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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City review
Exceptional
by Keravanjoki

I’m not usually this sentimental but I have a deep emotional connection to the roots of 3D GTA games and it’s hard to choose which is better. I played all parts as they were released so GTA 3 was my first one while San Andreas surprised me with its size and possibilities but till this day I think that Vice City was the best one. The atmo, the 80s feel with all the music, cars, clothes, and still some goofy things that later started to fade out from the series. All in all this is one of my most favorite games.
«Time-tested»
«OST on repeat»

Other reviews16

A solid evolution from the past game, for sure. However, there are some flaws that made this game not that appealing today.

First of all, the graphics are pretty good on the Definitive Edition - playing at 4K HDR. It's probably the best-looking GTA in terms of colors. I love the color palette and the overall theme. The acting has improved significantly, and the story is much more engaging compared to GTA III. Gameplay is objectively better, with great vehicle control and more responsive gunfights.

The only thing that got on my nerves here is how Rockstar made some missions specifically to increase the game's duration. Some are so boring that I honestly quit the game pretty close to the last mission. Basically, to unlock the game finale, you have to complete some assets, which involve buying six businesses and doing their missions. I didn't have the money, so all I could do was wait for the assets to generate money, so I could buy the remaining ones. I bought four out of six, and it was enough for me. I saw the last mission on YouTube, and since it's not a big deal, I feel like I saved my time.

Being forced to play side quests that don't add anything to the main story was a dumb decision. Also, I liked the references, but that was it. There's nothing so original here about the plot. I still recommend it, but with those caveats.
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Completed as of writing this review: Base Game with some optional things.

After beating GTA III almost a year ago, I can see a major improvement in GTA: Vice City by being a better, more fun and more diverse game. The missions, the story, the gameplay, the characters, everything is better. However, what I think of GTA III, the same can be said for GTA: Vice City: you can look at it only in retrospect, because you can see it being an improvement of GTA III's gameplay, but each game after overcomes it in my opinion (with some exceptions). I can see how Rockstar tried to do the best they can with the technology they had back in the days, as the cutscenes look cinematic enough and cinematography really makes you feel like you're watching a movie, but the facial expressions are really hit-and-miss most of the time. Sometimes even the eyes were disappearing from the face and I could see through them. And that's not all. 40% of the base game I was solving a puzzle on what the game wants me to do to progress. It does a terrible job at telling what to do after you complete Love Fist missions. And you could say "Just look up a guide or google it.", but when the only way you can make a game perfect for you, is by looking up a guide on how to beat it without itself telling you or at least giving a hint - that's a bad game design. But still, that didn't kill my opinion about the game. Sure it was tedious as hell, but what's in the base story is what sells it. I can see why people liked it over the years, but it also has pills, that are hard to swallow.

I recommend it to everybody, who hasn't beaten it, but also likes other GTA games. Make sure to install a ton of mods though, as the PC port is bad for today's standards.
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«Sit back and relax»
«That ending!»
Good vibe and all. But the missions in are so boring. And is quite frustrating sometimes
«GTA: Vice City» – A game bustling with the atmosphere of 80-s movies and TV series from sunny Miami.

This game has left a significant mark in the history of video games due to its unparalleled atmosphere, storyline, and gameplay.

The game transports players to the fictional city of «Vice City», clearly inspired by 1980-s Miami. It incorporates all the best aspects of 80-s culture – from retro music and fashion to iconic cars and architecture. The city is brimming with cinematic references that immerse players in the ambiance of movies and TV series of that time.

The entire city becomes their sandbox, where players can do almost anything – from shootouts to completing side missions. Purchasing property and managing it to generate profit are also available.

It's a true journey through time, allowing every player to become the main character of a retro action movie and feel the spirit of that era.
GOOD
«Just one more turn»
Gameplay 9/10. Graphics 9/10. Soundtrack 9/10. Storyline 8/10. OVERALL 8.75/10.0
«OST on repeat»
Translated by
Microsoft from French
So good to find Vice City on my IPhone !! The portage is excellent, there is nothing to say .. The controls are easy to take in hand for those who have already played FPS on mobile reassure you (I say a relative to some negative comments above). Do not hesitate to take the big direct bundle and you will save 14 balls !! (And there's Bully with !!!!)
Translated by
Microsoft from Italian
I use the adjective that suggests the game itself "sballoso". In fact this game has a nice storyline set in the 80s, filled with clichés of that era! A gameplay that is appreciated despite the touch controls, and a beautiful city totally explorable! Always one of my favorites, if not my favorite of the saga. Then about 2 for a compulsory purchase;)
Translated by
Microsoft from French
The new update of the iPhone is very good especially at the level of the screen, however you can not play the ITunes playlist, synchronization is not done, to finish in the old update the vehicle in which we were not disappearing now As soon as I re-open the application I find myself walking, so a new update will be strongly advised.