Review
The original versions of Grand Theft Auto didn't live up to the hype or to the complaints that it was too violent and immoral. What we got was a top-down scavenger hunt with a few questionable ethics and a soundtrack that wasn't much more vulgar than your local FM rock station. It wasn't the content that was offensive -- it was the simplistic gameplay and lack of depth that the title offered.
For better or worse, this is one of the most accurate Game Boy Color conversions that I've ever come across. This version of Grand Theft Auto, from the basic play mechanics down to the extremely similar viewpoint, is very similar to its PC and PS big brothers. If you liked the original versions and are looking to expand your GTA library into the realms of portability, stop reading and go find it, because you won't be disappointed.
But for everyone else, disappointments abound in this title. The game, when broken down, is just a glorified scavenger hunt despite the illegal trappings. Although you do get to hijack cars and hit bystanders, none of it rings as terribly authentic to the real dark underbelly of crime. One of the larger problems is the controls, which are a finicky exercise in ultimate frustration. While you can easily burn down the straightaways, when it comes to turning around corners you nearly have to stop cold and ease carefully around, killing off any sense of momentum. And just try to maneuver around the tight and tricky side streets, alleys and paths. The control is nearly a game killer, and when it's attached to a game that's already more annoying than entertaining, that isn't exactly a grand combination.
Then again, driving a car might not be a problem if you can't get a car, and in this version of GTA, the streets often seem as if they're abandoned. It was never a problem in any other version of the game to find a car since traffic was always bustling. But here they don't come around as often as you'd probably like, and when they do it's fairly tricky to actually 'jack them. And since that's the central activity of the game, it's unfortunate that it can be such a hassle.
Even though it is an outstanding conversion, that means little in the grand scheme of things. GTA isn't a very good game in the first place, and shrinking it down to portable size certainly hasn't helped it in that regard.
Graphics 
The palette is decent, and although the design is simplistic, it's consistency and visual appeal is this title's strongest front.
Sound 
The sound effects are minimal, but the real criminal in this game isn't the main character, it's the music, or the seemingly random beeps and honks that pass for music. It is truly one of the worst soundtracks for the Game Boy Color.
Enjoyment 
Repetitive, boring gameplay is the highlight of Grand Theft Auto.
Replay Value
All three cities look the same and you have to do essentially the same things in each of them. There's no real reason to play this game in the first place, so replayability is barely even an issue.
Documentation
The instruction booklet reads like a practical joke. If you don't know how to play the game, you won't have a better idea after you read it.
