Grand Theft Auto Vice City-The Definitive Edition: A Review

Grand Theft Auto Vice City-The Definitive Edition is a remastered version of one of the most popular and influential games in history. Released in 2021 by Rockstar Games, this game is part of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which also includes Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. In this article, we will review GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition, covering its main features, gameplay, soundtrack, voice acting, comparison with other GTA games, conclusion, and FAQs.

Introduction

GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is a third-person shooter action-adventure game that lets you explore a vast open world inspired by Miami in the 1980s. You play as Tommy Vercetti, a former mobster who arrives in Vice City after being released from prison. You soon get involved in a drug deal gone wrong, which leads you to work for various criminal bosses, gangs, celebrities, and politicians. Along the way, you can also enjoy various activities such as driving, flying, boating, biking, shooting, fighting, racing, gambling, shopping, dancing, golfing, rampaging, collecting, and more.

The main features and improvements of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition are:

  • Brilliant new lighting and environmental upgrades that make Vice City look more realistic and vibrant
  • Enhanced textures and models that make the characters, vehicles, and buildings look more detailed and smooth
  • Increased draw distance that allows you to see further and clearer across the city
  • Updated controls and targeting that make the game more responsive and intuitive, based on GTA V’s system
  • Rebalanced gameplay that makes the game more challenging and fun, with improved AI, physics, and mechanics
  • Original soundtrack and voice acting that make the game more immersive and authentic, featuring iconic songs and celebrities from the 1980s
  • Cross-platform compatibility that lets you play the game on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS devices

The plot and setting of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition are the same as the original game, which was released in 2002. The game is set in 1986, in a fictionalized version of Miami called Vice City. The game is heavily influenced by the movies, TV shows, music, fashion, and culture of the 1980s, especially the crime drama Scarface and the action series Miami Vice. The game features a rich and diverse cast of characters, including mobsters, drug lords, corrupt cops, bikers, Cubans, Haitians, rock stars, porn stars, politicians, lawyers, journalists, and more. The game also features many references and easter eggs to other GTA games and pop culture phenomena.

Gameplay

GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is a sandbox game that gives you a lot of freedom and choice in how you play. You can follow the main storyline by completing missions for various characters, or you can explore the city at your own pace by doing side missions, activities, or just causing mayhem. You can also customize your character by changing your clothes, hair, tattoos, accessories, and weapons. You can also collect money by doing jobs, robbing stores, completing challenges, or finding hidden packages. You can use your money to buy properties, vehicles, businesses, weapons, or other items. You can also interact with various NPCs by talking to them, fighting them, hiring them, or dating them.

Controls and targeting

One of the major improvements of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is the updated controls and targeting system. The game uses GTA V-style controls and targeting, which means you can switch between different camera angles (first-person, third-person, cinematic) and between different aiming modes (free aim, assisted aim, lock-on). You can also use the right analog stick or the mouse to move the camera and aim. You can also use the left and right bumpers or the Q and E keys to switch between different weapons. You can also use the left trigger or the right mouse button to aim, and the right trigger or the left mouse button to shoot. You can also use the A or X button or the spacebar to jump, the B or circle button or the R key to reload, the X or square button or the F key to enter or exit vehicles, and the Y or triangle button or the E key to interact with objects or NPCs. You can also use the D-pad or the arrow keys to change radio stations, access phone contacts, or activate cheats.

The advantages of this system are that it makes the game more responsive and intuitive, especially for modern players who are used to GTA V’s controls. It also makes the game more challenging and realistic, as you have more control over your aiming and shooting. It also makes the game more immersive and cinematic, as you can switch between different camera angles and enjoy the enhanced graphics and environment.

The disadvantages of this system are that it may take some time and practice to get used to it, especially for old-school players who are used to GTA Vice City’s original controls. It may also make the game more difficult and frustrating, as you may face more enemies and obstacles that require precise aiming and shooting. It may also make the game less nostalgic and authentic, as you may lose some of the charm and simplicity of GTA Vice City’s original controls.

Graphics and environment

Another major improvement of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is the enhanced graphics and environment of the game. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to create brilliant new lighting and environmental upgrades that make Vice City look more realistic and vibrant. The game also uses enhanced textures and models that make the characters, vehicles, and buildings look more detailed and smooth. The game also uses increased draw distance that allows you to see further and clearer across the city.

The new lighting effects include dynamic shadows, reflections, sun rays, lens flares, bloom, fog, rainbows, and more. The new environmental effects include water waves, ripples, splashes, foam, spray, mist, smoke, fire, sparks, dust, debris, blood, tire marks, bullet holes, and more. The new textures include higher resolution maps for roads, sidewalks, grass, trees, walls, roofs, signs, posters, graffiti, and more. The new models include higher polygon counts and smoother animations for people, animals, cars, bikes, boats, planes, helicopters, and more.

The game also captures the 1980s vibe and atmosphere of Vice City, with its neon colors, retro style, and cultural references. The game features various landmarks and locations that are based on real-life places in Miami, such as Ocean Drive, Star Island, Vercetti Estate, Malibu Club, Pole Position Club, Kaufman Cabs, Sunshine Autos, and more. The game also features various events and scenarios that are inspired by the 1980s, such as drug wars, gang wars, riots, concerts, parties, TV shows, movies, and more.

Missions and activities

The game also offers a lot of missions and activities for you to enjoy and complete. The game has a total of 61 main missions and 35 side missions that advance the story and unlock new features. The main missions involve working for various characters such as Sonny Forelli, Ricardo Diaz, Lance Vance, Colonel Cortez, Avery Carrington, Ken Rosenberg, Kent Paul, Love Fist, Big Mitch Baker, Umberto Robina, Auntie Poulet, Phil Cassidy, Steve Scott, and more. The side missions involve doing various tasks such as delivering pizzas, driving taxis, flying RC planes or helicopters, racing cars or bikes, performing stunts, collecting hidden packages, and more. The game also has a total of 15 new activities and challenges that are added to the game, such as rampages, assassination contracts, street races, dirt bike races, demolition derbies, triathlons, golf tournaments, dance contests, and more. The game also has a total of 35 achievements and trophies that you can unlock by completing various objectives and milestones.

The game balances difficulty and variety by offering different types of missions and activities that require different skills and strategies. Some missions and activities are easy and fun, while others are hard and frustrating. Some missions and activities are linear and scripted, while others are open-ended and dynamic. Some missions and activities are serious and dramatic, while others are humorous and absurd. Some missions and activities are mandatory and rewarding, while others are optional and pointless. The game also allows you to choose your own approach and style in how you complete the missions and activities, such as stealthy or loud, violent or peaceful, solo or with allies, etc.

Soundtrack and voice acting

One of the most memorable and iconic aspects of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is the soundtrack and voice acting of the game. The game features an original soundtrack that consists of over 100 songs from various genres and artists from the 1980s. The game also features an original voice acting that consists of over 80 actors and celebrities from the 1980s.

Music

The music of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is one of the best features of the game, as it fits the mood and theme of the game perfectly. The music is divided into 10 radio stations that you can listen to while driving or walking around the city. The radio stations are:

  • V-Rock: A hard rock and heavy metal station that plays bands such as AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, and more.
  • Wave 103: A new wave and synth-pop station that plays artists such as A Flock of Seagulls, Blondie, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Gary Numan, Human League, New Order, Tears for Fears, and more.
  • Emotion 98.3: A power ballad and soft rock station that plays artists such as Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Cutting Crew, Toto, Mr. Mister, Roxy Music, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, and more.
  • Flash FM: A pop and rock station that plays artists such as Michael Jackson, Hall & Oates, Laura Branigan, Rick Springfield, Kenny Loggins, Go West, Wang Chung, INXS, and more.
  • Wildstyle Pirate Radio: A hip hop and electro station that plays artists such as Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, Whodini, Kurtis Blow, Mantronix, Herbie Hancock, and more.
  • Fever 105: A soul and disco station that plays artists such as Kool & The Gang, The Gap Band, Rick James, Evelyn King, The Whispers, Fat Larry’s Band, Oliver Cheatham, and more.
  • Radio Espantoso: A Latin jazz and salsa station that plays artists such as Cachao, Mongo Santamaria, Irakere, Tito Puente, Xavier Cugat, Beny More, Deodato, and more.
  • K-Chat: A talk radio station that features interviews with various celebrities and characters from the game, such as BJ Smith, Jezz Torrent, Amy Sheckenhausen, Gethsemanee Starhawk Moonmaker, Maurice Chavez, and more.
  • VCPR: A talk radio station that features a satirical and political show called Pressing Issues, hosted by Maurice Chavez, and featuring guests such as Jonathan Freeloader, Michelle Montanius, Pastor Richards, Alex Shrub, Callum Crayshaw, and more.
  • VCFL: A soul and R&B station that plays artists such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, and more.

The music of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is one of the best soundtracks ever made for a video game, as it captures the essence and spirit of the 1980s. The music is diverse and catchy, featuring songs from various genres and artists that suit the different moods and situations of the game. The music is also immersive and authentic, featuring songs that were actually released or popular in the 1980s. The music is also memorable and iconic, featuring songs that have become synonymous with the game and the decade.

Voice acting

The voice acting of GTA Vice City-The Definitive Edition is another great feature of the game, as it enhances the characters and dialogue of the game. The game features an original voice acting that consists of over 80 actors and celebrities from the 1980s. Some of the notable voice actors and celebrities involved in the game are:

  • Ray Liotta as Tommy Vercetti: The protagonist of the game, a former mobster who tries to make a name for himself in Vice City.
  • Tom Sizemore as Sonny Forelli: The antagonist of the game, a powerful mob boss who sends Tommy to Vice City to expand his business.
  • Robert Davi as Colonel Juan Garcia Cortez: A retired colonel who helps Tommy in his quest for revenge and power.
  • Dennis Hopper as Steve Scott: A pornographic film director who hires Tommy as his producer.
  • Burt Reynolds as Avery Carrington: A wealthy real estate developer who hires Tommy as his protege.
  • Luis Guzman as Ricardo Diaz: A ruthless drug lord who becomes Tommy’s enemy and later ally.
  • Philip Michael Thomas as Lance Vance: A fellow drug dealer who becomes Tommy’s partner and friend.
  • Debbie Harry as Mercedes Cortez: The daughter of Colonel Cortez and Tommy’s love interest.
  • Danny Trejo as Umberto Robina: The leader of the Cuban gang who allies with Tommy against the Haitians.
  • Youree Cleomili Harris as Auntie Poulet: The leader of the Haitian gang who uses voodoo to manipulate Tommy.
  • Lee Majors as Big Mitch Baker: The leader of the biker gang who helps Tommy secure security for a rock concert.
  • Jenna Jameson as Candy Suxxx: A porn star who works for Steve Scott and Tommy.
  • Gary Busey as Phil Cassidy: A one-armed gun dealer who supplies Tommy with weapons.

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