Just like its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is best experienced on a PC. The addition of high-resolution graphics, improved control, and custom skins and soundtracks help make one of the best games of 2002 even better.
Nobody who has even remotely followed video games needs an introduction to the GTA series. Love it or hate it, GTA 3 single-handedly put Rockstar Games on the map, and for good reason – the game is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, and its appeal transcends its violent subject matter to reveal one of the most enriching gameplay experiences ever created.
Rather than start from scratch and reinvent the series like the third installment, Vice City instead expands on the strengths that made GTA 3 such a killer app. All the violent action, antics, and activities from 3 are back in full effect, only this time; it all takes place in the seedy underworld of the 1980's. There are loads of new gameplay additions as well, such as helicopters, motorcycles, and the ability to build your own criminal syndicate as the game progresses.
But you already knew that. What you want to know is how the game differs from the PS2 version. Well, it has better – MUCH better – graphics and aiming, custom soundtracks, and the ability to create skins. Other than that, there is relatively nothing changed from the PS2 source. The small glitches where you would lose health after stepping off some small ledges such as sidewalks seem to have been somewhat remedied, but there is no extra content, and that is a shame. I am not suggesting that there should be an expansion pack's worth of extra material in the game, or that it should even tie into the main story. Still, one or two extra "strings" of exclusive optional missions would have been a nice nod to those who have waited for this, the superior version of a fine, fine game. Where's the love, Rockstar?
Another gripe is the continued lack of mod tools. GTA 3 proved that there is an extensive community just waiting to put real life buildings, cars, and structures into the game, and possibly recreate whole towns. To deny us this pleasure is just wrong, and I can damn sure knock the game a few points for it. Tack on a few bucks to the game for the mod tools, guys. Anything. If you're going to take the time to perfect multiplayer, by all means, do it. But please, give us the ability to mod.
Despite those two major complaints, GTA Vice City is still one of, if not the best game money can buy. It feels right at home on a PC, and is worth playing all over again. Even if you have played the original, sell your PS2 copy, pick up a used PC one on Ebay or Amazon with the cash from that, and get ready to do the Lance Vance Dance all over again.
-George
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