The desire for a "PC Edition" stems from the unique gameplay features VCS introduced that were ahead of its time for a handheld title:
However, it is not perfect. Because it runs on the VC engine, some VCS-specific mechanics are hacked together. The Empire Building UI is a little clunky, and the bike handling (which was superb on PSP) feels slightly off. Furthermore, because Rockstar’s legal team has historically been aggressive, the mod exists in a grey area. The Leftovers famously do distribute the game's original assets; you must own a legitimate copy of GTA: Vice City (for the exe) and a legitimate copy of Vice City Stories (to rip the assets). They only provide the "bridge" code. gta vice city stories pc edition
Rumors persist that GTA Vice City Stories remains difficult to port due to licensing. The Phil Collins missions, in particular, require a complex music and likeness contract that Rockstar likely does not want to renegotiate for a $15 digital download. Furthermore, the source code for the Stories engine is reportedly "spaghetti code" from the PSP days, making an internal port more expensive than its potential sales would justify. The desire for a "PC Edition" stems from
Support for 4K resolution and 60fps gameplay . Rumors persist that GTA Vice City Stories remains
Vice City Stories was built on a heavily modified GTA III engine, but optimized for the PSP’s unique architecture (32MB of RAM, no hard drive). When Rockstar Leeds ported it to the PS2 in 2007, it was a miracle of downscaling—but it wasn't a "port" in the modern sense. It was a recompilation.
“I’ve been pushed around my whole life. Not anymore.” – Vic Vance
Yes. Unequivocally.