GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY (PS2)

Publisher: Rockstar Games.
Developer: Rockstar North. 
Released: November 2002 (Europe).
Genre: Sandbox.
Other versions: XBOX; PC.

Posted 22nd May 2022.
By Shane Battams © 2022

​Grand Theft Auto III proved a landmark in gaming and the newly christened Rockstar North would launch Vice City just twelve months later. Proposed as a mission pack similar to London 1969, it would eventually evolve into a standalone game set amidst the neon hues of the 1980s. Seeing a follow-up so soon may have set alarm bells ringing for some, but the end result quickly erased any concerns. A sandbox game that’s still adored close to two decades on from its launch, the violent journey of Tommy Vercetti would take its predecessor’s groundbreaking foundations and shine them to near-perfection, decorating the experience with a gorgeous setting and an unforgettable atmosphere.
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Tommy Vercetti is a convicted murdered who, after a 15-year sentence, is freed in 1986. With his mob boss, Sonny Forelli, looking to plant drug operations in the south, the released convict is quickly sent to Vice City to oversee a pivotal drug deal along with local lawyer Ken Rosenberg. But things quickly descend into chaos: the deal is attacked, with Ken and Tommy barely escaping with their lives and with no money or drugs. Amidst threats of punishment from his angry mob boss, Tommy sets out to find who set him up and take revenge. Taking inspiration from the likes of Scarface, Vice City isn’t a wholly original story. But like GTA3’s loving homage to mob films, the story here benefits from great writing, excellent cut-scenes and a heavy-hitting cast of voice actors who were game. Significantly, Ray Liotta provides the voice of Tommy, eschewing the mute protagonist of the previous game and his charismatic, cool performance is perfect. Other actors include Tom Sizemore, Danny Dyer and Burt Reynolds, adding personality to each character.
Vice City transports GTA back to the eighties, with one of gaming's greatest open-world environments
Vice City builds upon the mechanical foundations set by its predecessor. Putting players in the fictional titular city, missions can be completed in a relatively loose order, with side branches opening up after making certain progress in the main story. As with other GTAs, missions usually involve driving or shooting, with the player likely to cause chaos either way and both elements would see refinement. Combat relies on the same lock-on system and though it can be awkward with multiple foes around, it feels a bit snappier and more accurate. Certain weapons force a first-person perspective such as assault rifles and this works too. Whether carving up someone with a katana or blasting them with a shotgun, it feels more intuitive. The driving is improved and enjoys a larger roster of vehicle types. General handling feels much tighter, with fewer spinouts and crashes. Additions include motorcycles, helicopters and boats which all handle great and expand the scope of travel immensely. In simple terms, playing Vice City is great fun.
FOCAL POINT: VICE CITY
While Liberty City’s open world made for a pioneering experience in GTA3, Vice City and its ode to eighties is fantastic in its own right. Sun-kissed lighting bathes the world in a bright atmosphere, whether you’re zipping down streets in the day or taking in neon signs at night. Everything from the brightly painted buildings to the suburban outskirts, the world and NPCs feel less like set dressing and more like a living, breathing world, with beach-goers strolling around and crimes occurring around you. It’s slightly smaller than GTA3, but feels compact and enjoyable to explore. The presentation also goes a long way to capturing the eighties spirit, with a rich licensed soundtrack, which spans a number of genres, proving the highlight. From Hall & Oates to Iron Maiden and Autograph, you’re bound to find a favourite and the hilarious radio commentary between tracks is the icing on the cake. Whether you’re exploring the nightlife or sailing around the water edge on boat to find Hidden Packages, Vice City is an absolute joy to explore.
There is a lot of bang for your buck here in terms of content. The main story packs around twenty hours’ worth of action, seeing you defend a cruise ship as it flees the city, attempting to hijack a tank from the military and riding a helicopter while gunning down gang members with a gatling gun. Side content is also plentiful. A handful of businesses can be bought around Vice City, each with their own string of missions often in aide of your acquisition. After completing these, your business offers income that can be collected over time, a great incentive to invest. Side missions also crop up, perhaps the best of which sees you helping Scottish rock band Love Fist in a myriad of ways. Then there’s exploring the world to scour for collectible cars, hidden packages that gift rewards for every 10th one you find and generally just taking in the views. Needless to say, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in Vice City.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City would be a landmark for sixth-gen sandbox games, earning huge sales, universal acclaim and influencing the gaming landscape thereafter immensely. A gorgeous tribute to the eighties that polishes GTA3’s mechanics to a shine, Rockstar North perfectly blend crime-drama, humour and action with a top-notch sandbox that remains a pleasure to revisit. Whether you fully invest in the story missions, dip your toes into the plethora of side content or simply want to cause anarchy, it’s all an absolute joy. PS2 owners who have yet to explore the vices of this sun-kissed city should do so without hesitation.
VERDICT
"...a landmark sandbox game. A perfect blend of crime-drama, humour and action that remains a pleasure to revisit... It's an absolute joy."


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OVERALL: 10/10