Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas vs Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North. The game is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on California, and follows the story of Carl Johnson as he returns to his hometown of Los Santos. The game features a vast open world, engaging storyline, and improved gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessors.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. The game is set in the fictional Vice City, based on Miami, in 1986. Players control Tommy Vercetti, a mobster who becomes embroiled in a world of crime and corruption. The game features a vast open world to explore, a variety of vehicles to drive, and a rich storyline with memorable characters.
- Immersive gameplay
- Rich storyline
- Vast open world
- Improved graphics
- Immersive open-world environment
- Rich storyline with memorable characters
- Variety of vehicles and customization options
- High replay value
- Steep learning curve
- Some missions can be frustratingly difficult
- Limited multiplayer options
- Some outdated graphics and gameplay mechanics
- Limited character customization options
- Some missions can be frustratingly difficult
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
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Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
View all →Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the safer default for budget-conscious buyers seeking multiplayer options, while Vice City offers slightly higher critic scores at a higher MSRP. The main trade-off is between San Andreas's lower price and co-op support versus Vice City's higher price and slightly higher critic score.
Key differences
- •San Andreas includes cooperative multiplayer, whereas Vice City is strictly single-player.
- •San Andreas is significantly cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99 compared to Vice City's $49.99.
- •San Andreas features a broader platform availability including mobile and modern consoles, while specific platform lists differ.
- •Vice City holds a slightly higher critic score of 94/100 compared to San Andreas's 93/100.
- •San Andreas was released in 2004, making it two years newer than Vice City's 2002 release date.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both feature immersive open-worlds, rich storylines, and frustrating missions, with critically acclaimed scores of 93 (San Andreas) and 94 (Vice City).
Platform availability
San Andreas supports a massive range of platforms including Xbox, PS3, PS4, Windows Phone, Android, PC, iOS, Mac, Xbox 360, and PS2.
Price & value
San Andreas is much more affordable with an MSRP of $19.99, whereas Vice City costs $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
San Andreas includes cooperative multiplayer alongside single-player, whereas Vice City supports single player only.
Content & replayability
San Andreas offers expansive features like character skill progression, multiple cities (Los Santos, San Fierro, Las Venturas), and vehicle variety.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games share the con of having some missions that can be frustratingly difficult.
Graphics & performance
San Andreas lists improved graphics as a pro, while Vice City notes outdated graphics and gameplay mechanics as a con.
Choose Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas if…
Players wanting cooperative multiplayer, broader platform availability, skill progression, and a lower price tag.
Choose Grand Theft Auto: Vice City if…
Fans of 1980s settings and characters like Tommy Vercetti who want a slightly higher critic score.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City at $49.99.
Does either game support multiplayer?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas supports cooperative multiplayer, while Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is single-player only.
Which game has a higher critic score?
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has a critic score of 94/100, while Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has a score of 93/100.