5 things GTA Vice City did before GTA 5

Modified Jul 19, 2024 10:03 GMT

gta vice city, gta 5 — Notable things GTA Vice City did before GTA 5 (Images via Rockstar Games)

GTA Vice City (2002) and GTA 5 (2013) are two of the most popular video games that helped shape the Grand Theft Auto series. While the former is a pioneer in the 3D Universe, the latter caused the entire gaming industry to level up its competition. Both the titles introduced various new things to the series that are still loved by its fans. However, there are certain things that Vice City did before the latest title.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer’s opinions. The listing is not in any order.

These features in GTA Vice City were introduced before GTA 5

1) Include a cast of popular artists

Even though GTA 5 also has a cast of well-known artists, the cast of GTA Vice City is undoubtedly the most popular in the entire Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar Games collaborated with various legendary artists including Ray Liotta, Tom Sizemore, William Fichtner, Luis Guzmán, Danny Trejo, and many others who graced the roles of Tommy, Sonny, Ken, Ricardo, and Umberto.

It is undoubtedly one of the most high-profile cast selections for a video game. Fans still adore the works of these artists who made the game immortal.

2) Have a standalone sequel

An artwork from GTA Vice City Stories (Image via Rockstar Games)

Grand Theft Auto Vice City has a standalone sequel named Vice City Stories, and there are various reasons why GTA Vice City Stories is better than GTA 5. Even if you consider the prologue mission as the sequel to the 2013 title, it is still integrated into the game.

However, Vice City Stories is a completely standalone title that you can enjoy even without playing the main game. It introduced a new set of characters and some features that were missing in Vice City. On the other hand, GTA 5 has yet to receive a prequel.

3) Get a remastered version

GTA Vice City was the first among the two to receive a definitive remastered edition. The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Definitive Edition offers the same gameplay with improved graphics and quality-of-life changes. However, Rockstar Games has yet to release a GTA 5 remastered version.

Even if you consider the Grand Theft Auto 5: Expanded and Enhanced version as the remaster, it was still released after the remastered trilogy release. The 2013 title has already crossed 10 years and has been a part of three console generations and PC.

4) Get ported to handheld consoles

While fans are still waiting for GTA 5 on Nintendo Switch or other mobile devices, you can already play GTA Vice City on various handheld platforms. Whether you prefer the original game or the remastered version, GTA Vice City is available to play on 11 different platforms, including handheld consoles.

On the other hand, the only handheld console where you can play GTA 5 is the Steam Deck which runs the PC version. Ergo, Vice City has the upper hand in this regard. You can even play the remastered version for free on smartphones and tablets with an active Netflix subscription.

5) Introduce Vigilante missions

A screenshot from the Vigilante mission in Vice City (Image via GTA Wiki)

The Vigilante missions have been a part of GTA Vice City since its release. However, the GTA 5 Story Mode still does not have these missions after three major releases. Rockstar Games added these missions to Grand Theft Auto Online with the most recent Bottom Dollar Bounties DLC.

The Vigilante missions in Vice City allow you to roleplay as a cop and catch various criminals. Rockstar Games also increases your body armor points to 150 after reaching level 12.

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Edited by Srijan Sen