20 PS2 Games That Still Hold Up

Though Grand Theft Auto III was groundbreaking, Vice City proved so much more could be done with the property. Rather than playing as another mute avatar, Vice City introduces a fully voiced and memorable lead, Tommy Vercetti. With the talented Ray Liotta providing vocals, it was easy to get enraptured in this protagonist's background, dreams, and rivalries.

Vice City didn't just build upon the foundation of its predecessor but developed a richer narrative, a more vibrant setting, and an atmosphere dripping with nostalgia. The neon-soaked streets and synth-heavy beats made Vice City feel like a living, breathing homage to the pop culture of the decade.

But that's not all. Side characters are more fleshed out, contributing to a stronger story. Motorcycles, helicopters, and planes were added, offering more diverse travelling options and elaborate missions. Districts had astonishing diversity, including beaches, suburbs, industrial areas, and so forth. It introduced purchasable businesses and properties, which could generate income and unlock new missions. 

Even though Grand Theft Auto III was a triumph, it only took a year for Rockstar to release a follow-up that improved upon the blueprint model in every way.