Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mobile version of console hit just as violent as original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that the game allows for fun multiplayer experiences, where players can invite friends to join in the chaotic world of crime and action. Although some reviews mention concerns about violence and adult themes, many believe it is suitable for mature pre-teens and teens, highlighting its entertaining storyline while downplaying the game's realism and mentioning that it lacks explicit content compared to newer entries in the series.
- multiplayer enjoyment
- suitable for teens
- mild violence
- entertaining storyline
- nostalgic feel
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Privacy Rating Warning
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What's It About?
Players control characters by using a virtual \"thumbstick\" on the left side of the screen and a series of buttons. When on foot, they control running, hitting, and shooting. When in a vehicle, they switch to a pedal and brake, drift and the horn. Users can change the radio station in vehicles by swiping the bottom of the screen. Players can follow the game's main story or opt for the hundreds of side missions in the game.
Is It Any Good?
No, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is not a game for kids -- but if you're at all familiar with the series, you likely already knew that. It's loaded with sex, violence, language, drugs and pretty much everything you want to shield a child from.
But for adults, it's a very well-made action game that justifiably deserves the praise it has received for being "interactive cinema." The game transitions to the mobile world smoothly and weaves an intricate tale. The detail, ease of play, deep story, and sprawling game environment make this a game that any fan of the series will spend dozens of hours rediscovering.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure :
- Release date : December 6, 2012
- Genre : Action Games
- Publisher : Rockstar Games
- Version : 1.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 4.3 or later; Android 2.3 and up
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate