GTA Vice City: The Definitive Edition – The game remains almost perfect | Review

GTA Vice City: The Definitive Edition is a remastered game of the classic open-world action game originally released in 2002. Developed by Rockstar Games and remastered by Grove Street Games, the game is set in the fictional city of Vice City during the 1980s. Players take on the role of Tommy Vercetti, an ex-convict who seeks to rise in the city's criminal hierarchy.

The definitive version brings updated graphics, an attempt to improve gameplay and a series of technical adjustments to adapt to contemporary standards. Players can freely explore the city, undertake story missions, participate in side activities, and interact with a variety of eccentric characters. In the game we have an iconic soundtrack from the 80s and a vibrant atmosphere, GTA Vice City: The Definitive Edition offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the original game, as well as attracting new players with its updates and improvements.

Image: Disclosure/Rockstar Games

The story follows Tommy Vercetti, a gangster recently released from prison who is sent to Vice City by Liberty City mob boss Sonny Forelli to oversee a major drug deal. However, the transaction goes horribly wrong, resulting in Tommy's money and drugs being stolen. Now, in an unknown city and betrayed by his former allies, Tommy sets out to recover what is his and build a criminal empire in Vice City.

Read too: GTA III: The Definitive Edition – Graphics improvement, but the game has aged poorly | Review

GTA Vice City: The Definitive Edition is a true classic that returns with a remastered version, bringing with it a series of improvements and some obstacles along the way. For fans eager to revisit the streets of Vice City, there's plenty to consider in this return to the world of virtual crime. On the plus side, the game features a variety of subtitled languages, including the long-awaited Brazilian Portuguese, making the experience more accessible and immersive for players from different backgrounds. The change to a 360-degree camera is notable, providing more fluid and dynamic gameplay, which raises the level of realism and control over the urban environment.

Furthermore, the characters were carefully developed, unlike what we found in GTA III. In Vice City each character has their own distinct personality, and the engaging plot keeps players engaged from start to finish. However, not everything is rosy on the streets of Vice City.

Image: Disclosure/Rockstar Games

Among the negative aspects, the persistence of old problems stands out, such as the inaccurate aiming of certain weapons in the first person, which can frustrate players in critical moments of combat. The clumsy movement of many NPCs and visible bugs still haunt the game's streets, damaging the immersion and overall game experience. Furthermore, the exclusion of iconic songs from the original version due to copyright issues is a disappointment for nostalgic fans who were hoping to relive Vice City's landmark soundtrack. The missions also did not escape problems, with bugs that may require improvised solutions from players to advance the story.

And last but not least, the complex ending that forces players to complete side quests to progress can be a hindrance for those who want to finish the game without distractions. However, for the most dedicated, this extra requirement can turn a tedious task into a rewarding journey, adding depth to the gaming experience.

"No. I just wanted to piss you off before I killed you.” – Tommy Vercetti

*Review made on Nintendo Switch*

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