What makes GTA Vice City's map the best one so far: A deep dive into the location and inspiration behind it

Vice City is an iconic location in the GTA franchise (image via GTABase)
Vice City is an iconic location in the GTA franchise (Image via GTABase)

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Vice City was released in 2002 and is among the most popular titles in the series. Players hoped it would somewhat emulate the success of Grand Theft Auto III, but it surpassed all expectations. To this day, players revere its storyline, iconic 80s soundtrack, and unforgettable characters. However, another vital aspect contributing to Vice City's glory is its map.

Although fairly small in scale, it features an interesting combination of beaches, islands, and a bustling downtown area, acting as the backdrop for some of the most prominent moments in the franchise. With that said, let's dive deep into Vice City's map to see what makes it the best one so far.


Deep-diving into GTA Vice City's map and what's made it the best so far

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GTA Vice City took a lot of inspiration from the Hollywood classic Scarface and the hit 80s TV show Miami Vice. The city they were set in, Miami, eventually became the source of inspiration for the game's map.

While it is not an exact recreation, Vice City's map features some prominent locations from its real-life counterpart, including Miami Beach, North Beach, and the Miami Herald Headquarters, to name a few. Although each has been assigned fictional names in the game, it takes a single glance to figure out similarities, thanks to Rockstar's attention to detail.

Real-life Miami vs. Vice City (image via YouTube/RacingCarGames)
Real-life Miami vs. Vice City (image via YouTube/RacingCarGames)

Playing as one of the best Grand Theft Auto protagonists, Tommy Vercetti, players can purchase various properties across the city as they progress further in the game. This includes mansions in Starfish Island, a fictional iteration of Star Island, home to many popular celebrities.

However, it is not just the map but the aura surrounding it that makes it the best in the series. GTA Vice City is set in the 1980s, which brings about a sense of nostalgia to many players. The game also captures the imagination of those born later through its iconic playlist featuring some prominent artists of the time.

Interestingly, many rumors have suggested that GTA 6 (untitled) will return to Vice City. If that is true, revisiting some popular locations from the older game in a renewed form would be interesting.


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While games like Grand Theft Auto IV and V are also based on famous real-life cities, they fail to replicate the feeling encapsulating Rockstar's hit 2002 title. They may trump Vice City in scale, graphics, and gameplay elements, but the latter maintains its place in fans' hearts. Hence, the uniqueness of GTA Vice City's map makes it the best so far.

For The Biggest GTA 6 Map Leaks, Click Here.

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