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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Revision as of 01:26, 18 December 2019 by TheKreator (talk | contribs)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City cover
Developers
Rockstar North
macOS (OS X) TransGaming Inc.
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Japan Capcom
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
RenderWare
Release dates
Windows May 1, 2003
macOS (OS X) (Cider) 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.
Exceeding 30 and 60 FPS introduces gameplay and physics issues.
Features the ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.[3]

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.
A 2013 re-release cut some of the audio tracks.
Windows
Publisher website
Icon overlay.png
If the Steam version is detected, the launcher can launch the game through Steam instead.[4]
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows

Version differences

The current Steam version as of December 2012 was rumored to have some radio songs removed similarly to the mobile version and rare 2013 retail PC re-release.[5] However, it was reported that the "New Audio" Steam version still has the full soundtrack as the earlier retail and "Old Audio" Steam versions.[6][7]
The Rockstar Games Launcher version however does have the music cuts from the mobile port and the 2013 retail re-release.[8] To restore them for the Rockstar Games Launcher version, see Downgrading.

Essential improvements

Patches

Patch v1.1 is the latest patch available. Most digital distribution versions already include this patch.

Downgrading

A majority of essential mods and fixes require a v1.0 executable.
Downgrading the Rockstar Games Launcher version restores all of the removed licensed music tracks.
Steam version: replace the stock Steam executable with this one.[9]
Rockstar Games Launcher version[citation needed]
  1. Download the VC RGSC Downgrader.
  2. Extract the contents of VCRGSCdowngrade.rar to <path-to-game>.
  3. Run install.bat to start the downgrading process. The tool will automatically close its command prompt window and remove patch files afterwards.
  4. Launch the game from the newly created gta-vc.exe v1.0 executable. It is advised to not use the original executable leftover after downgrading the game as the Rockstar Games Launcher has problems with the modified files and can undo file changes from the downgrader.

Skip intro videos

Although this mod was made for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it also works on Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as well.
Installing No Intro mod[10]
  1. Download the mod here.
  2. Extract the movie folder from the archive, then copy this folder to <path-to-game>, replacing the video files. For the German version, you may need to duplicate GTAtitles.mpg within the mod's folder and rename the copied video as GTAtitlesGER.mpg.
  3. Now launch the game. The blank videos should skip the intro and launch straight into the game.

ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix

A v1.0 executable is recommended.
Fixes issues such as broken in-game widescreen presentation and HUD/subtitle scaling in higher resolutions.
Adds adjustable FOV and MSAA support for the non-Steam version. Also works as an ASI loader and a D3D8to9 wrapper.
Installing ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix[11]
  1. Download ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix here.
  2. Extract the GTAVC.WidescreenFix folder from the zip archive, then copy the d3d8.dll file and scripts folder into <path-to-game>.
  3. (Optional) Download the Widescreen Frontend from the drop down menu where you downloaded ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix above, then extract the contents of the zip archive and copy them into <path-to-game>, overwriting any files in the process.

SilentPatch

Fixes numerous bugs and oversights introduced in the PC version.
Download SilentPatch and DDraw Component[12]
  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>

SkyGfx

Requires a D3D8to9 wrapper (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix) and currently only works with a v1.0 executable.
Features the ability to restore the visual aesthetics of the RenderWare engine from the console or mobile versions.
Installing SkyGfx[13]
  1. Download SkyGfx here, then extract the rwd3d9.dll into <path-to-game>, then extract the skygfx.asi and place it <path-to-game>\scripts (create a scripts folder if it does not already exist in <path-to-game>). If you are using Widescreen Fix, you do not need its d3d8.dll wrapper.
  2. Go into the VC folder extracted from the archive, then copy the neo folder and skygfx.ini into <path-to-game>\scripts folder.

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

Requires a v1.0 executable and an ASI loader (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix).
Also works with Grand Theft Auto III and San Andreas.
Moves the user files folder to <path-to-game>, allowing a downgraded game to be fully portable.
Using Portable GTA[14]
  1. Download the mod here, then rename the file extension from portablegta.dll to portablegta.asi.
  2. Place the portablegta.asi file into <path-to-game>\scripts.
  3. Run the game, exit to desktop, and then delete the contents inside <path-to-game>\userfiles.
  4. Copy everything from %USERPROFILE%\Documents\GTA Vice City User Files into <path-to-game>\userfiles folder.

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

Only 16:9 aspect-ratio is supported as other resolutions are stretched, however, the in-game Widescreen setting causes issues such as stretched HUD, cuts off parts of the image (Vert-), and misaligned mouse aiming. Use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix for proper widescreen support.

Windowed

Install ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix, then create a wndmode.ini file in <path-to-game>[15]

Input settings

The game features two control styles: Standard which accommodates keyboard and mouse controls, while Classic is based on the console versions.
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 and DualShock 3 controller support with relevant controller prompts.
Restores haptic feedback from console versions.
Five controller presets, based on console versions and Grand Theft Auto IV.
Installing GInput[16]
  1. Download GInputVC here.
  2. Extract the contents of GInputVC_*.zip, and copy the models folder, GInputVC.asi, and GInputVC.ini files into <path-to-game>.
  3. Open GInputVC.ini with a text editor and configure your desired settings.

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.
Croatian
Fan translation, download.
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[17])
  • 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:

Download Open Limit Adjuster
Requires an ASI Loader (included in ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix).
Enables the game to run at 60 FPS while avoiding most game-breaking glitches.
Car handling is slightly less responsive or stiffer, pedestrian conversations play too fast, cars are easy to push, cutscenes may end too quickly, sirens are hard to switch on/off, etc.
  1. Place III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster.asi and III.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster.ini into <path-to-game>\scripts\
  2. Open II.VC.SA.LimitAdjuster.ini with a text editor.
  3. Scroll down to [VCLIMITS] a change FrameLimit= 30 to FrameLimit= 60
  4. Go to in-game video settings.
  5. Make sure Frame Limiter is set to ON.
Use Nvidia Profile Inspector
Works with unmodified Steam-Version, no downgrade or mods are needed.
Enables the game to run at 60 FPS while avoiding most glitches.
Works only with nVidia Cards. Solution not tested with Non-Steam and 1.0 Game version, but i think it should work too.
  1. Start with a clean Vice City Installation.
  2. Install and start Nvidia Profile Inspector.
  3. Select "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" Profile.
  4. Set vSync to "On" AND Frame Limiter to "~60,7 fps"
  5. Apply/Save Settings
  6. Start GTA VC. Turn In-Game Frame Limiter to "Off"
  7. The Game should now run on 60FPS without the known physix and timing issues.
Turn on in-game frame limiter[citation needed]
No timing-related bugs.
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>\
Replace the missing language files
Usually indicated by unhandled exception c00005 at address 00652f80.
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\TEXT\
  2. Rename american.gxt or whatever file there is with spanish.gxt, italian.gxt or one matching your default OS language.

Cannot find 640x480 video mode error

Download fixed GTA III/GTA VC DDraw Component and put the ddraw.dll in <path-to-game>[18]
Use the following compatibility fixes[19]
  1. Right-click gta-vc.exe and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab and set the following:
    • Set Compatibility mode to Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
    • Check the setting for Run in 640x480 resolution
  3. Click Apply to apply these settings, and attempt to run the game, then change resolution settings as desired.

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 mapping

Install SilentPatch[citation needed]

Misaligned mouse aiming

Install the Widescreen Fix[20]

Player and pedestrians dialogue is very rare compared to PlayStation 2 version

Install the Ped Speech Patch[21]

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[22]
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[23]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8 For Direct3D 9 support, use ThirteenAG's Widescreen Fix.
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

Featured plugins

  • CLEO - Popular script extender used by lots of sophisticated mods. Version 2.0.0.0 is compatible with the Steam version.
  • Mod Loader - Allows the use of mods without replacing most core files from the installation folder. Some script-based files may not work if loaded via Mod Loader.

Featured mods

Total conversions

Modding tools

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 8.1 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX 9.0 compatible
Game supports and uses DirectX 8.1 despite the system requirements to the contrary.
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

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Vice City on Windows Vista & Windows 7"
  2. "Bug List with Solutions (PC, PS2 & Xbox)"
  3. Custom Radio Stations in GTA Games
  4. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-09-18
  5. Vice City now back on Steam - Rockstar Nexus - last accessed on 2019-06-09
  6. GTA VC - Why Steam is NOT a bad version? (Comparison) - Feat. MrMario - last accessed on 2019-06-09
  7. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
    I have compared the retail version included in the 2009 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy collection and the "New Audio" Steam version and noticed the original radio songs that were rumored to be cut are still present in the latter.
  8. Various GTA Downgraders - GTA Forums - last accessed on 2019-10-07
  9. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-10-07
  10. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
    Installed this mod on Vice City (and III) and it works, skipping intros immediately. It also works via Mod Loader.
  11. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
  12. Verified by User:AmethystViper on May 21, 2018
  13. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
  14. Verified by User:AmethystViper on March 31, 2019
  15. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
  16. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
  17. [REL]Multi-sampling FIX - GTA Forums
  18. cant find 640x480 video mode :: Steam Community Discussions
  19. How to fix 'Cannot find 640x480 video mode' in GTA: Vice City - YouTube - last accessed on 2019-06-09
  20. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
  21. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2019-06-09
    This restored the talkative pedestrians from the PlayStation 2 version in the PC version from experience.
  22. SilentPatch - Page 167 - GTAForums
  23. Verified by User:Blackbird on 2019-04-20