By returning to Vice City, Grand Theft Auto 6 can show a new, grittier side to the classic location once dominated by Tommy Vercettti. As the titular backdrop for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City combines elements of 1980s culture and fashion with design inspiration from Miami. GTA 6, offers a chance to see just how much could have changed since the days of Tommy Vercetti.
Ever since the revelation that Grand Theft Auto 6 would return to Vice CIty after the series spent the past decade in Los Santos, there has been plenty of speculation on how it will turn out. It's possible that some Vice City characters could appear in GTA 6, and some of the game's iconic locations could also make another appearance. With Vice City being one of the more memorable Grand Theft Auto settings, there is plenty of reason to be excited for what's to come.
Vice City's bright, frequently neon-lit streets are a major part of what makes it memorable, although this same brightness does ittedly clash with the tone of the game a bit. Of course, it is all a part of the 80s flair, and the tropical mood is equally thanks to the sunny Florida background of the game. However, with Tommy being the most brutal GTA protagonist, the fact that his path of destruction takes place in the GTA universe's brightest city is quite ironic. Considering GTA's sense of humor, that may well have been the case in the first place. GTA's Miami-influenced Vice City certainly wouldn't be the first time that the series has played with subversion.
GTA 6 Can Show Players A Grittier, Grimier Vice City
One thing that could be taken into is how long it has been since the last time GTA visited Vice City. It's possible that the city's age has begun to weigh upon it, and its bright lights may have dulled in that time. Areas that were once extravagant could have become run down after Tommy took his spot on top. Some memorable buildings could be closed or even torn down entirely. Grand Theft Auto 5 showed Grove Street to have become overrun by Ballas in the time since San Andreas' ending despite CJ's successes, so nothing can be considered completely safe. GTA 6 can make Vice City look good, but giving it a less glamorous makeover could give the newer title a distinctive edge.
Another thing to take into is where the GTA 6 protagonists will be starting. Although Tommy did not have anything big at the start of Vice City, he at least had the guidance of Sonny Forelli and got to associate with people such as Colonel Cortez. The GTA 6 protagonists would likely have even less, and that could lead players to see more of the grimier side of Vice City. Without powerful allies, the player could get a long look at Vice City's seedier side before they can make it to the brighter, more tourist-friendly locales that the city is famous for. While GTA 6 risks ruining Vice City by returning, it could also provide an evolution for the classic locale.
Vice City is famous for its bright lights and beautiful sights, but GTA 6 can shine a darker light on the crime-filled metropolis. By taking some of the shine off of the classic Vice City, it could create an experience that feels more unique despite retreading old territory. Grand Theft Auto 6 may be coming back to Vice City, but it doesn't have to be exactly the same city players .
