Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Play UK
    90
    As a PSP game this was truly exceptional. As a PS2 release it's not as technically impressive, but still represents fantastic value for money. [Issue #92, p.92]
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  2. 1UP
    90
    As ever, there are some issues with the combat system -- but this doesn't outweigh the overall quality, or the fact that you are getting one hell of a lot of game for a penny shy of 20 bucks.
  3. IC-Games
    86
    GTA: Vice City Stories might be more of what we love, but at least love is still the operative word here. And love it you should.
  5. Game Over Online
    85
    The experience is a great deal more entertaining than the previous effort (Liberty City Stories), so if you enjoyed Vice City for the PS2 and don’t own a PSP, go ahead and pick this one up.
  6. Games Master UK
    85
    It lacks the vitality it once had, but Vice City is still one of the best open-ended worlds. [Apr 2007, p.74]
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  7. PSM Magazine
    85
    But hey, at $20, it's hard to go wrong, even if you've played it already. [May 2007, p.81]
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  8. GameZone
    84
    While dated graphics and an overall air of familiarity may turn off some, the sheer amount of fun activities coupled with the budget price make for a heartily recommended adventure.
  9. PSM3 Magazine UK
    83
    For 20 notes, though, you can't really complain. Played the PSP version to death? Leave this on the shop shelf. But if you're looking for a sunny spot to fritter away the hours until you get a PS3, then GTA is still the only vacation we'd recommend.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    80
    Luckily, the standard of presentation on Stories is as high as it's ever been, from the first rate acting right down to the epoch-defining soundtrack. Try not grinning idiotically as you attempt to time a unique jump in a powder-blue convertible to the chorus of "Easy Lover."[Apr 2007, p.94]
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  11. VideoGamer
    80
    Vice City Stories is an impressive PSP game but a less impressive PlayStation 2 title. It's not a great port but with another PS2-only GTA being highly unlikely, fans yet to enter the PSP market should find a highly enjoyable game.
  12. Total Video Games
    80
    Admittedly, the PS2 is never going to be home to revolutionary ideas at this stage (particularly a PSP conversion), but even at a budget-price you have to ask yourself whether the appeal of the story and returning to Vice City is worth stepping back in time to a game that's the equivalent of a straight-to-DVD release.
  13. AceGamez
    80
    The PS2 version is cheap and cheerful, it's a lot easier to control than the PSP version and for those people who loved Vice City and want an excuse to go back, well, Stories is your reason.
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  14. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    If you don't own VCS on PSP, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying this. [Apr 2007, p.92]
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  15. Boomtown
    80
    It’s expansive, fun, challenging and most of the time, plain hilarious. Yet, concurrently, it’s also in dire need of a makeover and the combat system could do with a refined dusting.
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  16. Game Almighty
    78
    We were huge fans of VCS when we were able to carry it around in our pocket, but the PS2 version is definitely lacking some necessary optimization.
  17. Game Informer
    78
    While this latest entry is definitely a step back for the series, it still has most of the hallmarks of solid action and inappropriate behavior that have always been so much fun in the series.
  18. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    77
    Vice City fans might have fun with the game for a while, returning to familiar haunts one last time, but ultimately Vice City Stories is a great handheld game through and through, and this PS2 port does little more than emphasise the difference between the formats.
  19. Pelit (Finland)
    77
    Same old GTA with an uninteresting plot and lame characters, but it is still pretty fun. The soundtrack is superb. [Apr 2007]
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  20. IGN
    75
    While the game stood tall on the PSP, its PlayStation 2 port seems weak in comparison when you look at the other options on the system. It's still fun, to be sure, but it just feels like a sloppy port.
  21. PALGN
    75
    Although it may not be without its problems, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is still an incredibly fun and highly recommended experience.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PS2 Game of 2007
5
#5 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2007
5
#5 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 111 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 184
  3. Negative: 20 out of 184
  1. DavidHoltzer
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    For me this is the third best Rockstar game i have ever played behind San Andreas and GTA 5.It had good missions, the story also was good andFor me this is the third best Rockstar game i have ever played behind San Andreas and GTA 5.It had good missions, the story also was good and i loved build those various buildings and it had all the best fun you can get from the GTA franchise.Some missions were not very good though so i'll go with 9 outta 10.… Full Review »
  2. TomTim
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    As I already wrote about this game (only about PSP), PS2 graphics and other elements are better, but again not the level of the game at theAs I already wrote about this game (only about PSP), PS2 graphics and other elements are better, but again not the level of the game at the time of release (considering which games were released in the release year of Gta VCS for PS2) and yes, I'm talking about graphics, but so be it.
    I would like to add a few more words to my review. Gameplay and difficulty in games is better than in GTA VC, but the plot and the hero himself (more or less) are worse, but not by much.
    The new antagonists are different, but it’s a pity that Mendesam had so little time for the game (especially Diego), but the same Westerman is very good. In general, the secondary characters came out very good.
    Probably the biggest minus in the game, it's bugs, lags and similar unpleasant things in games (think about the controls on the PSP ...).
    But yes.    … Full Review »
  3. highlifewest
    Apr 5, 2012
    9
    better on psp but still amazing fun not as good as previous instalments but still great controlls. traditional gta madness. fun as ever greatbetter on psp but still amazing fun not as good as previous instalments but still great controlls. traditional gta madness. fun as ever great cast and fun story… Full Review »
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