A GTA Vice City Stories glimpse to check out before GTA 6

The gaming community's eyes are set on Rockstar Games' upcoming release - GTA 6. It is highly anticipated because of many reasons, one of them being the return of Vice City, Grand Theft Auto's iconic take on Miami. The last time it was featured in the franchise was back in 2006 in GTA Vice City Stories. While this game isn't as popular as 2002's GTA Vice City, there are quite a few interesting things that it has to offer.

In fact, playing it can be an entertaining way to spend time waiting for the franchise's next chapter. For those interested, here's a glimpse at GTA Vice City Stories before GTA 6.

Note - This article contains a few minor spoilers related to GTA Vice City Stories.

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GTA Vice City Stories can keep you entertained till GTA 6 comes around

Rockstar Games' 2006 title, GTA Vice City Stories, is set in 1984, two years before the events of GTA Vice City. Its protagonist is a man named Victor Vance, who joins the military to support his family, but gets kicked out after officials find narcotics under his bed.

In typical Grand Theft Auto fashion, the amibition to make money leads Victor into the world of crime, where he does pretty good for himself and establishes an empire. It should be noted that he isn't alone in this and is joined by his brother, Lance Vance, who fans may remember from GTA Vice City. There are a few more returning characters, but we won't be mentioning everyone here to avoid spoiling the campaign too much.

That being said, there's a fun campaign. Also, gameplay elements like a rather fleshed-out melee combat system (at least for its time), that even featured a grappling mechanic, can keep you engaged. There's also empire-building to partake in.

These are some things that Rockstar can consider adapting into GTA 6's gameplay too, since GTA 5 story mode left a lot to be desired in these two departments.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the sequel in terms of gameplay as of this writing. Plot details are also scarce, but we do know that it will have a female protagonist named Lucia. There is likely a playable male protagonist as well, reportedly named Jason. The two appear to be in a relationship, as suggested by the official GTA 6 trailer.

Lucia and her partner in the official GTA 6 trailer (Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar Games has explored narratives involving protagonists and their love interests in a few older titles, with GTA Vice City Stories being a fine example. However, it seems that the next entry might take a much deeper dive into this angle. Therefore, you can take up the 2006 classic while waiting for the GTA 6's release to catch a glimpse of how Rockstar can bind relationships into plot points.

Another reason why you may want to check out GTA Vice City Stories is the map. Although the two titles include Vice City, both iterations are very different from each other. This is not only because of the time gap, but also due to the games being set in completely separate universes as well.

Some Vice City Stories locations might return in GTA 6's map, but to recognize them, you must go through the former at least once. Freeroam is one option, but it is better to witness Vice City unfold naturally as the 2006 title's campaign progresses.