Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

About Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories dropped in late October 2006 as a prequel to the 1980s classic on PS2. Rockstar Leeds built this for the PSP, though it later hit PS3 and PS2 too. You play Vic Vance, an Army corporal trying to fund his sick family in a corrupt Vice City. The story starts with a failed drug deal on a yacht that leaves him alone and on the run. This open-world action-adventure title lets you explore the neon-soaked streets of 1984 while dodging the police and taking down rivals. It serves as a smaller, portable entry in the franchise but keeps the chaotic spirit of the mainline games intact.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time driving cars, motorcycles, or boats through Vice City to reach mission markers. Combat involves shooting with pistols, shotguns, or assault rifles while dodging incoming fire from rivals and cops. The game features a wanted system where police respond more aggressively as you rack up stars. You can rob stores, hijack vehicles, or engage in street racing to earn cash. Missions often require specific vehicle types or stealth approaches. The controls feel tight on the handheld version, allowing for precise turns even during high-speed chases. You also unlock new areas and weapons by completing specific story beats, which opens up more routes across the island map.

What Players Think

The PlayPile data shows this title sits at a solid 74.6 out of 100 based on 218 ratings on IGDB. Players report an average playtime of around 15 hours for a standard run, with completion rates hovering near 60 percent for full trophy or achievement hunting. Community moods lean heavily toward "Nostalgic" and "Chaotic," reflecting the game's setting and action. Review snippets frequently mention the tight controls on PSP compared to other entries. Some users note that the shorter runtime feels satisfying, while others wish for more content given the price point. The multiplayer modes get less attention than the single-player campaign in most discussions.

PlayPile's Take

This is a solid entry if you want a full GTA experience on a portable device or just prefer Vic Vance's story over Tommy Vercetti. The price remains reasonable for what you get, and the achievement list offers plenty of grind for completionists who like tracking down every collectible. I do not recommend this if you expect the massive scale of later titles. It works best as a focused 15-hour session rather than a year-long commitment. Grab it if you want to explore 1984 Vice City without needing high-end PC specs.

Storyline

Vic Vance is a corporal in the U.S Army. He is a man who came from a poor family, with his brother suffering from fever and another lazy brother, and he is trying to make money for his dysfunctional family. He just arrived in Vice City in 1984 and he is now stationed at Fort Baxter. He arrives at the office of his supervisor, Sergeant Jerry Martinez, a corrupt officer of the Army who is a drug smuggler. He instructs Vic to manage a drug deal. Vic arrives on the buyer's yacht, but they are ambushed by unknown assailants who blow up the boat, leaving only Vic alive.