Violence still rules in updated game
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In its fourth gleeful round of murder, mayhem and other acts of moral bankruptcy, the infamous "Grand Theft Auto" video game series is mowing down sales records — thump-thump — and offering what few grizzled gamers thought possible: a fresh set of shocks.
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The '80s-themed "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" has been disappearing from store shelves at a record pace since its release on Oct. 29.
"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" offers gamers almost unlimited opportunities for violence in an '80s setting.
Easily the most anticipated video game of the year, it sold more than 1.4 million copies in its first three days on the market.
Toys n' Joys in Kaimuki reports about 1,000 copies sold since the game's release.
"We knew it was going to be big," said salesman Jason Ng.
Industry analysts predict the Rockstar Games production, which retails for $49.95 locally, could sell as many as 10 million copies total — nearly twice as many as Nintendo's top-selling "Pokemon" games.
The over-the-top sales figures aren't entirely unexpected given the GTA line's reputation for alarming content and high-quality play. What is surprising, to some, is the relative lack of controversy accompanying the launch of the new title.
Despite an estimated $7 million in total sales, the game's predecessor, "Grand Theft Auto 3," drew the sustained ire of parental groups for allowing players to get their virtual jollies stealing cars, dealing drugs and murdering prostitutes.
The menu of virtual sins has broadened with "Vice City," but the anticipated howls of outrage have, for now at least,
• The Story line: Players assume the role of ex-con Tommy Vercetti, who is sent by mob boss Sonny Forelli, to carve out a niche in sunny Vice City. That's a tall order, involving the completion of dozens and dozens of "missions," some simply, some very complex. • The lure: Off-the-chart potential for violence, whether completing a mission or simply driving around town; about 30 weapons of various sophistication; a reported 600 pages of dialogue voiced by actors like Ray Liotta, Burt Reynolds and Dennis Hopper. • The extras: '80s flourishes abound. Look for cameo appearances by seminal video-game figures Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Q-Bert and others. Plus, a collection of 80s music Time-Life Music couldn't match — where else can you hear Kurtis Blow AND Slayer in the same place?
been subsumed by growing critical appreciation for the game's technical and — gasp — artistic achievements.
Name of the game
" 'Vice City' is far and away the most exciting game on the market right now," says University of Hawai'i student and game enthusiast Kevin Vick. "The violence and all that obviously is not for everyone, but you have to admit that (Rockstar) pretty much elevated the standard for game play with it. It's just a great-looking, great-sounding game."
At 25, Vick may be a bit young to appreciate the irony of referring to the game's retro-'80s graphics and soundtrack as great-looking and great-sounding. But even Time magazine's Lev Grossman has deposited his two glowing cents into the review pot, saying that "Vice City" "is the best demonstration so far that video games have come of age."
"Vice City" is set in the 1980s Miami of Crockett and Tubbs, a balmy, pastel mecca of bikini-clad roller skaters, swaying palm trees and drug lords. Players assume the identity of Tommy Vercetti, an aloha-shirted gangster with a B-movie mandate to kill.
Vercetti's voice is provided by veteran actor Ray Liotta. Other characters are voiced by Dennis Hopper, Burt Reynolds and — who else? — porn starlet Jenna Jamison.
Music is provided by four "radio stations" and is guaranteed to give you the impression that you've truly died and gone to the '80s. And for those of you old enough to remember: If Cutting Crew's "I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight" incited murderous impulses the first time around, imagine how players will feel with access to machine guns, grenades or a Japanese sword.
Game play itself is fairly open-ended. Players can direct Vercetti through a self-directed progression of storylines and missions, accumulating money, property and burn-in-hell points like pixelized Tony Montanas. Less-ambitious players can opt for more trivial pursuits, like blowing money on prostitutes, delivering pizza, or tearing around the sprawling city with hijacked sport bikes, cars, boats and helicopters.
"I like the way they put it together," said Ng, 28, who plays the game with his girlfriend. "I like that it's a nonlinear game. It has a good story, and there's about twice as many things to do" compared to "Grand Theft Auto 3."
"Vice City" carries a voluntary "M" rating, designating its appropriateness for players 17 and older. Toys n' Joys, like several other island retailers, will only sell the game to customers 18 and older.
That such policies haven't hurt sales of "Vice City" is an indication to some industry analysts that the generation that grew up on Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog is large enough and interested enough to support the market for racier, raunchier video game thrills.
