Grand Theft Auto: Vice Cityreleased in 2002 and was Rockstar’s love-letter to, and deconstruction of, all things “1980s.” The gameplay allowed for the series' usual open-world chaos, this time freely taking inspiration from films and media of the 80s. At many points the game slips completely into parody of movies likeScarfaceand other cultural touchstones of the decade likeMiami Vice. NaturallyGTA: Vice City’s hyper-80s aesthetic pairs well with gamers that have fond memories of gaming culture from the real 1980s, and has inspired some fans to imagine how the game would have been presented if it had been released in decade it was set in.
In the 1980s games were in their infancy, the games market crashed in 1983, and it seemed unlikely at the time that home console video games would ever be a viable market again. But arcade gaming was still in its golden age, with some of thebest games found exclusively in arcades. Though arcades would begin to fade in popularity in the decades to follow, there are fans of arcade gaming that remain dedicated.
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These arcade fans are so dedicated somerare cabinets can sell for up to $10,000, and an entire gaming subculture has developed around reproducing and designing arcade cabinets for more modern games that never would have seen an arcade release. One very prolific member of this subculture is Reddit user SHAR-KADE, who specializes in custom designed arcade cabinet builds, and who, for their latest build, has taken inspiration fromGTA: Vice City.
The arcade cabinet certainly looks the part, with a synth-wave deep purple color scheme that has become so synonymous with everything 80s technology-inspired. Also, huge decals of characters from the game are emblazoned across the cabinets front and sides, usingVice City’s bold key art style. The cabinet has a joystick and buttons for two players which makes it suitable for playing actual arcade games from the 80s, but SHAR-KADE says there is a port for connecting controllers, soGTA: Vice Cityitself could actually be played on this custom arcade cabinet.
Of all thestunning fan-built custom arcade machineswith designs based on console games,Vice Cityfeels like one of the most appropriate. It is a game so steeped in the culture of the 80s, not just as its setting, but commenting on it in the game’s story and themes. Rockstar even hired famous 80s actors and musicians to strengthen these parallels. It’s only right then that the game receive a true 80s gaming presentation as well.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice Cityis a fan-favorite in the series, with many hoping thatVice Cityis the setting forGTA 6.Vice City’s story is actually one of the series’ most compelling, but is often lost like manyGTAstories under the sandbox mayhem and destruction that the games are famous for.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice Cityis available as part ofGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogyon PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
