Originally released in 2006 for the PlayStation Portable and later ported to the PlayStation 2, the game has remained absent from PC platforms for nearly two decades. This fan-driven project aims to celebrate the game's 20th anniversary by bringing it to modern hardware.
The original Vice City Stories follows the story of Victor Vance, a soldier turned criminal in the vibrant, neon-soaked streets of Vice City during the 1980s. It expanded on the gameplay of its predecessor with new mechanics like empire-building, where players could conquer and manage businesses across the city. Despite its critical acclaim and loyal fanbase, Rockstar Games never released an official PC version, leaving players to rely on emulators or older consoles.
Enter White Trash Games, a Russian modding team, who have announced the "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories 20th Anniversary Edition." This unofficial native port promises a host of enhancements tailored for PC users. Key features include support for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, full keyboard and mouse controls, as well as controller compatibility. The team is also incorporating cut content from the original development, mission replay systems, and detailed graphics options for maps, textures, vehicles, and animations. Multi-language support is in the works, making it accessible to a global audience.
A trailer for the project was released on YouTube, showcasing gameplay footage with Victor Vance navigating the city's dangers, set to nostalgic tunes like Blondie's "Heart of Glass." The video highlights the team's efforts to reverse-engineer the game for a seamless PC experience. Community reactions on platforms like X and Reddit have been enthusiastic, with fans expressing excitement over finally playing this underrated gem on modern systems. However, some users have noted that this is not an official Rockstar product, and there's speculation about potential legal challenges from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, which has a history of shutting down fan projects.
The modders are sharing updates via Telegram and VK, encouraging fans to follow along for progress reports. While no exact release date has been confirmed, the project is slated for sometime in 2026, aligning with the game's anniversary and the upcoming launch of GTA VI, which returns to the Vice City setting.
This fan-made port represents a labor of love for a game that many consider an overlooked classic in the GTA series. As the community awaits more details, it serves as a reminder of how passionate fans can breathe new life into older titles.
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