’ve loved Grand Theft Auto since its inception, and welcomed the chance to return to Vice City, perhaps the most beloved of all the games for many fans. I had a lot of expectations for this game, and I’m happy to report that – like the recent Liberty City Stories – this title gives gamers everything they’ve come to love about GTA, and a lot of the things I’m beginning to tire of.
Like Liberty City Stories, VSC incorporates elements of all the GTA games into a shiny new package. Technically, it shines, showing great reflective effects and improved water physics. There’s also a greater emphasis on new vehicles, including jet skis and helicopters, which can be piloted by the player in some unique missions. Also new are the light empire-building elements, which allow you to buy and improve storefront operations like protection rackets and prostitution rings.
On paper, this seems every bit the equal of any of the GTA games, save the ambitious, sprawling San Andreas. Still, something about Vice City Stories didn’t grab me quite as much as past titles. At least part of this is the writing, which I felt was a bit too serious in tone considering this is the sequel to perhaps the most irreverent GTA of them all. While it does become more ingratiating as it goes on, the early portion of the story was a bit too grim for my taste, especially the domestic abuse storyline that – quite frankly – I didn’t find funny. In some ways the tone is positive, as it delivers – especially in protagonist Victor – more real, affecting characters. However, I think this is a bit contrary to the feel of the original Vice City, making the game seem more like San Andreas in the ‘80s.
Is this a great game? Absolutely. Still, as the years go by, some of this series’ inherent flaws are becoming more and more aggravating. While Rockstar Leeds has taken steps to improve the targeting, there are far too many times when large-scale conflicts play out like an absolute mess. Also, if you’ve played all the GTA games, you’ll recognize too many of the same old mission types that we’ve done dozens of times in the past (I’m seriously never giving a hooker a ride again).
In the end, Vice City Stories reminds me of why I love Grand Theft Auto, while at the same time pointing out just how much it really needs to evolve in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV. Given how much effort and love Rockstar puts into these games, I have no doubt they can do it.