"Vice City" — an Ode to Neon, Crime, and Sunlit Madness When "Rockstar" released "GTA: Vice City" in 2002, the gaming world held its breath in anticipation. After the success of "GTA III", it seemed difficult to surpass, but "Vice City" proved otherwise, becoming not just a game but a real cult classic—at least among my circle. This game was like a luxury car in the lavish garage of the gaming industry: flashy, loud, and insanely cool. You are Tommy Vercetti, a man who has been through the hell of prison and is now back in the criminal world to reclaim his place. The story takes place in the 1980s and tells a crime tale of power, betrayal, and the attempt to build an empire. It all starts with a simple job—an exchange that, as always, doesn’t go according to plan. The money and drugs disappear, and now Tommy has to find out who is behind the failed deal. As the story unfolds, he has to fight his way to the top, breaking down barriers, eliminating competitors, and becoming the most powerful man in Vice City. The game's creators were clearly inspired by cult films and TV shows. "Scarface", "Miami Vice", "Goodfellas"—references to these works permeate the game. Even Tommy Vercetti, with his accent and confidence, reminds us of Tony Montana from the iconic movie. This is a crime saga where every step is a challenge. What’s happening in the city? Welcome to Vice City—a place where luxury and crime merge. The city becomes the main character of the game, offering an incredible mix of neon lights, palm-lined streets, sandy beaches, and the shadows of the criminal world. The atmosphere of the 1980s is felt in every frame: loud music on the radio, flashy suits, convertibles, and bandanas. This is a city that lives and breathes the VHS era. Vice City consists of two large islands connected by bridges and many smaller districts, each with its own personality. The legendary Ocean Beach is the center of glamour and parties, Little Havana exudes Latin flavor, while Vice Point is the heart of business. The city is not only vast but also impressively diverse, keeping exploration interesting even after dozens of hours of play. The missions in the game are a true adventure. You’ll have to plan a bank heist, coordinating the entire crew with cunning and speed. In one challenge, Tommy uses a remote-controlled helicopter to plant bombs in a building, adding elements of creativity and chaos. There’s a mission where you race across the water in a speedboat, turning it into a full-fledged action movie scene. In another, you and your partner dress as police officers to pull off another crazy stunt. And that’s just off the top of my head—there are plenty more missions in the game. Each one feels like an episode of a TV series, where the tension and adrenaline never let go. "Vice City" offers a rich arsenal of weapons: from baseball bats to rocket launchers, from submachine guns to heavy-duty machine guns. The city streets are filled with various vehicles, including sports cars and even helicopters. One of the innovations was water transport, allowing for expanded exploration, as well as motorcycles, which significantly diversified movement around the city. The mechanics of using these vehicles are seamlessly integrated into the missions, making them even more dynamic. The radio stations of "Vice City" are a masterpiece of their own. The 1980s hits create a unique atmosphere. Whether you're driving through the city at night or escaping from the police, the music turns every ride into a nostalgic journey. One of the game’s significant features was the ability to purchase property. This wasn't just a decorative element—houses and businesses served as save points, and some, like a nightclub or film studio, became sources of regular income. Managing your criminal empire gained a new level of depth, as players could decide where to invest money to expand their influence. "Vice City" isn’t limited to the main storyline. There are plenty of side activities that make the world feel even more alive. You can work as a taxi driver, transporting passengers for bonuses, or try your hand as a medic, saving lives in the city’s chaos. For those who want to feel like a real hero, firefighter missions let you put out burning cars and earn rewards. These tasks add even more variety to the gameplay. Performing police vigilante missions with a tank was especially fun. Secrets and Easter eggs in "Vice City" became another reason to explore. You can find hidden locations, climb to the rooftop of a building and discover a concealed helicopter, or stumble upon pop culture references scattered throughout the city. "Rockstar" is famous for its love of details, and "Vice City" is no exception. Tommy Vercetti doesn’t stand still. By completing missions, he gains access to new weapons, improved vehicles, and, of course, increases his influence. Unlocking new weapon types, like silenced pistols or Molotov cocktails, makes every encounter more exciting. Despite the limited technical capabilities of the time, the developers made the city feel alive. NPCs behave differently—you can see joggers or roller skaters on the beach or watch people having conversations on the streets. This gives "Vice City" an extra charm and immersive atmosphere. The city is filled with gangs, each with its own territory and character. Cubans, Haitians, bikers—all of them impact the world around you. Whether you choose to make enemies or allies is up to you, but it will inevitably affect how events unfold. At times, the story will require you to interact with all of them, further enriching the game world. "Vice City" doesn’t just expand on the formula set by "GTA III"—it fills it with new content, making it richer and more complex. With real estate, side missions, an extensive arsenal, and engaging secrets, it remains a classic that’s worth revisiting. Not often, but still. The game’s world makes you feel like you’re part of an era—with all its bright lights, retro music, and restless spirit. This is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It set a new standard for the series, adding elements that hadn’t been present before. The talkative Tommy Vercetti, the vibrant and atmospheric city, the variety of missions and activities—all of this turned the project into a true masterpiece of its time. Yes, the graphics have aged, but the soul of the game remains timeless. "Vice City" is a ticket to an unforgettable journey into an era of neon, crime, and great music. 9 out of 10