Campaign
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City delivers an engaging and action-packed crime saga inspired by Scarface and other classic mobster films. The story follows Tommy Vercetti, a former mobster recently released from prison, who is sent to Vice City to oversee a drug deal. When the deal is ambushed and the money lost, Tommy is left to fend for himself. Determined to take control of the city, he embarks on a journey filled with violence, betrayal, and power struggles.
What sets Vice City apart is its characters. Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Ray Liotta, is one of the most charismatic protagonists in gaming history—sharp, ruthless, and darkly humorous. Unlike Claude from GTA III, Tommy has a distinct personality, making him far more compelling. The supporting cast adds depth, from the paranoid lawyer Ken Rosenberg to the flamboyant record producer Kent Paul and the eccentric rock band Love Fist.
Vice City's 1980s Miami-inspired setting enriches the narrative, immersing players in a world of neon lights, fast cars, and synthwave tunes. The campaign balances serious crime drama with absurd humor, delivering a story that keeps players hooked. While the main plotline is strong, the game truly shines when players explore its vast world and engage in side missions that flesh out the setting and its diverse cast of characters.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Gameplay
Vice City builds upon GTA III’s open-world formula, refining and expanding nearly every aspect of gameplay. Missions range from intense shootouts and high-speed chases to elaborate heists and business takeovers. The difficulty curve is fair, though some missions—like the infamous remote-control helicopter mission—can be frustrating.
One of the biggest additions is the ability to purchase properties and businesses, which generate revenue over time. This feature adds an economic layer to the game, allowing Tommy to invest in assets like the Malibu Club, Sunshine Autos, and the Print Works. These properties also unlock unique missions, further expanding the game's content.
Combat is improved from GTA III, offering a more responsive targeting system, a wider variety of weapons, and better melee options. The addition of motorcycles allows for faster, more dynamic travel, and players can even pilot helicopters, adding verticality to exploration.
Vice City is packed with side activities, including street races, vigilante missions, and assassination contracts. The hidden packages, rampages, and insane stunt jumps encourage players to explore every corner of the city. The police system is still aggressive, making high-level chases a thrilling challenge.
Replayability is high due to the sheer amount of content. Whether completing the main campaign, hunting down collectibles, or simply causing mayhem, Vice City offers endless entertainment. The game may feel dated in some aspects—such as clunky aiming mechanics—but its fast-paced action and varied gameplay make it a standout experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Production
Visually, Vice City captures the essence of 1980s Miami with its neon-lit streets, pastel-colored buildings, and beachfront scenery. The city feels alive, with unique pedestrians, bustling traffic, and a variety of locations, from luxury hotels to seedy alleyways. However, the graphics, while impressive for their time, have aged. Character models are blocky, and textures can appear blurry, especially with modern displays. The frame rate occasionally dips, particularly during explosive action sequences.
What Vice City lacks in graphical fidelity, it makes up for in audio design. The soundtrack is a masterpiece, featuring some of the best hits of the ‘80s across multiple radio stations. From pop and rock to new wave and metal, the music enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. The talk radio segments and satirical commercials add another layer of humor and world-building.
Voice acting is exceptional, with Ray Liotta delivering a standout performance as Tommy Vercetti. Other voice actors, including William Fichtner, Danny Trejo, and Dennis Hopper, bring life to the game's colorful cast. The sound effects, from roaring engines to gunfire, are crisp and immersive, making the world feel vibrant and reactive.
Despite some aging visuals, Vice City’s artistic direction, music, and voice performances create an unforgettable atmosphere that remains iconic in gaming history.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City remains one of the greatest open-world games ever made. While its graphics have aged, its gripping story, fantastic soundtrack, diverse gameplay, and immersive world make it an all-time classic. Whether revisiting or experiencing it for the first time, Vice City is a must-play. Grand Theft Auto gets 4 out of 5.
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