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{{short description|2002 video game}}
{{Infobox VG
{{redirect|Vice City|the city with the nickname "Vice City"|Miami|songs with this name|Vice City (Jay Rock song)|and|Vice City (XXXTentacion song)}}
| title =Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
{{pp|small=yes}}
| image = [[Image:Vice-city-cover.jpg|256px]]
{{good article}}
| developer =[[Rockstar North]] (PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows)<br />
{{Use British English|date=November 2024}}
[[Rockstar Vienna]] (Xbox)
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
| publisher =[[Rockstar Games]]
{{Infobox video game
| series =''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]''
| image = Vice-city-cover.jpg
| designer =
| developer = [[Rockstar North]]{{efn|Ported to Xbox by [[Rockstar Vienna]].<ref name="Vienna" /> ''10th Anniversary Edition'' developed by War Drum Studios.<ref name="IGN Mobile Review" />}}
| engine =[[RenderWare]]
| publisher = [[Rockstar Games]]{{spaces|7}}
| version = 1.1
| producer = [[Leslie Benzies]]
| released = '''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[October 27]], [[2002]]}}{{vgrelease|AUS=[[November 8]], [[2002]]}} {{vgrelease|EU=[[November 8]], [[2002]]}} '''Microsoft Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[May 12]], [[2003]]}}{{vgrelease|AUS=[[May 20]], [[2003]]}} {{vgrelease|EU=[[May 15]], [[2003]]}} <sup>[[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]]</sup> [[January 4]], [[2008]]<br />'''Xbox'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[October 31]], [[2003]]}}{{vgrelease|AUS=[[January 2]], [[2004]]}} {{vgrelease|EU=[[January 2]], [[2004]]}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Obbe Vermeij|Adam Fowler|Alexander Roger}}
| genre =[[Sandbox game]]
| artist = Aaron Garbut
| modes =[[Single-player]]
| writer = {{ubl|[[Dan Houser]]|James Worrall}}
| ratings =
| composer = Lex Horton
{{vgratings|BBFC=18|ESRB=M|OFLCA=MA15+|OFLCZ=R18|PEGI=18+|USK=16 (cut)}}
| series = ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]''
| platforms =[[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Xbox]]
| engine = [[RenderWare]]
| media = [[Compact Disc|CD]], [[DVD]], Download
| platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[PlayStation 2]]}}
| requirements =
|[[Windows]]
'''Microsoft Windows'''<ref name = "windows system requirements">{{cite web | url = http://www.take2games.com/index.php?p=games&platform=PC&title=gtavc | title = Windows System Requirements | work = Take-Two Interactive | accessdate = 2006-08-29}}</ref></li></ul>
|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* 800[[Megahertz|MHz]] [[Intel]] [[Pentium III]] or [[AMD]] [[Athlon]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]]
|[[Mac OS X]]
* 128[[megabyte|MB]] [[Random Access Memory|RAM]]
|[[iOS]]
* 8x [[CD-ROM]] drive
|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]
* 915&nbsp;MB [[hard disk]] space
|[[Fire OS]]}}
* 32&nbsp;MB [[DirectX]] 9.0 compatible [[graphics card]]
| released = {{Collapsible list |title={{nobold|29 October 2002}}
* DirectX 9.0 compatible [[sound card]]
| '''PlayStation 2''' | {{Video game release|NA|29 October 2002|EU|8 November 2002}}
* Windows [[Windows 98|98]]/[[Windows 98#Windows 98 Second Edition|98 SE]]/[[Windows Me|Me]]/[[Windows 2000|2000]]/[[Windows XP|XP]]/[[Windows Server 2003|Server 2003]]
| '''Windows''' | {{Video game release|NA|13 May 2003|EU|16 May 2003}}
| input ='''PS2 and Xbox''': [[Gamepad]]<br />'''Windows''': [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]], gamepad (optional)
| '''Xbox''' | {{Video game release|NA|4 November 2003|EU|2 January 2004}}
| '''Mac OS X''' | 12 November 2010
| '''iOS''' | 6 December 2012
| '''Android''' | 12 December 2012
| '''Fire OS''' | 15 May 2014}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
}}
'''''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City''''' is a [[Nonlinear gameplay|sandbox-style]] [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[computer game|computer]] and [[video game]] designed by [[Rockstar North]] (formerly DMA Design) and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. It is the second [[3D computer graphics|3D]] game in the ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' [[video game franchise]] and fourth original title overall. It debuted in North America on [[October 27]], [[2002]], for the [[PlayStation 2]] and was later ported to the [[Xbox]] and [[IBM PC compatible|PC]] in 2003. ''Vice City'' was succeeded by ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' and preceded by ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]''.


'''''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City''''' is a 2002 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[Rockstar North]] and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. It is the fourth main game in the [[Grand Theft Auto|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]], following 2001's ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', and the sixth entry overall. Set in 1986 within the fictional Vice City (based on [[Miami]] and [[Miami Beach]]), the single-player story follows mobster [[Tommy Vercetti]]'s rise to power after being released from prison and becoming caught up in an ambushed [[drug deal]]. While seeking out those responsible, Tommy gradually builds a criminal empire by seizing power from other criminal organisations in the city.
''Vice City'' draws much of its inspiration from 1980s American culture. Set in 1986 in [[Vice City]], a fictional city modeled after [[Miami]], the story revolves around [[Mafia]] member [[Tommy Vercetti]], who was recently released from prison. After being involved in a drug deal gone wrong, Tommy seeks out those responsible while building a criminal empire and seizing power from other criminal organizations in the city. The game uses a tweaked version of the game engine used in ''Grand Theft Auto III'' and similarly presents a huge cityscape, fully populated with buildings, vehicles, and people. Like other games in the series, ''Vice City'' has elements from [[driving game]]s and [[third-person shooter]]s, and features "open-world" gameplay that gives the player more control over their playing experience.


The game is played from a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]] and its world is navigated on foot or by vehicle. The [[open world]] design lets the player [[Nonlinear gameplay|freely roam]] Vice City, consisting of two main islands. The game's plot is based on multiple real-world people and events in Miami such as [[Cubans]], [[Haitians]], and [[biker gangs]], the 1980s [[crack epidemic]], the [[American Mafia|Mafioso]] [[drug lord]]s of Miami, and the dominance of [[glam metal]]. The game was also influenced by the films and television of the era, most notably ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' and ''[[Miami Vice]]''. Much of the development work constituted creating the game world to fit the inspiration and time period; the development team conducted extensive field research in Miami while creating the world. The game was released in October 2002 for the [[PlayStation 2]].
Upon its release, ''Vice City'' became the best-selling video game of 2002. As of July 2006, ''Vice City'' was, in the [[United States of America|American]] market, the best-selling PlayStation 2 game of all time. ''Vice City'' also appeared on Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''{{'}}s readers' list of all-time favorite 100 videogames in 2006, the only fully-[[Western world|Western]] title on the list.<ref name = "top 100 in Japan">{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2401&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=1 | title = Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | work = Next Generation | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> Following this success, ''Vice City'' saw releases in [[Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[Japan]], as well as a release for the PC. [[Rockstar Vienna]] also packaged the game with its predecessor, ''Grand Theft Auto III'', and sold it as ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack]]'' for the Xbox. ''Vice City'''s setting is also revisited in ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]'', which serves as a [[prequel]] to events in ''Vice City''.


''Vice City'' received critical acclaim, with praise directed at its music, gameplay, story, and open world design. However, the game also generated controversy over its depiction of violence and racial groups. It received year-end accolades from several [[gaming publications]], and it is considered one of the [[Sixth generation of video game consoles|sixth generation of console gaming]]'s most significant titles and among the [[best video games ever made]]. ''Vice City'' became the best-selling game of 2002 and one of the [[best-selling PlayStation 2 games]] with over 14.2&nbsp;million copies sold; it has sold over 17.5&nbsp;million copies overall. It was released for [[Windows]] and the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2003, followed by enhanced versions and mobile ports in the 2010s, and [[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition|a remastered version]] in 2021. It was followed by ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' (2004) and a [[prequel]], ''[[Vice City Stories]]'' (2006).
==Setting==
[[Image:GTAVC PC Downtown at Dawn.jpg|left|thumb|Riding a motorcycle (PCJ 600) towards Downtown at dawn, Windows version. In contrast to ''GTA III'', ''Vice City'''s setting is a cleaner and sunnier resort city.]]


== Gameplay ==
The game is set in fictional [[Vice City]], which is based on [[Miami, Florida]]. The game's look, particularly the clothing and vehicles, reflect (and sometimes parody) its [[1986 in video gaming|1986]] setting. In contrast to the gritty urbanism of ''Grand Theft Auto III'''s [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]], Vice City appears (mostly) clean and upscale, with golden beaches, waving [[palm tree]]s, and vivid sunsets.
''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' is an [[action-adventure game]] played from a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person perspective]]. The player controls criminal [[Tommy Vercetti]] and completes missions—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. It is possible to have several missions available at a time, as some missions require the player to wait for further instructions or events. Outside of missions, the player can [[Nonlinear gameplay|freely roam]] the game's [[open world]] and has the ability to complete optional side missions.<ref name="AllGame Review" /> Composed of two main islands and several smaller areas, the world is much larger in area than earlier entries in the series.{{efn|Art director Aaron Garbut stated that the area of Vice City is almost twice as large as ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s Liberty City, estimating it at over {{convert|4.25|km2|sqmi}}.<ref name="GameSpot Level Design" />}} The islands are unlocked for the player as the story progresses.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" />


[[File:Grand Theft Auto Vice City motorcycle gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|The player can ride motorcycles in ''Vice City'', unlike its predecessor.|alt=Gameplay screenshot of the player character driving a motorcycle through a busy city street.]]
==Plot==
The player takes on the role of [[Tommy Vercetti]], a [[Mafia]] [[hitman]] released from prison after serving 15 years for killing eleven men.<ref>'''Sonni Forelli:''' Tommy! What? No big hugs for your old buddy? / '''Tommy Vercetti:''' I've had fifteen years out of the loop. I'm a bit rusty on family etiquette, / '''Sonny:''' Always angry, eh Tommy. Didn't I say your temper would get you into trouble, huh?[...]How many was it? Ten? No, eleven men. That's how you get to be called the Harwood Butcher! (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref> The Mafia family for whom he used to work, the [[List of gangs in Grand Theft Auto series#The Forellis|Forellis]], fears that Tommy's presence in Liberty City will heighten tensions and bring unwanted attention upon their criminal activities.<ref>'''Mobster:''' [Vercetti] kept his head down...helps people forget. / '''Sonny:''' People will remember soon enough; when they see him walking down the streets of their neighborhoods it will be bad for business. (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref> To prevent this, they ostensibly "promote" Tommy and send him to Vice City to act as their buyer for a series of [[cocaine]] deals.<ref>'''Sonny:''' We treat [Tommy] like an old friend and keep him busy out of town. OK? We been talking about expanding down South, right? Vice City is twenty-four carat gold these days[...] / '''Mobster:''' But it's all drugs, Sonny. None of the families will touch that shit! / '''Sonny:''' Times are changing[...]So, we send someone down to do the dirty work for us and cut ourselves a nice quiet slice. OK? (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref> During Tommy's first meeting with the drug dealers, an ambush by an unknown party results in the death of Tommy's Bodyguards Harry and Lee and the dealer, Victor Vance. Tommy narrowly escapes with his life, but he loses both the Forelli's money and the cocaine.<ref>'''Sonny:''' So, how'd the deal go down - you sitting on some white gold? / '''Tommy:''' Look Sonny, we were set up. The deal was an ambush. Harry and Lee are dead. / '''Sonny:''' You better be kidding me Tommy! Tell me you still got the money! / '''Tommy:''' ...no Sonny...I don't have the money. / '''Sonny:''' That was MY money, Tommy, MY MONEY!!! (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref>


The player may run, jump, or drive vehicles to navigate the game's world. The player uses [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]] attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies. The firearms include weapons such as the [[Colt Python]], an [[M60 machine gun]] and a [[Minigun]].<ref name="IGN Guns" /><ref name="IGN Inside 3" /> The game's three-dimension environment allows a [[First-person (video games)|first-person view]] while aiming with the [[sniper rifle]] and [[rocket launcher]]. In addition, the game's combat allows the player to commit [[drive-by shooting]]s by facing sideways in a vehicle.<ref name="GameRev Review" /><ref name="GameSpot Review" /> A wide variety of weapon options can be purchased from local [[firearms dealer]]s, found on the ground, retrieved from dead enemies, or found around the city.{{sfn|Rockstar North|2002|p=14}}
Vercetti is tasked with retrieving the money and cocaine and killing whoever was responsible for the ambush.<ref>'''Tommy:''' Wait Sonny. You have my personal assurance that I'm going to get you your money back...and the drugs. And I'm gonna mail you the dicks of those responsible. (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref> Towards this end, he follows leads of Forelli lawyer [[Ken Rosenberg]] and contacts mid-level drug dealer and ex-military Colonel [[Juan Garcia Cortez]], British record producer [[Kent Paul]], real estate mogul [[Avery Carrington]] and a local criminal named [[Lance Vance]].<ref>[http://guides.ign.com/guides/493118/page_11.html Guides: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Guide (PC)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Vance is eventually revealed to be helping Vercetti as his brother and business partner was the dealer killed in the ambush, and he too is seeking revenge.<ref>'''Lance:''' Hey, I've been asking around and it's obvious that Diaz jumped the deal and iced my brother[...]I can take Diaz! (''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', Rockstar North/Take-Two Interactive, 2002.)</ref> Vercetti subsequently begins to do jobs for Cortez before being hired by drug trafficker Ricardo Diaz.<ref>[http://guides.ign.com/guides/493118/page_13.html Guides: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Guide (PC)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In combat, [[auto-aim]] can be used as assistance against enemies.<ref name="GameSpot PC Review" /> Should the player take damage, their health meter can be fully regenerated through the use of health pick-ups.{{sfn|Rockstar North|2002|p=9}} [[Body armour]] can be used to absorb gunshots and explosive damage, but is used up in the process.<ref name="GameSpot Walkthrough" /> When health is entirely depleted, gameplay stops and the player [[respawns]] at the nearest hospital while losing all weapons and armour and some of their money.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> If the player commits crimes while playing, the game's law enforcement agencies may respond as indicated by a "[[Fugitive|wanted]]" meter in the [[HUD (video gaming)|head-up display]] (HUD), which increases as the player commits more crimes. On the meter, the displayed stars indicate the current wanted level, and the higher the level, the greater the response for law enforcement<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> (for example, at the maximum six-star level, police helicopters and [[U.S. Military|military]] swarm to lethally dispatch players).<ref name="GameRev Review" />
Suspicion for the ambush ultimately falls upon Ricardo Diaz, a Colombian Drug Lord. Vercetti initially plans to continue the status quo to prepare for his own attack, but his hand is forced when Lance Vance attempts to take revenge himself. The two proceed to raid Diaz's mansion and kill him in his office. With Diaz dead, his empire quickly crumbles. Tommy and Lance personally take over Diaz's businesses becoming Vice City's cocaine kingpins and seizing the assets of several near-bankrupted companies.


During the story, Tommy meets characters from various gangs. As the player completes missions for different gangs, fellow gang members will often defend the player, while rival gang members will recognise the player and subsequently shoot on sight. While free roaming the game world, the player may engage in activities such as a [[vigilante]] minigame, a [[fire fighting]] activity, a [[Paramedic|paramedic service]] and a [[taxi cab]] service. Completion of these activities grants the player with context-specific rewards.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> As Tommy builds his criminal empire, the player may purchase a number of properties distributed across the city, some of which act as additional hideouts where weapons can be collected and vehicles can be stored.<ref name="Edge Review" /> There are also a variety of businesses which can be purchased, including a pornographic [[film studio]], a [[taxi]] company, and several entertainment clubs. Each commercial property has a number of missions attached to it, such as eliminating competition or stealing equipment; once all missions are complete, the property begins to generate an ongoing income available for the player.<ref name="GameRev Review" />
Tommy becomes the head of his own organization, the [[List of gangs in Grand Theft Auto series#Vercetti Gang|Vercetti Family]]. The more powerful and rich Tommy becomes, the more Lance begins to exhibit [[paranoid schizophrenia|paranoid]] and [[sociopath]]ic behaviors, to the point that he begins to physically abuse his own bodyguards and constantly calls Tommy in states of hysteria.


== Plot ==
The Forellis find out that Tommy has taken over crime in Vice City without sending a cut to the don as required. The Forellis send collectors to force money out of Tommy's assets, although Tommy disposes of them. An angered Sonny Forelli arrives in Vice City with a small army of mafiosi and street thugs, intent on wiping out Tommy once and for all. When Sonny and his henchmen arrive at the Vercetti Estate, Tommy attempts to bribe them with counterfeit money. However, Lance, having come to resent Tommy's substantial share of their profits, betrays Tommy and allies himself with the Forellis. In the game's climax -- a [[pastiche]] on the end of the [[Brian De Palma]] film ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' -- Lance, Sonny, and Sonny's henchmen raid Tommy's mansion. Tommy kills Lance on the roof and storms downstairs where he faces off with Sonny. Sonny reveals he is the one who set Tommy up and had him kill the eleven men who were expecting him. Tommy faces off against Sonny in a large, climatic gun battle, eventually killing him as well. His enemies vanquished, Tommy establishes himself as the undisputed crime kingpin of Vice City, with Ken Rosenberg, who has worked with Tommy throughout the events of the game, as his right-hand-man.
In 1986, mobster [[Tommy Vercetti]] (voiced by [[Ray Liotta]]) is released from prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for murder. His boss Sonny Forelli ([[Tom Sizemore]]), seeking to establish drug operations in the South, sends Tommy to Vice City to oversee an important drug deal alongside crooked lawyer Ken Rosenberg ([[William Fichtner]]). However, the deal is ambushed by unknown assailants, with Tommy and Ken barely escaping. Angered upon hearing the news, Sonny orders Tommy to recover the drugs, alongside the money Sonny gave to him, under threat of consequences. Seeking information, Ken points Tommy towards retired army colonel Juan Garcia Cortez ([[Robert Davi]]), who helped set up the exchange. Expressing regret for the ambush, Cortez promises to find out who masterminded it.


While investigating, Tommy meets with several people who offer him help, including music director Kent Paul ([[Danny Dyer]]), who maintains connections with the city's criminal underworld; Lance Vance ([[Philip Michael Thomas]]), who aided in the deal and lost his brother in the ambush; Texan business tycoon Avery Carrington ([[Burt Reynolds]]), who in return enlists Tommy's help with several deals; and [[drug kingpin]] Ricardo Diaz ([[Luis Guzmán]]), who employs both Tommy and Lance. Eventually, Cortez begins voicing his suspicions that Diaz organised the ambush. Upon further investigation, Lance discovers this to be true and, against Tommy's advice, tries to kill Diaz, only to get himself captured. After Tommy saves Lance, they invade Diaz's mansion and kill Diaz.
=== Themes and inspiration ===
Many themes are borrowed from the films ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' and ''[[Carlito's Way]]'', along with the hit 1980s television series ''[[Miami Vice]]''. ''Vice City'' also parodies and pays tribute to much of 1980s culture in the cars, music, fashion, landmarks, and characters featured in the game. After much advertisement of the game, the song "[[I Ran (So Far Away)]]" by [[A Flock of Seagulls]] became the known signature theme of the game.


With Diaz dead, Tommy takes over his assets and, at Avery's suggestion, works to expand his new criminal empire by forcing businesses to pay him protection money and buying out nearly bankrupt companies to use as fronts for illicit operations. Tommy establishes his own gang to protect his businesses from rivals, and provides assistance to several prominent gang leaders in the hopes they will support his expansion. He helps Cortez flee the city with stolen military equipment. Eventually, Sonny discovers that Tommy has gained complete control over Vice City's drug trade without cutting the Forellis in. Enraged at his independence, Sonny sends mobsters to forcefully collect money from Tommy's businesses. In response, Tommy kills Sonny's men and cuts ties with him.
[[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Ricardo Diaz|Ricardo Diaz's]] opulent mansion and the climactic battle which takes place in it at the story's end, are very similar to their counterparts in ''Scarface''.<ref name = "GTAScarface">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamechronicles.com/features/gtascarface/body.htm | title = ''Grand Theft Auto: Scarface'' - Examining ''Grand Theft Auto''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ''Scarface'' Connection | work = Cliff O'Neill | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> Another reference is the game's overall storyline, as it is highly similar to the film, as is the design of the final mission. There are also more subtle references, such as an apartment hidden within the game with blood on the bathroom walls and a chainsaw (in a nod to the film's "chainsaw torture" scene).<ref name = "GTAScarface"/> Additionally, the "Mr. Vercetti" suit players receive when purchasing a local strip club bears a striking resemblance to [[Tony Montana]]'s.


Later, learning Sonny is personally coming to Vice City to collect what he believes he is owed, Tommy prepares to pay him tribute with counterfeit money. However, Sonny reveals that he was responsible for Tommy's arrest fifteen years prior, and that Lance has betrayed Tommy and allied himself with the Forellis, having felt inadequate in Tommy's presence since his rise to power. A shootout ensues in Tommy's mansion, during which Tommy prevents the Forellis from stealing his money and kills Lance for his betrayal, before finally killing Sonny. When Ken arrives to a scene of carnage, Tommy quickly reassures him that everything is now fine, as he has finally established himself as the undisputed crime kingpin of Vice City.
Most of the characters wear the then-fashionable white or pastel baggy cotton suits and, mirroring many episodes of ''Miami Vice'', much of the storyline takes place in a glamorous Miami mansion and features a speedboat chase. In fact, if the player's "wanted level" reaches three stars, an undercover sports car (called a Cheetah) strongly resembling a [[Ferrari Testarossa]], which is featured prominently in ''Miami Vice'', joins the police in chasing the player; the occupants of the sports car are two undercover police officers resembling the ''Miami Vice'' main characters ([[James "Sonny" Crockett|Crockett]] and [[Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs|Tubbs]]) in both skin tone and dress.


== Development ==
The Cuban and Haitian gang member uniforms are heavily based on clothes worn by two extras in a scene of the pilot episode of ''Miami Vice'' where Tubbs first arrives at [[Miami International Airport]].
{{Multiple image |align=right |direction=horizontal |total_width=400
|image1=Leslie Benzies @ Everywhere Game.jpg |caption1=[[Leslie Benzies]] |alt1=A middle-aged man looking towards the camera.
|image2=Dan Houser at Rockstar Games.png |caption2=[[Dan Houser]] |alt2=A bald middle-aged man smiling at the camera.
|image3=Sam Houser at Rockstar Games.png |caption3=[[Sam Houser]] |alt3=A middle-aged man with brown hair and a bushy brown beard smiling at the camera.
|footer=Benzies produced the game alongside Dan Houser, who also co-wrote the story. Sam Houser, president of Rockstar Games, executive-produced the game.}}


[[Rockstar North]]'s core 50-person team led the eighteen-month development of ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City''.<ref name="NYT" /> Full production began in late 2001, as ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' was nearing completion;<ref name="Design Museum" /> while early development only involved creating [[3D model]]s, executive producer [[Sam Houser]] said "it really kicked off at the beginning of 2002" and lasted about nine months.<ref name="Edge 2" /> After the release of the Windows version of ''Grand Theft Auto III'', the development team discussed creating a mission pack for the game that would add new weapons, vehicles, and missions. Upon further discussion, the team decided to make this concept a stand-alone game, which became ''Vice City''.<ref name="Digital Trends" />
Other notable [[popular culture]] references include:
{{fictioncruft}}
* ''[[Red Dawn]]'' - During a public debate on a radio station, Pastor Richards references the plotline of the film, mentioning a possible Soviet invasion and suggestion to hide in the woods and call themselves the "Wolverines," alluding to the name of the film's counter-Soviet rebels. Additionally, a radio ad for Ammu-Nation mentions a free screening of the "documentary" ''Red Dawn''. Also, north of the Vice City Mall there is a submerged Soviet Submarine{{Fact|date=February 2008}}.
* ''[[Carlito's Way]]'' - [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Ken Rosenberg|Ken Rosenberg]], Tommy Vercetti's lawyer and adviser looks and acts like David Kleinfeld (played by [[Sean Penn]]) from the film.
* ''[[To Live and Die in L.A. (film)|To Live and Die in L.A.]]'' - the whole counterfeiting aspect of the game is based on the movie. A song from the movie ("[[Dance Hall Days]]" by [[Wang Chung]]) is included in the game. Also, the victim's perspective shot of Rick Masters murdering Waxman is homaged in the game when Tommy and Lance shoot Ricardo Diaz, the movie's last line ''"You work for me now"'' is said in the game by Diaz.
* Cars associated with 1980s pop culture - Including look-alikes of the [[Lamborghini Countach]] (Infernus), the [[Ferrari Testarossa]] from ''Miami Vice'' (Cheetah), the [[De Lorean DMC-12|De Lorean]] from ''[[Back to the Future]]'' (Deluxo), C4 [[Chevrolet Corvette]] (Banshee), and the [[Porsche 911]] (Comet), the [[Ferrari Daytona]] (Stinger), [[Lincoln Continental]] (Washington), [[Mercedes-Benz W123]] (Admiral), [[BMW 5 Series]] (Sentinel), [[Honda CRX]] (Blista Compact), [[Jeep Wagoneer]](Landstalker), [[Chevrolet K5 Blazer]] (Rancher), [[Chevrolet Suburban]] (FBI Rancher), customized [[Dodge Ram Van]] (Burrito/Gang Burrito), [[Cadillac Eldorado]] (Esperanto), [[Plymouth Reliant]]/[[Dodge Aries]] (Manana)
*The outfits of the dancers on stages at the Malibu Club parody the outfits of music band Village People.
[[Image:GTAVC PC Ocean Beach at Night.jpg|thumb|Ocean Beach at night, driving a Comet, Windows version.]]
The game also features many references to 1980s trends and events:


The game was announced at the [[E3 2002|Electronic Entertainment Expo]] on 22 May 2002.<ref name="GameSpot Announcement" /> It was Rockstar North's most expensive game at the time, with a development budget of {{USD|5&nbsp;million}}{{sfn|Kushner|2012|p=117}} and marketing budget of {{USD|13.2&nbsp;million}}.<ref name="THR Marketing"/> On 5 September 2002, Rockstar announced the release date of 22 October had been postponed until 29 October to meet product demand.<ref name="GameSpot Delay" /> By 15 October 2002, development of ''Vice City'' stopped as the game was [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|submitted for manufacturing]].<ref name="GameSpot Gold" /> It was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] on 29 October 2002 in North America, and on 8 November in Europe.<ref name="Date PS2"/> [[Capcom]] published the game in Japan on 20 May 2004 for PlayStation 2 and [[Windows]].<ref name="IGN Capcom" /> The game was added to the [[Rockstar Games Launcher]] in September 2019.<ref name="Gamasutra Rockstar Launcher" />
* [[History of video game consoles (second generation)|Second generation]] [[video games]] and home [[video game console]]s: in radio commercials for the "Degenatron" games console, graphics are referred to as "green dots" and a "red square".
* [[Pablo Escobar]], and by association the cocaine subculture of the game's setting, are alluded to by the Vice City airport's name: Escobar International.
* [[Glam metal|Hair metal]] is played on the in-game radio station V-Rock and is parodied through the game's fictitious band Love Fist in the fashion of [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]].
* The [[Cold War]], referenced many times on several radio stations, including VCPR, in which [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Congressman Alex Shrub|Congressman Alex Shrub]] accuses another speaker of "sounding [[Communism|red]]."
* Typical '80s music - [[New Wave music|New Wave]], [[glam metal]], 1980s [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[Synthpop|synthesizer pop]].
* [[Self-help]] programs, including those on [[Thor]], as well as Jeremy Robard's "Think Your Way To Success" program.
* [[Politician]]s from the '80s: [[Ronald Reagan]], [[Margaret Thatcher]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]]


=== Characters ===
=== Setting ===
The game is set in 1986 in fictional Vice City, which is based heavily on the city of [[Miami]].<ref name="GameSpot Graphics" /> Vice City previously appeared in the original ''[[Grand Theft Auto (video game)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' (1997); the development team decided to reuse the location and incorporate ideas from within the studio and the fanbase.<ref name="IGN Inside 2" /> They wanted to satirise a location that was not contemporary, unlike ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s Liberty City.<ref name="Design Museum" /> The team wanted to choose a location that had various similarities and differences to [[New York City]]—the inspiration of Liberty City—eventually leading them to Miami, which producer [[Leslie Benzies]] describes as "a party town, all sun and sea and sex, but with that same dark edge underneath".<ref name="Digital Trends" /> Sam Houser called it "the grooviest era of crime because it didn't even feel like it was crime&nbsp;... it was a totally topsy-turvy back-to-front period of time".<ref name="Edge 1" /> The team intended to make Vice City a "living, breathing city", for the player to feel like "life still goes on" while the character is inside a building.<ref name="GameSpot Interaction" />
{{main|List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City}}


The game's look, particularly the clothing and vehicles, reflect its 1980s setting. Many themes are borrowed from the crime films ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' (1983) and ''[[Carlito's Way]]'' (1993),<ref name="GameSpot Graphics" /> the latter for its characterisation and portrayal of nuanced criminals. The television series ''[[Miami Vice]]'' (1984–1989) was also a major influence and was regularly watched by the team throughout development.<ref name="Crave" /> Art director Aaron Garbut used the series as a reference point for emulating [[neon lighting]].<ref name="Edge 1" /> In recreating a 1980s setting, the team found it "relatively painless" due to the distinct culture of the time period and the team's familiarity with the era.<ref name="Crave" /> The art team was provided with large volumes of research, as well as reference photographs taken by other members of the development team. The team organised field research trips to Miami shortly after completing the development of ''Grand Theft Auto III'', splitting into small teams and observing the streets.<ref name="Crave" /><ref name="IGN Unplugged" />
Vice City features dozens of characters, many appearing only in the [[cut scene]]s which describe each mission. The voice-talent includes [[Ray Liotta]] as protagonist [[Tommy Vercetti]], [[Tom Sizemore]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Sonny Forelli|Sonny Forelli]], [[Robert Davi]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Colonel Juan García Cortez|Colonel Juan García Cortez]], [[William Fichtner]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Ken Rosenberg|Ken Rosenberg]], [[Danny Dyer]] as Kent Paul, [[Dennis Hopper]] as pornography Director [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Steve Scott|Steve Scott]], [[Burt Reynolds]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Avery Carrington|Avery Carrington]], [[Luis Guzmán]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Ricardo Diaz|Ricardo Diaz]], ''Miami Vice'' star [[Philip Michael Thomas]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Lance Vance|Lance Vance]], [[Danny Trejo]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Umberto Robina|Umberto Robina]], [[Gary Busey]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Phil Cassidy|Phil Cassidy]], [[Lee Majors]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City# "Big" Mitch Baker|"Big" Mitch Baker]], [[Fairuza Balk]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Mercedes Cortez|Mercedes Cortez]], and porn actress [[Jenna Jameson]] as [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Candy Suxxx|Candy Suxxx]]. The voice of [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Delores|the taxi dispatcher]] is provided by [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]] singer [[Debbie Harry]].


=== Story and characters <span class="anchor" id="Characters"></span>===
Although the main character is not the same as the one in ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Vice City'' contains a few characters from ''GTA III'' at an earlier point in their lives. [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto III#Donald Love|Donald Love]], a business tycoon in ''GTA III'', makes an appearance as an apprentice to [[real estate]] mogul [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Avery Carrington|Avery Carrington]]. The one-armed [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto III#Phil Cassidy, the One-Armed Bandit|Phil Cassidy]] from ''GTA III'' appears in ''Vice City'' as well, and one mission actually explains when and how he lost his arm.
[[File:RayLiottaTIFFSept2012.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Ray Liotta]] voiced protagonist [[Tommy Vercetti]].<ref name="IGN Voice" />|alt=A 59-year-old man looking at the camera]]


The team spent time "solving [the] riddle" of a speaking protagonist, a notable departure from ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s [[silent protagonist]] Claude.<ref name="GameSpot III" /> [[Ray Liotta]] portrayed protagonist Tommy Vercetti and described the role as challenging: "You're creating a character that's not there before&nbsp;... It's so intensive". While recording his performance, the team used [[Chroma key|blue screen]] to allow Liotta to visualise "how it's gonna move".<ref name="IGN Voice" /> The team strove to make the player feel a "real affinity" for Tommy by prioritising the game's narrative.<ref name="Design Museum" /> Dan Houser described Tommy as "strong and dangerous and prepared to wait for the right opportunity to arrive".<ref name="IGN Unplugged" /> Director [[Navid Khonsari]] found Liotta occasionally difficult to work with.{{sfn|Kushner|2012|p=118}} Sam Houser said, "In some sessions he was ... into it, but then sometimes ... he was very dark and couldn't work".<ref name="GamesRadar Sam" />
Several of ''GTA III''’s radio hosts can also be heard in ''Vice City'': [[Lazlow]], who was the host of [[Grand Theft Auto III soundtrack#Chatterbox FM|Chatterbox]], the talk radio station in ''GTA III'', is the DJ for the hard-rock station, [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack#V-Rock|V-Rock]], in Vice City (he mentioned in passing in ''GTA III'' that he used to be a DJ on a rock station). Toni, the burned-out, female [[disc jockey]] of [[Grand Theft Auto III soundtrack#Flashback 95.6|Flashback 95.6]], the 1980s music radio station in ''GTA III'', also appears as a young, club-hopping DJ in Vice City's pop music station, [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack#Flash FM|Flash FM]]. Finally, Fernando, a self-glorifying procurer of women ("not a [[pimp]]... a [[savior]]," he claims) who appeared on Lazlow's show in ''GTA III'', runs [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack#Emotion 98.3|Emotion 98.3]]. Also [[naturism|naturist]] Barry Stark, a caller for Chatterbox in ''GTA III'', appears as a guest on VCPR in ''Vice City''.


The majority of the game's animations were original, with only a few borrowed from ''Grand Theft Auto III''. For the characters, the team used [[motion capture]] and [[stop motion]] animation techniques; cutscenes use the former, while gameplay movements use a combination of both techniques. The team encountered difficulty in animating motorcycle animations, due in part to the variety of models.<ref name="GameSpot Animation" /> Pedestrian character models use [[Skin (computing)|skins]] in ''Vice City'', allowing the artists to produce more realistic characters. There are 110 unique pedestrian models throughout the game world alongside roughly 50 story characters; each character is rendered using twice the amount of [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygons]] and [[Texture mapping|textures]] found in ''Grand Theft Auto III''.<ref name="GameSpot Graphics" /><ref name="IGN Unplugged" /> The increased polygons also impacted the [[Game physics|character physics]], improving gameplay aspects such as weapon-hit accuracy.<ref name="GameSpot Physics" /> Some character models and storylines were inspired by films such as ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972), and the game's presentation was inspired by [[Action film|action]] television shows of the 1980s.<ref name="IGN Inside 1" /> The interplay between Tommy Vercetti and Lance Vance was crafted to be similar to the relationship of ''Miami Vice''{{'}}s [[Sonny Crockett]] and [[Ricardo Tubbs]].<ref name="Edge 4" />
== Gameplay ==
[[Image:GTAVC PC Helicopter over Vice Point.jpg|left|thumb|Flying a Maverick helicopter over Vice Point, Windows version.]]


=== Sound design and music production <span class="anchor" id="Soundtrack"></span>===
Because ''Vice City'' was built upon ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', the game follows a largely similar gameplay design and interface with ''GTA III'' with several tweaks and improvements over its predecessor. The gameplay is very open-ended, a characteristic of the ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' franchise; although missions must be completed to complete the storyline and unlock new areas of the city, the player is able to drive around and visit different parts of the city at his/her leisure and otherwise, do whatever they wish if not currently in the middle of a mission. Various items such as hidden weapons and packages are also scattered throughout the landscape, as it has been with previous ''GTA'' titles.
The game features 8,000 lines of recorded dialogue, four times the amount in ''Grand Theft Auto III''.<ref name="IGN Unplugged" /> It contains over 90 minutes of [[cutscene]]s and nine hours of music,<ref name="IGN Unplugged" /> with more than 113 songs and commercials.<ref name="IGN Inside 4" /> The team enjoyed the challenge of creating the game's soundtrack, particularly in contrast to ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s music, which Sam Houser described as "clearly satirical and its own thing".<ref name="Edge 2" /> In developing the radio stations, the team wanted to reinforce the game's setting by collating a variety of songs from the 1980s, which required extensive research.<ref name="IBTimes Soundtrack" /> The radio stations were published by [[Epic Records]] in seven albums—known collectively as ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Soundtrack Box Set''—alongside the game in October 2002.<ref name="GameSpot Soundtrack 1" /><ref name="GameSpot Soundtrack 2" /> ''Vice City'' contains about "three times as much" [[talk radio]] as ''Grand Theft Auto III''. Producer and talk show host [[Lazlow Jones]] stated that the small percentage of station listeners that actually [[Phone-in|call in]] are "insane"; in ''Vice City'', the developers "bumped it up a notch", emphasising the extremity. Dan Houser felt that the talk stations give depth to the game world.<ref name="GameSpot Radio" />


== Reception ==
Players can steal vehicles, ([[automobile|cars]], [[boat]]s, [[motorcycle]]s, and even [[helicopter]]s) partake in drive-by shootings, robberies, and generally create chaos. However, doing so generally attracts unwanted and potentially fatal attention from the police (or, in extreme cases, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] and even the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]]). Police behavior is mostly similar to ''Grand Theft Auto III'', although police units will now wield [[night stick]]s, deploy [[spike strip]]s to puncture the tires of the player's car, as well as [[SWAT]] teams from flying police helicopters and the aforementioned undercover police units, ''à la''-''Miami Vice''.
=== Critical response ===
{{Video game reviews
| title = PlayStation 2 version reception
| MC = 95/100<ref name="MC" />
| Allgame = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="AllGame Review" />
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="Edge Review" />
| EuroG = 10/10<ref name="Eurogamer Review" />
| GameRev = A<ref name="GameRev Review" />
| GI = 10/10<ref name="GameInformer Review" />
| GSpot = 9.6/10<ref name="GameSpot Review" />
| GSpy = 95/100<ref name="GameSpy Review" />
| IGN = 9.7/10<ref name="IGN Review" />
}}


''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' was released to critical acclaim. [[Metacritic]] calculated an [[Normalization (statistics)|average]] score of 95 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 62 reviews. It is Metacritic's highest-rated PlayStation 2 game of 2002,<ref name="MC" /> and the fifth-highest rated PlayStation 2 game overall, tied with a number of others.{{efn|''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' shares its status as the fifth-highest rated PlayStation 2 game on Metacritic with ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'', ''[[Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec]]'' and ''[[Madden NFL 2003]]''. The PlayStation 2 games that are rated higher than ''Vice City'' are ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3]]'', ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]''.<ref name="MC PS2" />}} Reviewers liked the game's sound and music,<ref name="AllGame Review" /><ref name="GameRev Review" /> open-ended gameplay,<ref name="GameInformer Review" /><ref name="IGN Review" /> and open world design,<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" /> though some criticism was directed at the controls and technical issues.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="Edge Review" /> ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Douglass Perry declared it "one of the most impressive games of 2002",<ref name="IGN Review" /> and ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'}}s Raymond Padilla named the experience "deep, devilishly enjoyable, and unique".<ref name="GameSpy Review" />
A new addition in the game is the ability of the player to purchase a number of properties distributed across the city. Some of these are additional hideouts (essentially locations where weapons can be collected and the game saved). There are also a variety of businesses called "assets" which the player can buy. These include a [[film studio]], a dance club, a strip club, a [[taxicab|taxi]] company, an "ice-cream delivery business" (acting as a [[Front company#Organized crime|front company]]), a boatyard, a printing works, and a car showroom. Each commercial property has a number of missions attached to it, such as eliminating the competition or stealing equipment. Once all the missions for a given property are complete, the property will begin to generate an ongoing income, which the increasingly-prosperous Vercetti may periodically collect.


Reviewers generally considered the missions an improvement over ''Grand Theft Auto III'', although some noted occasional awkwardness and frustration.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Perry wrote that the game's missions give the player "a stronger feeling of being inside a story within a world that truly exists".<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Matt Helgeson found the missions to be more complex,<ref name="GameInformer Review" /> and ''[[AllGame]]''{{'}}s Scott Alan Marriott felt that the storyline was improved as a result. Marriott also found the lead character of Tommy to be more engaging than ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s [[Claude (Grand Theft Auto)|Claude]];<ref name="AllGame Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Perry felt that Rockstar "found the right person and the right choice",<ref name="IGN Review" /> and ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' wrote that Tommy "sweats charisma", commending Ray Liotta's performance.<ref name="Edge Review" />
[[Image:GTAVC PC Police.jpg|thumb|Police trouble, Windows version.]]


[[Image:Grand Theft Auto Vice City open world.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Reviewers praised the design and detail of Vice City, noting it felt more alive than ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s Liberty City.<ref name="AllGame Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" />|alt=An urban city centre, surrounded by trees with a blimp in the sky, at sunset.]]
Various [[gang]]s make frequent appearances in the game, some of whom are integral to story events. These gangs typically have a positive or negative opinion of the player and act accordingly by shooting at the player or following him. Shootouts between members of rival gangs can occur spontaneously and several missions involve organized fights between opposing gangs.


The game's open world design was praised by reviewers, many of whom felt that it contained more detail and felt more alive than its predecessors.<ref name="AllGame Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> ''GameSpy''{{'}}s Padilla made favourable comparisons between Vice City and ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s Liberty City, noting the former's level of detail.<ref name="GameSpy Review" /> ''[[Game Revolution]]''{{'}}s Ben Silverman wrote that the game's depth is "unparalleled", praising the world's realism and detail,<ref name="GameRev Review" /> while ''AllGame''{{'}}s Marriott commended the "ambitious scope in design".<ref name="AllGame Review" />
Optional side-missions are once again included, giving the player the opportunity to make [[pizza]] deliveries, drive injured people to a [[hospital]] with an [[ambulance]], extinguish fires with a fire truck, deliver passengers in a taxi, and be a vigilante, using a police vehicle to kill criminals. Monetary rewards and occasional gameplay advantages (e.g. increased health and armor capacity and infinite sprinting) are awarded for completing different difficulty levels of these activities. Different sums of money are awarded for landing trick jumps in motorcycles or fast cars depending on the number of flips and height achieved.


Marriott of ''AllGame'' named ''Vice City'' an "unforgettable listening experience",<ref name="AllGame Review" /> and Perry of ''IGN'' declared the music as "the most impressive list of songs in a game".<ref name="IGN Review" /> Many reviewers commended the game's radio stations and talk radio,<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /><ref name="GameSpot Review" /> and felt that the game's collection of licensed 1980s music fit the tone and time period of the world.<ref name="GameRev Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" /> The voice acting also received praise;<ref name="GameInformer Review" /> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Jeff Gerstmann]] named the cast of characters "colorful and memorable",<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> and ''IGN''{{'}}s Perry found the voice acting "among one of the best of its kind".<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''Game Revolution''{{'}}s Silverman felt that the acting "gives the story credence".<ref name="GameRev Review" />
=== Weapons ===
The weapons system used in ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' is derivative of those from its predecessors, but has been significantly expanded. Compared to 12 forms of weapons from ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Vice City'' features a total of 35 weapons divided into 10 classes (classified by portability, firepower or function), with the player allowed to carry only one weapon from each class. Each class presents a set of weapons which each presenting their own strengths and weaknesses, such as weight, damage and efficiency. For example, when a player has [[semi-automatic pistol]] in hand (which inflicts lower damage, but has a higher firing rate and larger [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] capacity) and encounters ammunition for a [[Colt Python]] (which inflicts a large amount of damage, but is weak in firing rate and more frequent reloading), he or she can only choose to replace the automatic with the revolver or choose not to replace the automatic. Because of this, the player is only allowed to carry up to 10 weapons at once while being allowed to pick specific weapons from each class.


Many reviewers found that the game offers a better variety of vehicles than ''Grand Theft Auto III'',<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /><ref name="GameInformer Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" /> and found them easier to control;<ref name="GameRev Review" /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Gerstmann named the driving "more exciting and dangerous",<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> and ''IGN''{{'}}s Perry found the motorcycle's controls pleasing.<ref name="IGN Review" /> In addition to the vehicle handling, reviewers noted improvements in the targeting and shooting mechanics, although still recognised issues.<ref name="AllGame Review" /><ref name="GameRev Review" /><ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="IGN Review" /> Helgeson of ''Game Informer'' wrote that "targeting is improved to the point where combat can actually be fun".<ref name="GameInformer Review" />
The weapons, which range from a variety of [[mêlée weapon]]s and [[firearm]]s become available to the player as he or she completes more and more missions. Guns (such as [[pistol]]s, [[rifle]]s, thrown weapons and heavy weapons) may be purchased at firearm store Ammu-Nation or obtained via a weapons dealer, and other types of weapons (such as [[baseball bat]]s, [[hammer]]s and [[chainsaw]]s) can be bought at various [[hardware]] stores. There are also heavy-duty weapons such as [[flamethrower]]s and [[rocket launcher]]s. Another quirk is the inclusion of a [[camera]], which is used in only one mission to capture pictures.


Some reviewers recognised an improved [[draw distance]] over ''Grand Theft Auto III'', although many identified [[frame rate]] drops during hardware-intense sequences.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="GameSpy Review" /><ref name="IGN Review" /> The changes in character models polarised reviews; while ''GameSpy''{{'}}s Padilla and ''IGN''{{'}}s Perry noted the improvement in character models,<ref name="GameSpy Review" /><ref name="IGN Review" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Tom Bramwell considered it "maddening to see that character ... models haven't been smartened up at all".<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> The game's [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] and long [[Loader (computing)|load]] times were frequently criticised in reviews,<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /><ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="Edge Review" /> and many reviewers noted the awkward [[Virtual camera system|camera]] angles and environment during gameplay.<ref name="AllGame Review" /><ref name="Edge Review" /><ref name="GameInformer Review" />
Various ports of ''Vice City'' also present modifications on the inventory of weapons. The [[PlayStation 2]] version is the only version of the game to feature [[Riot control agent|tear gas]], while the PC version and the [[Xbox]] version from ''Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack'' features modified names of weapons (i.e. the [[Heckler & Koch MP5|MP5]] renamed as "MP" and the [[Heckler & Koch PSG1|PSG-1]] sniper rifle renamed as ".308 Sniper") The Ruger assault rifle has changed color as well.


== Soundtrack ==
==== Windows version ====
{{Video game reviews
{{main|Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack|Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Soundtrack Box Set|Grand Theft Auto: Vice City OST - Greatest Hits}}
| title = Windows version reception
''Vice City'' includes a large collection of licensed music from the 1980s that can be listened to by means of various in-car [[radio station]]s. Each station covers a particular [[music genre]], such as [[hip hop music|rap]] music (Wildstyle), [[rock and roll|rock]] (V-Rock) and (most predominantly) [[pop music]] (WAVE 103, Flash FM). The tracks are for the most part works from various real-life artists, such as [[Judas Priest]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]], [[Iron Maiden]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[INXS]], [[Michael Jackson]], [[Bryan Adams]], [[Luther Vandross]], [[Kool & the Gang]], [[Spandau Ballet]], [[Grandmaster Flash|Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five]] and [[Eumir Deodato]]. Additionally, a talk station (KCHAT) and a [[public radio]] debate show ''Pressing Issues'' (VCPR) are included. The radio stations and the game's storyline also feature a fictional heavy metal band called [[Love Fist]]. The multi-[[compact disc|CD]] [[soundtrack]] to the game was an instant best-seller.
| MC = 94/100<ref name="MC PC" />
| Allgame = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="AllGame PC Review" />
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review" />
| GSpot = 9.6/10<ref name="GameSpot PC Review" />
| GSpy = 93/100<ref name="GameSpy PC Review" />
| IGN = 9.3/10<ref name="IGN PC Review" />
}}


When ''Vice City'' was released to Windows in May 2003, it received similar critical acclaim. Metacritic calculated an average score of 94 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 30 reviews.<ref name="MC PC" /> It was the highest-rated Windows game on Metacritic in 2003.<ref name="MC Top PC" /> Reviewers liked the visual enhancements,<ref name="GameSpot PC Review" /><ref name="GameSpy PC Review" /> and were generally positive towards the control improvements.<ref name="AllGame PC Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer PC Review" /><ref name="IGN PC Review" />
In addition to music and interviews, the stations also include satirical commercials, such as the Degenatron, a fictional [[video game console]] (''Save the green dots with your fantastic flying red square!''), likely a parody of the [[Atari 2600]]. The commercials and the game setting are consistent: Degenatron advertisements appear on billboards, and ads air for stores in which the player can actually shop, such as Ammu-Nation. Months before the release of ''Vice City'', Rockstar Games created a [http://www.degenatron.com Degenatron "fansite"], which allowed users to actually play the "[[Emulator|emulated]]" games.


The port's visuals received a positive response from reviewers. ''AllGame''{{'}}s Mark Hoogland praised the improved car details, environment textures, and weather effects;<ref name="AllGame PC Review" /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Greg Kasavin echoed similar remarks, noting occasional frame rate drops.<ref name="GameSpot PC Review" /> ''GameSpy''{{'}}s Sal Accardo commended the draw distance improvements, identifying very few texture issues.<ref name="GameSpy PC Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Steve Butts found the port's system requirements to be reasonable, unlike ''Grand Theft Auto III'', and praised the faster load times.<ref name="IGN PC Review" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Martin Taylor was critical of the visuals, stating that the higher resolutions "aren't kind to the overall visual quality", and criticising the hardware requirements.<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review" />
== Reception and sales==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; float:right; text-align: center; width:50%; margin: 5px;"
|-{{Unicode|}}
! style="background:#ddddee;" colspan="2" | Awards
|-
|style="width:35%"|[[GameSpot]]'s Best and Worst of 2002
|Best Music on PlayStation 2,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps21.html | title = GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002: Special Achievement Awards - Best Music on PlayStation 2 | publisher - [[GameSpot]] | accessdate = 2007-08-15}}</ref> Best Action Adventure Game on PlayStation 2,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps29.html | title = GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002: Genre Awards - Best Action Adventure Game on PlayStation 2 | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | accessdate = 2007-08-15}}</ref> Game of the Year on PlayStation 2<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps226.html | title = GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002: Game of the Year on the PlayStation 2 | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | accessdate = 2007-08-15}}</ref>
|-
||[[IGN]]'s Best of 2002
|Best Adventure Game for PlayStation 2 (Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/383/383174p1.html | title = IGN: Best of 2002: Adventure Game of the Year - PlayStation 2 | publisher = [[IGN.com]] | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> Special Achievement for Sound (Reader's Choice),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/383/383084p1.html | title = IGN: Best of 2002: Special Achievement for Sound - PlayStation 2 | publisher = [[IGN.com]] | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> Best Game of the Year for PlayStation 2 (Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/383/383150p1.html | title = IGN: Best of 2002: Best Game of the Year - PlayStation 2 | publisher = [[IGN.com]] | accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref>
|-
|}
''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' was released to extremely positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The game received ratings of 9.7/10 from [[IGN]],<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375564p1.html | title = ''Grand Theft Auto; Vice City'' (PS2) Review | work = IGN | accessdate = 2006-12-20}}</ref> 9.6/10 from [[GameSpot]],<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/grandtheftautovicecity/index.html | title = ''Grand Theft Auto; Vice City'' (PS2) Review | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2006-12-20}}</ref> 5/5 from ''[[GamePro]]'',<ref name="GamePro review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26908.shtml | title = Review: ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' (PS2) | work = Official GamePro website | accessdate = 2006-12-20}}</ref> and 10/10 from ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]''. The game has a score of 95 out of 100 on the review compiling website [[Metacritic]] making ''Vice City'' the sixth highest rated PlayStation 2 game on the site.<ref name="Metacritic score">{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/ps2/scores/ | title = PlayStation 2 games by score | work = Metacritic | accessdate = 2006-12-20}}</ref> Most critics{{Who|date=December 2007}} praised the game for its open-ended action and entertaining re-creation of 1980s culture.


The control changes of the port were generally well received. Most reviewers found the targeting and shooting mechanics to be improved with mouse and keyboard controls;<ref name="GameSpot PC Review" /><ref name="IGN PC Review" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Taylor called them "far more fluid",<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review" /> and ''GameSpy''{{'}}s Accardo wrote "there's simply no substitute for aiming with a mouse".<ref name="GameSpy PC Review" /> However, the driving control changes were widely criticised;<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Butts called it "crap".<ref name="IGN PC Review" /> ''AllGame''{{'}}s Hoogland found the controls to be "more forgiving" over time.<ref name="AllGame PC Review" />
As of [[September 25]], [[2007]], ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' is the third [[2007 in video gaming#United States|best-selling video game in the United States]] with 6.8 million copies sold, ahead of its predecessor, ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', and behind its successor, ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'', according to the [[NPD Group]].<ref name="USsales">{{cite web |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070925-9999-1n25halo.html |title=Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales |accessdate=2007-10-29 |author=Jonathan Sidener |date=2007-09-25 |publisher=[[Signonsandiego]].com}}</ref> As of [[September 26]], [[2007]], ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' has sold 15 million units according to [[Take-Two Interactive]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Take-Two Interactive Software at Piper Jaffray Second Annual London Consumer Conference |publisher=Thomson Financial |date=2007-09-26 |url=http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/confLobby.zhtml?ticker=TTWO&item_id=1642557 |format=[[Webcast]]: Windows Media Player, Real Player |accessdate=2007-10-29 |quote=Grand Theft Auto III launched in 2001 and sold over 12 million units. We then shipped another sequel in 2002 which sold over 15 million units, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. And then in 2004 we shipped Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which sold a remarkable 20 million units...}}</ref> As of [[March 26]] [[2008]], ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' has sold 17.5 million units according to Take-Two Interactive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://taketwovalue.com/documents/TTWO_Value.pdf#page=12 |title=Recommendation of the Board of Directors to Reject Electronic Arts Inc.'s Tender Offer |accessdate=2008-04-01 |date=2008-03-26 |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.]] |pages=12 |format=[[PDF]]}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
==== Mobile version ====
{{Video game reviews
Like ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' has been labeled as violent and sexually explicit by many [[special interest group]]s, and is considered highly [[Video game controversy|controversial]]. Some suggest that parental supervision is necessary when young people play this game, since children were never the game's intended audience. The [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]] rated this game "M" for ''Mature''. In [[Australia]], it was slightly modified to comply with current Australian censorship laws; the ability to pick-up [[prostitute]]s was disabled, allowing the game to be given an MA15+ rating by the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]. In the UK, ''Vice City'' received an "[[18 certificate|18]]" certificate from the [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]].
| title = Mobile version reception
| MC = 80/100<ref name="MC Mobile" />
| Destruct = 7.5/10<ref name="Destructoid Mobile Review" />
| IGN = 7.7/10<ref name="IGN Mobile Review" />
| PG = 8/10<ref name="Pocket Gamer Review" />
| TA = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Touch Arcade Review" />
| rev1 = ''[[Digital Spy]]''
| rev1Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="Digital Spy Review" />
| rev2 = ''NowGamer''
| rev2Score = 7/10<ref name="NowGamer Mobile Review" />
| rev3 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]''
| rev3Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Telegraph Mobile Review" />
}}


When ''Vice City'' was released on mobile devices in December 2012,<ref name="Mobile Announce" /><ref name="Mobile Release" /> it received "generally favorable" reviews. Metacritic calculated an average score of 80 out of 100, based on 19 reviews.<ref name="MC Mobile" /> Reviewers liked the enhanced visuals,<ref name="IGN Mobile Review" /><ref name="Destructoid Mobile Review" /> but criticism was directed at the touchscreen controls.<ref name="Digital Spy Review" /><ref name="Pocket Gamer Review" />
[[Image:GTAVC PC Gang Attack.jpg|thumb|Attacking a Haitian gang in Little Haiti. The game was accused of inviting people to harm immigrant [[Cuba]]ns and [[Haiti]]ans, and featuring anti-Haitian and anti-Cuban phrases.]]


The port's visuals were well received. ''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Chris Carter felt that they "[suit] the neon and bright pastel veneer", and wrote that the "new lighting effects and smoothed-out engine really allow the game to pop like it never has before".<ref name="Destructoid Mobile Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Justin Davis praised the updated character models, lighting, and textures,<ref name="IGN Mobile Review" /> and ''Touch Arcade''{{'}}s Eric Ford noted that the "visuals are improved but not in a drastic manner".<ref name="Touch Arcade Review" /> ''[[NowGamer]]'' found that the mobile display improves the visual enjoyment of the game, despite the issues with the original game.<ref name="NowGamer Mobile Review" /> Tom Hoggins of ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' identified some issues with character models, but stated "the city looks terrific".<ref name="Telegraph Mobile Review" />
In November 2003, [[Cuba]]n and [[Haiti]]an groups in [[Florida]] targeted the title. They accused the game of inviting people to harm immigrants from those two nations.<ref name = "CubanHaitian">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news.html?sid=6084645| title = Haitian-Americans protest ''Vice City'' | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> The groups' claims of racism and incitement to genocide attracted a good deal of public attention towards ''Vice City''. Rockstar Games issued a press release stating that they understood the concern of Cubans and Haitians, but also believed those groups were blowing the issue out of proportion. Under further pressure, including threats from [[New York City]] [[Mayor]] [[Michael Bloomberg]] to "do everything we possibly can" if Rockstar did not comply. Take-Two (the game's publisher) did agree to remove several lines of dialogue.<ref name = "CubanHaitian2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news.html?sid=6085346 | title = Take-Two self-censoring ''Vice City'' | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> This seems to have largely satisfied the groups who raised the complaints, although the case was then referred to a [[state court]], downgraded from the initial decision to refer the case to a [[United States federal courts|federal court]].<ref name = "CubanHaitian3">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news.html?sid=6087048 | title = ''Vice City'' lawsuit switcheroo | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> In 2004, a new version of the game was released, removing and changing those lines of dialogue.<ref name = "CubanHaitian4">{{cite web | url = http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news.html?sid=6085346# | title = Take-Two self-censoring Vice City | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref>


Most reviewers criticised the port's touchscreen controls. ''[[Pocket Gamer]]''{{'}}s [[Game Maker's Toolkit|Mark Brown]] found them "not ideal", but noted that this was also the case in the original game,<ref name="Pocket Gamer Review" /> while ''[[Digital Spy]]''{{'}}s Scott Nichols felt that the game "only complicated [the controls] further".<ref name="Digital Spy Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Davis was thankful for the addition of customisable controls, and wrote that they "make the experience much more controllable",<ref name="IGN Mobile Review" /> and ''Touch Arcade''{{'}}s Ford greatly appreciated the developer's efforts to "make the situation bearable".<ref name="Touch Arcade Review" /> ''Destructoid''{{'}}s Carter spoke favourably of the controls, despite noting awkward character movement,<ref name="Destructoid Mobile Review" /> while ''The Telegraph''{{'}}s Hoggins found the controls "far more accomplished" than ''Grand Theft Auto III''{{'}}s mobile port.<ref name="Telegraph Mobile Review" />
In February 2005, a [[lawsuit]] was brought upon the makers and distributors of the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series claiming the games caused a teenager to shoot and kill three members of the [[Alabama]] police force. The shooting took place in June 2003 when [[Devin Moore]], 17 years old at the time, was brought in for questioning to a [[Fayette, Alabama|Fayette]] police station regarding a [[carjacking|stolen vehicle]]. Moore then grabbed a pistol from one of the police officers and shot and killed him along with another officer and [[dispatch (logistics)|dispatcher]] before fleeing in a police car.<ref name = "Devin Moore">{{cite news | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20050307095559/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=502424 |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=502424 |archivedate=2005-03-07 | title = Suit: Video Game Sparked Police Shootings | work = ABC News | date = 2005-03-07}}</ref><ref name = "Devin Moore2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftautovicecity/news.html?sid=6118699 | title = ''Grand Theft Auto'' sparks another lawsuit | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> One of Moore's attorneys, [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]], claimed it was ''GTA'''s graphic nature - with his constant playing time - that caused Moore to commit the murders, and Moore's family agrees. Damages are being sought from the [[Jasper, Alabama|Jasper]] branches of [[GameStop]] and [[Wal-Mart]], the stores from which ''GTA III'' and ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', respectively, were purchased and also from the games' publisher [[Take-Two Interactive]], and the [[PlayStation 2]] manufacturer [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]. The case is currently being heard by the same judge who presided over Moore's criminal trial, in which he was sentenced to death for his actions.


=== Accolades ===
In September 2006, [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]] brought another lawsuit, claiming that [[Cody Posey]] played the game obsessively before murdering his father, stepmother, and stepsister on a ranch in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]]. The suit was filed on behalf of the victims' families.<ref name = "Cody Posey">{{cite web | url = http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/sep/25/video-game-maker-blamed-04-killing/ | title = Video-game maker blamed in '04 killing | work = The Albuquerque Tribune | accessdate = 2006-09-27}}</ref> During the criminal trial, Posey's defense team argued he was abused by his father, and tormented by his stepmother.<ref name = "Posey Abuse">{{cite web | url = http://gamepolitics.com/2006/09/25/jack-thompson-lawsuit-to-be-filed-in-albuquerque/ | title = Jack Thompson Lawsuit to be Filed in Albuquerque | work = Game Politics.com | date=2006-09-25 | accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref> Posey was also taking [[Sertraline|Zoloft]] at the time of the killings.<ref name = "Cody Posey2a">{{cite web | url = http://www.courttv.com/talk/chat_transcripts/2006/0208posey-ockenfels.html | title = Vera Ockenfels, the Cody Posey defense team's mitigation specialist, discusses his conviction (transcript) (February 8, 2006) | work = Courtroom Television | accessdate = 2006-09-27}}</ref> The suit alleged that were it not for his obsessive playing of ''Vice City'', the murders would not have taken place.<ref name = "Cody Posey3">{{cite web | url = http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1526&Itemid=2 | title = Antigame Crusader in ABQ | work = ABQnewsSeeker | accessdate = 2006-09-27}}</ref> Named in the suit were Cody Posey, Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, and Sony. The suit asked for US$600 million in damages.<ref name = "Suit Damage">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/jack-thompson-becomes-boring/ | title = Jack Thompson becomes boring | work = Joystiq | date=2006-09-27 |accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref>
''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' received multiple nominations and awards from [[gaming publications]]. It was nominated for six awards at the [[6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]],<ref name="AIAS Nom"/> of which it won [[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year]];<ref name="AIAS Win"/> it was nominated for Computer Action/Adventure Game of the Year [[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|the following year]].<ref name="AIAS Nom"/> It led the [[1st British Academy Games Awards]] with eight nominations and six awards, including PlayStation 2 Game,<ref name="BAFTA PS2" /> PC Game,<ref name="BAFTA PC" /> Action Game,<ref name="BAFTA Action" /> Design,<ref name="BAFTA Design" /> and Sound.<ref name="BAFTA Sound" /> It was similarly named the Best PlayStation 2 game at the [[Golden Joystick Awards]]<ref name="Golden Joystick" /> and from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'',{{sfn|Kushner|2012|p=129}} ''IGN'',<ref name="IGN GOTY" /> and ''GameSpot'',<ref name="GameSpot GOTY" /> and was awarded the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.<ref name="Golden Joystick Ultimate" /> ''GameSpot'' awarded it Best Action/Adventure Game,<ref name="GameSpot ActionAdventure" /> Best Music,<ref name="GameSpot Music" /> and Best Graphics (Technical and Artistic).<ref name="GameSpot GraphicsT" /><ref name="GameSpot GraphicsA" /> ''IGN'' awarded it Best Action/Adventure Game,<ref name="IGN Action" /> and it was the runner-up for Reader's Choice Overall Game of the Year.<ref name="IGN GOTY Overall" />


== References ==
== Sales ==
Within 24 hours of its release, ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' sold over 500,000 copies.<ref name="GameSpot Sales" /> Within two days of its release, it sold 1.4 million copies, making it the fastest-selling game in history at the time.{{sfn|Kushner|2012|p=128}} It was the highest-selling game of 2002 in the United States;<ref name="NPD 2002" /> by 2004, the game had sold 5.97&nbsp;million units,<ref name="Magic 2004" /> and by December 2007 it had sold 8.20&nbsp;million.<ref name="Magic 2007" /> By July 2006, it had sold 7 million copies and earned $300&nbsp;million in the United States alone. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country, beating ''Grand Theft Auto III'' and ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=29 July 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=28 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2005, it was re-released as part of PlayStation's [[Greatest Hits (PlayStation)|Greatest Hits]] selection, indicating high sales.<ref name="Greatest Hits" /> In Japan, ''Vice City'' sold about 223,000 copies in its first week and over 410,000 by January 2008.<ref name="Japan Sales" /> The game earned a "Diamond" award in the United Kingdom, indicating over one million sales.<ref name="UK Diamond" /> ''Vice City'' was one of the [[best-selling PlayStation 2 games|PlayStation 2's best-selling games]] with 14.2&nbsp;million copies sold,<ref name="Guinness 2009"/> and across all platforms it sold 17.5&nbsp;million units by March 2008.<ref name="March 08 Sales" />
{{reflist|2}}

== Controversies ==
Similar to its predecessors, ''Vice City'' was labelled violent and explicit and considered controversial by many [[Advocacy groups|special interest groups]].<ref name="Chicago Theory" />{{sfn|Chess|2006|pp=80–90}}<ref name="NYTimes Amendment" />{{sfn|Egenfeldt-Nielsen|Smith|Tosca|2016|p=166}} Peter Hartlaub of ''[[SFGate]]'' noted the game's "mindless violence", but attributed it to the developers' attempt to achieve accuracy.<ref name="SFGate" /> Jeremy Pope, who worked on various Rockstar games including ''Vice City'', vowed never to work on violent games again due to their portrayal in mainstream media.<ref name="Gamesindustry Pope" /> In Australia, the game was pre-edited to receive an MA15+ classification;<ref name="Australia 2002" /> an uncensored version was released in the region in 2010, retaining its classification.<ref name="Australia 2010" />

[[File:GTAVC PC Gang Attack.jpg|thumb|The game allows the player to fight immigrant gangs made up of [[Haitians]] (pictured) and [[Cubans]], and missions involve fighting both gangs. Civil rights organisations accused the game of inviting ethnic violence, and of featuring discriminatory phrases.]]

In November 2003, the Haitian Centers Council and Haitian Americans for Human Rights staged a protest in New York publicly criticising the game, contending that it invited the player to harm Haitian immigrants and claiming that it depicted Haitians as "thugs, thieves and drug dealers".<ref name="GameSpot Haitian1" /> In response, Rockstar issued a press release apologising and acknowledging the concern, but insisted that the violence should be taken within the context of the game, which also contains violence towards other [[race and video games|ethnic groups]].<ref name="IGN Haitian" /> When New York mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] threatened distributor [[Take-Two Interactive]] with legal action, the company apologised and removed offensive statements from future copies of the game.<ref name="GameSpot Haitian2" /> In January 2004, [[North Miami]]'s majority [[Haitian-American]] council filed an ordinance to ban the selling or renting of violent games to anyone under 18 without parental permission. The proposal, apparently sparked by ''Vice City'', was supported by North Miami mayor [[Josaphat Celestin]], who stated "We don't believe the [[First Amendment]] was written to protect those who want to incite violence".<ref name="GameSpot Haitian3" /> The case was later downgraded from [[Federal judiciary of the United States|federal court]] to [[State court (United States)|state court]].<ref name="GameSpot Haitian4" />

On 7 June 2003, 18-year-old [[Devin Moore (murderer)|Devin Moore]] shot and killed two [[Alabamian]] police officers and a dispatcher before fleeing in a patrol car; he was later apprehended. In statements to police, Moore reportedly said "Life is like a video game. Everybody's got to die sometime".<ref name="CBS Moore" /> A $600&nbsp;million [[lawsuit]] was filed against Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, [[Sony Computer Entertainment]], [[GameStop]], and [[Wal-Mart]], claiming that Moore frequently played ''Vice City'' and that his experience with the game led him to commit the crimes. The plaintiffs' attorney, [[Jack Thompson (activist)|Jack Thompson]], claimed the graphic nature of the game caused Moore to commit the murders.<ref name="GameSpot Moore1" /> Thompson removed himself from the case ''[[Strickland v. Sony]]'' in November 2005<ref name="GameSpot Moore2" /> after being scrutinised by the judge for unprofessional conduct.<ref name="GameSpot Moore3" /> In March 2006, the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] rejected an appeal by the defendants to dismiss the case.<ref name="GameSpot Moore4" />

In September 2006, Thompson brought another $600&nbsp;million lawsuit against Cody Posey, Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, and Sony Computer Entertainment.<ref name="Engadget Posey" /><ref name="Tribune Posey" /> The lawsuit claimed that 14-year-old Posey played the game obsessively before murdering his father, stepmother, and stepsister on a ranch in [[Lincoln County, New Mexico|Hondo, New Mexico]].<ref name="GameSpot Posey" /> Posey's defence team argued that he was abused by his father<ref name="GamePolitics Posey" /> and was taking [[Zoloft]] at the time of the killings.<ref name="CourtTV Posey" /> The suit alleged that the murders would not have taken place if Posey had not obsessively played ''Vice City''.<ref name="ABQJournal Posey" /> The case was dismissed in December 2007, as New Mexico held no jurisdiction over Sony or Take-Two.<ref name="GamePolitics Posey2" />

In July 2017, the Psychic Readers Network (PRN) sued Rockstar over the character named Auntie Poulet, alleging similarities between the character and [[Youree Harris]], who voiced the character.<ref name="Eurogamer Poulet" /> Brandon J. Huffman, a lawyer for Odin Law and Media, noted that PRN's lawsuit faced challenges due to the timing of the lawsuit, as the [[Eleventh Circuit]]'s [[statute of limitations]] for copyright infringement is three years; the lawsuit was filed almost 15 years after the game's release. Huffman added that Take-Two could also claim [[parody]] or [[settle out of court]], but that it was unlikely to do either initially.<ref name="Mashable Poulet" />

== Legacy ==
Mike Snider of ''[[USA Today]]'' wrote that ''Vice City'' "raised the bar for video games", citing its interactivity, violence, and soundtrack.<ref name="USA Today" /> ''[[Kotaku]]''{{'}}s Luke Plunkett and ''[[PC Magazine]]''{{'}}s Jeffrey L. Wilson both named ''Vice City'' the best game in the series, with the former naming it the "perfect ''Grand Theft Auto'' experience".<ref name="Kotaku Best" /><ref name="PCMag Best" /> The readers of ''[[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]]'' named ''Vice City'' the fourth-greatest PlayStation title ever released.<ref name="OPM Best" /> In 2006 ''Vice City'' appeared on Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''{{'}}s readers' list of top 100 games; it was one of the only [[Western world|Western]] titles on the list.<ref name="Famitsu 100" /> Art director Aaron Garbut felt that, alongside its predecessor ''Grand Theft Auto III'' and successor ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|San Andreas]]'', ''Vice City'' led the trend of open world games.<ref name="Crave" /> A new rendition of Vice City is set to return in ''[[Grand Theft Auto VI]]'' (2025).<ref name="Verge GTA VI"/>

=== Ports ===
''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' was released for Windows on 13 May 2003 in North America and 16 May in Europe,<ref name="Date PC"/> supporting higher screen resolutions and draw distance, and featuring more detailed textures.<ref name="PC" /> ''Vice City'' was bundled with ''Grand Theft Auto III'' in a compilation titled ''Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack'', released on the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] on 4 November 2003 in North America<ref name="Date Xbox NA"/> and 2 January 2004 in Europe.<ref name="Date Xbox EU"/> The Xbox version featured a custom soundtrack support as well as improved audio, [[Model (computer games)|polygon models]], and reflections over the previous ports.<ref name="Xbox" /> ''Double Pack'' was later bundled with ''San Andreas'' in a compilation titled ''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy]]'', released in October 2005.<ref name="Trilogy"/> Analysts believed that the game would eventually release on GameCube,<ref name="GameCube"/> though it never materialised.<ref name="GameCube 2"/> ''The Trilogy'' was also released for [[OS X]] on 12 November 2010.<ref name="Mac" /> For the game's tenth anniversary in 2012, War Drum Studios ported ''Vice City'' to several [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices. The port is almost identical to the Windows version of the game, but with enhanced visuals and a customisable layout.<ref name="Mobile Announce" /> The iOS version was released on 6 December, while the Android version was briefly delayed to 12 December due to technical issues.<ref name="iOS Release" /><ref name="Android Release" /> This port was also released on [[Fire OS]] devices on 15 May 2014.<ref name="Fire OS" /> An [[Video game console emulator|emulated]] version of ''Vice City'' was released on the [[PlayStation 3]] on 30 January 2013 via the [[PlayStation Network]]'s [[PS2 Classics]];<ref name="PS3" /> another emulated version was released for the [[PlayStation 4]] on 5 December 2015, upscaled to [[1080p]] and with support for [[PlayStation Network#Trophies|PlayStation Trophies]].<ref name="PS4" />

A [[remastered]] version of ''The Trilogy'' subtitled ''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition|The Definitive Edition]]'', including ''Vice City'', was released for the [[Nintendo Switch]], PlayStation 4, [[PlayStation 5]], Windows, [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on 11 November 2021,<ref name="Definitive Edition"/> and for Android and iOS on 14 December 2023.<ref name="Definitive Edition 3"/> Existing versions of the game were removed from digital retailers in preparation for ''The Definitive Edition'',<ref name="Definitive Edition"/> but later restored as a bundle on the Rockstar Store.<ref name="Definitive Edition 2"/>

A core team of six fans [[reverse-engineered]] the game and released it as an [[executable]] in December 2020, having worked on it since May; titled ''reVC'', the project allows the game to be unofficially ported to platforms such as [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation Vita]], and [[Wii U]].<ref name="reVC Eurogamer" /><ref name="reVC GameSpot" /> Take-Two issued a [[DMCA takedown]] for the project in February 2021.<ref name="reVC Eurogamer DMCA" /> In April, Theo, a New Zealand-based developer who maintained a [[Fork (software development)|fork]] of the source code, filed a counter-notice on [[GitHub]], claiming that the code does not contain any original work owned by Take-Two; per DMCA rules regarding disputes, Theo's content was restored after two weeks.<ref name="reVC Kotaku" /> On 10 June 2021, the team behind ''reVC'' filed a counter-notice; per DMCA rules regarding disputes, the source code was restored after two weeks.<ref name="reVC Eurogamer DMCA 2" /> In September 2021, Take-Two filed a lawsuit in California against the programmers, asserting that the projects constitute copyright infringement.<ref name="reVC Lawsuit" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="GameSpot Walkthrough">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-walkthrough/1100-6084785/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Walkthrough |last=Speer |first=Justin |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=26 January 2009 |access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016041915/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-walkthrough/1100-6084785/ |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Capcom">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/22/capcom-announces-vice-city-campaign |title=Capcom Announces Vice City Campaign |last=Hitmitsu |first=Suppai |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=23 April 2004 |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215161353/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/22/capcom-announces-vice-city-campaign |archive-date=15 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Guns">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2002/10/03/gta-vice-city-guns-guns-and-more-guns |title=GTA: Vice City: Guns, Guns, and More Guns |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=3 October 2002 |access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131225106/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/03/gta-vice-city-guns-guns-and-more-guns |archive-date=31 January 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Vienna">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-closes-rockstar-vienna/1100-6150769/ |title=Take-Two closes Rockstar Vienna |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=11 May 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106030305/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-closes-rockstar-vienna/1100-6150769/ |archive-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Development -->

<ref name="Crave">{{cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/site/201175-missing-you-looking-back-at-gta-vice-city-w-rockstar-games |title=Missing You: Looking Back at GTA: Vice City w/ Rockstar Games |last=Norris |first=Erik |work=[[CraveOnline]] |publisher=Atomic Media |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150207/http://www.craveonline.com/site/201175-missing-you-looking-back-at-gta-vice-city-w-rockstar-games |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="Date PS2">{{cite press release |url=https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-playstation-r-2 |title=Rockstar Games Ships Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PlayStation-R-2 Computer Entertainment System |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=29 October 2002 |quote=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is currently available at stores in North America, and will be available in Europe on November 8th. |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523081609/https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-playstation-r-2 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Design Museum">{{cite web |url=http://designmuseum.org/design/rockstar-games |title=Rockstar Games – Design/Designer Information |publisher=[[Design Museum]] |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105233001/http://designmuseum.org/design/rockstar-games |archive-date=5 November 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="Digital Trends">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/exploring-grand-theft-auto-vice-citys-lasting-impact-on-gamer-culture-with-rockstars-leslie-benzies/ |title=Exploring Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's lasting impact on society with Rockstar's Leslie Benzies |last=Rosenberg |first=Adam |publisher=[[Digital Trends]] |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214220403/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/exploring-grand-theft-auto-vice-citys-lasting-impact-on-gamer-culture-with-rockstars-leslie-benzies/ |archive-date=14 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Edge 1">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/ |title=The Making Of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |page=1 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209050201/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/ |archive-date=9 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Edge 2">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/2 |title=The Making Of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |page=2 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210064842/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/2 |archive-date=10 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Edge 4">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/4 |title=The Making Of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |page=4 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210064852/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-grand-theft-auto-vice-city/4 |archive-date=10 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra Rockstar Launcher">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/350814/Rockstar_Games_now_has_its_own_game_launcher_on_PC.php |title=Rockstar Games now has its own game launcher on PC |last=McAloon |first=Alissa |work=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM Technology Group]] |date=17 September 2019 |access-date=17 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926130554/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/350814/Rockstar_Games_now_has_its_own_game_launcher_on_PC.php |archive-date=26 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Animation">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-animation-qanda/1100-2882501/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Animation Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=28 February 2003 |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107014451/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-animation-qanda/1100-2882501/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Announcement">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2002-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-announced/1100-2866693/ |title=E3 2002: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City announced |last=Walker |first=Trey |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=22 May 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106030305/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2002-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-announced/1100-2866693/ |archive-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Gold">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-goes-gold/1100-2894689/ |title=GTA: Vice City goes gold |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=15 October 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107015128/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-goes-gold/1100-2894689/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Graphics">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-graphics-qanda/1100-2881042/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Graphics Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=20 September 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530035814/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-graphics-qanda/1100-2881042/ |archive-date=30 May 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Interaction">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-interaction-qanda/1100-2895857/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Interaction Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=25 October 2002 |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107013836/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-interaction-qanda/1100-2895857/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot III">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dan-houser-opens-up-about-grand-theft-auto-iii/1100-6341347/ |title=Dan Houser Opens Up About Grand Theft Auto III |last=McInnis |first=Shaun |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=21 October 2011 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019000950/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dan-houser-opens-up-about-grand-theft-auto-iii/1100-6341347/|archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Delay">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-delayed/1100-2879482/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City delayed |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=6 September 2002 |access-date=28 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021165138/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-delayed/1100-2879482/ |archive-date=21 October 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Level Design">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-level-design-qanda/1100-2885365/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Level Design Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=28 February 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202000917/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-level-design-qanda/1100-2885365/ |archive-date=2 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Physics">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-physics-qanda/1100-2881862/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Physics Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=15 March 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107012934/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-physics-qanda/1100-2881862/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Radio">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-talk-radio-qanda/1100-2895111/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Talk Radio Q&A |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=20 November 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107015606/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-talk-radio-qanda/1100-2895111/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/huge-day-one-sales-for-vice-city/1100-2896259/ |title=Huge day-one sales for Vice City |last=Parker |first=Sam |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=30 October 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107061016/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/huge-day-one-sales-for-vice-city/1100-2896259/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Soundtrack 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-to-be-released-alongside-soundtracks/1100-2879673/ |title=GTA: Vice City to be released alongside soundtracks |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=10 September 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107061239/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-to-be-released-alongside-soundtracks/1100-2879673/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Soundtrack 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-soundtrack-cd-rom-details/1100-2882302/ |title=GTA: Vice City soundtrack CD-ROM details |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=3 October 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107063912/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-vice-city-soundtrack-cd-rom-details/1100-2882302/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar Sam">{{cite web|url=https://gamesradar.com/sam-houser-gta-iv-crazier-than-ever/2/ |title=Sam Houser: "GTA IV crazier than ever" |work=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=11 March 2008 |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122631/http://www.gamesradar.com/sam-houser-gta-iv-crazier-than-ever/2/ |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IBTimes Soundtrack">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/former-rockstar-music-director-explains-how-gta-radio-soundtracks-are-put-together-1490252 |title=Former Rockstar music director explains how GTA radio soundtracks are put together |last=Skipper |first=Ben |work=[[International Business Times]] |publisher=[[IBT Media]] |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620122913/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/former-rockstar-music-director-explains-how-gta-radio-soundtracks-are-put-together-1490252 |archive-date=20 June 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Inside 1">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city |title=Inside Vice City |page=1 |last1=Sulic |first1=Ivan |last2=Perry |first2=Doug |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=7 April 2003 |access-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929014045/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Inside 2">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=2 |title=Inside Vice City |page=2 |last1=Sulic |first1=Ivan |last2=Perry |first2=Doug |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=7 April 2003 |access-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928225035/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=2 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Inside 3">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=3 |title=Inside Vice City |page=3 |last1=Sulic |first1=Ivan |last2=Perry |first2=Doug |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=7 April 2003 |access-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929002416/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=3 |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Inside 4">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=4 |title=Inside Vice City |page=4 |last1=Sulic |first1=Ivan |last2=Perry |first2=Doug |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=7 April 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928223501/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/07/inside-vice-city?page=4 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Unplugged">{{cite journal |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |date=October 2002 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |journal=IGN Unplugged |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=17 |pages=8–15 }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Voice">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2002/10/25/the-voice-of-vice-city |title=The Voice of Vice City |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=25 October 2002 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103081517/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/25/the-voice-of-vice-city |archive-date=3 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="NYT">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/27/style/bigger-bolder-faster-weirder.html?pagewanted=2 |title=Bigger, Bolder, Faster, Weirder |page=2 |last=Leland |first=John |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=27 October 2002 |accessdate=4 August 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527214800/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/27/style/bigger-bolder-faster-weirder.html?pagewanted=2 |archivedate=27 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="THR Marketing">{{cite magazine |title=Game points. |last=Parisi |first=Paula |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=Billboard Media LLC |volume=385 |issue=7 |date=10 August 2004 |id={{Gale|A121283480}} }}</ref>

<!-- Initial release -->

<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-vice-city/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PlayStation 2 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412124754/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |archive-date=12 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="MC PS2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/release-date/available/ps2/metascore |title=All PlayStation 2 Video Game Releases |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416031444/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/release-date/available/ps2/metascore |archive-date=16 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="AllGame Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39501&tab=review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Review |last=Marriott |first=Scott Alan |work=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210172958/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39501&tab=review |archive-date=10 December 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="Edge Review">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Review |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=27 November 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211103011/http://www.edge-online.com/review/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/ |archive-date=11 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vicecity_ps2 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=8 November 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103605/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vicecity_ps2 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameInformer Review">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200212/R03.0730.1552.03995.htm |title=The Winner, and Still Champion |last1=Helgeson |first1=Matt |last2=Leeper |first2=Justin |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031031065833/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200212/R03.0730.1552.03995.htm |archive-date=31 October 2003 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameRev Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Review |last=Silverman |first=Ben |work=[[Game Revolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |date=1 November 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328163615/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |archive-date=28 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/1900-2895954/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Review |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=28 October 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016205722/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/1900-2895954/ |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpy Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november02/gtavicecityps2/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2) – Review |last=Padilla |first=Raymond |work=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=5 November 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021107013750/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november02/gtavicecityps2/ |archive-date=7 November 2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2002/10/28/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=28 October 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029065427/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/28/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |archive-date=29 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Windows version -->

<ref name="MC PC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-vice-city/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409000435/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/grand-theft-auto-vice-city |archive-date=9 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="MC Top PC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/pc/filtered?sort=desc&year_selected=2003 |title=Best PC Video Games for 2003 |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420171736/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/pc/filtered?sort=desc&year_selected=2003 |archive-date=20 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="AllGame PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39666&tab=review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Review |last=Hoogland |first=Mark |work=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211150423/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39666&tab=review |archive-date=11 December 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vicecity_pc |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |last=Taylor |first=Martin |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=2 June 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421144433/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vicecity_pc |archive-date=21 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/1900-6028854/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Review |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=23 May 2003 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014161708/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review/1900-6028854/ |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpy PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/may03/vicecitypc/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC) – Review |last=Accardo |first=Sal |work=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=9 May 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030516025009/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/may03/vicecitypc/ |archive-date=16 May 2003 }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN PC Review">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/05/23/gta-vice-city-review |title=GTA Vice City Review |last=Butts |first=Steve |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=23 May 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026010718/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/23/gta-vice-city-review |archive-date=26 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Mobile version -->

<ref name="MC Mobile">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-editi/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition for iPhone/iPad Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409211234/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-edition |archive-date=9 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Destructoid Mobile Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10-year-anniversary-239831.phtml |title=Review: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: 10 Year Anniversary |last=Carter |first=Chris |work=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=ModernMethod |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905190021/http://www.destructoid.com/review-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10-year-anniversary-239831.phtml |archive-date=5 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Mobile Review">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2012/12/18/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-ios-review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City iOS Review |last=Davis |first=Justin |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219141737/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/12/18/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-ios-review |archive-date=19 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Digital Spy Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a444386/mobile-review-round-up-gta-vice-city-knightscape-more/ |title=Mobile review round-up: 'GTA: Vice City', 'KnightScape', more |last=Nichols |first=Scott |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122130106/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a444386/mobile-review-round-up-gta-vice-city-knightscape-more/ |archive-date=22 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="NowGamer Mobile Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/gta-vice-city-ipad-review/ |title=GTA: Vice City iPad Review |work=NowGamer |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221042415/https://www.nowgamer.com/gta-vice-city-ipad-review/ |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Pocket Gamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Grand+Theft+Auto%3A+Vice+City+10th+Anniversary+Edition/review.asp?c=47098 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition review |last=Brown |first=Mark |author-link=Game Maker's Toolkit |work=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411195722/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Grand+Theft+Auto%3A+Vice+City+10th+Anniversary+Edition/review.asp?c=47098 |archive-date=11 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Telegraph Mobile Review">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-app-reviews/9750548/Grand-Theft-Auto-Vice-City-10th-Anniversary-Edition-review.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition review |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]] |date=17 December 2012 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525141806/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-app-reviews/9750548/Grand-Theft-Auto-Vice-City-10th-Anniversary-Edition-review.html |archive-date=25 May 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Touch Arcade Review">{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2012/12/31/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review-a-totally-rad-port/ |title='Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' Review – A Totally Rad Port (Review) |last=Ford |first=Eric |publisher=Touch Arcade |date=31 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418154836/http://toucharcade.com/2012/12/31/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-review-a-totally-rad-port/ |archive-date=18 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Sales -->

<ref name="Greatest Hits">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47109&tab=review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City [Greatest Hits] – REview |last=Marriott |first=Scott Alan |work=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211150434/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47109&tab=review |archive-date=11 December 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="Guinness 2009">{{cite book |title=Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition |page=108 |editor-last=Glenday |editor-first=Craig |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]] |date=February 2009 |isbn=978-1-904-99445-9 }}</ref>

<ref name="Japan Sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |title=Sony PS2 Japanese Ranking |publisher=Japan Game Charts |date=13 January 2008 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116201555/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |archive-date=16 January 2008 }}</ref>

<ref name="Magic 2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Chart Games |publisher=The MagicBox |date=5 June 2004 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605003941/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=5 June 2004 }}</ref>

<ref name="Magic 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Chart Games |publisher=The MagicBox |date=27 December 2007 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411183220/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=11 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="March 08 Sales">{{cite web|url=http://taketwovalue.com/documents/TTWO_Value.pdf#page=12 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Recommendation of the Board of Directors to Reject Electronic Arts Inc.'s Tender Offer |page=12 |format=PDF |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408234728/http://taketwovalue.com/documents/TTWO_Value.pdf#page=12 |archive-date=8 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="NPD 2002">{{cite web|url=https://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_030128a.htm |title=The NPD Group Reports Annual 2002 U.S. Video Game Sales Break Record |location=Port Washington, New York |last1=Radwick |first1=Dora |last2=Dolan |first2=Sean P. |publisher=[[NPD Group]] |date=27 January 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306233306/https://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_030128a.htm |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="UK Diamond">{{cite web|url=http://www.elspa.com/?i=3946 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Diamond |publisher=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703023209/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3946 |archive-date=3 July 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<!-- Accolades -->

<ref name="AIAS Win">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/2002-aias-award-winners-announced/1100-2911851/ |title=2002 AIAS award winners announced |last=Colayco |first=Bob |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=4 March 2003 |accessdate=12 July 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519115258/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/2002-aias-award-winners-announced/1100-2911851/ |archivedate=19 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="AIAS Nom">{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=299 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |accessdate=12 July 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510120512/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=299 |archivedate=10 May 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA PC">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/pc |title=PC in 2004 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408024130/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/pc |archive-date=8 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA PS2">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/ps2 |title=PS2 in 2004 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407080302/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/ps2 |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA Action">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/action-adventure |title=Action Game in 2004 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407202854/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/action-adventure |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA Design">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/design |title=Design in 2004 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407075917/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/design |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA Sound">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/sound |title=Sound in 2004 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407084037/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games/sound |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot ActionAdventure">{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps29.html |title=GameSpot Presents: The Best and Worst of 2002 – Best Action Adventure Game on PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223105037/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps29.html |archive-date=23 December 2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps226.html |title=GameSpot Presents: The Best and Worst of 2002 – Game of the Year on PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223110216/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps226.html |archive-date=23 December 2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot GraphicsA">{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps25.html |title=GameSpot Presents: The Best and Worst of 2002 – Best Graphics (Artistic) on PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223104829/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps25.html |archive-date=23 December 2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot GraphicsT">{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps24.html |title=GameSpot Presents: The Best and Worst of 2002 – Best Graphics (Technical) on PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223104757/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps24.html |archive-date=23 December 2002 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Music">{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps21.html |title=GameSpot Presents: The Best and Worst of 2002 – Special AChievement Awards: Best Music on PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030202040423/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ps21.html |archive-date=2 February 2003 }}</ref>

<ref name="Golden Joystick">{{cite web|url=http://www.gry-online.pl/S013.asp?ID=11106 |title=Laureaci "Golden Joystick" wyłonieni |language=pl |trans-title=The winners of the "Golden Joystick" chosen |date=23 November 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215125427/http://www.gry-online.pl/S013.asp?ID=11106 |archive-date=15 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Golden Joystick Ultimate">{{cite web|url=https://gamesradar.com/golden-joysticks-ultimate-list-ultimate-games-1983-2014/ |title=Golden Joysticks Awards' Ultimate List of Ultimate Games: 1983–2014 |work=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=15 October 2015 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308021837/http://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joysticks-ultimate-list-ultimate-games-1983-2014/ |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN GOTY">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/01/17/best-of-2002-best-game-of-the-year |title=Best of 2002: Best Game of the Year |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=17 January 2003 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108074600/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/17/best-of-2002-best-game-of-the-year |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN GOTY Overall">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/01/24/2002-overall-game-of-the-year?page=3 |title=2002 Overall Game of the Year |page=3 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=24 January 2003 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105052532/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/24/2002-overall-game-of-the-year?page=3 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Action">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/383/383174p1.html |title=PlayStation 2: Best of 2002: Adventure Game of the Year |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=17 January 2003 |access-date=17 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207214153/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/383/383174p1.html |archive-date=7 February 2003 }}</ref>

<!-- Controversies -->

<ref name="ABQJournal Posey">{{cite web|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/23224/abqnewsseeker/935am-antigame-crusader-in-abq.html |title=9:35am — Antigame Crusader in ABQ |work=[[Albuquerque Journal]] |publisher=Journal Publishing Company |date=25 September 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106231221/http://www.abqjournal.com/23224/abqnewsseeker/935am-antigame-crusader-in-abq.html |archive-date=6 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Australia 2002">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2002/10/24/gta-vice-city-different-down-under |title=GTA: Vice City Different Down Under |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=24 October 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929014055/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/24/gta-vice-city-different-down-under |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Australia 2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2010/07/08/gta-vice-city-mysteriously-rated-by-oflc/ |title=Aussie GTA: Vice City rating related to PC back catalogue business |last=Garratt |first=Patrick |website=[[VG247]] |date=8 July 2010 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906103612/http://www.vg247.com/2010/07/08/gta-vice-city-mysteriously-rated-by-oflc/ |archive-date=6 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CBS Moore">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-a-video-game-lead-to-murder-04-03-2005/ |title=Can A Video Game Lead To Murder? |last=Leung |first=Rebecca |work=[[CBS News]] |publisher=[[CBS]] |date=4 March 2005 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408211721/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-a-video-game-lead-to-murder-04-03-2005/ |archive-date=8 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Chicago Theory">{{cite web|url=http://csmt.uchicago.edu/prospectus/moranfinal.htm |title=Grand Theft Theory: Vice City |last=Moran |first=Chuk |work=The Chicago School of Medical Theory |publisher=[[University of Chicago]] |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929201057/http://csmt.uchicago.edu/prospectus/moranfinal.htm |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CourtTV Posey">{{cite web |url=http://www.courttv.com/talk/chat_transcripts/2006/0208posey-ockenfels.html |title=Homicide at Sam Donaldson's Ranch |work=[[TruTV|Court TV]] |publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]] |date=8 February 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316231614/http://www.courttv.com/talk/chat_transcripts/2006/0208posey-ockenfels.html |archive-date=16 March 2006 }}</ref>

<ref name="Engadget Posey">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/09/27/jack-thompson-becomes-boring/ |title=Jack Thompson becomes boring |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=27 September 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109114145/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/27/jack-thompson-becomes-boring/ |archive-date=9 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer Poulet">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-02-rockstar-sued-over-auntie-poulet-from-15-year-old-grand-theft-auto-vice-city |title=Rockstar sued over Auntie Poulet from 15-year-old Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=2 August 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804032032/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-02-rockstar-sued-over-auntie-poulet-from-15-year-old-grand-theft-auto-vice-city |archive-date=4 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Haitian">{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/12/10/gta-vice-city-apology |title=GTA: Vice City Apology |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=9 December 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929014115/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/10/gta-vice-city-apology |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GamePolitics Posey">{{cite web |url=http://gamepolitics.com/2006/09/25/jack-thompson-lawsuit-to-be-filed-in-albuquerque/ |title=Jack Thompson Lawsuit to be Filed in Albuquerque |work=[[GamePolitics.com]] |publisher=[[Entertainment Consumers Association]] |date=25 September 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214122056/http://gamepolitics.com/2006/09/25/jack-thompson-lawsuit-to-be-filed-in-albuquerque/ |archive-date=14 February 2007 }}</ref>

<ref name="GamePolitics Posey2">{{cite web|url=http://gamepolitics.com/2008/05/20/jack-thompson039s-gta-vice-city-lawsuit-tossed-out-new-mexico-appeals-court/ |title=Jack Thompson's GTA Vice City Lawsuit Tossed Out by New Mexico Appeals Court |work=[[GamePolitics.com]] |publisher=[[Entertainment Consumers Association]] |date=20 May 2008 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422023105/http://gamepolitics.com/2008/05/20/jack-thompson039s-gta-vice-city-lawsuit-tossed-out-new-mexico-appeals-court/ |archive-date=22 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Gamesindustry Pope">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-17-former-gta-producer-why-ill-never-work-on-violent-games-again |title=Former GTA Producer: Why I'll Never Work On Violent Games Again |last=Brightman |first=James |work=[[Gamesindustry.biz]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=20 May 2013 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120085701/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-17-former-gta-producer-why-ill-never-work-on-violent-games-again |archive-date=20 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Haitian1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/haitian-americans-protest-vice-city/1100-6084645/ |title=Haitian-Americans protest Vice City |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=25 November 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127213136/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/haitian-americans-protest-vice-city/1100-6084645/ |archive-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Haitian2">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-self-censoring-vice-city/1100-6085346/ |title=Take-Two self-censoring Vice City |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=9 December 2003 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211212715/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-self-censoring-vice-city/1100-6085346/ |archive-date=11 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Haitian3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-incites-miami-ordinance-proposal/1100-6086551/ |title=Vice City incites Miami ordinance proposal |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=15 January 2004 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107015344/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-incites-miami-ordinance-proposal/1100-6086551/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Haitian4">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-lawsuit-switcheroo/1100-6087048/ |title=Vice City lawsuit switcheroo |last=Thorsen |first=Tom |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=26 January 2004 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150108014441/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-lawsuit-switcheroo/1100-6087048/ |archive-date=8 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Moore1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-sparks-another-lawsuit/1100-6118699/ |title=Grand Theft Auto sparks another lawsuit |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=16 February 2005 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228023511/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-sparks-another-lawsuit/1100-6118699/ |archive-date=28 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Moore2">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/controversial-lawyer-exits-gta-case/1100-6139347/ |title=Controversial lawyer exits GTA case |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=7 November 2005 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824170531/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/controversial-lawyer-exits-gta-case/1100-6139347/ |archive-date=24 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Moore3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/civil-suit-in-alabama-goes-forward/1100-6141238/ |title=Civil suit in Alabama goes forward |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=14 December 2005 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107015540/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/civil-suit-in-alabama-goes-forward/1100-6141238/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Moore4">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-killer-case-clears-hurdle/1100-6146882/ |title=GTA killer case clears hurdle |last=Feldman |first=Curt |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=30 March 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129040624/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-killer-case-clears-hurdle/1100-6146882/ |archive-date=29 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Posey">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-blamed-in-court-caseagain/1100-6158619/ |title=GTA blamed in court case&nbsp;... again |last=Surette |first=Tim |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=25 September 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107021328/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-blamed-in-court-caseagain/1100-6158619/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Mashable Poulet">{{cite web |url=https://mashable.com/2017/08/07/gta-vice-city-miss-cleo-lawsuit-explained/ |title=The unusual lawsuit involving Miss Cleo and 'GTA': A lawyer's view |last=Rosenberg |first=Adam |work=[[Mashable]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808030559/https://mashable.com/2017/08/07/gta-vice-city-miss-cleo-lawsuit-explained/ |archive-date=8 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimes Amendment">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/opinion/12fri3.html?_r=0 |title=Video Games and the First Amendment |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 November 2010 |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6kk7g6ijU?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/opinion/12fri3.html?_r=1 |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="SFGate">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Vice-City-rises-above-the-controversy-2773744.php |title=Vice City rises above the controversy |last=Hartlaub |first=Peter |work=[[SFGate]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |date=7 November 2002 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107034418/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Vice-City-rises-above-the-controversy-2773744.php |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="Tribune Posey">{{cite web |url=http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/sep/25/video-game-maker-blamed-04-killing/ |title=Video-game maker blamed in '04 killing |last=Krueger |first=Joline Gutierrez |work=[[The Albuquerque Tribune]] |publisher=[[E. W. Scripps Company]] |date=25 September 2006 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825065157/http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/sep/25/video-game-maker-blamed-04-killing/ |archive-date=25 August 2007 }}</ref>

<!-- Legacy -->

<ref name="Famitsu 100">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100?page=0%2C1 |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=3 March 2006 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731213541/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100?page=0%2C1 |archive-date=31 July 2009 }}</ref>

<ref name="Kotaku Best">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5965358/lets-rank-the-grand-theft-auto-games-best-to-worst/ |title=Let's Rank The Grand Theft Auto Games, Best to "Worst" |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=3 December 2012 |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008031541/http://kotaku.com/5965358/lets-rank-the-grand-theft-auto-games-best-to-worst/ |archive-date=8 October 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="OPM Best">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/oct/01/games-sony |title=Official PlayStation readers name 50 best PlayStation games ever |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429213150/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/oct/01/games-sony |archive-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PCMag Best">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/315920/the-5-best-grand-theft-auto-games/5 |title=The 5 Best Grand Theft Auto Games |last=Wilson |first=Jeffrey L. |work=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922043626/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/315920/the-5-best-grand-theft-auto-games/5 |archive-date=22 September 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2002-12-27-gta-best_x.htm |title=The legacy of 'Grand Theft Auto' |last=Snider |first=Mike |work=[[USA Today]] |publisher=[[Gannett Company]] |date=27 December 2002 |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929075048/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2002-12-27-gta-best_x.htm |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Ports -->

<ref name="Android Release">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/383547/gta-vice-city-hits-android-following-delay/ |title=GTA: Vice City hits Android following delay |last=Ivan |first=Tom |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=18 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217224250/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/383547/gta-vice-city-hits-android-following-delay/ |archive-date=17 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Date PC">{{cite press release |url=https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-pc |title=Rockstar Games Ships Grand Theft Auto: Vice City PC |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=12 May 2003 |quote=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set to be in stores May 13th in North America and May 16th in Europe. |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523081848/https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-pc |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Date Xbox EU">{{cite press release |url=http://www.take2games.com/index.php?p=pr&release=European%20Ship%20Date%20Announced&page=1 |title=Rockstar Games Announces European Ship Date for Grand Theft Auto Double Pack for Xbox |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=8 December 2003 |quote=Rockstar Games ... announced today that the Grand Theft Auto Double Pack for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft will ship to retail stores throughout Europe on January 2, 2004. |archive-date=23 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323042150/http://www.take2games.com/index.php?p=pr&release=European%20Ship%20Date%20Announced&page=1 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Date Xbox NA">{{cite press release |url=https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-double-pack-xbox |title=Rockstar Games Ships Grand Theft Auto Double Pack for Xbox |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=4 November 2003 |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523085142/https://ir.take2games.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rockstar-games-ships-grand-theft-auto-double-pack-xbox |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Definitive Edition">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-gta-trilogy-trailer-gameplay-price-release-date-the-definitive-edition |title=Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition Gets Gameplay Trailer, November Release Date |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=22 October 2021 |access-date=22 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022124629/https://www.ign.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-gta-trilogy-trailer-gameplay-price-release-date-the-definitive-edition |archive-date=22 October 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Definitive Edition 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/original-versions-gta-trilogy-relisted-pc |title=Original Versions of the GTA Trilogy to Be Relisted for Sale on PC |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=19 November 2021 |accessdate=19 November 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119181321/https://www.ign.com/articles/original-versions-gta-trilogy-relisted-pc |archivedate=19 November 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Definitive Edition 3">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/23980880/netflix-play-grand-theft-auto-3-vice-city-trilogy-app-release |title=Netflix has landed The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy |last=Patches |first=Matt |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=29 November 2023 |accessdate=30 November 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129190000/https://www.polygon.com/23980880/netflix-play-grand-theft-auto-3-vice-city-trilogy-app-release |archivedate=29 November 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Fire OS">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/15/5721390/grand-theft-auto-trilogy-amazon-fire-tv-kindle-fire |title=Grand Theft Auto trilogy launches for Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire |first=Megan |last=Farokhmanesh |date=15 May 2014 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828082916/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/15/5721390/grand-theft-auto-trilogy-amazon-fire-tv-kindle-fire |archive-date=28 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GameCube">{{cite web |url=http://www.investors.com/editorial/tech.asp?v=4/12 |title=Edgy Games Drive Adults To Play More |last=Seitz |first=Patrick |work=[[Investor's Business Daily]] |date=25 April 2003 |accessdate=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030425114929/http://www.investors.com:80/editorial/tech.asp?v=4/12 |archive-date=25 April 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameCube 2">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/gta-has-a-weird-history-on-nintendo-consoles-1847923897 |title=GTA Has A Weird History On Nintendo Consoles |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |date=24 October 2021 |accessdate=7 November 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024162627/https://kotaku.com/gta-has-a-weird-history-on-nintendo-consoles-1847923897 |archivedate=24 October 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="iOS Release">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/382378/gta-vice-city-hits-ios-android-version-held-up/ |title=GTA: Vice City hits iOS, Android version held up |last=Ivan |first=Tom |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208053546/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/382378/gta-vice-city-hits-ios-android-version-held-up/ |archive-date=8 December 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Mac">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/11761/grand-theft-auto-trilogy-now-available-for-the-mac.html |title=Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Now Available for the Mac |author=R* Q |work=Rockstar Newswire |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=12 November 2010 |access-date=25 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018143147/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/11761/grand-theft-auto-trilogy-now-available-for-the-mac.html |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Mobile Announce">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/45851/celebrating-the-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-plus.html |title=Celebrating the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary plus Details on the Upcoming Mobile Release |author=R* Q |work=Rockstar Newswire |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411151522/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/45851/celebrating-the-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-plus.html |archive-date=11 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="Mobile Release">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/46331/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-io.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition Coming to iOS and Android Devices on December 6th |author=R* Q |work=Rockstar Newswire |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=30 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411152358/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/46331/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-10th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-io.html |archive-date=11 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-pc-release-date-revealed/1100-2911002/ |title=Vice City PC release date revealed |last=Parker |first=Sam |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=14 February 2003 |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107023146/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vice-city-pc-release-date-revealed/1100-2911002/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PS3">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/48571/vice-city-now-available-on-psn.html |title=Vice City Now Available on PSN |author=R* Q |work=Rockstar Newswire |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312090535/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/48571/vice-city-now-available-on-psn.html |archive-date=12 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PS4">{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2015/12/04/fan-favorite-ps2-games-launching-on-ps4-tomorrow/ |title=Fan-Favorite PS2 Games Launching on PS4 Tomorrow |last=Yoshida |first=Shuhei |author-link=Shuhei Yoshida |work=[[PlayStation Blog]] |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |date=4 December 2015 |access-date=21 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212141239/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2015/12/04/fan-favorite-ps2-games-launching-on-ps4-tomorrow/ |archive-date=12 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC Eurogamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-17-how-a-small-group-of-gta-fanatics-reverse-engineered-gta-3-and-vice-city-without-so-far-getting-shut-down-by-take-two |title=How a small group of GTA fanatics reverse-engineered GTA 3 and Vice City without (so far) getting shut down |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=17 February 2021 |access-date=18 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217150716/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-17-how-a-small-group-of-gta-fanatics-reverse-engineered-gta-3-and-vice-city-without-so-far-getting-shut-down-by-take-two |archive-date=17 February 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC Eurogamer DMCA">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-20-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-fan-project-hit-with-dmca-takedown |title=GTA 3 and Vice City reverse-engineering fan project hit with DMCA takedown |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=20 February 2021 |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220110831/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-20-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-fan-project-hit-with-dmca-takedown |archive-date=20 February 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC Eurogamer DMCA 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-28-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-fan-project-back-online-after-take-two-takedown |title=GTA 3 and Vice City reverse-engineering fan project back online after Take-Two takedown |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=28 June 2021 |access-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628112617/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-28-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-fan-project-back-online-after-take-two-takedown |archive-date=28 June 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC GameSpot">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-3-and-vice-city-have-been-reverse-engineered-on-pc/1100-6487561/ |title=GTA 3 And Vice City Have Been Reverse-Engineered On PC |last=Wright |first=Steven T. |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |date=15 February 2021 |access-date=18 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215173801/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-3-and-vice-city-have-been-reverse-engineered-on-pc/1100-6487561/ |archive-date=15 February 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC Kotaku">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/lone-developer-stands-up-to-grand-theft-auto-dmca-claim-1846864410 |title=Lone Developer Stands Up To Grand Theft Auto DMCA Claims, Wins |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |date=10 May 2021 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512043704/https://kotaku.com/lone-developer-stands-up-to-grand-theft-auto-dmca-claim-1846864410 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="reVC Lawsuit">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/take-two-is-suing-the-creators-of-a-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-projects/ |title=Take-Two is suing the creators of GTA 3 and Vice City reverse engineering projects |last=Scullion |first=Chris |work=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=3 September 2021 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903133408/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/take-two-is-suing-the-creators-of-a-gta-3-and-vice-city-reverse-engineering-projects/ |archive-date=3 September 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Trilogy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-gets-trilogized-san-andreas-special-edition/1100-6134252/ |title=GTA gets trilogized, San Andreas special edition |last=Surette |first=Tim |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=23 October 2005 |access-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106030305/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-gets-trilogized-san-andreas-special-edition/1100-6134252/ |archive-date=6 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Verge GTA VI">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988446/gta-vi-trailer-leaked-vice-city |title=The first GTA VI trailer is here |last=Parrish |first=Ash |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=5 December 2023 |accessdate=5 December 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204232239/https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988446/gta-vi-trailer-leaked-vice-city |archivedate=4 December 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Xbox">{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2003/11/05/grand-theft-auto-double-pack |title=Grand Theft Auto Double Pack |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=4 November 2003 |access-date=25 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224133833/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/05/grand-theft-auto-double-pack |archive-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |last=Chess |first=Shira |editor-last=Garrelts |editor-first=Nate |editor-link=Nate Garrelts |title=The Meaning and Culture of Grand Theft Auto |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |date=2006 |pages=80–90 |chapter=Playing the Bad Guy: Grand Theft Auto in the Panopticon |isbn=978-0-7864-2822-9 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Egenfeldt-Nielsen |first1=Simon |last2=Smith |first2=Jonas Heide |last3=Tosca |first3=Susana Pajares |title=Understanding Video Games: The Essential Introduction |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-317-53313-9 }}
* {{cite book |last=Kushner |first=David |author-link=David Kushner (writer) |title=[[Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto]] |publisher=[[Turner Publishing Company]] |date=3 April 2012 |isbn=978-0-470-93637-5 }}
* {{cite book |title=Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Game Manual |author=[[Rockstar North]] |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |year=2002 }}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikibooks}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.rockstargames.com/vicecity/ Official ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' website]
* {{official website|http://www.rockstargames.com/vicecity/}}
* [http://en.wikigta.org/index.php/Teaser_site#GTA_Vice_City_Teasersites List of official ''GTA: Vice City'' teaser sites] at wikigta.org.
* {{moby game|id=/grand-theft-auto-vice-city|name=''GTA: Vice City''}}
* {{imdb title | id=0314123 | title=GTA: Vice City}}
* {{StrategyWiki}}


{{Grand Theft Auto}}
{{Grand Theft Auto}}
{{Rockstar North}}
{{Golden Joystick GOTY}}
{{Portal bar|Speculative fiction|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:Grand Theft Auto: Vice City| ]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Interactive Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:BAFTA winners (video games)]]
[[Category:Capcom games]]
[[Category:Censored video games]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of the Mafia]]
[[Category:Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Golden Joystick Award winners]]
[[Category:Grove Street Games games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in video games]]
[[Category:Open-world video games]]
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Latest revision as of 17:09, 20 December 2024

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Developer(s)Rockstar North[a]
Publisher(s)Rockstar Games       
Producer(s)Leslie Benzies
Programmer(s)
  • Obbe Vermeij
  • Adam Fowler
  • Alexander Roger
Artist(s)Aaron Garbut
Writer(s)
Composer(s)Lex Horton
SeriesGrand Theft Auto
EngineRenderWare
Platform(s)
PlayStation 2
Release
29 October 2002
  • PlayStation 2
    • NA: 29 October 2002
    • EU: 8 November 2002
  • Windows
    • NA: 13 May 2003
    • EU: 16 May 2003
  • Xbox
    • NA: 4 November 2003
    • EU: 2 January 2004
  • Mac OS X
  • 12 November 2010
  • iOS
  • 6 December 2012
  • Android
  • 12 December 2012
  • Fire OS
  • 15 May 2014
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a 2002 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the fourth main game in the Grand Theft Auto series, following 2001's Grand Theft Auto III, and the sixth entry overall. Set in 1986 within the fictional Vice City (based on Miami and Miami Beach), the single-player story follows mobster Tommy Vercetti's rise to power after being released from prison and becoming caught up in an ambushed drug deal. While seeking out those responsible, Tommy gradually builds a criminal empire by seizing power from other criminal organisations in the city.

The game is played from a third-person perspective and its world is navigated on foot or by vehicle. The open world design lets the player freely roam Vice City, consisting of two main islands. The game's plot is based on multiple real-world people and events in Miami such as Cubans, Haitians, and biker gangs, the 1980s crack epidemic, the Mafioso drug lords of Miami, and the dominance of glam metal. The game was also influenced by the films and television of the era, most notably Scarface and Miami Vice. Much of the development work constituted creating the game world to fit the inspiration and time period; the development team conducted extensive field research in Miami while creating the world. The game was released in October 2002 for the PlayStation 2.

Vice City received critical acclaim, with praise directed at its music, gameplay, story, and open world design. However, the game also generated controversy over its depiction of violence and racial groups. It received year-end accolades from several gaming publications, and it is considered one of the sixth generation of console gaming's most significant titles and among the best video games ever made. Vice City became the best-selling game of 2002 and one of the best-selling PlayStation 2 games with over 14.2 million copies sold; it has sold over 17.5 million copies overall. It was released for Windows and the Xbox in 2003, followed by enhanced versions and mobile ports in the 2010s, and a remastered version in 2021. It was followed by Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) and a prequel, Vice City Stories (2006).

Gameplay

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is an action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective. The player controls criminal Tommy Vercetti and completes missions—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. It is possible to have several missions available at a time, as some missions require the player to wait for further instructions or events. Outside of missions, the player can freely roam the game's open world and has the ability to complete optional side missions.[3] Composed of two main islands and several smaller areas, the world is much larger in area than earlier entries in the series.[b] The islands are unlocked for the player as the story progresses.[5]

Gameplay screenshot of the player character driving a motorcycle through a busy city street.
The player can ride motorcycles in Vice City, unlike its predecessor.

The player may run, jump, or drive vehicles to navigate the game's world. The player uses melee attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies. The firearms include weapons such as the Colt Python, an M60 machine gun and a Minigun.[6][7] The game's three-dimension environment allows a first-person view while aiming with the sniper rifle and rocket launcher. In addition, the game's combat allows the player to commit drive-by shootings by facing sideways in a vehicle.[8][9] A wide variety of weapon options can be purchased from local firearms dealers, found on the ground, retrieved from dead enemies, or found around the city.[10]

In combat, auto-aim can be used as assistance against enemies.[11] Should the player take damage, their health meter can be fully regenerated through the use of health pick-ups.[12] Body armour can be used to absorb gunshots and explosive damage, but is used up in the process.[13] When health is entirely depleted, gameplay stops and the player respawns at the nearest hospital while losing all weapons and armour and some of their money.[5] If the player commits crimes while playing, the game's law enforcement agencies may respond as indicated by a "wanted" meter in the head-up display (HUD), which increases as the player commits more crimes. On the meter, the displayed stars indicate the current wanted level, and the higher the level, the greater the response for law enforcement[5] (for example, at the maximum six-star level, police helicopters and military swarm to lethally dispatch players).[8]

During the story, Tommy meets characters from various gangs. As the player completes missions for different gangs, fellow gang members will often defend the player, while rival gang members will recognise the player and subsequently shoot on sight. While free roaming the game world, the player may engage in activities such as a vigilante minigame, a fire fighting activity, a paramedic service and a taxi cab service. Completion of these activities grants the player with context-specific rewards.[9] As Tommy builds his criminal empire, the player may purchase a number of properties distributed across the city, some of which act as additional hideouts where weapons can be collected and vehicles can be stored.[14] There are also a variety of businesses which can be purchased, including a pornographic film studio, a taxi company, and several entertainment clubs. Each commercial property has a number of missions attached to it, such as eliminating competition or stealing equipment; once all missions are complete, the property begins to generate an ongoing income available for the player.[8]

Plot

In 1986, mobster Tommy Vercetti (voiced by Ray Liotta) is released from prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for murder. His boss Sonny Forelli (Tom Sizemore), seeking to establish drug operations in the South, sends Tommy to Vice City to oversee an important drug deal alongside crooked lawyer Ken Rosenberg (William Fichtner). However, the deal is ambushed by unknown assailants, with Tommy and Ken barely escaping. Angered upon hearing the news, Sonny orders Tommy to recover the drugs, alongside the money Sonny gave to him, under threat of consequences. Seeking information, Ken points Tommy towards retired army colonel Juan Garcia Cortez (Robert Davi), who helped set up the exchange. Expressing regret for the ambush, Cortez promises to find out who masterminded it.

While investigating, Tommy meets with several people who offer him help, including music director Kent Paul (Danny Dyer), who maintains connections with the city's criminal underworld; Lance Vance (Philip Michael Thomas), who aided in the deal and lost his brother in the ambush; Texan business tycoon Avery Carrington (Burt Reynolds), who in return enlists Tommy's help with several deals; and drug kingpin Ricardo Diaz (Luis Guzmán), who employs both Tommy and Lance. Eventually, Cortez begins voicing his suspicions that Diaz organised the ambush. Upon further investigation, Lance discovers this to be true and, against Tommy's advice, tries to kill Diaz, only to get himself captured. After Tommy saves Lance, they invade Diaz's mansion and kill Diaz.

With Diaz dead, Tommy takes over his assets and, at Avery's suggestion, works to expand his new criminal empire by forcing businesses to pay him protection money and buying out nearly bankrupt companies to use as fronts for illicit operations. Tommy establishes his own gang to protect his businesses from rivals, and provides assistance to several prominent gang leaders in the hopes they will support his expansion. He helps Cortez flee the city with stolen military equipment. Eventually, Sonny discovers that Tommy has gained complete control over Vice City's drug trade without cutting the Forellis in. Enraged at his independence, Sonny sends mobsters to forcefully collect money from Tommy's businesses. In response, Tommy kills Sonny's men and cuts ties with him.

Later, learning Sonny is personally coming to Vice City to collect what he believes he is owed, Tommy prepares to pay him tribute with counterfeit money. However, Sonny reveals that he was responsible for Tommy's arrest fifteen years prior, and that Lance has betrayed Tommy and allied himself with the Forellis, having felt inadequate in Tommy's presence since his rise to power. A shootout ensues in Tommy's mansion, during which Tommy prevents the Forellis from stealing his money and kills Lance for his betrayal, before finally killing Sonny. When Ken arrives to a scene of carnage, Tommy quickly reassures him that everything is now fine, as he has finally established himself as the undisputed crime kingpin of Vice City.

Development

Benzies produced the game alongside Dan Houser, who also co-wrote the story. Sam Houser, president of Rockstar Games, executive-produced the game.

Rockstar North's core 50-person team led the eighteen-month development of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.[15] Full production began in late 2001, as Grand Theft Auto III was nearing completion;[16] while early development only involved creating 3D models, executive producer Sam Houser said "it really kicked off at the beginning of 2002" and lasted about nine months.[17] After the release of the Windows version of Grand Theft Auto III, the development team discussed creating a mission pack for the game that would add new weapons, vehicles, and missions. Upon further discussion, the team decided to make this concept a stand-alone game, which became Vice City.[18]

The game was announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo on 22 May 2002.[19] It was Rockstar North's most expensive game at the time, with a development budget of US$5 million[20] and marketing budget of US$13.2 million.[21] On 5 September 2002, Rockstar announced the release date of 22 October had been postponed until 29 October to meet product demand.[22] By 15 October 2002, development of Vice City stopped as the game was submitted for manufacturing.[23] It was released for the PlayStation 2 on 29 October 2002 in North America, and on 8 November in Europe.[24] Capcom published the game in Japan on 20 May 2004 for PlayStation 2 and Windows.[25] The game was added to the Rockstar Games Launcher in September 2019.[26]

Setting

The game is set in 1986 in fictional Vice City, which is based heavily on the city of Miami.[27] Vice City previously appeared in the original Grand Theft Auto (1997); the development team decided to reuse the location and incorporate ideas from within the studio and the fanbase.[28] They wanted to satirise a location that was not contemporary, unlike Grand Theft Auto III's Liberty City.[16] The team wanted to choose a location that had various similarities and differences to New York City—the inspiration of Liberty City—eventually leading them to Miami, which producer Leslie Benzies describes as "a party town, all sun and sea and sex, but with that same dark edge underneath".[18] Sam Houser called it "the grooviest era of crime because it didn't even feel like it was crime ... it was a totally topsy-turvy back-to-front period of time".[29] The team intended to make Vice City a "living, breathing city", for the player to feel like "life still goes on" while the character is inside a building.[30]

The game's look, particularly the clothing and vehicles, reflect its 1980s setting. Many themes are borrowed from the crime films Scarface (1983) and Carlito's Way (1993),[27] the latter for its characterisation and portrayal of nuanced criminals. The television series Miami Vice (1984–1989) was also a major influence and was regularly watched by the team throughout development.[31] Art director Aaron Garbut used the series as a reference point for emulating neon lighting.[29] In recreating a 1980s setting, the team found it "relatively painless" due to the distinct culture of the time period and the team's familiarity with the era.[31] The art team was provided with large volumes of research, as well as reference photographs taken by other members of the development team. The team organised field research trips to Miami shortly after completing the development of Grand Theft Auto III, splitting into small teams and observing the streets.[31][32]

Story and characters

A 59-year-old man looking at the camera
Ray Liotta voiced protagonist Tommy Vercetti.[33]

The team spent time "solving [the] riddle" of a speaking protagonist, a notable departure from Grand Theft Auto III's silent protagonist Claude.[34] Ray Liotta portrayed protagonist Tommy Vercetti and described the role as challenging: "You're creating a character that's not there before ... It's so intensive". While recording his performance, the team used blue screen to allow Liotta to visualise "how it's gonna move".[33] The team strove to make the player feel a "real affinity" for Tommy by prioritising the game's narrative.[16] Dan Houser described Tommy as "strong and dangerous and prepared to wait for the right opportunity to arrive".[32] Director Navid Khonsari found Liotta occasionally difficult to work with.[35] Sam Houser said, "In some sessions he was ... into it, but then sometimes ... he was very dark and couldn't work".[36]

The majority of the game's animations were original, with only a few borrowed from Grand Theft Auto III. For the characters, the team used motion capture and stop motion animation techniques; cutscenes use the former, while gameplay movements use a combination of both techniques. The team encountered difficulty in animating motorcycle animations, due in part to the variety of models.[37] Pedestrian character models use skins in Vice City, allowing the artists to produce more realistic characters. There are 110 unique pedestrian models throughout the game world alongside roughly 50 story characters; each character is rendered using twice the amount of polygons and textures found in Grand Theft Auto III.[27][32] The increased polygons also impacted the character physics, improving gameplay aspects such as weapon-hit accuracy.[38] Some character models and storylines were inspired by films such as The Godfather (1972), and the game's presentation was inspired by action television shows of the 1980s.[39] The interplay between Tommy Vercetti and Lance Vance was crafted to be similar to the relationship of Miami Vice's Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs.[40]

Sound design and music production

The game features 8,000 lines of recorded dialogue, four times the amount in Grand Theft Auto III.[32] It contains over 90 minutes of cutscenes and nine hours of music,[32] with more than 113 songs and commercials.[41] The team enjoyed the challenge of creating the game's soundtrack, particularly in contrast to Grand Theft Auto III's music, which Sam Houser described as "clearly satirical and its own thing".[17] In developing the radio stations, the team wanted to reinforce the game's setting by collating a variety of songs from the 1980s, which required extensive research.[42] The radio stations were published by Epic Records in seven albums—known collectively as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Soundtrack Box Set—alongside the game in October 2002.[43][44] Vice City contains about "three times as much" talk radio as Grand Theft Auto III. Producer and talk show host Lazlow Jones stated that the small percentage of station listeners that actually call in are "insane"; in Vice City, the developers "bumped it up a notch", emphasising the extremity. Dan Houser felt that the talk stations give depth to the game world.[45]

Reception

Critical response

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released to critical acclaim. Metacritic calculated an average score of 95 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 62 reviews. It is Metacritic's highest-rated PlayStation 2 game of 2002,[46] and the fifth-highest rated PlayStation 2 game overall, tied with a number of others.[c] Reviewers liked the game's sound and music,[3][8] open-ended gameplay,[47][49] and open world design,[5][48] though some criticism was directed at the controls and technical issues.[9][14] IGN's Douglass Perry declared it "one of the most impressive games of 2002",[49] and GameSpy's Raymond Padilla named the experience "deep, devilishly enjoyable, and unique".[48]

Reviewers generally considered the missions an improvement over Grand Theft Auto III, although some noted occasional awkwardness and frustration.[9][48] IGN's Perry wrote that the game's missions give the player "a stronger feeling of being inside a story within a world that truly exists".[49] Game Informer's Matt Helgeson found the missions to be more complex,[47] and AllGame's Scott Alan Marriott felt that the storyline was improved as a result. Marriott also found the lead character of Tommy to be more engaging than Grand Theft Auto III's Claude;[3] IGN's Perry felt that Rockstar "found the right person and the right choice",[49] and Edge wrote that Tommy "sweats charisma", commending Ray Liotta's performance.[14]

An urban city centre, surrounded by trees with a blimp in the sky, at sunset.
Reviewers praised the design and detail of Vice City, noting it felt more alive than Grand Theft Auto III's Liberty City.[3][5][48]

The game's open world design was praised by reviewers, many of whom felt that it contained more detail and felt more alive than its predecessors.[3][5] GameSpy's Padilla made favourable comparisons between Vice City and Grand Theft Auto III's Liberty City, noting the former's level of detail.[48] Game Revolution's Ben Silverman wrote that the game's depth is "unparalleled", praising the world's realism and detail,[8] while AllGame's Marriott commended the "ambitious scope in design".[3]

Marriott of AllGame named Vice City an "unforgettable listening experience",[3] and Perry of IGN declared the music as "the most impressive list of songs in a game".[49] Many reviewers commended the game's radio stations and talk radio,[5][9] and felt that the game's collection of licensed 1980s music fit the tone and time period of the world.[8][48] The voice acting also received praise;[47] GameSpot's Jeff Gerstmann named the cast of characters "colorful and memorable",[9] and IGN's Perry found the voice acting "among one of the best of its kind".[49] Game Revolution's Silverman felt that the acting "gives the story credence".[8]

Many reviewers found that the game offers a better variety of vehicles than Grand Theft Auto III,[5][47][48] and found them easier to control;[8] GameSpot's Gerstmann named the driving "more exciting and dangerous",[9] and IGN's Perry found the motorcycle's controls pleasing.[49] In addition to the vehicle handling, reviewers noted improvements in the targeting and shooting mechanics, although still recognised issues.[3][8][9][49] Helgeson of Game Informer wrote that "targeting is improved to the point where combat can actually be fun".[47]

Some reviewers recognised an improved draw distance over Grand Theft Auto III, although many identified frame rate drops during hardware-intense sequences.[9][48][49] The changes in character models polarised reviews; while GameSpy's Padilla and IGN's Perry noted the improvement in character models,[48][49] Eurogamer's Tom Bramwell considered it "maddening to see that character ... models haven't been smartened up at all".[5] The game's artificial intelligence and long load times were frequently criticised in reviews,[5][9][14] and many reviewers noted the awkward camera angles and environment during gameplay.[3][14][47]

Windows version

When Vice City was released to Windows in May 2003, it received similar critical acclaim. Metacritic calculated an average score of 94 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 30 reviews.[51] It was the highest-rated Windows game on Metacritic in 2003.[56] Reviewers liked the visual enhancements,[11][54] and were generally positive towards the control improvements.[52][53][55]

The port's visuals received a positive response from reviewers. AllGame's Mark Hoogland praised the improved car details, environment textures, and weather effects;[52] GameSpot's Greg Kasavin echoed similar remarks, noting occasional frame rate drops.[11] GameSpy's Sal Accardo commended the draw distance improvements, identifying very few texture issues.[54] IGN's Steve Butts found the port's system requirements to be reasonable, unlike Grand Theft Auto III, and praised the faster load times.[55] Eurogamer's Martin Taylor was critical of the visuals, stating that the higher resolutions "aren't kind to the overall visual quality", and criticising the hardware requirements.[53]

The control changes of the port were generally well received. Most reviewers found the targeting and shooting mechanics to be improved with mouse and keyboard controls;[11][55] Eurogamer's Taylor called them "far more fluid",[53] and GameSpy's Accardo wrote "there's simply no substitute for aiming with a mouse".[54] However, the driving control changes were widely criticised;[5] IGN's Butts called it "crap".[55] AllGame's Hoogland found the controls to be "more forgiving" over time.[52]

Mobile version

When Vice City was released on mobile devices in December 2012,[64][65] it received "generally favorable" reviews. Metacritic calculated an average score of 80 out of 100, based on 19 reviews.[57] Reviewers liked the enhanced visuals,[2][58] but criticism was directed at the touchscreen controls.[61][59]

The port's visuals were well received. Destructoid's Chris Carter felt that they "[suit] the neon and bright pastel veneer", and wrote that the "new lighting effects and smoothed-out engine really allow the game to pop like it never has before".[58] IGN's Justin Davis praised the updated character models, lighting, and textures,[2] and Touch Arcade's Eric Ford noted that the "visuals are improved but not in a drastic manner".[60] NowGamer found that the mobile display improves the visual enjoyment of the game, despite the issues with the original game.[62] Tom Hoggins of The Telegraph identified some issues with character models, but stated "the city looks terrific".[63]

Most reviewers criticised the port's touchscreen controls. Pocket Gamer's Mark Brown found them "not ideal", but noted that this was also the case in the original game,[59] while Digital Spy's Scott Nichols felt that the game "only complicated [the controls] further".[61] IGN's Davis was thankful for the addition of customisable controls, and wrote that they "make the experience much more controllable",[2] and Touch Arcade's Ford greatly appreciated the developer's efforts to "make the situation bearable".[60] Destructoid's Carter spoke favourably of the controls, despite noting awkward character movement,[58] while The Telegraph's Hoggins found the controls "far more accomplished" than Grand Theft Auto III's mobile port.[63]

Accolades

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City received multiple nominations and awards from gaming publications. It was nominated for six awards at the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards,[66] of which it won Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year;[67] it was nominated for Computer Action/Adventure Game of the Year the following year.[66] It led the 1st British Academy Games Awards with eight nominations and six awards, including PlayStation 2 Game,[68] PC Game,[69] Action Game,[70] Design,[71] and Sound.[72] It was similarly named the Best PlayStation 2 game at the Golden Joystick Awards[73] and from Entertainment Weekly,[74] IGN,[75] and GameSpot,[76] and was awarded the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.[77] GameSpot awarded it Best Action/Adventure Game,[78] Best Music,[79] and Best Graphics (Technical and Artistic).[80][81] IGN awarded it Best Action/Adventure Game,[82] and it was the runner-up for Reader's Choice Overall Game of the Year.[83]

Sales

Within 24 hours of its release, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City sold over 500,000 copies.[84] Within two days of its release, it sold 1.4 million copies, making it the fastest-selling game in history at the time.[85] It was the highest-selling game of 2002 in the United States;[86] by 2004, the game had sold 5.97 million units,[87] and by December 2007 it had sold 8.20 million.[88] By July 2006, it had sold 7 million copies and earned $300 million in the United States alone. Next Generation ranked it as the highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country, beating Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.[89] In February 2005, it was re-released as part of PlayStation's Greatest Hits selection, indicating high sales.[90] In Japan, Vice City sold about 223,000 copies in its first week and over 410,000 by January 2008.[91] The game earned a "Diamond" award in the United Kingdom, indicating over one million sales.[92] Vice City was one of the PlayStation 2's best-selling games with 14.2 million copies sold,[93] and across all platforms it sold 17.5 million units by March 2008.[94]

Controversies

Similar to its predecessors, Vice City was labelled violent and explicit and considered controversial by many special interest groups.[95][96][97][98] Peter Hartlaub of SFGate noted the game's "mindless violence", but attributed it to the developers' attempt to achieve accuracy.[99] Jeremy Pope, who worked on various Rockstar games including Vice City, vowed never to work on violent games again due to their portrayal in mainstream media.[100] In Australia, the game was pre-edited to receive an MA15+ classification;[101] an uncensored version was released in the region in 2010, retaining its classification.[102]

The game allows the player to fight immigrant gangs made up of Haitians (pictured) and Cubans, and missions involve fighting both gangs. Civil rights organisations accused the game of inviting ethnic violence, and of featuring discriminatory phrases.

In November 2003, the Haitian Centers Council and Haitian Americans for Human Rights staged a protest in New York publicly criticising the game, contending that it invited the player to harm Haitian immigrants and claiming that it depicted Haitians as "thugs, thieves and drug dealers".[103] In response, Rockstar issued a press release apologising and acknowledging the concern, but insisted that the violence should be taken within the context of the game, which also contains violence towards other ethnic groups.[104] When New York mayor Michael Bloomberg threatened distributor Take-Two Interactive with legal action, the company apologised and removed offensive statements from future copies of the game.[105] In January 2004, North Miami's majority Haitian-American council filed an ordinance to ban the selling or renting of violent games to anyone under 18 without parental permission. The proposal, apparently sparked by Vice City, was supported by North Miami mayor Josaphat Celestin, who stated "We don't believe the First Amendment was written to protect those who want to incite violence".[106] The case was later downgraded from federal court to state court.[107]

On 7 June 2003, 18-year-old Devin Moore shot and killed two Alabamian police officers and a dispatcher before fleeing in a patrol car; he was later apprehended. In statements to police, Moore reportedly said "Life is like a video game. Everybody's got to die sometime".[108] A $600 million lawsuit was filed against Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, Sony Computer Entertainment, GameStop, and Wal-Mart, claiming that Moore frequently played Vice City and that his experience with the game led him to commit the crimes. The plaintiffs' attorney, Jack Thompson, claimed the graphic nature of the game caused Moore to commit the murders.[109] Thompson removed himself from the case Strickland v. Sony in November 2005[110] after being scrutinised by the judge for unprofessional conduct.[111] In March 2006, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the defendants to dismiss the case.[112]

In September 2006, Thompson brought another $600 million lawsuit against Cody Posey, Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, and Sony Computer Entertainment.[113][114] The lawsuit claimed that 14-year-old Posey played the game obsessively before murdering his father, stepmother, and stepsister on a ranch in Hondo, New Mexico.[115] Posey's defence team argued that he was abused by his father[116] and was taking Zoloft at the time of the killings.[117] The suit alleged that the murders would not have taken place if Posey had not obsessively played Vice City.[118] The case was dismissed in December 2007, as New Mexico held no jurisdiction over Sony or Take-Two.[119]

In July 2017, the Psychic Readers Network (PRN) sued Rockstar over the character named Auntie Poulet, alleging similarities between the character and Youree Harris, who voiced the character.[120] Brandon J. Huffman, a lawyer for Odin Law and Media, noted that PRN's lawsuit faced challenges due to the timing of the lawsuit, as the Eleventh Circuit's statute of limitations for copyright infringement is three years; the lawsuit was filed almost 15 years after the game's release. Huffman added that Take-Two could also claim parody or settle out of court, but that it was unlikely to do either initially.[121]

Legacy

Mike Snider of USA Today wrote that Vice City "raised the bar for video games", citing its interactivity, violence, and soundtrack.[122] Kotaku's Luke Plunkett and PC Magazine's Jeffrey L. Wilson both named Vice City the best game in the series, with the former naming it the "perfect Grand Theft Auto experience".[123][124] The readers of Official UK PlayStation Magazine named Vice City the fourth-greatest PlayStation title ever released.[125] In 2006 Vice City appeared on Japanese magazine Famitsu's readers' list of top 100 games; it was one of the only Western titles on the list.[126] Art director Aaron Garbut felt that, alongside its predecessor Grand Theft Auto III and successor San Andreas, Vice City led the trend of open world games.[31] A new rendition of Vice City is set to return in Grand Theft Auto VI (2025).[127]

Ports

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released for Windows on 13 May 2003 in North America and 16 May in Europe,[128] supporting higher screen resolutions and draw distance, and featuring more detailed textures.[129] Vice City was bundled with Grand Theft Auto III in a compilation titled Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack, released on the Xbox on 4 November 2003 in North America[130] and 2 January 2004 in Europe.[131] The Xbox version featured a custom soundtrack support as well as improved audio, polygon models, and reflections over the previous ports.[132] Double Pack was later bundled with San Andreas in a compilation titled Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy, released in October 2005.[133] Analysts believed that the game would eventually release on GameCube,[134] though it never materialised.[135] The Trilogy was also released for OS X on 12 November 2010.[136] For the game's tenth anniversary in 2012, War Drum Studios ported Vice City to several iOS and Android devices. The port is almost identical to the Windows version of the game, but with enhanced visuals and a customisable layout.[64] The iOS version was released on 6 December, while the Android version was briefly delayed to 12 December due to technical issues.[137][138] This port was also released on Fire OS devices on 15 May 2014.[139] An emulated version of Vice City was released on the PlayStation 3 on 30 January 2013 via the PlayStation Network's PS2 Classics;[140] another emulated version was released for the PlayStation 4 on 5 December 2015, upscaled to 1080p and with support for PlayStation Trophies.[141]

A remastered version of The Trilogy subtitled The Definitive Edition, including Vice City, was released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on 11 November 2021,[142] and for Android and iOS on 14 December 2023.[143] Existing versions of the game were removed from digital retailers in preparation for The Definitive Edition,[142] but later restored as a bundle on the Rockstar Store.[144]

A core team of six fans reverse-engineered the game and released it as an executable in December 2020, having worked on it since May; titled reVC, the project allows the game to be unofficially ported to platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, and Wii U.[145][146] Take-Two issued a DMCA takedown for the project in February 2021.[147] In April, Theo, a New Zealand-based developer who maintained a fork of the source code, filed a counter-notice on GitHub, claiming that the code does not contain any original work owned by Take-Two; per DMCA rules regarding disputes, Theo's content was restored after two weeks.[148] On 10 June 2021, the team behind reVC filed a counter-notice; per DMCA rules regarding disputes, the source code was restored after two weeks.[149] In September 2021, Take-Two filed a lawsuit in California against the programmers, asserting that the projects constitute copyright infringement.[150]

Notes

  1. ^ Ported to Xbox by Rockstar Vienna.[1] 10th Anniversary Edition developed by War Drum Studios.[2]
  2. ^ Art director Aaron Garbut stated that the area of Vice City is almost twice as large as Grand Theft Auto III's Liberty City, estimating it at over 4.25 square kilometres (1.64 sq mi).[4]
  3. ^ Grand Theft Auto: Vice City shares its status as the fifth-highest rated PlayStation 2 game on Metacritic with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec and Madden NFL 2003. The PlayStation 2 games that are rated higher than Vice City are Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, Grand Theft Auto III, Resident Evil 4 and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.[50]

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Sources