Vice City Definitive vs Original: Cheat & Gameplay Changes

Vice City Definitive Edition changes cheats by removing many classic codes, adding a new cheat menu, and altering gameplay through rebalanced missions, improved controls, and quality-of-life updates. The original 2002 game had 33 known cheat codes for the PlayStation 2, while the Definitive Edition (2021) supports only a subset on PC and console, with some codes like the infamous “flying cars” removed or modified. This article details every major cheat and gameplay difference, so you know exactly what to expect before replaying Vice City.

Formula

The calculator above gives a rough “cheat impact score” based on how long you play and how many cheats you use. The formula is:

Cheat Impact Score = (Total Play Time in hours × 10) + (Number of Cheats Used × 2)

Variables:

• Total play time (t) – hours you spend in the game (default 10)
• Number of cheats (c) – how many distinct cheat codes you enter (default 5)

The score is just a fun way to compare playthroughs; it has no in-game effect.

Worked Example

Using the default values: t = 10 hours, c = 5 cheats.

Score = (10 × 10) + (5 × 2) = 100 + 10 = 110

So a 10-hour playthrough with 5 cheats gives a score of 110.

Background: Why the Definitive Edition Changed Cheats

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City originally launched in 2002 for PlayStation 2, then came to PC and Xbox. It used a simple cheat system: you typed a code with the controller (like R1, R2, L1, R2, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP for weapons) or on PC you typed the code directly. The Definitive Edition, released in 2021 as part of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, was built on Unreal Engine and remastered with new graphics, but the cheat system was overhauled. Many old codes no longer work, and a new in-game cheat menu was added for console players. This was done partly because the old codes were tied to the original engine’s internal commands, which changed during the remaster.

How Cheats Work in the Definitive Edition

In the original Vice City, you entered cheats by pressing a sequence of buttons on a controller or typing a phrase on PC (e.g., “PANZER” for a tank). In the Definitive Edition, the button sequences remain on console, but the PC version now requires you to open a cheat console (usually by pressing the tilde key ~) and type the code. Some codes were removed entirely because they caused bugs or crashes in the new engine. The most notable removals include:

• Flying cars (originally “FLYINGCARS”) – removed because it broke the remaster’s physics
• Huge bunny hop (“BIGBANG”) – removed
• All cars explode (“ALLCARS”) – removed
• Traffic lights green (“GREENLIGHT”) – removed

Instead, the Definitive Edition added a cheat menu (on console, pause menu > Cheats) where you can toggle certain cheats on/off without typing codes. This menu includes invincibility, weapons, health, armor, money, and vehicle spawns, but not every old code.

Gameplay Changes Beyond Cheats

The Definitive Edition isn’t just a graphics update; it changes core gameplay in ways that affect how you play with or without cheats. Key differences:

• Controls – The remaster uses modern GTA V-style controls (aim with L2/LT, cover, etc.), which changes how you shoot and drive. The original had simpler, more dated controls.
• Weapon wheel – Added in the Definitive Edition, so you can select weapons quickly instead of cycling through them. This makes combat easier but also changes the feel.
• Mini-map – Now shows more detail and has a GPS route, which didn’t exist in the original.
• Checkpoints – The remaster adds checkpoints to missions, so if you fail a mission you restart from a checkpoint instead of the beginning. This is a major quality-of-life improvement.
• Radio stations – Some songs were removed due to licensing, so the soundtrack is slightly different.
• Graphical changes – Lighting, textures, and character models are updated, but some fans say the art style looks different from the original’s neon-soaked vibe.
• Bugs and glitches – The Definitive Edition launched with many bugs (like rain not appearing correctly, or physics glitches), many of which were patched later. The original had its own glitches, but they were part of the charm.

These changes affect how you use cheats. For example, the flying cars cheat was removed, but you can still spawn a helicopter via the cheat menu, which serves a similar purpose.

How to Choose Between Definitive and Original

Which version you should play depends on what you value:

• If you want the classic experience with all original cheats, the original PC or PS2 version is your only option. The original has the full cheat list, including the infamous “FANNYMAGNET” (cars magnetize to you) and “ROCKETMAN” (jetpack).
• If you want modern controls and better visuals, the Definitive Edition is the way to go, but be prepared for fewer cheats and some lingering bugs.
• If you’re on console (PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series), the Definitive Edition is the only modern way to play, since the original isn’t backward compatible on PS4/PS5 (though it is on Xbox via backward compatibility).
• If you’re on PC, you can mod the original to add widescreen support and high resolutions, making it look almost as good as the Definitive Edition without losing cheats.

Common Problems and Workarounds

Players often encounter these issues with the Definitive Edition cheats:

• Cheat codes not working – Make sure you’re using the correct button sequence for your platform. On PC, you must open the console (~) and type the code exactly, including capitalization. Some codes only work after you complete the first mission.
• Cheat menu missing – The cheat menu is only available on console (pause menu > Cheats). On PC, you only have the console command method.
• Cheats disable achievements – In the Definitive Edition, using cheats disables achievements/trophies for that playthrough. This wasn’t the case in the original (which had no achievements).
• Game crashes after using certain cheats – Some cheats like spawning vehicles can cause crashes if you spawn too many. Save before using cheats.

Costs and Availability

The Definitive Edition is sold as part of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (which includes GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas) for around $60 at launch, but it’s often on sale for $30 or less. The original Vice City can be bought separately on Steam or GOG for about $10, but it’s no longer sold on Steam (removed in 2021 when the Definitive Edition came out). You can still find it on GOG or physical copies. The Definitive Edition is available on PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, and Nintendo Switch.

Safety and Legality

Using cheats in single-player is perfectly safe and doesn’t get you banned. However, if you play GTA Online (which is separate from the single-player), cheats are not available and using mods or cheat engines can get you banned. Also, downloading the original Vice City from unofficial sources is piracy and may contain malware. Always buy from official stores like GOG or the Rockstar Store.

Alternatives to the Definitive Edition

If you want the original cheat experience but with modern convenience, consider:

• Original PC version with mods – Install the Vice City Mod (a fan patch) to fix bugs and add widescreen support. You keep all original cheats.
• Re3/ReVC engine mods – The ReVC project reverse-engineers the original engine, allowing you to play on modern systems with better performance and all cheats intact.
• Emulation – Play the PS2 version on PCSX2 emulator with upscaled graphics. Cheats via button combos work perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all original Vice City cheats work in the Definitive Edition?
No. Many cheats were removed, especially ones that affected physics like flying cars or exploding cars. The Definitive Edition has a reduced list, but you can see the full list on the pause menu (console) or by searching online.

Q: Can I get the flying cars cheat in the Definitive Edition?
No, the flying cars cheat was removed. The closest you can get is spawning a helicopter or using the “Cars Float” cheat if it exists (it doesn’t in the definitive edition). You can still make cars jump with the “Jump” cheat, but it’s not the same.

Q: Does using cheats in the Definitive Edition disable achievements?
Yes, on all platforms, using any cheat disables achievements/trophies for that save file. The original had no achievements, so this is a new limitation.

Q: Is the Definitive Edition worth buying just for the cheats?
Probably not, since the cheat list is shorter. If cheats are your main interest, stick with the original PC version or emulate the PS2 version.

Q: How do I open the cheat console on PC in the Definitive Edition?
Press the tilde (~) key to open the console, then type the cheat code (e.g., “PANZER” for a tank) and press Enter. Note that not all codes work; only the ones listed in the game’s official cheat list.

Q: Are there any new cheats in the Definitive Edition?
Yes, the Definitive Edition added a few new cheats like “Spawn a Stretch” (limousine) and “Spawn a Sanchez” (dirt bike) that weren’t in the original. They are accessed via the cheat menu on console or console commands on PC.

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in t | Total play time | h | 10 | 0 | 1000
in c | Cheats used | count | 5 | 0 | 100
out score | Cheat impact score | - | t * 10 + c * 2 | 0
out time_min | Time in minutes | min | t * 60 | 0