Video games have evolved greatly since their humble beginnings with a yellow dot navigating through a maze, consuming white dots. Now, they encompass various genres such as action, adventure, and sports. Some games strive to replicate reality, achieving varying levels of success. However, the Grand Theft Auto series sets itself apart as it not only creates an authentic yet simulated environment but also revolutionizes the gaming world. Particularly noteworthy among its editions is Vice City, which incorporates cinematic visual and auditory elements while drawing inspiration from multiple films. This combination results in a fully immersive simulated reality that enhances the overall gaming experience.
Vice City is more than just a video game, it's an interactive movie with opening credits, action scenes, and an original score. The game starts off with an animated sequence that intro
...duces the main character, Tommy Vercetti. To enhance the cinematic experience, Rockstar games enlisted renowned actors like Ray Liotta to provide the voice for Tommy Vercetti. Ray Liotta's star persona from movies like Goodfellas adds to the immersive experience of Vice City. The animators also took care to physically resemble Tommy Vercetti to Ray Liotta. This combination elevates Vice City beyond a regular video game and makes it truly cinematic and interactive.
Players can live out their "gangster" fantasies in Vice City and indulge in their homicidal desires. Other actors such as Gary Busey, Luis Guzman, and David Paymer lend their voices to supporting characters in the game, further enhancing its immersion. For example, David Paymer portrays Ken Roseburg - Tommy Vercetti's lawyer - similar to a supporting actor role in a film. The character Ken Roseburg in Vice City draws inspiration fro
the film "Carlito's Way". Many gangster films were used as source material for the game including Miami as the setting and the 80s as the time period.
During this period, the cinematic source material had a significant influence. In Vice City, when Tommy Vercetti causes trouble, it alerts the police. The more damage he creates, the more stars he collects. When he reaches three out of six stars, detectives inspired by "Miami Vice" characters appear. These detectives resemble Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas in both appearance and their car from the show. Moreover, Tommy Vercetti's mansion in the game is modeled after "Scarface" mansion. It becomes the location for an intense shoot-out scene similar to one in "Scarface". The animators paid attention to specific details of both the interior and exterior of the mansion. Even Tommy Vercetti's office includes a large desk and surveillance cameras reminiscent of Tony Montana's setup. The animators also incorporated Tommy Vercetti's initials into the design of his desk chair just like Tony Montana did with his own chair. As players progress through the gameplay, Tommy Vercetti has an opportunity to purchase a club that is based on one seen in "Scarface". One key element found in gangster films are action sequences involving shoot-outs, bank heists, and high-speed chases where characters use various weapons, explosives, and getaway vehicles for their missions. Similar to these films, Tommy Vercetti has access to an arsenal including AK-47s, Technines,and assault rifles while playing Vice City.The creators of Vice City include a "chainsaw" from Scarface to add more gore, while staying true to the gangster film genre they are emulating. The missions that Tommy Vercetti must
complete also have a cinematic feel. Some involve targeting rival gangs and sabotaging their property investments throughout the city. One mission resembles another gangster film, as Tommy Vercetti robs a bank with three other characters, mirroring the bank heist in Heat. The game's bank heist unfolds just like it does in the film, with Tommy Vercetti and others making a daring escape and engaging in a shoot-out in broad daylight. These unique qualities give Vice City its cinematic atmosphere. Pulling off such a large-scale heist is typically reserved for movies, but players can do it in Vice City. Alongside cinematic details borrowed from movies, the developers incorporated an actual movie studio where Tommy Vercetti can buy sets and props. However, this small B studio specializes in producing adult films. The movie studio plays an important role for Tommy Vercetti as it helps him earn more money; his accomplishments are measured by his high score equivalent to money earned.
In most gangster films, the main motivation for characters is to make money through theft, robbery, or murder. This same passion drives Tommy Vercetti in Vice City. He earns money by managing production and ensuring the safety of his "actresses" while owning the lot. Additionally, Vice City includes audio elements from gangster films to enhance the visuals. It has an original score and soundtrack created exclusively for the game. Players can also steal cars as Tommy Vercetti while enjoying unique radio stations with DJs playing music that captures the essence of the 80s. The attention given to sound and visuals brings Vice City to life, mimicking a real city with diverse musical genres on its radio stations like
hip hop, rock and roll, and reggae. Flash 103.5 station even plays songs featured in Scarface such as "Push It to the Limit," "Rush Rush," "She's on Fire," and "I'm Hot Tonight". This focus on sound detail makes Vice City an immersive cinematic experience where buildings, streets, and pedestrians are meticulously designed to set a high standard for video game aesthetics.The meticulousness in creating a realistic and immersive virtual environment has made Vice City highly acclaimed among its dedicated fanbase. The creators of the Grand Theft Auto series have continued to push boundaries by incorporating elements from cinema in their latest installment, San Andreas.
