Those looking for a generous slice of eighties goodness could definitely do a lot worse than playing throughGrand Theft Auto: Vice City. Rarely does a game so expertly capture the decade in which it’s set, nor are there many PS2-era titles that are able to boast quite as much content either. Those hoping to achieve 100% completion are in for a bit of a rough ride, however, as, without the use ofcheat codes, it can take a considerable amount of time to accomplish due to the sheer volume of missions and collectibles in the game.
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When compared to its predecessor,Vice Cityis actually a little bit shorter, both in terms of its main story and the number of side activities on offer. It’s very much a case of quality over quantity though, with the majority of players considering the more recent title to be the better of the two games. Unlike its predecessor,Vice Cityalso rewards players for achieving 100% completion, meaning that there’s much more incentive for players to do so this time around.
Story Missions
With just 25 main story missions,Vice City’s narrative is a relatively short one when compared to some ofthe more recentGrand Theft Autogames. While this may at first seem like good news for completionists, however, the game more than makes up for this with a plethora of side and asset missions a little later on. Those only looking to absorb the main story can do so in under 20 hours though, which may suit some busy-scheduled players.
Keep Your Friends Close…
Asset Missions
One of the biggest new features inVice Cityis the ability to purchase properties and businesses. Many of these assets have special missions attached to them, and completing these missions will eventually lead to the assetsgenerating a decent amount of revenue for players. There are ten assets in total if the Vercetti Estate is included, with each one generating between $1,500 and $10,000 for players each and every in-game day.
Spend $200 in the “Dance Room”
Hit The Courier
Gang Missions
In addition to the usual suspects who are introduced through the main story, players can also choose to complete missions for some of Vice City’s local gangs, including the Cubans, the Haitians, and the Vice City Bikers. Tommy can also take on missions for a fictional Scottish rock band called Love Fist, who have gone on to appear in everyGTAgame since making their debut inVice City.
Messing with the Man
Hog Tied
Side Missions
As is tradition forGTAgames,Vice Cityis full to the brim with side missions, many of which will provide players with unique rewards upon completion.Just like inGTA 3, Vehicle Missions are once again the most fruitful in this regard, with players able to increase their maximum health and armor capacity, become fireproof, gain the ability to sprint indefinitely, and unlock the boost jump ability for all taxis by completing them.
Vigilante / Brown Thunder (Complete Level 12)
Collectibles
All three collectible types from the previous game return inVice City, meaning that players will once again need to collect100 Hidden Packagesto complete the game. This time around, however, there are35 Rampagesand36 Unique Jumps; almost twice as many as there were last time around. Collecting all of the packages will again lead to certain weapons spawning outside the player’s three main safe houses and will also make Sea Sparrows, Rhinos, and Hunters appear in certain spots around the map.
Miscellaneous
Holding up stores is something of a series staple these days, but the mechanic was brand new whenVice Citywas first released. Players will need toknock off all 15 storesif they want to reach 100% completion and must alsopurchase all 7 safehouses. The final task on the road to completion requires players toscore 45 points or more at the Rifle Range, which will also unlock the incredibly useful faster reload ability.
Rewards
In addition to all of the rewards picked up along the way, players will also earn some pretty decent bonuses upon reaching 100%. Granted, they’re somewhat redundant, as by this point in the game players don’t really have anything else to achieve other than perhaps maxing out their money and earning the “Godfather” criminal rating. Even so, it’s still nice to see players' hard work and dedication being rewarded by the devs.
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