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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City ps2 Game Reviews
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Critic Score
Metascore: 95 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.5 out of 10
based on 62 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 240 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

[Metacritic's 2002 PS2 Game of the Year ] Welcome to Vice City. Welcome to the 1980s. Having just made it back onto the streets of Liberty City after a long stretch in maximum security, Tommy Vercetti is sent to Vice City by his old boss, Sonny Forelli. They were understandably nervous about his re-appearance in Liberty City, so a trip down south seemed like a good idea. But all does not go smoothly upon his arrival in the glamorous, hedonistic metropolis of Vice City. He's set up and is left with no money and no merchandise. Sonny wants his money back, but the biker gangs, Cuban gangsters, and corrupt politicians stand in his way. Most of Vice City seems to want Tommy dead. His only answer is to fight back and take over the city himself. Vice City offers vehicular pleasures to suit every taste. For the speed enthusiast, there's high-performance cars and motorbikes. For the sportsman, a powerboat or a golf buggy lets you enjoy the great outdoors. For those that need that sense of freedom and escape, why not charter a helicopter and see the beauty of Vice City from the air? [Rockstar]

PUBLISHER: Rockstar Games
DEVELOPER: Rockstar North
GENRE(S): Action, Racing
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2002

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Stuff
No excuses, you’re gonna have to buy this. Unless you don’t own a PS2, in which case, get out of our Internet!
Read Full Review
100
FHM
One immaculate game. Granted the graphics can be blurry and the missions too frustrating at times - but this is still what consoles were invented for.
Read Full Review
100
GamePro
The gameplay in Vice City is more addictive than ever, except now there's twice as much of nearly everything that made the first game so great—more streets, more cars (and other vehicles), more cool missions, more awesome street life.
Read Full Review
100
AceGamez
The best action title on PS2.
Read Full Review
100
Next Level Gaming
A worthy sequel to a great game! As close to perfection as I can possibly think of!
Read Full Review
100
Electronic Gaming Monthly
As big as "GTA3" is, Vice City dwarfs it in almost every way. (Greg) ... The graphical improvements are subtle but effective. (Che) ... An instant classic. (Milkman)[Dec 2002, p.204]
100
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The game will twist and turn, surprise and captivate, and surpass any expectations you might have conjured up...The PS2's defining title. [Dec 2002, p.154]
100
GameNow
You simply must find a way to play it. [Jan 2003, p.44]
100
Cheat Code Central
The one thing most critics don't seem to get, is that this game isn't loved because of it's violence...What makes this game so popular and loved among gamers is it's freedom.
Read Full Review
100
All Game Guide
Follow-ups that come this quickly are not supposed to be this rewarding, which makes Vice City a remarkable achievement at a time when companies are all too willing to release so-called sequels with only a few tweaks and cosmetic changes.
Read Full Review
100
Yahoo! Games
They've managed to improve the game without changing its heart, and provided their millions of fans with a fantastic new experience. GTA: Vice City is a must buy for any adult PS2 owner with a pulse.
Read Full Review
100
GMR Magazine
There's something indescribably cool about cruising Vice City's beach strip while rocking to "Billie Jean." [Feb 2003, p.92]
100
Entertainment Weekly
Helicopters make traversing the 13-section city a breeze, and there is a superb collection of motorcycles for Vercetti to fire an Uzi from. [1 Nov 2002, p.76]
100
Maxim Online
You’ll be sold the second you get into a gang bang with the song “Beat It” playing in the background. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Read Full Review
100
Total Video Games
The massive amount of new features sets this game miles apart from "GTA: 3" - everything from interior locations, the combat, the graphics to the car handling has been improved, making this into a totally brilliant game.
Read Full Review
100
DarkStation
The missions are a lot more complex then they were in GTA3, which means you will get more into the character as well as the plot, which means even more fun.
Read Full Review
100
Game Revolution
The depth of this game is unparalleled; there are hordes of side quests and missions and cool little easter eggs. You need to follow the main story in order to open up the whole city and gain access to property acquisition, but you can still spend hours just wandering around getting into trouble.
Read Full Review
100
Game Informer
Vice City doesn't just match the magic of "GTA III"; it bests it in every way possible. [Dec 2002, p.104]
99
Gamezilla!
Manages to meld a great story, serious action, and limitless gameplay to produce one of the best games of all time.
Read Full Review
99
Gaming Maxx
You can literally do anything you imagine. You can kill police officers, civilians; pick up hookers, etc with more than forty weapons at your disposal you will be frothing at the mouth. This game truly is a winner in the gameplay department.
Read Full Review
98
PGNx Media
The best and most ambitious game of the year, and it is also one that everyone should play before Lieberman gets his old throat to Congress.
Read Full Review
98
Game Chronicles
The open-ended nature of the game design almost rivals those persistent world games like "EverQuest." You can literally lose yourself in the world of Vice City.
Read Full Review
98
GameZone
Often comical and always brutal, this is a game that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty and gamers will absolutely love it for that.
Read Full Review
98
GamingTrend
This is a long game, longer than GTA3 because there are far more missions in this game in a far larger area.
Read Full Review
98
PSX Extreme
It's one of the best games of the year, no doubt, and anybody who denies the game that much is a tree-smoking psychopath.
Read Full Review
97
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
The gameplay, plot and soundtrack are all outstanding individually, but when blended together create an essential experience...What we're trying to say is this is simply the best videogame GamesMaster has played this century. [GamesMaster]
Read Full Review
97
TotalGames.net
Everything about Vice City positively reeks of genius.
Read Full Review
97
IGN
It's enormous, packed with an immense amount of gameplay, and it's a truly unique gameplay experience...This year's most impressive title, by a log shot.
Read Full Review
97
Game Over Online
Visually, Vice City is truly amazing, portraying a living, breathing city with unbelievable depth. Every building, from the lowliest storefront to the largest skyscraper, seems to have its own history, personality and flavor.
Read Full Review
97
TotalPlayStation
The sound design is frickin' phenomenal... [and] this is easily the best soundtrack I've heard in a game.
Read Full Review
96
Inside Gamer Online
The replay value is basically perfect.
Read Full Review
96
GamingWorld X
Everything that was good about "GTA III" has been multiplied exponentially and injected right into the throbbing veins of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, but many of the problems have been carried over as well.
Read Full Review
96
GameSpot
Provides just about everything you'd want in a follow-up to an outstanding game. It's bigger, badder, and better in almost every imaginable way.
Read Full Review
95
Electric Playground
And of course, the true beauty of Vice City is total, absolute, glorious freedom...I guess what I am trying to say is this game is REALLY FRICKIN' GOOD.
Read Full Review
95
Absolute Playstation
Everything GTA3 was and so much more. Sweeping improvements have been made in gameplay, graphics and sound over the last incarnation.
Read Full Review
95
GameSpy
A broader, deeper, and more addictive version of the brilliance found in its predecessor. And while it isn't quite perfect and the graphics show some age, it's clearly one of the best games released in 2002.
Read Full Review
95
Armchair Empire
The new setting is far more appealing than the modern Liberty City of the original. And it seems more dynamic and interactive also, since players can explore inside buildings and rob businesses, which could not be done in the original.
Read Full Review
95
GameSpot AU
It's bigger, badder, and better in almost every imaginable way. The game tells a compelling story and adds enough gameplay content to the formula to engage players who've already played the previous game to death.
Read Full Review
95
Gamer's Hell
It scores high/perfect in all areas and is pure bliss to play. If you are old enough and you don’t mind dark, dark humor and 80’s nostalgia, then this game is most definitely for you!
Read Full Review
94
GamerWeb Sony
Contains a lot more of what people loved about GTA3, along with a dream-come-true soundtrack and voice cast, and over twice as many missions.
Read Full Review
94
Gamer.tv
Funny, unpredictable and astoundingly lacking in moral virtue, Vice City is way, way out there; you'll cherish every outrageous moment.
Read Full Review
94
AtomicGamer
Rockstar Games have managed to do something very unique for a game: they captured the atmosphere of an era better than most movies could do, and simultaneously managed to pack in a wonderful, open-ended game.
Read Full Review
93
Weekly Famitsu
10 / 9 / 9 / 9 - 37 platinum [Vol 805; 28 May 2004]
92
Gamer's Pulse
A larger and spicier serving of GTA3 with some minor, though beneficial, trimmings.
Read Full Review
92
Playboy
Sure, the controversy is attractive, but Vice City provides a perfect balance between an open-ended game that rewards players for exploring the environment without restrictions, while also handing out specific goals in order to complete the game. Not very many titles strike this balance so succinctly.
Read Full Review
91
Into Liquid Sky
On top of the fine sound effects and voice acting is a soundtrack that's beyond amazing.
Read Full Review
91
Gaming Age
Puts the word sequel to shame. Rockstar Games has really taken the time to put together a game that not only fits in perfectly in the GTA universe, but ups the ante for itself and others as well.
Read Full Review
91
Cinescape
There’s not really a grand innovation to the gameplay, and the concept of seeing how much havoc you can cause hasn’t changed much from the last game.
Read Full Review
90
netjak
In essence, Vice City is little more than a GTA3 expansion pack. Still, considering this could have just been a cash cow license like Tomb Raider, Vice City came out surprisingly well.
Read Full Review
90
Console Gameworld
The weapons targeting system while on foot has gotten a significant upgrade from last years abysmal attempt, however targeting specific people in groups can still be problematic. Also the camera can be a bit confusing while running indoors. Overall, though, GTA:VC is a joy to play.
Read Full Review
90
PSM Magazine
And it must be said that this game is funny as hell (at tip of the hat to whoever wrote the pee-inducing "Explorer" radio ad.) [Holiday 2002, p.28]
90
Gamestyle
The sound of GTA Vice City is glorious.
Read Full Review
90
GameShark
While the graphical presentation is more of the same in Vice City, the sound effects and music have been vastly improved.
Read Full Review
90
PSX Nation
It’s graphics notwithstanding, this is THE PS2 title XBox and GameCube loyalists will jealously write angrily about to Santa in their Christmas letters.
Read Full Review
90
EuroGamer
Every bit as good as we thought it would be – if not better... But don’t expect to be constantly surprised, for much of Vice City is a retread of old ground, and if you didn’t like the last one, then Vice City probably won’t change your mind.
Read Full Review
90
Adrenaline Vault
The seamless amalgamation of all things '80s into the mix lets the creative team go wild with the vocal work and provide an outstanding retro soundtrack.
Read Full Review
90
Thunderbolt
It has the right blend of intense gameplay, an intricate place to explore, several hours of gameplay, a great selection of 80’s era music, a wonderful (if not a little cliched) story, and one of the most memorable antiheroes to ever set foot on the gaming scene.
Read Full Review
85
Gamers Europe
To me, GTA:VC is same old, same old. Nothing about it screams out to me. Everything I need for any GTA addiction would be found in GTA III. Vice City just takes that title, polishes it and chucks in an 80's theme.
Read Full Review
80
GameCritics
The maturation process of the series, and videogames, remain standstill because of the developer’s refusal to move outside racial and social stereotypes, and staying away from certain taboos of popular art, merely suggesting sex and drug use. Compared to what this game could’ve been, this is still kid’s gloves.
Read Full Review
80
Play Magazine
I can't say it's perfect, though, as these models are somewhat archaic (especially for the chicas) by hey, they need something to shoot for. Maybe next time they'll give us a crack at it before "Entertainment Weekly." [Jan 2003, p.79]
80
Gamenikki
It's a game worth owning, for most, but it's not so revolutionary that it will make converts out of the skeptical. Perhaps in Grand Theft Auto 4. Time will tell.
Read Full Review
80
G4 TV
As a game, the technical problems affect gameplay to such a high degree that GTA: VC simply cannot be awarded a 5 out of 5 rating. Progress through the game can become a chore, something that never occurred in "GTA3."
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 240 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Henrik S. gave it a9:
Great game, fun and addictive.

Kick A. gave it a9:
Hands down this is the second best gta game (next to san andeas of course) It kicks the crap out of gta 3 cuz you can basically do anything ANYTIHNG you want to. The only reason that its not as good as san adreas is cuz the city is a little bit smaller and the graphics arent as good. Oh and i agree the music is kick a.s! (compared to all the other music in this series. the best thing about this game is being able to jack stuff that can fly, helicopters are the best mode of transpertation by far...) $ TIGHT GAME $

SWEET GAME gave it a10:
Everyone who said that vice city was lame can go suck an Xbox. This was the greatest GTA game, even better than VCS, and is so vivid. the only downsides are no multiplayer and you need your parents to purchase it with you. crap. But still a fricken good game. The second best series ever on ps2, right after SOCOM us navy seals series.

Michael H gave it a0:
I hate this game because it is so annoying! You can never find anything on it and you always die! It is really boring.

Tomi B. gave it a10:
It's like 'Miami Vice'! All 80's again, esp. the MUSIC! My personal favorite: V-Rock! w/Lazlow... If ya can get Tommy V. to do the same for CJ like GTA San Andreas, or vice versa, put Tommy like CJ, then the game is set!

Sarelm B. gave it an8:
This was a great game, but so unoriginal. It is obvious that this is based on Scarface. If you haven't seen that movie, but played this game watch the movie, and you will know they are the same thing. But still awesome game all in all.

Apocalypse B. gave it a9:
Vice City is a superb game, no doubt! The Scarface theme and the era is as golden as the storyline and the comical radio broadcasts. But the area, lack of decent stunt chances and things to do within it are limited compared to San Andreas, thus making the latter a much better game. But VC has better graphics than SA and for me, is still a fanastic game to play for an hour if you get stuck on SA. Now for Bully!

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