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Difference between revisions of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 
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|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
|widescreen resolution      = true
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|widescreen resolution      = limited
 
|widescreen resolution notes= Stretched HUD and [[#Crosshair inaccuracy|misaligned aiming]]. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|widescreen resolution notes= Stretched HUD and [[#Crosshair inaccuracy|misaligned aiming]]. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
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===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
{{ii}} In-game wide screen option allows to retain proper aspect ratio, though only for 16:9 resolutions. Otherwise picture is stretched.  
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{{ii}} In-game widescreen option allows to retain proper aspect ratio, though only for 16:9 resolutions. Otherwise picture is stretched.  
{{--}} Yet not only wide screen option cuts part of the image ({{term|Vert-}}), it does also [[#Crosshair inaccuracy|misalign aiming]].
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{{--}} Yet not the in-game wide screen option cuts part of the image ({{term|Vert-}}), it does also [[#Crosshair inaccuracy|misalign aiming]].
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/releases/tag/gtavc ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/releases/tag/gtavc ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix]|fix=

Revision as of 06:55, 19 May 2019

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City cover
Developers
Rockstar North
macOS (OS X) TransGaming Inc.
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Japan Capcom
Engines
RenderWare
Release dates
Windows May 1, 2003
macOS (OS X) November 12, 2010
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City guide on StrategyWiki
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on Wikipedia

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
Grand Theft Auto 1997
Grand Theft Auto 2 1999
Grand Theft Auto III 2002
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 2003
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 2005
Grand Theft Auto IV 2008
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City 2010
Grand Theft Auto: iFruit 2013
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 10 Year Anniversary 2014
Grand Theft Auto V 2015
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (series)

Key points

There are many issues and it's very likely to encounter at least one.[1][2] SilentPatch fixes many of these issues.
A 1.0 exe is required for mods such as SkyGFX.
Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.[3]
Exceeding 30 FPS introduces gameplay and physics issues.

General information

Official game site
GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Discussion
Grand Theft Wiki
GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series
GTA Garage Mod Database
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SecuROM 4 DRM disc check.
Polish versions sold in Classics collection from Cenega require Internet activation, but have no DRM.
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Mac App Store
Icon overlay.png
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Steam version needs to be downgraded in order to be seriously modded.
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Version differences

Some radio songs have been removed for new Steam buyers; Steam version purchases made before December 2012 still include these songs.[4]

Essential improvements

Patches

Patch 1.1 is the latest patch available.
Most digital distribution versions already include this patch.

ASI loader

Use Ultimate ASI Loader
  1. Place dinput8.dll into <path-to-game>
  2. Rename the file to d3d8.dll
  3. Create a new folder named scripts. ASI mods will be placed in here

Notes

Required for many script-based mods and fixes.

SilentPatch

Fixes numerous bugs and oversights introduced in the PC version.
Download SilentPatch and DDraw Component[5]
  1. Place the data folder to <path-to-game>
  2. Place SilentPatchVC.asi into <path-to-game>\scripts\
  3. Place ddraw.dll into <path-to-game>

Notes

ASI loader required only for SilentPatchVC

Skip intro videos

Rename/delete movies folder
  1. Go to <path-to-game>
  2. Delete or rename the movies folder

Notes

Left-click anywhere after launching to open the game window

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA Vice City User Files\gta_vc.set
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12110/pfx/[Note 1]
Configuration file is encrypted

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA Vice City User Files\GTAVCsf*.b
macOS (OS X) ~/Library/Application Support/Grand Theft Auto Vice City/p_drive/Documents/GTA Vice City User Files/
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12110/pfx/[Note 1]
Steam edition uses an altered saves format than the retail one. They can be converted though
If using Windows 98 / Windows ME compatibility mode save files are stored in %PUBLIC%\Documents\GTA Vice City User Files\
Save files are NOT cross-compatible between Windows and OS X
Portable GTA
  1. Rename the file extension to portablegta.asi
  2. Place the file into <path-to-game>\scripts\
  3. Run the game, exit, then delete the contents inside <path-to-game>\userfiles\
  4. Extract everything from GTA Vice City User Files to the userfiles folder

Notes

Moves the user files to the installation folder
ASI loader required
Mod also works with GTA 3 and GTA San Andreas

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video settings

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Template:Video settings

Widescreen resolution

In-game widescreen option allows to retain proper aspect ratio, though only for 16:9 resolutions. Otherwise picture is stretched.
Yet not the in-game wide screen option cuts part of the image (Vert-), it does also misalign aiming.
Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix
  1. Download GTAVC.WidescreenFix.zip
  2. Place the scripts folder to <path-to-game>

Notes

Multi-monitor users also need to use SilentPatch[6]
Field of view can be controlled inside GTAVC.WidescreenFix.ini
MSAA can be enabled for non-Steam versions. See Anti-aliasing (AA).
ASI loader required

Windowed

Use ThirteenAG's Windowed Mode[7]

Place III.VC.SA.WindowedMode.asi and (optionally) III.VC.SA.CoordsManager.exe into <path-to-game>\scripts\

Shortcuts

  • Alt+ Enter toggles Fullscreen/Windowed modes
  • Ctrl+ Enter toggles Border/Borderless modes
  • Shift+ Enter toggles Coords Manager menu

Notes

ASI loader required
Borderless Windowed Mode
  1. Create a new text file named wndmode.ini
  2. Place the file into <path-to-game>
  3. Run the game

Notes

ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix required

Anti-aliasing (AA)

Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix
  1. Open GTAVC.WidescreenFix.ini, located inside <path-to-game>\scripts
  2. Adjust ForceMultisamplingLevel to the AA level of your choice

Input settings

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game mouse settings.
In-game mouse settings.

Template:Input settings

GInput

Adds full XInput controller support
Restores haptic feedback from console versions
Choice between Xbox and DualShock button prompts
Download GInput
  1. Place GInputVC.asi and GInputVC.ini into <path-to-game>\scripts\
  2. Place the models folder into <path-to-game>

Notes

ASI loader required

Y-axis sensitivity modifier

Independently adjust Y-axis speed[citation needed]
  1. Download the y-axis mouse sensitivity fix.
  2. Extract the contents of archive to a continent location.
  3. Open vcsens.txt and follow the provided instructions.

Notes

This mod has not been updated in over 7 years and it's not compatible with Steam release

Audio settings

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Simplified Chinese
Fan translation, The Project itself and download and GitHub.
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Italian
Polish
Official translation, download.
Russian
Retail only. Patch for digital release here. Unofficial audio translation is avaliable.
Slovak
Fan translation, download.
Spanish
Turkish
Fan translation, download.
Ukrainian
Two different fan localizations, #1 and #2.

Network

Multiplayer types

Connection types

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
iZ3D

Issues fixed

Timing-related issues

An unlocked or incorrect frame rate cap can result in timing issues.

Related issues:

  • Broken cutscenes (when a cut scene starts, the game seems frozen[8])
  • It is noticeable upon starting a new game, when a black screen appears with the writing "Marco's Bistro, Liberty City, 1986".
  • Random crash when changing resolution
  • Cars that reverse extremely slowly and/or stop quickly after releasing the accelerator
  • Inhuman difficulties while performing boat missions (such as "Stunt Boat Challenge")
  • Boats that accelerate and move slower than they should be (like cars issue above)
  • Game that runs almost comically quickly[1]
  • Pedestrians seem to be "running" and cars move on and off screen extremely fast.
  • Textures & models "pop in" too slowly[1]
  • Certain models such as bridges or stairs take a few seconds to "pop in" even if the character is standing near to or next to the model.
  • In the mission "The Driver", a character may fall through the a bridge.
  • Vice City with almost no cars or pedestrians on the streets and seems a ghost-town.

Solution:

Turn on in-game frame limiter[citation needed]
Game is limited to 30FPS.

Game refuses to start

Fix Data Execution Prevention setting[citation needed]

Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is set to the default (Windows programs and services only)

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>\

Cannot find 640x480 video mode error

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>[9]

Game cannot find enough available video memory

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>\

Game crashes after intro movie or fails to start entirely

Nothing occurs, other than a possible quick flicker, when attempting to run the game (gta-vc.exe)
The game starts, however it crashes directly after the intro move with the error "gta-vc.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close."
Delete gta_vc.set[1]

Game crashes after loading save

Make sure save file and game build match[citation needed]

Game crashes randomly with "Unhandled exception"

Option 1: Edit properties of gta-vc.exe[citation needed]
  • In the Properties of gta-vc.exe change Compatibility mode to Windows 98/Me.
  • Set the Privilege Level to Run this program as an administrator.
  • In the Steam command line options, add -CPUCount:1.
Option 2: Use testapp.exe as game executable[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>.
  2. Rename or move the original gta-vc.exe.
  3. Rename testapp.exe to gta-vc.exe.
  4. Launch the game through Steam. The client will use the new gta-vc.exe as entry point.

Mouse clicks do not register

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Missing text in menus

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Camera locks after a unique jump is performed

The camera locks in slow-motion and does not release the view.
Alt-Tab Workaround[1]
  1. Alt + Tab out of the game.
  2. Click on Vice City on your task bar.
  3. Alt + Tab back in.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 a couple of times if it did not work the first time

Bad lighting, reflections, shadowing

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Crosshair inaccuracy

Playing wide screen places the real aim slightly above and to the right of the displayed crosshairs.
Install the Widescreen resolution fix[citation needed]

Player and pedestrians dialogue is very rare compared to PS2 version

Install the Ped Speech Patch[citation needed]

Low violence gameplay with some keyboard layouts

Includes ar-EG, de-AT, en-AU, es-ES, fr-CA, qu-PE, se-FI, sr-SP, zh-HK[10]
Install SilentPatch

The game will ask for CD if installed on A: or B: drives

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Alchemy doesn't restore EAX

Install Alchemy Fix[citation needed]

Havana outfit is inaccessible

After finishing Cop Land or No Escape? missions the outfit gets moved behind invisible wall
Install Havana Outfit Fix[11]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8
Shader Model support 1.4
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System 6.1c

Modding

Frequently used plugins

  • CLEO - Popular script extender used by lots of sophisticated mods. Version 2.0.0.0 is compatible with the Steam version
  • IMG Manager V2.0 - Beta version of the most bug-free .img files manager

Featured mods

Total conversions

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98, ME, 2000, XP
Processor (CPU) AMD Athlon 800 MHz
AMD Duron 1.2 GHz
Intel Pentium III 800 MHz
Intel Celeron 1.2 GHz
System memory (RAM) 128 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 915 MB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce
32 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX 9.0 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.6.8
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.7 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon X1600
Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT
Intel GMA X3100
Other This game will NOT run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems (PowerMac)

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/12110/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12110) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References