GTA fans thank Vice City's excellent soundtrack for introducing them to 80's bangers

GTA fans thank Vice City’s excellent soundtrack for introducing them to 80’s bangers.

When Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, it quickly became considered not only the best game in the series but also one of the best games of all time. In all honesty, if someone told me that the best game in the series was GTA: Vice City, I wouldn't argue the point. Rockstar Games certainly had an instant classic on its hands.

The Vice City location was based on the real-life city of Miami. Neon lights, sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, a vibrant population and much more. It also depicted the satirical criminal underworld and dodgy dealings. Gangs that won't think twice about killing their rivals, drug dealing, loan sharks and a level of corruption that swiftly escalated up the food chain.

There’s so much to love about GTA: Vice City that I could go on forever. However, one other element that played a huge part in this game becoming so iconic, was its excellent soundtrack. Back in the day, I’d probably spend more hours listening to the in-game radio, than actually playing the game itself.

For some, the golden age of music is no better represented than the 1980s and with GTA: Vice City being based in that very decade, the radio station introduced its fanbase to a plethora of absolute bangers. And we’re not talking about InterGlobal Studios on Prawn Island.

Just to name a few tracks from the top of my head, “Video Killed the Radio Star” from The Buggles, “The Message” from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, “Atomic” from Blondie, “I Ran” from A Flock of Seagulls, “Broken Wings” from Mr. Mister, and so much more.

Fans on Reddit have also been sharing their love for the GTA: Vice City soundtrack. “Playing GTA: Vice City as a kid did not make me violent or a criminal, it made me appreciate many 80s classics and formed my taste in music forever,” posted edcar007.

“Owner of a lonely heart was my favourite! Flash FM all the way,” replied Tullzterr. “No way to control it, it’s totally automatic, whenever you’re around…,” shared PrettyLittleLad. “For me, GTA: Vice City was the most enjoyable video game I ever played,” said a euphoric EiffelPower76.

“I was 19 when Vice City came out. I remember my high school sweetheart, who I dated till several years after high school, would only watch me play if I drove around and listened to all the 80s love ballads on the in-game radio stations. good times,” recalled temetnoscesax.

Since its initial release, GTA: Vice City has been released on a multitude of platforms and for good reason, because it's a bloody good game. Its most recent release was bundled in with the infamous Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021.

This Definitive Edition included remasters of GTA III, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas. Unfortunately, to say that it launched in a poor state would be an understatement. However, upon playing the collection not so long ago, it’s in a much better state now and I can wholeheartedly recommend returning back to Vice City.

Speaking of which, if recent rumours are to be believed, Grand Theft Auto VI might not only see the return of Vice City, but we could also be taking a trip to South America. Happy days!