key members: N/A

Main Hangouts: Donny’s tavern(Staunton Island), Emerald Bar(Portland)

Weapons: Ithaca 37 Shotgun

Apperance: Tall men in casual clothing, significant because of an item of green attire

Backstory

A declining but still dangerous outfit based in Staunton Island. They have been friendly allies of the Barone’s for years.

Panthers

Led by: Dwayne Johnson

Key members: N/A

Main Hangouts: Various places in Portland and Shoreside Vale

Weapons: Scorpion SA VZ 68, Snub Nose Revolver

Backstory

With the 60’s came racial tension and subsequent upevil. The product of that are the Panthers, a union of black street gangs around the city. Tired of working as hired hitmen for the Italian Families, the Panthers are causing trouble all over the city, organizing riots and generally drawing attention, something the Mafia dispises. A very serious modern threat.

Soundtrack

Motown

Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Marvin Gaye – I heard it through the grapevine

The Supremes – Stop! In the name of love

The Temptations – My Girl

The Temptations – Papa was a rolling stone

Diana Ross – Ain’t no mountain high enough

Edwin Starr – War

Bill Withers – Ain’t no sunshine

Issac Hayes – Theme from shaft

The Jackson 5 – ABC

The Supremes – You can’t hurry love

Rock

Mountain – Mississipi Queen

Deep Purple – Child in time(shortened)

Bob Dylan – Like a rolling stone

Black Sabbath – Fairies Wear boots

Rod Stewart – Maggie May

Free – All right now

Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child

Rolling Stones – Gimmie Shelter

The guess who – American Woman

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

The Who – Baba O’Riley

Derrick & the Dominoes – Layla

Steppenwolf – Born to be wild

Creedance Clearwater Revival - Up around the bend

Soul

James Brown – It’s a man’s man’s man’s world

Funkadelic – I’ll bet you

Aretha Franklin – Respect

Bobby Womack – Across 110th street

Otis Redding – The dock of the bay

Dionne Warrick – I say a little prayer for you

Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful world

Bob Segar – Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man

Blues

Sam and Dave - Hold On I'm Comin'

Santana – Black magic woman

Cream – Sunshine of your love

John Lee Hooker – Boogie Chillen’

John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom

Louis Jordan – Let the good times roll

Wilson Pickett – In the midnight hour

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze

Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge over troubled water

Funk/Pop

Sly and the family stone – Family affair

James Brown – Papa’s got a brand new bag

Elton John – Your song

David Bowie – Space Oddity

John Lennon – Imagine

Nancy Sinatra – These boots are made for walking

The Beatles – Let it be

Van Morrison – Brown eyed girl

The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon

Bee Gee’s – Massachusetts

Sonny & Cher – I got you babe

Elvis Presley – A little less conversation

Roy Orbison – Pretty woman

Jazz/Big Band

Frank Sinatra – My way

Frank Sinatra – That’s life

Oldies

The Beach Boys – Good vibrations

The Monkees – I’m a believer

Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock

Dion – The wanderer

The Beatles – Help

Speaking of Help, I need some help with the soundtrack, any would be greatly appreciated. I would include video's but Youtube & the WMA don't get along, so I can't do that.

Public Transport

In a big city, you need to get around. And when taking to the wheel isn’t for you, turn to public transport.

Red Route Bus

There are three various red routes around the city. One circles Portland, one circles Staunton Island and one circles Shoreside Vale. The Red Route buses are designed for island travel. A red route bus will have a red stripe along it’s sides, signalling it’s a red route bus.

The way Red Route Buses will work is, you wait at a bus stop and a bus comes along. Press “Y” to enter when prompted. When you enter, select a destination stop from the pop-up list. Once selected, Tommy will sit down until the destination is reached, in which case he will automatically get up and walk off the bus.

Blue Route Bus

The Blue Route Buses use the same system as the Red Route Buses. However, they run every 30 minutes opposed to the 15 minute wait of the red buses. A Blue Route Bus will take you from island to island, dropping you off at the Bus Depot on your chosen island.

El-Train

The El-Train will return, but this time the route is expanded across the callahan bridge into Staunton Island, where it runs above Downtown. Again, the system is similar to buses, you get on and choose your destination.

Staunton Ferry

The Staunton Ferry sails back and forth between Staunton Island and Portland. Unlike LCS, you can walk around on board, also able to hijack the boat.

Atmosphere

Buses, Trains and the Ferry will be filled with fellow commuters. They will be noisy and agitated, some will even sit next to Tommy and make conversation, exchanging dialogue. We’ve all been on public transport when someone’s done something to annoy us, like coughing and spluttering everywhere.

Taxi

Hail a Taxi by pressing the left shoulder button. It’s the same system as GTA IV, apart from you can also go to Mean Street Taxi’s in Hepburn and directly take a taxi from there. If your really desperate for a taxi, you can call them from a payphone. There number will appear in advert form. Scroll onto the numbers you want to dial, pressing A to select and dial. Cabbie’s will talk to Tommy, a native of the city. There are various cab drivers and various lines of dialogue.

I'm still working on Public Transport related side-tasks, such as Robberies.

Taxation

The Liberty City Mafia has, and even more so with the passing of the RICO act, been against the trade of Drugs. But the rival organizations are freely taking part in the sale and distribution of narcotics. The Yakuza, Triads, and the Panthers all know Drugs are the Mafia’s weakness, and are investing there new found profits in stronger, high-tech weaponary, guns that are being used to push the mob into submission. Forelli underboss Enzo Zoff wants to strike back.

There are thirty Taxation missions, each one scripted. Ten for each gang.

To activate Taxation missions, go to Marco’s Bistro, where Enzo Zoff will be found at his table booth in the corner of the room. Enter the marker and the cutscene will start. Enzo is an old school Italian with old school Mafia values. He dispises the drug trade, his hate of it instromental in a Mafia Sitdown about Narcotics in the early 50’s. He will brief you on what he wants you to do and why Taxation needs to be done. This will be the only time you get a briefing from Enzo. As soon as the cutscene ends, you will be prompted to walk over to the bar, where Enzo’s contact is standing.

Enzo’s contact is Mike Columbo, a 27 year old Forelli Associate. He has information about the supply and distribution of Narcotics. He admits that the information isn’t always 100% correct. Mike informs you of the location of a dealer(or a supplier, information is different for every mission). Towards the end of the cutscene, he opens his trench coat to reveal an axe, the cutscene fades out with him passing it to you.

Gameplay will resume with the targets location marked on your map, a tutorial will pop-up in the corner of the screen.

“Use the Axe to smash the door of the targets apartment in Wichita Gardens.

When you are inside, the target will jump up, lock onto him holding Left Trigger, if he tries to run at you, press Right Trigger to push him into his chair, Tommy will automatically hold him down.

Experiment with a varation of intimidation by pressing X, A, B and Y”

You’ll notice in the corner of your screen “intimidation mode” is displayed. While in intimidation mode, the controls used to fight have changed to accommodate more intimidating, threatening moves.

Pressing “X” will have Tommy lower the Axe to the victim’s head and bring it back up simutaniously.

Pressing “A” will have Tommy smack the victim around the head with the blunt part of the Axe.

Pressing “B” will have Tommy move around behind the victim and put the axe to his neck.

Press “Y” for Verbal Intimidation, a variety of dialogue threatening the victim’s wellbeing, friends and family.

All of this intimidation will push the victim’s fear meter up, just like Extortion. When the fear meter is full, the victim will give in. This will net you there profits from drug dealing/distribution.

How you get the profits differs in a variety of ways. Sometimes the victim may have the cash at arms legnth. Sometimes he will have to call a partner who will bring the cash, sometimes they will hand it over, sometimes they will turn up armed and with backup. Sometimes you may need to go to a location for the cash, which again, may not be so easy.

I'm going to work on the storyline, side missions, things like that. Any comments/feedback, help or corrections would be greatly appreciated. If there's enough interest, I might write an accompanying fan-fiction script.

Public Transport Robberies

The good thing about a crowded Bus or Train is, they all have money. And its yours for the taking.

When riding on a Train, Bus or in a Taxi, press the Right Stick down just like the R3 missions in previous games. This will activate a robbery.

You will be given control of Tommy again.

Move down to the front of the bus/train and pull your weapon on the driver. The robbery is now in process. Keep the weapon locked on and his fear will rise.

The higher the drivers fear rises, the more money you will net, as the fear meter represents his passengers too. But the only sidetracker is, the longer you take to rise his fear, the more likely attracting attention will become.

While you are locked onto the driver, press Right Trigger to Pistol Whip him. This brutal smack with the pistol will rise his fear level considerably. However this also has a side effect. It will daze the driver. On a bus, the driver will temporaraly loose control of the vehicle, swerving all over the road and crashing if he isnt able to regain his senses quickly. This will also attract attention, the police will most likely be at the scene of a crash, leaving you to shoot your way out.

On a Train, the only side effect of pistol whipping a driver will be his chances of stopping at the nearest station, hampering your attempts to make a quick escape and raising the alarm, the police will be waiting for you at the next station.

Sometimes, passengers will be unwilling to hand over there cash/belongings when you go around to collect. Therefore, these have-a-go heroes may appear. They will decline to give you there money, and will try and fight you. Shooting them dead will again raise attention, however knocking them out with a Pistol Whip, or hand-to-hand will not.

Robbing a Taxi is a slightly different system. Hail a taxi, then when inside press R3. This will cause Tommy to draw a gun and put it to the back of the drivers head. The drivers fear meter will rise fairly quickly, considerably faster than buses/trains. However, the key to a succesful taxi robbery is timing. Wait until you are away from a police station or in a bad neighborhood before commencing the robbery. This will lessen the chance of a passing police car viewing the robbery and raising the alarm. When satisfied with the robbery, press "Y" to order the driver to pull over.

Police Response will be armed. They will shoot at you, unless you take advantage of the hostage taking system. If you push your way through crowds of civilians, then they will also hold there fire.

When alerted to a Bus Robbery, police will chase the bus. Your primary task will be making sure the drivers fear level is maxed out. Then go to the back of the bus. You are able to kick open the back door. Fire at chasing officers out of the back door to keep them away until the bus gets surrounded, then make your escape.

On a train, if alerted Police will wait at the next stop and storm the train.

When alerted to a Taxi Robbery, its a similar situation to a bus robbery. Make sure the drivers fear is at max, and he will keep driving. Shatter the window and shoot at the police to keep them away.

Update One: Added Public Transportation, Taxation. Going to work on an updated weapons list later.

Update Two: Added New Weapons & Pictures, Mr. Moffat character, Boxville/SWAT Boxville, Public Transportation Robberies, added Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child and Creedance Clearwater Revival - Up around the bend to the Rock station

Thanks to - D- Ice for suggestions regarding the weapons and the system used.

Edited May 6, 2009 by Tyla

April 30, 2009

A lot of good ideas here. Wanted system looks great, particularly the different types of officers.

Only complaint is revisiting Liberty City and also Tommy Vercetti.

May 1, 2009

Thanks! It wouldn't really be Liberty City, just the odd familiar business popping up every now and again, as it would be heavily based on Detroit.

Area's like those would sum up Hepburn, with the seedy Red Light District neabry. Trenton and Atlantic Quays would also be completly different. Kind of like the Acter Industrial Park in Alderney.

Tommy Vercetti, I think would be a completly difficult character. He would be ambitious, but completly loyal to Sonny Forelli unlike Vice City where there was a lot of anger towards him. In 1971, Tommy's world would unravel, turn up-side down, it would really be based around the events that shaped him into the man he turns out to be 15 years later. He was focused on his own personal gain of power in Vice City, whereas in '71 his main concerns would be working for Sonny, backing the Forelli's.

May 1, 2009

this is dope dude

May 1, 2009

Good read. Your vehicles are good. I'm going to read it all now.

for what I've read.

May 1, 2009

Not a good idea to revert back the the III style Liberty City after IV just came out with a different LC. Just go ahead and make it a Detroit knock-off. That way it won't confuse anyone, like me!

Also, how would Tommy V go to prison originally?

other than that, for the effort

May 1, 2009

I like what you've got here; I wouldn't like to see it take place as the NeXt GTA, though I'd be happy to play it as some sort of TC or something. I especially like the cars and Panthers gang as well.

May 1, 2009

I really like your ideas man, despite being an extremely harsh critic of any previous GTA cities - infact any other place within the US returning. I really love the originiality and sheer amount of time and effort put into your idea. Well done man.

However, what I'm not too sure about are the guns. I said this a hundered times before, but no-one seems to listen to me despite every GTA game since VC has been having this trait which i have identified all the way back then. All guns in GTA games fulfil a very generic niche or role. The will NEVER make like three sub-machine guns just with slightly differing clip sizes and all with medium power. it defeats the purpose of upgrading or changing your SMG if they are all the same, or if you can barely notice any difference.

What you should have are like three SMG's - a very weak yet fast-firing micro-SMG/Machine Pistol - which infact did exist all the way back then - however they where very rare, so maybe it can be a type of pistol. I suggest maybe a fully-automatic Colt .45 (M1911) replace the normal one in your inventory.

At least that way you have a tiny, very inaccurate revolver for stealth etc... (fitted with silencer) but extremely inaccurate and weak. Then you have the standard police pistol and the magnum. Then you will really have to think when choosing weapons, rather than opting for the magnum straightaway.

For SMG's maybe Grease-Gun can be the weakest, least accurate etc..., yet most common, and the S&W M76 will be the equivalent of the MP5 in other GTA's. Maybe you can even have the Uzi be the middle-choice.

For Assault rifles, you wont get the AK-47, as it was the Cold War, and not even the best smugglers can get in any AK's. Movies at that time used to rely on Masri AKM's from Egypt. Same goes for the Skorpion. For rifles, you can have the sh*tty, semi-auto M1 Carbine, and the awsomeness of the newly developed M16.

Again, for sniper Rifles, no Dragunov. Maybe you can have the Remington and the M14. Also I like the M72, but not too sure about it's practicality as a one-shot then dispose weapon. Maybe an older Bazooka - it's not too ridiculous as it was used in Scarface - The World Is Yours. Also a flamethrower from the Korean War, and also a BAR would be super-nice operating alongside the M79 Grenade Launcher, especially if you're gonna get the army involved.

How about troops from Australia start pouring in and fighting with the army in the much talked-about American-Australia war in the GTA series?

Edited May 1, 2009 by D- Ice

May 1, 2009

The American-Australian war almost definitely doesn't exist in GTA canon, only being mentioned by a grumpy delusional veteran, and immediately questioned by Lazlow.

May 1, 2009

Thanks for the comments!

Also, how would Tommy V go to prison originally?

At the end of the game, the Harwood killings would occur. I've got a mission planned out for them. The LCPD arrive, Tommy would escape but be spotted by the police, thus raising the alarm due to the nature of the killings. A state-wide alert would go out, over radio's and such, and the game will go into "Manhunt" mode. I'll go into that more in-depth later on, because a lot can be done with it. The ending of the game is one of the main reasons why I think this idea would be more suited to a form of DLC.

I suggest maybe a fully-automatic Colt .45 (M1911) replace the normal one in your inventory.
At least that way you have a tiny, very inaccurate revolver for stealth etc... (fitted with silencer) but extremely inaccurate and weak. Then you have the standard police pistol and the magnum. Then you will really have to think when choosing weapons, rather than opting for the magnum straightaway.

I like that idea. I've just checked out some video's on youtube and based on your description I think it would fit well. What would you think about an extended magazine? The Silencer would be optional, available to buy/discard when you visit your arms dealer.

I did consider the M1 Rifle at first, and I think i'll take your suggestion replacing the AK-47 with it. I just realised the AK wasen't in Vice City either(due to the cold war) so its definatly not going to be prominent in 1971. The BAR seems like it would be good too, kind of reminicent of the M60 and M249 SAW.

I'm thinking about including the Australia reference in the form of the character "Mr. Moffat". Mr Moffat was due to be a character "from Tommy's past" included in Vice City, but was cut. In 1971, Mr Moffat would be the Forelli's Arms Dealer, and be the contact Tommy uses for discounted weapons. There would be some form of side-missions leading up to this.

Ammunation would also return, heavily patriotic. The shooting range walls would be pictures of Leonid Brezhnev covered in bullet holes with the slogan "do the american thing". They sell American Weapons to you with pride.

I've been working on a Public Transport System, this is what I have so far.

Public Transport

In a big city, you need to get around. And when taking to the wheel isn’t for you, turn to public transport.

Red Route Bus

There are three various red routes around the city. One circles Portland, one circles Staunton Island and one circles Shoreside Vale. The Red Route buses are designed for island travel. A red route bus will have a red stripe along it’s sides, signalling it’s a red route bus.

The way Red Route Buses will work is, you wait at a bus stop and a bus comes along. Press “Y” to enter when prompted. When you enter, select a destination stop from the pop-up list. Once selected, Tommy will sit down until the destination is reached, in which case he will automatically get up and walk off the bus.

Blue Route Bus

The Blue Route Buses use the same system as the Red Route Buses. However, they run every 30 minutes opposed to the 15 minute wait of the red buses. A Blue Route Bus will take you from island to island, dropping you off at the Bus Depot on your chosen island.

El-Train

The El-Train will return, but this time the route is expanded across the callahan bridge into Staunton Island, where it runs above Downtown. Again, the system is similar to buses, you get on and choose your destination.

Staunton Ferry

The Staunton Ferry sails back and forth between Staunton Island and Portland. Unlike LCS, you can walk around on board, also able to hijack the boat.

Atmosphere

Buses, Trains and the Ferry will be filled with fellow commuters. They will be noisy and agitated, some will even sit next to Tommy and make conversation, exchanging dialogue. We’ve all been on public transport when someone’s done something to annoy us, like coughing and spluttering everywhere.

Taxi

Hail a Taxi by pressing the left shoulder button. It’s the same system as GTA IV, apart from you can also go to Mean Street Taxi’s in Hepburn and directly take a taxi from there. If your really desperate for a taxi, you can call them from a payphone. There number will appear in advert form. Scroll onto the numbers you want to dial, pressing A to select and dial. Cabbie’s will talk to Tommy, a native of the city. There are various cab drivers and various lines of dialogue.

I'm still working on Public Transport related side-tasks, such as Robberies.

May 1, 2009

This is awesome, I like the whole idea of Tommy's life with the Forelli's prior to the Harwood butcher incident. Good prequel to vice city

May 1, 2009

Wow man this looks f*cking awesome. Great great job. You got yourself a reader. You mispelt Vehicles in your first post though.

May 2, 2009

Thanks guys,

You mispelt Vehicles in your first post though

That's the last time I put my faith into Word Spellchecker! Thanks, i've changed it now.

Another feature i've come up with is Taxation missions, which is basically robbing Drug Dealers and Suppliers, taking there earnings. Here's the outline below.