Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1512 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,335 out of 1512
  2. Mixed: 103 out of 1512
  3. Negative: 74 out of 1512
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  1. Justinavery7074
    Dec 4, 2012
    10
    I love the 80s and I love Grand Theft Auto. I cum in my pants when I play this. It's that good. Great soundtrack, great story, great graphics for its time and great gameplay. **** you if you didn't like it when it came out
  2. JoseRochaPT
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    Well, according to what I know, players that were completely "Viced" on Grand Theft Auto 3 fell in love with some new options available on Vice City such as riding a bike for the very first time, new weapons, new environment and lots of new minigames and side missions.
  3. DBZ19
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    For me this was superior to GTA3 in every single way. Just like in GTA3 most of the time i was just cruising, listen to music. I loved the ending "boss" reminiscent of scar face. This game IS a must buy.
  4. Jboy2468
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Missions, side missions, races, police chases, taxi missions, vigilante missions, firetruck missions, ambulance missions, pizza boy missions, rampages, hidden packages, unique jumps, safehouses, shops, exploration, and, of course, whatever the heck you want!! Pretty much the best video game in the market. The end.
  5. highlifewest
    Apr 5, 2012
    10
    while not as good as 3 this game is still a true marvel awesome shooting outrages fun with missions. driving is same as ever but still fun. The character kodels are impressive too still a 10
  6. gav1207
    May 22, 2012
    10
    With great story, great radio stations (including the commercials), great vehicles, all around great sense of style, hilarious characters and great gameplay... this is by far one of the top 5 to have on PS2.
  7. PatrykG
    Sep 20, 2013
    10
    I cant imagine that its been 10 years since this came out. GTA VICE CITY is a prequel to GTA III and it came out a year after III. There are a few minor improvements in VC than in III but that doesn't change the fact that VC is a masterpiece. The game is a throwback to movies like SCARFACE, CARLITO'S WAY, and the TV show MIAMI VICE because Vice City is based off Miami, like Liberty City isI cant imagine that its been 10 years since this came out. GTA VICE CITY is a prequel to GTA III and it came out a year after III. There are a few minor improvements in VC than in III but that doesn't change the fact that VC is a masterpiece. The game is a throwback to movies like SCARFACE, CARLITO'S WAY, and the TV show MIAMI VICE because Vice City is based off Miami, like Liberty City is based off New York. GTA VICE CITY remains one of my fave games off all time. 10/10… Expand
  8. Xgashh
    Jul 20, 2012
    10
    As many people said before "I grew up with this game" so did I. It was amazing how cars got on fire and people head exploded when shot with sniper. "OMG" and boats... oh goood awsome. Was a best game many years ago but for today you cant compare this game with GTA IV ect. So 10/10! Second good GTA after GTA:LONDON :)
  9. linkdude
    Jul 28, 2012
    10
    i had the ps2 for my entire childhood and this was one of the only games i'd play since i was 6 to the age i am now this game is always my fav its just pure game the cheats are hilarious (i.e flying cars) the graphics are amazing (B***H who the hell cares about graphics) the story was legendary and i craved for more after i was done and the time you can play this for Jesus i think I'vei had the ps2 for my entire childhood and this was one of the only games i'd play since i was 6 to the age i am now this game is always my fav its just pure game the cheats are hilarious (i.e flying cars) the graphics are amazing (B***H who the hell cares about graphics) the story was legendary and i craved for more after i was done and the time you can play this for Jesus i think I've clocked in over 500+ hours of just free roam into that game and over 50+ into the campaign may the next GTA be just like this one… Expand
  10. nymphetamosa
    Feb 1, 2013
    10
    Dude, IDGAF what anybody says, Vice City is easily the best Grand Theft Auto game out there. It's just made of complete and total awesome. Throw in the wicked 80's soundtrack and it can't be beat.
  11. YoNextPresident
    Jan 7, 2013
    10
    Gta Vice city is yet another master piece from the greatest gaming franchise of all... Rockstar Games. This game is simply amazing with great visuals, a Stella cast of voice actors and immersive storyline this is my personnel favourite GTA. An utter Classic thanks Rockstar.
  12. Dimzzz
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    Vice City is pretty much a classic for the PS2. You could say that it's not as revolutionary as GTA III but in terms of gameplay and missions it's unparalleled. This game deserves all the recognition it get's because it's one of the greatest ever.
  13. OscarKesh
    Aug 11, 2013
    10
    The hands down GTA champ of the PS2/Xbox era. Its a giant leap forward from GTA III and much more consistent than GTA SA. There's so much to do and the setting is perfect. 10/10
  14. Andremax
    Oct 16, 2018
    10
    GTA's 3rd generation is a videogame's world wonderful. Almost every open-world video-game took classes with Rockstar way making games. Player is immerse in everything inside the game as he/her were part of the game. Background, characters, gameplay, fun, missions and everything else. If GTA San Andreas is so ambitious and bountiful, it because it's a consequence of GTA Vice City.GTA's 3rd generation is a videogame's world wonderful. Almost every open-world video-game took classes with Rockstar way making games. Player is immerse in everything inside the game as he/her were part of the game. Background, characters, gameplay, fun, missions and everything else. If GTA San Andreas is so ambitious and bountiful, it because it's a consequence of GTA Vice City.
    Glamorous and soft Miami's parody in 80's background, contrasting with crime and violence, let the game even more interesting than its predecessor, because Liberty City already has a dark atmosphere.
    Still nowadays, only graphics are dated, and even so it doesn't spoil the experience. It's a incredible game as in its time as more than fifteen years after.    … Expand
  15. Sis
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    One of the coolest games ever made. The nostalgia is overwhelming and the gameplay is fantastic! This is hands down the best GTA game to play without cheats(If you want to play with cheats, I recommend GTA: San Andreas).
  16. Fedelca
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    Todos... De nuevo, TODOS deben haber jugado este juego de tan legendario que es, el primer capítulo de una de las franquicias más poderosas en la historia de los videojuegos: "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" se ha convertido, para mí en uno de los mejores títulos de la PlayStation 2. Un juego histórico que merece ser alabado por todos hoy, mañana y en generaciones futuras, pues su legado esTodos... De nuevo, TODOS deben haber jugado este juego de tan legendario que es, el primer capítulo de una de las franquicias más poderosas en la historia de los videojuegos: "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" se ha convertido, para mí en uno de los mejores títulos de la PlayStation 2. Un juego histórico que merece ser alabado por todos hoy, mañana y en generaciones futuras, pues su legado es impresionante, que más se puede decir de este título, sin dudas lo tiene todo. Impresionante labor de Rockstar.… Expand
  17. kirillgorustiv
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!! OH MY GOD 10/10!!!!!
  18. crusher351
    Jun 1, 2018
    10
    What can I say about GTA Vice City that hasn't already been said; this game is one of the best of the series hands down. From its Scarface style story, to its instant classic design and controls, this is what GTA on the PS2 is all about. It might have a story line that is on the short side, especially compared to today's standards, but there is so much to do outside of the story, that youWhat can I say about GTA Vice City that hasn't already been said; this game is one of the best of the series hands down. From its Scarface style story, to its instant classic design and controls, this is what GTA on the PS2 is all about. It might have a story line that is on the short side, especially compared to today's standards, but there is so much to do outside of the story, that you could drop an entire day on this game and not even touch the story at all. Of course, a pinnacle of all GTA games since 3 have been their amazing soundtracks and talk radio segments. You could honestly just pause the game, and put the music or talk radio on and be happy. On the voice acting front, Rockstar tends not to use a lot of big time actors anymore in the newer games, but this game is full of talent and it shows.The voice acting is really good and while some of the lines come off as a bit cheesy, it fits the time period and is quite entertaining. Now you can't talk about a GTA game without talking about the cars and combat aspects. The cars handle all differently which is great, and they have been designed well, both in sound and visually. The combat is pretty much the same as GTA 3. There is no free aiming except for a few of the guns, but the controls are easy to get used to and switching targets is an easy task. Overall, this is probably one of my favorite games of all time and is one of the greatest games on the PS2.… Expand
  19. leewwe
    Aug 11, 2020
    10
    Vice City was an instant classic among fans of the series and newcomers alike. This was my first entry into the series and all I can say is that I love this game with a passion. Now, I have bought the PS4 version and the gameplay hasn't aged well but besides that every single time I jump into Vice City I get excited about the music on the radio, the time period, the great voice acting, andVice City was an instant classic among fans of the series and newcomers alike. This was my first entry into the series and all I can say is that I love this game with a passion. Now, I have bought the PS4 version and the gameplay hasn't aged well but besides that every single time I jump into Vice City I get excited about the music on the radio, the time period, the great voice acting, and all the cheat codes Rockstar implemented years ago.

    The missions are great (except the mini helicopter one but I'll let it slide), consistent, enjoyable, funny and it never loses a beat. Characters are fleshed out, taking inspiration from Scarface, Miami Vice, even Carlito's Way. The world is stylish, vivid, filled with atmosphere, and amazing detail for the time it came out. Also going back to the music, This game has the best soundtrack of any game ever, period. I can assure you that I am not the only one that has that opinion about this game. It is fantastic, it fits the world, setting and blends it all together to make one of the best games ever made. I love this game!    … Expand
  20. LatinCritic13
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Grand Theft Auto Vice City is a beautiful throwback to the 1980’s and somehow I am comfortable to say that the nostalgia from the 80’s turned out to be the very best gaming experiences of my life.
  21. kyle20ellis
    Mar 9, 2022
    10
    Rated M for Strong Violence,Blood,Sexual Content,Drug Use and Language.

    Grand Theft Auto Vice City is the fifth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series of video games.I did not play Grand Theft Auto when the series started going big in 2001 with the release of Grand Theft Auto 3.I got Vice City for Christmas last year and I instantly loved the game.The controls take a little bit    Rated M for Strong Violence,Blood,Sexual Content,Drug Use and Language.

    Grand Theft Auto Vice City is the fifth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series of video games.I did not play Grand Theft Auto when the series started going big in 2001 with the release of Grand Theft Auto 3.I got Vice City for Christmas last year and I instantly loved the game.The controls take a little bit getting used to but after that the game is pure fun.This game is definitely not as good as San Andreas but unlike San Andreas this game does not have extremely hard missions that are a pain in the butt to complete.The graphics in Vice City are a bit better than the ones in San Andreas also.The game is about a criminal released from prison named Tommy Vercetti who during the game takes over Vice City with the help of his friends.He does various missions from flying a toy helicopter with bombs into a building to dropping off a girl to murdering people.The plot is sort of like Scarface.There are actually two parts to the story.The first part is about Tommy Vercetti trying to find out who took his money and drugs during the drug deal gone wrong while Lance tries to find out who killed his brother.THe second part is about Tommy getting people to pay protection money,buying assets like clubs and company's and worrying about his former boss Sonny.This game is fairly short.Despite all the missions you have to do I beat the game in three days(the third time I played it).The game takes place in 1986 so there are a bunch of popular 80s singers singing famous 80's songs on the radio stations.There are many good cars and weapons in the game and even if you have played San Andreas you should like this game.

    10/10    … Expand
  22. prmr2
    Aug 17, 2015
    10
    One of the greatest games of all time, great plot, great characters, great acting, great gameplay, all around greatness. Must have game for anybody, not just Grand Theft Auto fans.
  23. khuram
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    this game is absolutely brilliant because the characters like lance will be Tommy friend at the start helping him out with fighting out crime and drug deals. the last mission is where lance betrays Tommy in the last mission because his boss asks him for money at the start he was sending the drug package to someone overall i recommend you get this game it awesome.
  24. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Vice City follows GTA 3 and adds some nice new features to the series. The ability to purchase property and the inclusion of motorbikes were a much welcome addition to the series. Another home run from Rockstar.
  25. BreakingAwesome
    May 14, 2016
    10
    Продолжение великой франшизы GTA! Теперь новая часть GTA перенесёт нас в яркий прототип Майами 80-х годов, где царит рок, неоновые огни, быстрые тачки, дорогие костюмы и девочки в бикини. Отличная графика для PS2, удобное управление, красивая солнечная картинка, неплохой сюжет. Также, запомнился элегантный главный герой - Томми Версетти, который был обычным головорезом и стал главойПродолжение великой франшизы GTA! Теперь новая часть GTA перенесёт нас в яркий прототип Майами 80-х годов, где царит рок, неоновые огни, быстрые тачки, дорогие костюмы и девочки в бикини. Отличная графика для PS2, удобное управление, красивая солнечная картинка, неплохой сюжет. Также, запомнился элегантный главный герой - Томми Версетти, который был обычным головорезом и стал главой криминальной империи Вайс-Сити. 10/10. Классика жанра!… Expand
  26. Kingofdanerds
    Dec 12, 2016
    10
    This game is much better than GTA III by like a million miles. Game play and story line is top notch and mechanics is just as good. I really have nothing else to say about this game except it is a masterpiece. 10/10.
  27. AndrewWen
    Jan 26, 2017
    10
    It does not have too many problems to play it,and it is just like watching a movie!And a great 80s crime film. so go buy this game before you regret.Also,it is a Best Plot in the gaming history ever.
  28. hiltong55
    Mar 24, 2017
    10
    If GTA 3 revolutionized the idea what an open world story based game could be..... GTA Vice City showed us what a open world story based game should be. I can sum this game up by saying it felt like I was playing through a well voice acted, slightly over the top, extremely entertaining 1980's mafia movie and that's because I kind of was.

    GTA Vice City is really all about the story from    If GTA 3 revolutionized the idea what an open world story based game could be..... GTA Vice City showed us what a open world story based game should be. I can sum this game up by saying it felt like I was playing through a well voice acted, slightly over the top, extremely entertaining 1980's mafia movie and that's because I kind of was.

    GTA Vice City is really all about the story from start to finish. The in game mechanics are really just tools you use to work your way to next chapter of the story and even those do not disappoint. Drive, shooting and moving are all functional even by today's standards and certainly do not take away from the enjoyment of the ride the story puts you on. There are so many different types of weapons and vehicles to choose from and the adjustable radio has so many great songs and funny talk shows to choose from. There is so much depth to the characters and their stories which is supported by great voice acting that rivals or exceeds a lot of the garbage we see in today's games. You find yourself getting attached to a lot of these characters due to some great character development and want to learn more and more about them. There is no shortage side missions and mini missions to keep you entertained between story missions if you want to do them and I really loved the business portfolio system that gave you even more missions to perform and allows you to generate an income. It genuinely feels like a mob game should in the GTA context. The story to me is what puts this game over the top. From beginning to end you just want to see what is going to happen next and I was never disappointed at any point.

    I have played and beaten this game more times then any other since I started playing games when I was a kid. So far in my video game playing experience (20 years) GTA Vice City is by far my favorite game of all time and is currently the only game I have ever given a perfect score for. GTA Vice City has been replicated by many but will never be bested. One of a kind. 10/10 Exceptional    … Expand
  29. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    This is my favorite GTA out of all of the 3D era games and possibly the best out of all the series.

    An incredible time capsule of the 1980s. This is one of the greatest video games ever made. The soundtrack IS the greatest licensed soundtrack in video game history. The graphics, environment and aesthetic are a perfect reflection of the time and look much smoother and nicer than GTA 3    This is my favorite GTA out of all of the 3D era games and possibly the best out of all the series.

    An incredible time capsule of the 1980s. This is one of the greatest video games ever made. The soundtrack IS the greatest licensed soundtrack in video game history. The graphics, environment and aesthetic are a perfect reflection of the time and look much smoother and nicer than GTA 3 apart from some glitching and corruption. The gameplay is significantly improved and has much more environment interactability than GTA 3 until San Andreas came out.

    A lot of tributes to eighties films and tv shows like Scarface, Carlito's Way, Reservoir Dogs and Miami Vice. Fantastic satire of 1980s American and international pop culture. Fantastic voice acting from Ray Liotta, Robert Davi, Burt Reynolds, Luis Guzman, William Fichtner, Danny Trejo, Tom Sizemore, Gary Busey, Danny Dyer, Lawrence Taylor, Jenna Jameson, Deborah Harry and Dennis Hopper. Extremely well done and an impeccable cast. I think the its best cast in the series.

    You can spend hours on finding collectibles, doing rampages, stunt jumps, RC races, vehicle side missions and asset takeover missions. The story is superb. It's a tribute to Scarface done to perfection.

    You can tell that Rockstar put months of effort into creating a beloved masterpiece.
    Overall I give this game a perfect 10. People must play Vice City. The only flaw that comes to mind is that it can be very difficult at times but can be easily overlooked by playing it for so long. It's a game that will never be matched and will never age.    … Expand
  30. BenFoldsLaundry
    Oct 17, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. My favorite GTA of all time. They nail the 80's in Miami.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS2 Game of 2002
1
#1 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
3
#3 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. Stuff
    100
    No excuses, you’re gonna have to buy this. Unless you don’t own a PS2, in which case, get out of our Internet!
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    97
    It's enormous, packed with an immense amount of gameplay, and it's a truly unique gameplay experience...This year's most impressive title, by a log shot.
    Read full review
  3. GamingTrend
    98
    This is a long game, longer than GTA3 because there are far more missions in this game in a far larger area.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »