Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was one of my favorite GTA games growing up, alongside San Andreas.
First released in 2002 on PlayStation 2, and later arriving on Xbox and PC in 2003, Vice City quickly stood out for its setting, soundtrack, and tone.
Playing GTA Vice City in a browser
From the Dos Zone team, who have a hefty background in browser-based game preservation, titles like Doom, Half-Life: Deathmatch, and the original GTA are all playable in a browser thanks to the team’s efforts.
Because it runs entirely in a web browser, the demo works on Windows and Android, and should also function on macOS, iOS, and Linux as long as a modern browser is supported.
In terms of input and display, the demo supports a wide range of screen resolutions, standard keyboard controls, and controller support. I tested it on my Xbox Ally X without any issues, making the game accessible across devices, including tablets and phones, albeit somewhat awkward with touchscreen controls.
Progress can be saved locally, with optional cloud saves available through the js-dos platform, allowing sessions to carry over between devices.
There is a demo limitation, however. Progression is blocked at the first story checkpoint at the Ocean View Hotel, unless you provide proof of ownership.
To continue beyond that point, users must upload an original Vice City game file, which is verified using checksums to confirm it matches retail assets.
The legality and how to play
The legal situation remains unclear. DOS Zone says it does not distribute original game assets and relies on user-supplied files, but that does not guarantee rights holders will accept a publicly playable browser version of the game.
Whilst the legality of this is unknown, it still is an impressive feat that the team has managed to accomplish, and it begs the question, what else could run in a browser, Crysis perhaps?
If you want to check it out for yourself, you can check out the demo by clicking here.
Do you think browser‑based versions of classics are the future of retro gaming, or do you prefer the original console experience? Drop your thoughts below and tell us how you’ll be revisiting Vice City!
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