6. Grand Theft Auto Vice City (Original Release: 2002, PS2)
The first time I played Vice City, a friend lent me his copy. He had to leave after a few hours, but I, desperate to keep playing, kept my PS2 on while taking the disc out. I was hopeful that the PS2 would let me keep playing, but that’s not how it works. Still, that moment is emblematic of how much I love this game.
Bright pink neon, blue suits, bright yellow sports cars, and tons of cocaine: Vice City is the 80’s incarnate. Vice City also has one of the best soundtracks of the entire franchise, which is saying something.
While I love Vice City, actually playing it again is a good reminder of how far the series has come. Vice City can feel clunky and unresponsive, especially when it comes to combat. Fighting multiple enemies can be a nightmare because the lock-on system isn’t reliable. Still, the city, music, and atmosphere help keep Vice City from aging too poorly.
FUN FACT: GTA Vice City has billboards that reference Miami…so does Miami actually exist in the GTA Universe?
