Mod Modernizes Grand Theft Auto Vice City With Enhanced Graphics

The idea of porting GTA: Vice City to the GTA 4 engine is not new (one such attempt). However, the concept has remained relevant for the Revolution Team. A full-scale effort has been underway for over a year, though the team has worked on related projects for years. GTA: Vice City — Nextgen Edition was finally released on Saturday, January 25.

This global modification transfers the Vice City map along with all features of the original game, including storyline missions, side quests, local NPCs and characters, radio stations, and vehicles. Visuals are enhanced by ENB series graphic add-ons.

The community quickly called GTA: VC — NE a true remaster. It looks better than what was originally released under the name GTA: Vice City — Definitive Edition. Like any project, however, it has drawbacks and shortcomings. Highlighting these weak spots is intended to point them out and potentially spark new ideas rather than diminish the creators’ efforts.

First impressions are hurt by interface decisions that affect the atmosphere. The pause menu fully replicates the layout of the fourth generation, which prevents it from feeling like the legendary game despite the advanced technology. The loading screen texts could also use Vice City’s distinctive font and colors to feel warmer.

Watching the reassembled intro brings a sense of normalcy, but inconsistencies immediately follow, such as a parking spot at the Ocean View Hotel. That parking spot did not exist in the original game. At the start of the story, the protagonist begins from scratch, and earning a garage for a favorite vehicle requires progress. In Grand Theft Auto IV, where this feature was first introduced, it fit well due to the dense city layout, lack of interior space, and an overall elegant solution. Here, however, it feels out of place. Similarly, Tommy can now swim and cannot drown, which makes the game less challenging than originally intended.

Certain bugs appear within the first hour of gameplay. Areas on the map have terrain that does not match the radar. In the mall, colliding with any pedestrian causes them to disappear into thin air, an issue that does not happen in other interiors or outdoors.

Numerous other nuances can and should be fixed, especially since the hardest part of the work is done. The team is expected to continue development. The small custom launcher that appears when starting GTA: Vice City — Nextgen Edition already includes options to check for updates, settings, FAQs, and other information. Achievements from the Definitive Edition or custom achievements created by the modders would fit well there.

Regarding the copyright holder, Take-Two representatives took down the Revolution Team YouTube channel two days before the release, after the story trailer amassed over 100,000 views. The new channel will likely face the same action soon. However, the creators did not cancel the release of the global modification and will likely continue improving the product. A lawsuit does not threaten them because they are located in a sanctioned territory that is de facto outside the international legal system.

Download GTA: Vice City — Nextgen Edition