In 2001, Rockstar Games shook up the gaming world as forcefully as Muhammad Ali shook up the boxing world in 1964. Its Grand Theft Auto III served up an experience that gamers never imagined they could have. Its open-ended gameplay and living world gave players a new sense of freedom that raised the bar for games. Furthermore it was the first game to offer mature content with compelling and original gameplay. In short, it was a landmark title that changed the perception of what a game could be. Roughly one year later, Rockstar returns for an encore. While more of an update than a true sequel, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City serves up a broader, deeper, and more addictive version of the brilliance found in its predecessor. And while it isn't quite perfect and the graphics show some age, it's clearly one of the best games released in 2002.
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