LogFAQs > #951099925

#12 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Playstation 2, 2002)

Why is Vice City my favorite Grand Theft Auto game? The setting has a lot to do with it. 1980s "Miami" is one of the most 80s things out there, and I have a ton of nostalgia for the 80s. Vice City improves on Grand Theft Auto 3 in practically every way, and delivers a relatively focused and fun experience.



After the success of GTA3, Rockstar kind of went all-out for the follow-up. The basic engine is the same, but a higher level of care is immediately evident. They set up an actual story with distinct characters, brought in professional voice actors, and extended the length significantly. There are a greater variety of missions, the map is bigger, more vehicles, weapons, and so on. It's all very similar to my praise for San Andreas, but like I said, I can appreciate the setting a lot more.

Even in all its blocky Playstation 2 glory, I can appreciate how Vice City looks. The color palette, the buildings, it's all so very evocative. Rockstar splurged with a fantastic licensed soundtrack that defined how this type of game would do music going forward.

Now, here's a game that if they remade it, or made a new GTA game with its setting, well... I would go for that so hard. But until they do, Vice City is still a great experience that never gets old for me. I played it to 100% and then some and, if I had the time, would do it all over again.

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At least your mother tipped well