The one thing most critics don't seem to get, is that this game isn't loved because of it's violence

User Rating: 8.5 | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City PS2
By Blackwater58 | Review Date:
Gameplay remains true to Grand Theft Auto. Each section of the city is broken up into missions, and contrary to earlier reports, the city's various sections are closed until such time as you complete the missions to open them up. Perhaps much of the fun of GTA or Vice City is being able to play it how you want it. You could play for hours exploring the city, jacking cars and motorcycles, and generally just get a feel for what the game has to offer. In fact, it's not even a bad idea doing this at first, as it will familiarize you with the various locales. The missions this time out, are much more varied than they were in GTA. Although they aren't easy by any stretch, they at least don't fall into routine after awhile. Something new is almost always required of you and that keeps Vice City more fresh and exciting than it's predecessor. Where Vice City breaks free from GTA, is in the ability to purchase properties. Money is a little tighter in VC, and owning a few clubs can make you some decent extra cash. As well, you might be able to buy some little out of the places on the cheap, that will serve as Save Points, garages etc.

Graphically-speaking, Vice City didn't leap out and grab me, and I found it be less visually stunning than last years game. Once I turned the Trailing to "Off" in the Display area, I found that the haze was gone and the graphics much sharper. If you are looking for more lighting effects, you'd be advised to keep the Trailing set to "On", but for those getting eye strain, take my advice and turn them off. The vehicle damage is much more visually impressive in VC and just like in the real world, the less sturdy a vehicle is, the more damage it will take quickly. In all, Vice City's world is much more impressive than Liberty City; it's much larger and the buildings, neon lights and ability to wander in and out of certain businesses makes the game much more interesting. The one aspect of Vice City which didn't meet my expectations was the game's camera system. It's much more of a hindrance this time around, especially in close combat situations or indoors. I can overlook it somewhat just due to the scope of the game and the short development time it took to put this incredible package together.

The one thing most critics don't seem to get, is that this game isn't loved because of it's violence. There are many violent products on the market, many of which feature worse language and more adult situations than Vice City. What makes this game so popular and loved among gamers is it's freedom. Rockstar has provided gamers with the ability to do whatever they want to in a virtual setting and it's not all violent. You can drive taxis, deliver pizzas, chase badguys, fight fires, be a paramedic. It's not all bad it's more of the same and not entirely different from GTA3, but that doesn't matter. It's incredibly entertaining, and that's what counts.

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