Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 411 Ratings

  • Summary: [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] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. 100
    The best action title on PS2.
  2. There's something indescribably cool about cruising Vice City's beach strip while rocking to "Billie Jean." [Feb 2003, p.92]
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

See all 62 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 202
  1. man
    10
    I grew up with this game ever since I was 6 years old(yeah I was naughty an played this at such a young age!)But bottom line,one of THE greatest games ever made and the sole purpose of owning a legacy console like the PS2!Great story,classy characters,insanely fun missions,driving,shooting,amazing graphics(for the time.)It's all just soooo beautifully perfect!This game will go down in history MARK MY WORDS!!! Expand
  2. 8
    Not as good as GTA III but the whole atmosphere and feel of the era in this game is done superbly and overall this was a fun game, just not as revolutionary as it's predecessor. Expand
  3. Very good game! One of the best free roaming games ever made. Very good plot, gameplay and graphics. Superb sound and music. Super-recommended, if you like its genre. Expand
  4. I think this game kinda sucks. A lot. The graphics suck too, bad. You can't even see they're emotions. Lamest game on the PS2. Don't buy it. Please just don't buy it. Expand

See all 202 User Reviews