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Tag Archives: Vice City

Sony

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

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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.  

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Game Port, PC Gaming, Sony

Fan Project Gives Vice City a New Life in Grand Theft Auto IV Engine

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Fan communities in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) universe have a long tradition of creating ambitious mods that extend the life and appeal of older titles. One such endeavour gaining traction is a fan-driven project remastering GTA: Vice City within the more modern framework of GTA IV. Hosted in part on the Russian social platform VK (via this group) and showcased in its “Nextgen Edition Teaser Trailer,” this unofficial project seeks to recreate the neon-lit streets of 1980s Vice City in Rockstar’s upgraded RAGE engine, first used in GTA IV.

Credit: VK / GTA Next Gen

Though Rockstar Games themselves have not endorsed this mod, enthusiasts are eager to see how the iconic pastel aesthetic of Vice City might shine with improved lighting, textures, and physics from GTA IV. The project’s lead developers, whose identities remain partially anonymous to avoid legal entanglements, have shared periodic updates indicating that they aim to include the original storyline missions alongside fresh content. Their progress so far suggests careful attention to detail, from the palm trees swaying in the breeze to the reflection of neon lights across updated car models.

According to discussion threads, this “GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition” hopes to harness the best of GTA IV’s technical features. Enhanced character models, more immersive weather cycles, and overhauled vehicle handling are just some of the upgrades fans can anticipate. While the team has not confirmed an exact release date, they have clarified that a playable beta might emerge once they stabilise the mod’s performance. Attempting to merge a map as large and distinct as Vice City into a different game engine is no trivial feat, and testers have reported occasional crashes and missing textures during early builds.

Many fans wonder about the possibility of takedown notices. Historically, Rockstar has sometimes tolerated high-effort fan projects, provided they don’t violate specific copyright guidelines or monetise content. That said, there is always a risk of legal pushback—particularly because this mod, in essence, remasters a Rockstar intellectual property within an official Rockstar engine. Still, the developers remain cautiously optimistic, stating that they intend to release the mod purely for free, driven by their passion for Vice City’s nostalgic vibe.

The teaser trailer—featured in community forums and channels—displays glimpses of Tommy Vercetti’s classic outfits, swirl-of-sunset skies, and updated building textures reminiscent of Miami’s Art Deco neighbourhoods. If completed successfully, this project could offer a new way to experience GTA: Vice City with contemporary visuals and physics, bridging the gap between nostalgic memories and modern gameplay conveniences.

For those intrigued by this fan-driven labour of love, keeping tabs on their VK group and video teasers is the best way to follow developments. As with any volunteer-led project, timelines may shift. But there is no doubt that the modders’ commitment to bringing Vice City into GTA IV’s engine underscores the passion and creativity found within the Grand Theft Auto community.

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