charles's Full Review: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PlayStation 2
Very rarely have I played a game that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is one of these games that I played with so much gusto. It also provided me with so much fun. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was developed by Rockstar North for the PlayStation 2. It may be the game that sets PS2 apart from the raging competition between the X-Box and the PlayStation. Almost all of my friends want to play this game despite all the moral issues that it has caused in the media. In fact, I will hereby give you this warning. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is aimed at the mature audience as defined by the ESRB or Entertainment Software Rating Board which is an independent group established in 1994 to rate video games.
Games such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City have a mature rating by the ESRB. That means that they have content that may not be OK for those aged 17 and younger to watch. Coarse language and violence are expected. There is also the "teen rating" category. For sure, the "Adults Only" rating is self-explanatory. There can't be any adolescents playing these games.
What's all the hoopla about this game about?
Grand Theft Auto is only a game. But, played by the wrong group of young people who are the most likely to play games anyway, it can become a weapon in the hands of those who equate such violence with aggression in our children. So you can imagine why some parents, politicians and advocates want to take on this game. Thanks to the explicit rating on Grand Theft, there should not be any case for confusion. At least, that's what those pushing and marketing the game want the rest of the public to understand. In reality, it may not be what's going among those below age 18 and younger. As a parent who is also a gamer, I just hope that parents of those younger kids can judge whether their youngsters are mature enough to play it. The lines between fiction and reality tend to blur in some instances. These kids are at an age where their precious mind is being molded. They absorb just like sponges do. If you are 17 or younger, you are asked to stay away from this game If your parents give you special authorization to play it with your pals, then it's OK. After playing, Grand Theft Auto III and this new one, I can tell you that they are not for the faint of heart.
What are the premises of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City any way?
Disturbing aspects and different from others
Looking at this game as such, it's a gamer's dream come true. It has all the things, the shoot-them-up sessions, the weapons, the flashy cars, motorcycles, boats and even planes. Of course, the frequent chases by cops for breaking the laws. It appears that in that Miami look-alike city of the 1980s, it is hard to talk about laws. In this game, you are allowed to be as bad as you can be. By the way, that's how you are going to succeed! This is where this game is very disturbing. In this installment, you are not the good guy. In fact, you are the thug, the worst criminal and scum of the earth going on various missions for the boss. You have more opportunities to earn cash to buy automatic weapons, more cars to steal and all kinds of music to listen to from all these loots. Nothing can escape you when it comes to stealing: planes, cars, boats, motorcycles etc. In fact, you can even ride your bikes looking for people to kill. How disturbing is this game in that it changes the usual formula?
If you had the chance to play Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City, by playing Vice City, you will soon realize that it is far better than its predecessor. The new game has more places to see and go. With its new system, it has become much easier to shoot your targets. Playing as Tommy Vercetti who is an all-out thug, you will be given the chance to strut your stuff by taking care of some business for the mob. You will be taking care of dirty jobs which will involve your indiscriminate shooting at those who steal your boss's drugs, cocaine and other goodies. You will be going on many different types of missions for the big guy. To meet your goals, you will remove all kinds of obstacles. You have the license to kill not only other criminals but also paramedics, other paramedics who come to rescue the first ones.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's graphics, soundtrack and more
I know that one of the appeals of this game is its soundtrack. Ranging from wild rock music to talk shows to a group of stars lending their voice to the gig, this game is a must-have. There is no doubt that you will want to listen to some of these songs over and over. Among the stars, you will find Dennis Hopper, Burt Reynolds, Tom Sizemore and Ray Liotta. The graphics are also superb. This game is loaded with interesting, colorful folks, beautiful interior and exterior showing scenes of great landscape.
If you are of age, I would invite you to check this game out. Play it and before you leave, erase its scenes from your mind. Remember that you can take it; you can play it without any problems, but others may not be able to digest the nonsense violent acts and scenes. Who wants to shoot a paramedic and pizza delivery person? This game allows you to do all of that and more.
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