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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. tsakiym
    May 11, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great atmosphere. One of the best games on ps2. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.… Expand
  3. amotherscrime
    Nov 15, 2017
    8
    Absolute classic!

    So much fun fun time spent on my Xbox Original with this game back in the day. When writing this, I haven't properly played it since 2005-06, probably. I remember the first time I tried it out at a friends house. Mind blown! I had to get it. But I couldn't afford a next gen (back then) at the time. So I had to wait a few years. And oh boy, was it worth the wait! Spent    Absolute classic!

    So much fun fun time spent on my Xbox Original with this game back in the day. When writing this, I haven't properly played it since 2005-06, probably. I remember the first time I tried it out at a friends house. Mind blown! I had to get it. But I couldn't afford a next gen (back then) at the time. So I had to wait a few years. And oh boy, was it worth the wait! Spent so many hours. And it was a real challenge too for a 14 year old. Only ever managed to finish it the once.

    It has aged a bit, however. The graphics are very off. And the story is a bit unoriginal when you think about it (drawing huge inspiration from 80's cult media such as Scarface and Miami Vice).

    All in all a fantastic game and probably the best of it's era. In 2017 it does not have the same appeal, however. Although it is very playable. Especially from a nostalgic perspective.    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Hachafaill001
    Dec 25, 2022
    9
    Creo que tengo una debilidad por este tipo de tramas, lo que hace que me guste mucho mas que san andreas o el V
  7. perkjl
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    GTA: Vice City was such a vast improvement over GTA3. It captured the south FL Miami vibe very well, but with a 80's twist (and beats). It's of smaller scale than GTA: SA and even GTA3, but Vice City has it's own personality that sets it apart from the other entries. You will love the Scarface references (If you've seen the movie)!
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Kyle_Katarn92
    Nov 18, 2016
    9
    Without a doubt the best grand theft auto game released so far. I've had hours of fun exploring the city and doing the side-missions. The story is interesting, even dough its by no means original.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. BenFoldsLaundry
    Oct 17, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. My favorite GTA of all time. They nail the 80's in Miami.
  17. areznla
    Jul 7, 2017
    10
    Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho! Esse jogo é um amorzinho!
  18. ProofGames
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    Better than GTA San Andreas .
  19. Duke-Nukem
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    GTA Vice CIty is one of the best PS2 games, almost as good as GTA San Andreas and with better music in my opinion. Also more colorful! Driving around in a car listening to the radio was never more fun!
  20. md5fungi
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City could easily be seen as GTA III with a fresh coat of paint. The game isn't even branded as GTA IV, a title which was given to a later game in the series. Before anyone writes this game off as some sort of standalone expansion or spinoff, however, they need to understand how incredible this game really is.

    Vice City's gameplay is essentially unchanged from GTA    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City could easily be seen as GTA III with a fresh coat of paint. The game isn't even branded as GTA IV, a title which was given to a later game in the series. Before anyone writes this game off as some sort of standalone expansion or spinoff, however, they need to understand how incredible this game really is.

    Vice City's gameplay is essentially unchanged from GTA III, but the setting is Vice City, a fictional city based on Miami, which is much more lively, fun, and colorful. You play as Tommy Vercetti (voiced by Ray Liotta), a recently escaped criminal that ends up on the wrong end of a drug deal gone bad. Your goal is essential to seek vengeance against the ones who wronged you, but the plot comes second to the overall theme and flavor of the game.

    The Scarface-inspired world of Vice City has more character than almost any game I've played. You'll be hurtling down streets at fast speeds in stolen motorcycles, watching the neon glow of the buildings around you zip by as extremely catchy 80s synth pop plays. The soundtrack is absolutely terrific this time around, and it makes the experience so much better.

    It's hard to point out what's so much better this time around other than the experience as a whole. Improvements include the aforementioned motorcycles/scooters (which are insanely fast and incredibly satisfying to drive), characters that are actually interesting and funny (straight out of classic gangster films), a variety of houses you can purchase to use as save points, and a city that is much more immersive and alive.

    Additionally, most missions are satisfyingly accomplished by using Vice City's playground of items and vehicles. Need to take out a certain target? You can seek out a rocket launcher or some grenades to help, but you can also choose to find a sturdy vehicle to ram your way through. Perhaps you'll just opt for a helicopter to deplete the enemy forces by air. The number of options here makes the game incredibly fun and replayable.

    Very few games have the flair and attitude of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Exploring this new world is an absolute blast, and even when sticking to the not-exactly-groundbreaking missions, the cinematic touches and well-placed, cheesy references will put a smile on your face and keep you in the game.    … Expand
  21. tomflanders
    Mar 31, 2018
    8
    For its time, this was groundbreaking. But with hindsight, San Andreas and GTA 5 do the same thing, but better.
  22. Amorph0us
    Jan 6, 2022
    9
    My favorite GTA game and a main reason for their success. We really have to mention the fantastic soundtrack. A really good source of knowledge for a young guy like me back then.
  23. Voozy
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    It is the game of my childhood and my favourite game off course. The best GTA Game ever!
  24. Ir_009
    Jun 17, 2019
    10
    Just like a hot chick who is relaxing on the edge of the 80's Miami beach with her feet lined with sea waves, invites to swim and as soon as you realize it is a small piece of scarface, psyco, and shining in one place.
  25. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    10/10
    ..............................................................................................................................
  26. hyfgd
    Jun 23, 2019
    10
    The most beautiful personality and the most beautiful city and the most beautiful game of rock star I love you❤❤❤❤❤❤
  27. Deathbringer_01
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    Esse jogo é perfeito, não tem como negar, foi um marco pra época, um jogo que se passa em Miami, nos anos 80, inspirado literalmente em Scarface e Miami Vice, duas obras que tornaram esse jogo completamente divertido, um ambiente agradável, mesmo que o mapa não seja enorme, não tenha tudo aquilo que San Andreas ofereceu, ainda é lindo e acompanhado de uma excelente trilha sonora que digoEsse jogo é perfeito, não tem como negar, foi um marco pra época, um jogo que se passa em Miami, nos anos 80, inspirado literalmente em Scarface e Miami Vice, duas obras que tornaram esse jogo completamente divertido, um ambiente agradável, mesmo que o mapa não seja enorme, não tenha tudo aquilo que San Andreas ofereceu, ainda é lindo e acompanhado de uma excelente trilha sonora que digo ser a melhor de toda a franquia Grand Theft Auto… Expand
  28. Luahanseng
    Jan 3, 2022
    6
    GTA Vice City Def Ed on PS5
    Game Completed : Dec 12, 2021
    Playtime : 15 hours among the GTA series, this game is in a pulgatory. What it means is that it did not age well. The GTA 3 aged well specially if you play it in its definitive edition which makes it worth replaying. Vice City on the other hand, is just inferior from newer games providing zero nostalgia except of course from    GTA Vice City Def Ed on PS5
    Game Completed : Dec 12, 2021
    Playtime : 15 hours

    among the GTA series, this game is in a pulgatory. What it means is that it did not age well. The GTA 3 aged well specially if you play it in its definitive edition which makes it worth replaying. Vice City on the other hand, is just inferior from newer games providing zero nostalgia except of course from its positive aspects i will discuss a little later. Its phasing is not good and its story is lazy overall It is not fun to play it today. Positives What only stands out from this game is obvious. its soundtrack and its 80's theme.

    Negatives.

    Bad phasing, its upgrades from GTA3 did not age well making it inferior from newer titles.

    driving realism - 7/10
    road symmetric and traffic lights realism - 7/10
    story - 7/10
    mission phasing and its immersion to the world map - 5/10
    Sandbox - 5/10
    graphics - 7/10
    Radio station - 8/10
    Character design - 6/10
    gameplay/bugs/glitches - 6/10    … Expand
  29. Superdookie
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    A grate game over all, beautiful setting and music, a main character very likeable, a story that is simple but interesting. For a ps2 game is amazing, my only complain is the driving didn`t age well but other than that this is a incredible game a true masterpiece.
  30. Joaotmdj
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Best GTA ever made. It has the best soundtrack, ambience and history of all GTA, the 80's are unbeatable and I hope to see Vice City in a remake or in a future GTA in the 80's.
Page:

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

All reviews »
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 »