Tag Archives: Grand Theft Auto

Leaked Pre-Release Build of GTA: Vice City Unveils Beta Content

After more than two decades, a pre-release build of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the game’s development just weeks before its official launch in 2002. This build, dated October 2, 2002, was shared by GTA Forums user IAmNotToniCipriani, who noted that it was initially dumped online by “johndoe2”. Interestingly, the pause menu reveals a compile date of October 1, 2002, indicating it was finalized 28 days prior to the game’s release on PlayStation 2.  

Credit: YouTube / Ralphcifaretto69

Fans speculate that this build was a press preview copy, possibly intended for GameSpot, rather than a version meant for public consumption. Despite being close to the final release, the build contains numerous differences that shed light on the game’s evolution during its final stages.

Notable Differences in the Leaked Build:

• SWAT Team Appearance: The SWAT uniforms exhibit a more vibrant blue color compared to the final version.

• Vehicle Variations: The RC Goblin was originally green, and police cars appeared in white.

• Logos and References: The “Top Fun” logo was initially a clearer homage to “Top Gun”.

• Cutscene Alterations: Some cutscenes feature alternate angles, and the intro at Ken’s office includes a scene of Ken entering, which differs from the retail version.

• Character Design: Auntie Poulet’s attire was yellow instead of the purple seen in the PC release.

• Weapon Mechanics: Reloading animations for the shotgun and M4 were nearly instantaneous, likely due to a bug.

• Mission Icons: The Print Works asset missions showcased different icons.

• Vehicle Branding: The Sandking vehicle featured prominent Rockstar logos on its sides and top.

• Camera Perspectives: The melee combat camera was positioned further out, providing a broader view during fights.

Fans are meticulously analysing the build, comparing textures and models to the retail version. Some textures appear crisper and uncompressed, offering insights into the game’s graphical adjustments before release. This discovery provides a fascinating look into the developmental decisions and refinements that shaped the final version of GTA: Vice City.  

Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.

Defying Takedown Orders, GTA Vice City Mod Released Anyway

Take-Two Interactive has once again clashed with the modding community, this time targeting Revolution Team’s ambitious “GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition.” The mod, which reimagines Grand Theft Auto: Vice City within GTA 4’s RAGE engine, was poised to bring a refreshed 80s Miami to life with enhanced graphics, physics, and fully integrated missions. Despite Take-Two’s takedown order, the modding team has refused to back down, releasing the project as a standalone download.

The takedown came amidst growing excitement for the mod, whose development videos had garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube before Take-Two allegedly removed the channel without warning. Revolution Team responded by sidestepping the need for GTA 4 entirely, ensuring their work could still reach fans eager to revisit Vice City’s neon-soaked streets. The newly released version features all the original game content, now available as a free, standalone package, and you can find it here.

Credit: GTA Forums

This bold move by Revolution Team underlines the enduring tension between publishers like Take-Two and the modding community. While companies argue these projects infringe on intellectual property, fans and creators often view them as celebrations of beloved games, showcasing creativity that keeps classic titles alive for new generations and give gamers enhanced versions of classic games. The release of “GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition” not only raises questions about the legal limits of modding but also about the role publishers play in fostering – or stifling – fan enthusiasm.

Protect and display your retro games with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protectors. If you are a fan of retro gaming, get all of the news delivered to your inbox each Monday with our free Retro Gaming Substack.