Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The biggest game of the year is here. Check out our massive dual review inside.
Published: November 25, 2002
Sam: What did you think of the controls? To me, it still feels like the game isn't really designed to be played on foot for the most part (I lose 10 health after running off a ledge? C'mon.). The stuff in the cars, though, feels even more varied and the motorcycles freaking ROCK.
Kyle: Without a doubt. The features of Vice City's cars are almost dead on. Motorcycles are speedy and can cut sharp turns, but a husky dump truck will get you nowhere fast. Boat controls are still questionable (it takes a good 10 seconds to get a boat into reverse), but they nailed the helicopter handling, a real accomplishment for something that's been done in... no other game?
Sam: Yeah, for the most part the vehicles handle like their real-life counterparts. Boats are pretty much that slow, so I didn't mind it too much, though the control can be aggravating when you're trying to, say, nab packages. My only real gripe is in the control while on-foot. It just feels... off. I don't know how else to describe it. I'd give the controls a 9.0 as well.
Kyle: Yeah, traveling on foot feels a bit flimsy. A lot of lagging and delay, it seems like, and hand combat definitely needs a change. I truly have no real gripes about the other control features. Cars, motorcycles and helicopters handle cleanly a nicely (although the boat and seaplane handling could use a bit of work). Using weapons is very precise and effective. Controls get a 9.1.
Sam: Actually, I didn't even think about that. The targeting system for the weapons is still pretty busted. It's not as bad as GTA3 but it's bad. For instance, the system doesn't release once you've killed someone right away, so you can waste a couple rounds on someone that's already dead.
Kyle: True, but the over-the-shoulder aim is a lot easier. Switching targets can be a pain, but the quick-switch R2 button can usually take care of that. On the bad side, though, sometimes it won't even switch the target to an enemy who's right in your face. I think what the next GTA needs is more first-person view weapons.
Sam: Yeah, first-person view definitely helps. Ah well, the game can't be perfect, and I guess it's something to improve upon with GTA4.
Average: 9.1
