A slickly presented 80s Miami plays host to arguably the greatest sandbox experience in modern gaming. Razor-sharp and increasingly madcap, Vice City embodies everything that makes Grand Theft Auto so thoroughly fantastic.

In a masterstroke of design, this title is accessible on so many levels that it possesses appeal for an audience wider than not only any other GTA game, but also the majority of sandbox games. Vice City is instantaneous in its grasp. Whether you’re after the kind of pick-up-and-play fun that has become synonymous with the series, or you’re after a richer, more narratively deep experience, you’ll find what you’re after here by the bucket load (or the kilo, dependant on your inclination/addiction).

A drape of neon glow spills over this highly satirical portrayal of the cocaine-capital and is at times, mesmerizing in its ability to immerse. An alarmingly high amount of years, eleven actually, have passed since the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and yet despite the rough graphical edges, the game feels as current as ever. Such is the way of Rockstar Games’ commitment to excellent scene-to-scene scripting.

Played on IOS (an iPad Mini in this case) the game is the same hot-pink dazzle the memory recollects so fondly. Racing through the streets of Vice City is still undeniably fun and the sea of pop-culture references remains as hilarious ever. Surprisingly enough, the control scheme lends itself extremely well to IOS and in honesty nothing is lost in translation between the old and new devices.  A radial style analogue stick sits upon the left-hand side of the screen whilst acceleration and braking are designated to the right-hand side of the screen. All of which keeps a fluency to proceedings that ensures that playtime remains focused on the game, not the controls, which is always the mark of a well-implemented control scheme.

The relatively high-resolution display on recent IOS devices means that the jazzy colour pallet that made the game so eye-catching back in the day is retained in perfect form. Tommy Vercetti and co may have heads, hands and egos as well rounded as a Rubik’s cube, but they still spring to life wonderfully when illuminated on the small screen in all of the retro glory that concreted this games position in the history books.

The replay value that a title such as this has to offer is near enough unlimited, with an expansive campaign only the tip of the iceberg as to what this game has to offer. Collectible goodies, property to acquire as well as side missions and free roaming to dabble in, Vice City is one of the truly great sources of inspiration for modern sandbox games.

Revolving around recently released convict Tommy Vercetti, Vice City illustrates the crazed escalation of the drug trade in Miami at the time. Trying to get back into the business after a 15-year stint for murder, Vercetti partakes in a seemingly simple deal that inevitably turns south. After which, he vows to make it up to his superiors by any means necessary, cue increasingly high-stake missions.

The standard Grand Theft Auto structure plays out as expected here, with the game starting with low-scale odd jobs, gradually rising to full-scale anarchy come curtain close. Ensuring that by the time Mr Vercetti is an unstoppable force of criminal madness, you’ll feel like one too – in a good way.

Of all of Rockstar’s efforts, Vice City is one of the most memorable to date. Possessing a vibrancy of sensory effect that few titles in the history of the medium can match. Thundering across a sunset beachfront in a supercar, whilst the sensational 80s soundtrack fills the air, is something that has to be played to be appreciated. Worth every second of the time invested.

Few titles have such a lasting and memorable impact as Vice City. With a plethora of masterfully executed mechanics and a culturally rich world, it set a benchmark for sandbox games to aspire to. As one of the greatest games of the last generation it is a trip down memory lane that is hard to top and a great piece of preparation before Grand Theft Auto 5 hits shelves next month.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a game of absolute meticulous craft. A rarity of sorts, in that it consists of so many different components and yet never feels compromised as a result of any, such is the proficiency of every one of its parts. One of the slickest and most infectious sandbox’s playable, this is a vice that never gets old.

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