Concept Grand Theft Auto: Light & Shadow [2022 Concept]

[wise_man]

DISCLAIMER

Not to be confused with a 2016 concept thread of similar name. The following concept is unrelated with the works of @universetwisters

 

 

A CONCEPT BY WISE MAN

COLLABORATORS:

Mehmet Hanifi - Vehicles

 

THEME BY PABLO

"Goes To Pluto"

 

SYNOPSIS

"Everyone here goes after the relaxing weather, the nightlife’s glitz, or the drugs from South America. But in this deceiving paradise, loyalty and genuineness are more valuable. No one know who will betray, lie, or trick to get all the glories. Being truthful is not enough, and defeating them with their own game is a better choice sometimes. Among the people who are mastering this satisfying route are a deceitful hustler, a distracting assassin, and a dirty ex-lawman.”

 

Inspired by Catch Me If You Can, Hustle, Leverage, the aesthetics of classy Hollywood flicks, and more; Light & Shadow offers a stylish, caper-themed story of three manipulative criminals. You're welcomed to this unique take of Grand Theft Auto that focuses on psychological manipulation and confidence tricks.

 

AUTHOR'S NOTES

First conceived in December 2018 in GTAFanon Wikia, this is a project that I’ve developed in the recent years. The project was initially planned to be rebooted as Hustler of L.V.. Fair to say that modern-day Vice City concepts were kind of overdone in the past, but very few can be considered as fleshed-out interpretations. That idea of starting over was then shelved, and the original vision is further improved as result. I’d like to thanks everyone who has directly or indirectly contributed to Light & Shadow, from both GTAFanon Wiki and the GTAForums. Also special thanks to JackJackson17, Raniero R, LaMillionaire, H. Roosevelt, Mr.Korean, @The Coconut Kid, @sabitsuki, and @Cebra for the continuous advices and encouragements. Lastly, I'd like to give extra credits for @The Notorious MOB whose concept, Mob Rules, has further inspired the story system used in this concept, give it a read! Any resemblance between Light & Shadow and real-life or other existing concepts/works of fiction is purely coincidental. Events of GTA Online are considered non-canon, though characters/references from it may appear.

 

Featuring a modern-day rendition of Vice City and surroundings, as well as the Bahamas. The map is partially landlocked in the north; cutting the access to locations like Fort Caroline, Travie, and Tampico Trail to Pozzuoli. Any attempt to cross the north border will result in a cutscene of the protagonists leaving and returning to the map area.

 

 

When first founded, this plot of land in South Tequesta is nothing but humdrum swampland. With the innovative mind of real estate magnates of America, the same land is known as where Vice City Metro Area is located today. An exotic metropolis, a capital for Latin culture, a center of glamorous life, and an architectural masterpiece; Vice City hits the entire checklist. Tourism sectors, priceless business opportunities, and drug money from the eighties have shaped up Vice City into perfection. Within thirty years, this developing city evolves into an international-level hub with strategic spots in the Caribbean.

 

The pictures of high-end, superficial, and non-stop partying life come to mind when talking about modern Vice City. From the iconic Versace Boulevard of the overrated Vice Beach to the costly residents of Vizcaya Key, people thought this is paradise, when it's not in reality. Life of relaxation and luxury is a privilege, only for someone rich enough, playboy, celebrity, a model-level girl, or white-collar conman. Basically a hedonistic scenes of I’m Rich. Meanwhile, your vacation is more likely ruined by tourist traps, overpriced souvenirs, and sly scammers.

 

Beyond this circle, chances are you'll find less plastic society. The Immigrant majority, from any Latin and Caribbean countries you can mention, welcomes you with their hospitality. Cuban elders invite new faces packs of free cigars in Little Cuba’s bars. Street artists from the slump of Brazil showcase their urban artworks in the walls of El Barrio. The normal residents give a different and more colorful story about Vice City, but are all of them really that genuine? Which one of them hides a fake facade behind?

 

Complete list of the metro's neighborhoods can be seen here (WIP).

 

"No paradise here, unless you pretend you owe one.”

Jan Daniels

 

THE UNDERWORLD

By the way, things have changed since the haunting cocaine war in the past. Narcotics traffickers aren't the only problem now; don't forget the streets, the corporations that run the city's economy, and the top underworld players from around the world that uses Vice City as a hub. From the dirty-looking hustlers to suit-wearing professionals, the social scenery of Vice City’s underworld can be divided into three layers:

 

Spoiler

THE LOWER CLASS

These are the street gangbangers, thieves, and dealers that wander the streets and ghetto neighborhoods in Vice City. Not everyone in this region is unethical and hardened criminals, some run out of options and must commit crimes to survive day and night.

• African-American gangs – Hip-hop mixtapes, muscle cars, gun-blazing. Dozens of them spread across the city, most notably in Independence. 
• Fratènite – The largest coalition of ruthless Haitian hustlers based in Little Gonâve. Plundering drug-loaded transportations, robbing houses, and worshiping voodoo for unseen power. The outcome: recognized as the most feared in the street, even feared by other smaller Haitian gangs.
• Cuban gangs – Walking into the wrong corners of Little Cuba and Riverfront, and you’ll encounter Cuban street gangs. A mix of senior generations from Mariel boatlift era and younger juniors, natives in American land.
• Dominican gangs – Clustered in Little Dominica, running prostitution and drug dealings.
• Cholos – Mexicans embracing Mexican street cultures.
• Jamaican Posses/Yardies – Mostly Rastafarians. Has one significance: only sources of the purest marijuana, grown in urban marijuana farms or brought from the Caribbean.
• Marabunta Grande – Salvadoran hustlers, mainly act as hired guns for cartels.
• Spanish Lords – Worldwide-scale Puerto Rican street gang, divided into different clans for different regions, all adhering the same unique ideology. Active in El Barrio; first to be suspected if an artwork got vandalized.
• Rednecks – Loosely tied, wild bandits and the prototypical Tequesta Man in daily news articles. Active in the rural areas, Tequesta Keys, and the Evergreen.
• Vice Beach Boys – A surfer gang named after their area of operations, always in packs, usually raiding private parties.

 

THE MIDDLE CLASS

Better professionals that run medium venture businesses. Human trafficking, prostitution, extortion, you name it. Crime has become a sort of passion for all the members.

• Moderate-sized Hispanic Drug Cartels – Panamanians, Bolivians, other Colombians, any drug-fueled crews from Central and South America that make appearances in the city’s drug scene, seldomly make alliances, more likely to compete against each other.
• Mexican Cartels – While the participants of the Mexican drug war don’t have any physical assets in South Tequesta, they have representatives for transactions and discussions with local organizations.
• Eurasian gangs – Basically any small gang of Eastern European immigrants below Kirikov’s food chain.
• Barattieri Crime Family – Small, forgotten remnant of Cottonmouth-based Italian mob. A force to be reckoned with in the 20th century with figures from Sandro Barattieri Jr. to Gambetti’s underboss Sammy Bottino, before being eclipsed by other syndicates. They now serve as mediators for LC’s five families that do business in Vice City.
• Broadway Mob – From the ashes of loyal street culture of Broadway, a more organized group of African-American criminals is surfacing. Relatively new, motivated to enter the city’s real-estate realm.
• Ferreira's Organization – Brazilian money launderers and loan sharks led by Bernardo Ferreira.
• Angels of Death & Los Incendios – Two rivalring outlaw motorcycle clubs, often engaged in convoy wars in Tequesta Keys. The former are white supremacists from San Andreas, and the latter are Hispanic-only motorcycle lovers.

 

THE UPPER CLASS

Charismatic and untouchable, the two words to describe them. They embrace the extensive control over the city and its government. The business they run is much covert, secretive, and lucrative; appearing on the surface as the like of legal banks. Many considers the “big four” as ultimate players here:

• Kirikov Bratva – A mafiya organization, established by Nikolai Kirikov after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Started off as a simple smuggling syndicate, they quickly evolved into an influential power, international-wise. In the last seven years, Nikolai has expanded his shady ties to Russian and American elites. One of them, the Cleethorpes Family, opens up the gate for wealthy ex-Soviet states oligarchs to build lines of condos and high-rise offices in Riviera. Not to mention that numbers of them have crime records.
• Reyes Crime Family – A wealthy Cuban dynasty centered in a Mediterranean mansion in Ciudad Belleza. Infamous for their power over the city’s law system, infiltrating all sides with corrupt politicians, judges, and officials, powered by underworld lawyer Thiago Alarcón. Members got incarcerated? Someone speaking bad about them in public? No need to worry, the Reyes play the law like a chessboard.
• Céntricio Cartel – Lauded as the builder of VC’s skylines. This Colombian drug empire has been standing in the high ground since the 80’s. The old days might’ve gone, but cocaine is still the number one commodity for the cartel. Plus, they have mountains of drug profits in the new century, more than enough to establish an unmatched influence all over the city. Linked to many organizations around the Caribbean.
• Jewish Mob – The least powerful among the big four, but as the oldest one to claim territory in Vice Beach (specifically in David Beach), is very respected and honored. The mob is a collective of different Jewish: European, Latinos, Russians with creative difference with Kirikov, currently spearheaded by the Venezuelan Sharansky family. Focusing on smuggling and trading of illegal luxuries like gold and diamond.

 

 

"Burying bodies is stupid idea, just feed 'em to the Evergreen. You save money, save the earth too.”

Valerio Reyes

 

Filling up almost two-third of the entire map, in the west is a vast flat area of swamps, prairies, and mangrove forest. The Evergreen National Park is isolated from the blinding lights in the east, bordered by water preserve areas and rural communities. A dangerous, rarely-explored area with wildlife, drug stashes, and redneck hideouts. Some people around the city pay off the alligator preserve; don't ask what for. Airboat tours and small trails that connect observation towers are available for traversing through the wilderness. Three important points of interest here: the small city of Calusa in the west, the abandoned Evergreen Airport in the middle of nowhere, and the ghost town of Cuthbert in the south.

 

Meanwhile, in the southern portion of the map, is chain of islands known as the Tequesta Keys. A short drive from Pioneer is the Overseas Highway that connects all the islands. The route stretches from the mainland to Cayo Grande, Taberna, Maratha, and finally, ends in Cayo Frontera, the southernmost point of the United States. With a calmer atmosphere and cheaper prices, it’s an alternative for tourists that cannot stand the flashy and expensive world of Vice City. For illegal racers, the lengthy highway that includes the Expansionist Bridge is a perfect adrenaline pump.

 

 

Serving as a secondary setting is the Bahamas, featured in several missions and accessible through sea and air once unlocked. Historically a popular hangout for Caribbean pirates, not much change in the present-day due to its gang violence. The area consists of Meropis Heaven Island five-star resort and casino, where high-valued criminals hide from American feds; a colorful port town outside of it; a plantation with drug farms and old ruins; and an empty beach with bunch of tents for an upcoming event. Many international syndicates rumored to store their luxuries in the Bahamas, securing them with help of local mercenaries. With the increase of crime reports to the embassy, US authorities have alerted their citizens to be very watchful when visiting this country. The best tip is to avoid certain corners when alone or at night. Visitors should watch the weather too as the country is prone to hurricanes.

 

 

 

When it comes to the nature of everyday scam, dollars is arguably the most popular lure ever used. Gifted with decent financial knowledge, Thomas Kingston is a grifter who exploits the deepest desire, greed, and distress of his marks. He pretends as someone competent who negotiates a problem-solving or money-making opportunity to the marks. He’s a brilliant but egotistical con artist who creates schemes out of spontaneous decisions.

 

Originating from Nassau, Shawnee, Thomas left his hometown following an incident that seemingly killed his partner-in-crime, Cyrus Forsell. His story then went all over the places: failed cons in different places. He ended up in Vice City, this time in a desperate state. Another failed mark, Leandro Gomez gave him the last blow, asking him for a payback. At the very least, Thomas learns the lesson to be more careful if he wishes to succeed.

 

CYRUS FORSELL – A fellow conman, Thomas' mentor in Nassau. He acknowledged the genius mind in Thomas, but overlooked him for having an ego problem. A perfectionist, planning his move before execution first in contrast to Thomas' impulse-reliant show. After surviving the incident, Cyrus isn't the same man that Thomas knows. He becomes a nomadic mercenary, tracking down Thomas' trail all the way to Vice City to question him about the incident.

 

LEANDRO GOMEZ – Local drug smuggler, small-time, addicted to his own products. The supposed victim of Thomas’ first (failed) scam in Vice City. Leandro forces Thomas to do magic against his competitors to levitate his name.

 

LAURA MORTES – Not many realize that this bartender is the daughter of a high-ranked honco of Ocean Cartel in Mexico. Laura has set a distance from her father and disdains his crime life for years. Peace is what she seeks in Vice City… she becomes a soft target for intelligence gatherers instead.

 

JAN DANIELS – Typical tourist scammer; operating a private tourist agency and a small pickpocket crew in ViMo Street. Mr. Daniels specifically targets wealthy tourists and claims his actions are justified, saying "All they do is partying and wasting productivity, what I do here is making natural selection". He dreams of moving the business to the tourist-infested area of Gleason Beach.

 

NEIL SHACKLEY – Dropped out from Tequesta College for promoting gambling to lecturers. Now an inexperienced pickpocketer, heavily addicted to gambling and horse betting, as well as the new kid in the Vice Beach Boys surfer gang. Fall under Jan's wing at a later point.

 

QUINCY "LILO" YOUNG – Up-and-coming hip-hop musician wannabe from Broadway, at least when Thomas first encountered him. Losing the passion for pills, graffitis, muscle cars, and the hoods; but never losing the love of riding BMX and switching to Art O’ War station. Quincy finds life lessons when facing competition from cheap rappers and music industry’s corruptors.

 

SKYLINE AFFILIATIONS

DIEGO PASCOAL – Self-described expert fighter from Brazil. Diego is recruited by the Da Silva Enterprises to become their security and Francis’ part-time bodyguard. With the company’s direction shifts to a more illegal direction, he is assigned to carry out plenty of dirty work, such as retrieving and transporting stolen merchandise.

 

FELIPE DA SILVA – Brazilian socialite; disliked by pretty much everyone around. His dad, Francis, is leading the transition of his freight company, Da Silva Enterprises, into a shady corporation dealing with white-collar crimes and illegal valuables to avoid bankruptcy. While he lacks the understanding of what makes his family successful, Felipe insists on taking part in the Enterprises' business and makes risky decisions without his father's consent.

 

FRANCIS DA SILVA – Has consumed books and classes about entrepreneurship, a science closer to self-motivation than economy lectures. Driven by greed and appreciation, proven by reckless spending on luxuries using his enterprise's profit and unpaid loan from Bernardo Ferreira.

 

"WILDCARD" ZHENG – Lead manager of GD Treasure Fleet's branch in Viceport, a shady freight company like the Da Silva, closer to traditional triads than legitimate fronts. Coming from Macau, the Asian capital of gambling, Mr. Zheng gets his moniker from a love in mahjong games. So much that he’s frustrated with the lack of the Chinese board game in Seminole casino.

 

MARIUS FRITZ – Positively-talkative financier, claiming to be from an ambiguous German aristocratic family. Ain’t a red flag, right?

 

GLORIA DELANEY – Art director of a gallery in Hermosa. About to orchestrate one of the largest art frauds in history to make it big. Collaborating with Marius, Gloria rip offs struggling art dealers/buyers and enters the underworld of art thievery. Nothing seems gonna stop her, except her classist nature of overspending money on hotels and restaurants. Perfect personification of Jan’s aforementioned words.

 

GUNAWAN – Indonesian-Malaysian "beverage king" from Bali. Gunawan was regularly seen in wine auctions around the world before opening a private cellar in Pinedall for his collections, ready to be sold for connoisseurs. Nothing seems suspicious until you see what he's brewing in the basement. Link to the GD Treasure Fleet.

 

DESHEA "DIPSO" MARSHALL – Ambitious founder of the Broadway Mob, commonly seen playing pool with corrupt street patroller Harold Moore. Deshea dreams big to conquer more beyond the hood after almost having his historic apartment taken over by decorated broker Hernán Ruiz. He wants to invest in the high-stake property business, one shortcut to attract power in the skyline-riddled VC, though he’s an amateur in that field. Quincy said he has just returned from a booze rehab, but he’s still seen struggling in battling the alcoholic temptation.

 

RUBEN KOCHARYAN – Armenian real-estate mogul, head of the Byzantium construction company. One of the 13 co-owner of the Cleethorpes Suite, where he resides with an energetic lawyer, his Russian trophy wife named Irina. In Russian soil, he’s known to lead numerous “legal” cleaning operations against low-caliber criminals that becomes a controversial subject there.

 

YUSUF AMIR – Major Emirati real estate developer who oversees the construction of a new tower in Paramount. A picture of middle eastern excessiveness, obsessed with the color gold. Not the same Yusuf who got caught with pants down nine years ago. He's more sharp, more mature, inheriting his father’s legacy, but still a hell of fun friend in spare time.

 

Even the government knows the power of seduction in manipulation; a classic method of playing the emotions of love and lust. Maria Vinogradova is what you can expect from a naturally alluring hitwoman: impressing her targets with fake personalities and using her sex appeal if needed. The type of siren who hides the pain of dark past behind a mysterious smirk directed to her enemies.

 

Forced to grow up within an influential syndicate in Rostov, Maria was a victim of their sex trafficking ring until she volunteered herself to be a “honeytrap” for her bosses. The syndicate later observed her potential and groomed her as their assassin. Despite her new role in espionage/killing, Maria was hired by many unpleasant clients, until she had enough of the harsh environment. A new mission offered by Vasily Petrenko and Artemiy Yelagin, both of whom have businesses in Vice City, was quickly accepted by her. What Maria wasn’t ready for is the fact that she’s going to be involved in the VC-based Bratva politics so much it may threaten her own life.

 

YELENA MAXIMOVA – Living outside of the Bratva's sphere, coincidentally in the same apartment as Maria's first safehouse. Married to Andriy Maximov in 98' only to be left alone for the next 12 years as her husband spent a decade working in Liberty City and two in prison. It was too late for a first child as the couple reunited. Yelena is grateful to have Maria next to her, another woman whom she can share disappointments and concerns with.

 

SOLOMON BRADLEY – Fresh hitman from the hoods of Vice Gardens. He kickstarted the career as contract killer to fund his family, leaving his old street life behind. Solomon needs someone who can train him how to behave and dress like a legit hit professional, while Maria needs someone who is familiar with Vice City. They like two peas in a pod, but nothing romantic.

 

MANUELO ORTEGA – Firearms distributor for literally everyone in Vice City and the Bahamas: the Russians, the Colombians, the Bahamas’ mercs, and even the legitimate Kapowitz Gun n' Wine A-rated gun store. A look of a wise oldman with one clear philosophy: gang conflict won't be a boundary in his gunrunning operation.

 

SAUL RODRIGUEZ – Ex-journalist turned all-round internet grifter. Saul used to get money from unprofessional journalism at its finest: fake news. He now expresses his machiavellian ideal through elaborate social media and dating scams. Whoever he befriends or dates via his fake accounts got their wallet drained. In the days of online honey trapping, his usefulness is exactly what Maria needs.

 

THE CURATOR – An enigmatic and secretive assassin contractor only known by his nickname. Notorious for running hit service since the 80’s drug war, when the widespread conflicts between different cartels profited him a lot. Only few of his most trusted employees are able to meet him in person at his hideout in Maratha, Tequesta Keys.

 

RUSSIAN CONNECTIONS

NIKOLAI KIRIKOV – Never appeared in person nor voices, only photographs, footages, and statements that show you a glimpse of his influence. The megalomaniac pakhan of the Vice City-based Bratva with powerful friendlist, from Kenny Petrovic to Lyle Cleethorpes V. Wanting to expand the organization to global scale, Nikolai turns his home, Riviera, into a sanctuary and money laundering, investment land for wealthy ex-Soviet States figures. To anticipate conflict between the hardened, original Bratva members, and the rich outsiders, he occasionally hosts court to settle any issue between them. This doesn't simply shut down the tension between them, however.

 

ARTEMIY YELAGIN – An oligarch who sells expensive boats and yachts for tertiary needs and clandestine smuggling. At some point, he formed a triangle partnership with megabillionaire Eduard Borodin and Azerbaijani eco-businessman Tahir Javan to fund terrorism and criminal activities. After the assassinations of his two partners, Artemiy is unable to overcome the high demands from his clients and is becoming increasingly insecure, fearing the bullet will hit him next. Always escorted by presidential-level security.

 

LAZAR PETRENKO – The Bratva golden boy, son of high-ranking member Vasily Petrenko, a man with high seats in VC Bratva and the international Russian gambling mob. Acting too confident that he’ll take the high rank soon when everyone above notices his indiscipline already. Promising for the future, but often seen riding fast cars and partying with random chicks instead of running his chop shop.

 

VIKTOR LUBARSKY – In the more suburban section of Vinewood is a middle-class apartment. This is where Viktor Lubarsky and his small Ukrainian crew control their prostitution and human trafficking ring. The Kirikov must take half the cut and half the girls in exchange for protection, but Viktor often manipulates the statistics.

 

MAKS IVANOVICH – Maks manages a fancy nightclub in Gleason Beach and a “suggestive” bar in Vinewood - for Bratva's circle only. His problem: the competition from Nikolai's new associates who open more grandiose entertainment fronts. This uncomfortable creep often surrounds himself with younger B-girls, hired to rob his customers, and his closest comrade, Andriy Maximov.

 

BRANDON MCCALLAN – Irish hired gun imported from Irish-American Killers in Liberty City.  He made a move to Vice City in thirst of further recognition after impressing the Russian mobsters of LC. Always acting out like a full member of the Bratva, even pulling a fake accent, badly incomprehensible for native speakers.

 

GEORGIY TOKHTAKHUNOV – One menacing big guy. Old-school enforcer of the Bratva by day, bouncer and security for the mob's clubs by night. Surprisingly simplistic, never into the glitz and glamor.

 

Traditionally used in the criminal underworld, intimidation is a quick tool of persuasion. Someone will commonly submit once pressured rough enough. Cesar Álvarez is a former crooked narcotics detective of the VCPD. With years of authority experience, he knows how to provoke fear on his mark through acts of coercion. Ironically, this is to cope with his fear of his safety and future, especially when the Drug Observation Agency (DOA) opens up an investigation. He filed resignation to evade the agency under the guise of his alignment in the ongoing Venezuela protests, though this only attracts eyes more.

 

A Vice City native who spent most of his youth in Caracas; it was a childhood dream for Cesar to serve justice. He descended into corruption initially as a mean to distract himself from the death of his fiancée. After getting a taste with his company, Freddie Newman, he felt comfortable with the dirtier side of the city. The pair got involved in the drug scenes of Latino street gangs, even having few hustlers under their payroll. As the agency keeps their eye on him due to his suspicious departure, Cesar sees the necessity to establish a bigger name in the city so his future would be safe.

 

FREDDIE NEWMAN – The other half of Cesar in the VCPD narcotics division. As two sleazy cop buddies, Cesar and Freddie ran a show in the drug market of lower-class syndicates. Unlike his colleague, Freddie’s a happy-go-lucky guy, feeling confident that the agency won’t discover his record as he continues the police duty. He criticizes Cesar’s departure as a troublemaker. The two may have conflicted mindsets now, but Freddie is aware that Cesar won’t survive the sh*t alone.

 

MARLON RAMOS – A street racer linked to Spanish Lords (and literally anyone with enough bucks) under Cesar and Freddie’s payroll. First arrested for smuggling drugs with his fast car, a crime he repeatedly commits until now. Has zero idea that Cesar is no longer a cop.

 

WALT O'DONNELL – Eccentric guy who will casually visit a mobsters' dinner like he’s a low-rank enforcer. His real identity will shine as he speaks: a protection racketeer in the mainland since 2003. A direct associate of multiple organized crimes, mid-class cartels and the Italians in particular, that entrust him to handle their extortion dealings.

 

CLAUDE GEFFRARD – Proud Haitian-American sergeant of VCPD narcotics department division, serving as Cesar’s subordinate in the past. 100% commitment on the job of fighting the drug flows, and perhaps caring too much for his career for positive reason. Cesar already left his responsibility, but it doesn’t stop Claude from requesting one or two favors.

 

ANDREA GENOVESE – Rumors said he's a former Italian Mob's soldato who sold himself to the law. Whether it's authentic or an exaggeration, he's a full-time DOA field agent today who is dispatched to spy over Cesar. A tall, cold, more intimidating bully than even Cesar that warns his target of the forthcoming consequences.

 

DRUG CONTACTS

VALERIO REYES – The last heir and current boss of the Reyes Crime Family. Rotten to the core, sadistic Cuban gangster who pets alligators in one of the Evergreen’s many wildlife preserves for corpse disposal, punishment, and torture. Will do anything to keep the family at height through countless corrupt insiders in the VCPD, FIB, and DOA.

 

JUAN STRICKLER aka "EL RUBIO" – Independent narcotrafficker, an unstoppable challenger of the Céntricio Cartel for decades. Rarely seen to set foot outside of his private island in Colombia except for wild vacations and cartel gatherings. Very demanding in the drug market, won’t hesitate to blackmail bigger syndicates that turn down his requests.

 

OSCAR BARRUECO – Valerio’s lieutenant with an epic, long history in Vice City. True outlaw: growing marijuana at home, kidnapping a kingpin in Mexico, stealing gold from a Bolivian cartel-Jewish Mob deal, etc. Yet the police busts him more often than loses him. Only with Valerio's influence, his charges are dropped all the time.

 

THIAGO ALARCÓN – Infamously known as "El Solucionador" or "The Solver" for his excellence in defending underworld's patrons at the court. Thiago is a go-to lawyer who is willing to mess with the corrupt jurisdiction if the price is right. Despite his irritating and over-the-top antics, he knows that his job must be performed seriously.

 

RODRIGO SANDOVAL – The friendly and flamboyant forgery master, working under the Reyes Family to assist their operations. Fake patches and badges, fake ID cards and documents, his talent knows no limit. His hobby is using his works to infiltrate feasts, exhibitions, anywhere he likes for free. In an unfortunate twist, he is respected by regulars outside of the Cuban syndicate, but his hard work is rarely appreciated by his own bosses.

 

PELEGRÍN "VIGO" JAÉN – When Cesar and Freddie met him first, Vigo was a goofy nobody who quickly fell under their power. By grinding his way behind the scenes, taking notes from amateur empire builder Horacio Vera, he rises to greater fame and later sits together with the leaders of a small Gutierrez Cartel. Freddie worries that an improved Vigo will return to take a jab on the crooked duo.

 

GIANCARLO AZZOPARDI – Semi-retired keeper of the Barattieri Family’s small branch in Vice City. Tequesta has been an open playground for Italian mobs since the original Barattieri’s bloodline ended, thus  Giancarlo's job is to build bridges for the five families here, from providing retirement spaces in The Castle for finished mobsters to negotiating Ancelotti's heroin purchases.

 

ANDRIY MAXIMOV – Half-Russian, half-Israeli, a key figure of Kirikov Bratva's drug network in the East Coast. His long-gone achievement was purchasing a narco submarine in the 90's. However, his popularity and capability declined after his arrest in 2008. If only he learns how outdated his smuggling methods are, then he can learn why Nikolai has entrusted new faces for his drug network. Share a common jealousy towards the Bratva’s rich outsiders with nightclub manager Maks Ivanovich.

 

NELSON DULYSSE – Ultimate fearmonger in the streets of Vice City. Nelson is a leading gangster of the Haitian Fratènite and mastermind of their drug raid operations: hundred-thousand dollars loud heists targeting goods that happens to pass the Vicio River. To whom it belongs doesn't matter, what matters is the sales' yield.

 

 

 

We have witnessed Niko Bellic tricked Tom Goldberg with an interview, CJ posed as valet to trap the attorney, or Michael and friends easily robbed the Union Depository with fake IDs. Every previous game had featured many forms of manipulations, but never makes them the primary focus. We don't talk about bank frauds or the boring Ponzi scheme here, we talk about cons in broader sense, basically any creative and subtle strategies of showcasing your wits. Light & Shadow introduces confidence tricks as the third fundamental gameplay concept next to driving and shooting. There are less enemies in every encounter, but all types of combat are now twice more lethal than usual. If you can avoid violences, do it or face the risks of dying over and over.

 

Thomas Kingston looks after the mark’s current desires and/or problems. He poses as a reliant professional whose offers are precisely what the mark’s longing for. If he’s into antique car, Thomas studies his car’s wishlist and walks to him as a trusted salesman or carjacker. If he has an incompetent accountant, then Thomas walks in as a better replacement. He negotiates the right deal at the right time at the right price using the right attitude; an offer too hard for the mark to refuse.

 

Before luring the mark to their demise, Maria Vinogradova identifies what type of personality they enjoy the most. If he likes poker, then Maria impersonates a pro player. Cannot play with cards well? Maybe he often drinks alone in a specific bar; Maria can pull that cliché scenario of sitting next to him as a captivating loner. Her sultry looks and languages are just boosters to make her more irresistible. Any provocative tactics, like going as far as sleeping with the mark, is for last resort only. After all, is it really necessary to satisfy their fantasy at the end?

 

Cesar Álvarez is the true opposite of Thomas and Maria. While the latter two deceive with a positive image, Cesar deceives with an unwanted negative image. He exerts dominance, posing as the mark’s biggest fear who sends a clear message, “Obey me or you’re f*cked”. When the mark is paranoid of possible FIB sting, Cesar terrorizes him as a mysterious bureau agent. If he’s a slick store owner, Cesar masquerades as a cartel enforcer asking for protection money. In this type of intimidation, violence isn't a wise move, well unless the circumstance forces him.

 

Regardless of whoever you control, the protagonists can interact with any pedestrians and scam them for money, items, or information. Police officers can be misdirected or bribed to cover your crime at lower wanted level. Interaction heavily revolves on building up lies through choices of action and dialogue. Inspired by this scene from Hustle, take a quick glance before approaching, the more bits and pieces captured by your eyes, the better action/dialogue options you can pick. Don't use this power too often or people around will be more aware, avoiding before you say a word.

 

The real jewels of confidence tricks, however, are the con games: schemes featuring more complex interaction, pre-planning stages of identifying a particular mark, gathering intelligence, and perfecting a disguise. There are two types of scheme: a simple one-mission scenario (short-con) or an intricate multi-parts scenario, played out like Niko’s date with Tom Rivas (long-con).

 

“There’s no superior mark, only brainless conman.”

Common saying between grifters

 

Spoiler

MARKS

In this city of vices, there are many (deserved) opportunities awaiting to be conned. From low-profile street rascal in Wesley to major drug baron living in Alphonse Island; keep your eyes open.

 

INTELLIGENCE

Knowledge. Encyclopedic list about the potential mark: their personality, daily schedules, favorite hangouts, etc. You need more than a quick observation to cater the mark of a con game. The most effective identification method is by meeting their connections. Claude Geffrard knows the staffs of VCPD inside out, so consider calling him when Cesar’s next target is a crime lab director. If you’re not satisfied yet, try to explore the map, spy over the gulls, or peek into their internet profiles/police database. 

 

DISGUISE

Different aliases, different profiles, different kinds of person you use when approaching the mark. More intel unlocks quality disguise choices. When swindling a Sharansky Family’s diamond trader, how about posing as a promising buyer? or a trustable supplier with imitations in the bag? 

 

Disguises can be a long-term investment too. ID card of exclusive hotel suite or construction outfit can be reused for future con games and free-roam exploration. Get a police badge and any protagonist (especially Cesar of course) can play vigilante side missions without police intervention.

 

EXECUTION

Your direct interaction with the mark. More intel collected means better options and elimination of weaker options. Remember to be consistent and be balanced. First, never pick the choices that contradict each other. Don’t say you came from Las Venturas, when a minute ago you said, “Los Santos is my hometown”. Second, never try too hard in persuading the mark; a perfect scheme runs in steady flow. Repeatedly making mistakes will blow your cover. Watch the mark’s behavior too, who knows he/she is smart enough to know your true intention.

 

PARTNER

Some con games are more complicated than the others, requesting a crew in the field. They will play the roles of either ‘roper’ or ‘fixer’. Roper helps the protagonists in persuading the mark directly, while Fixer prepares the resources needed in convincing the mark, such as items, places, and websites. 

 

Do outsourcing for partners. Pay off some street thugs to ambush your mark, or ask a counterfeit money factory to produce a suitcase of bad currency. The protagonists can also invite friends with useful skills. For instance, Diego Pascoal can persuade Portuguese speakers and Rodrigo Sandoval can craft fake police badges for your disguises. Your partners cut is considerable, but you hone their skills for future uses in turn. 

 

 

 

All three protagonists display different backgrounds, skills, and physiques, crafting an extensively diverse gameplay. Each protagonist has different playstyles, and has access to varying features and activities. The attributes of driving, shooting, and strength cannot be altered in any way. You must adapt with the distinctful advantages and limitations; use the gyms, shooting ranges, and driving schools. Other skills and statistics include: stamina, lung capacity, stealth, and flying. These can be improved gradually by developing a certain habit e.g. doing sport activities add to stamina, and diving increases lung capacity.

 

Every vehicle has variable weight like in GTA IV. Thomas masters driving the best, being able to take turns easier as land vehicles feel lighter. His liking on street races since days in Nassau shapes up this skill. He can continue this hobby with the abundance of challenging tracks across Vice City, from crowded Vice Beach streets to long drives across the Tampico Trail. All three protagonists can join any race and export/import cars to the Viceport, but Thomas has supplementaries: car theft missions strand, taxi driver roleplay, and “transporter”–deliveries of cargo between underworld clients. Stay long enough with him and you'll unlock stock market saboteur for downtown businessmen.

 

Thomas' confidence profession, however, is also a curse. He rarely uses firearms, influencing his poor shooting skill. Reloading/switching takes longer, recoil is more noticeable, and blind-fire cannot be performed. Muzzles and extended clips are modifications that can cope with this weakness.

 

Thanks to her assassin background, Maria has the best marksmanship skill. Faster reloading/switching, better recoil control, increased aim and precision, and able to blind-fire while crouching.  Contract killing is an exclusive activity as various contacts, especially The Curator, provide Maria with hit targets. Similar to The Fixer's Assassinations, many tactics can be used: stealth, frontal attack, or short-con using her feminine wiles. In addition, she can take part as blackmailing material gatherer, bodyguard for celebrities, and gunrunner for Manuelo Ortega.

 

For obvious biological reason, Maria is also the weakest in strength and melee combat. Any type of damage drains extra health points, and it takes longer to recover hit points. Her unarmed combat move, based on Krav Maga, is more defensive-oriented compared to Thomas and Cesar.

 

Having trained boxing back in the VCPD, Cesar has the best brute strength and can perform unique boxing techniques via button combinations. He has better resilience, absorbing less damage, wounds are faster to heal. With that being said, Cesar can partake in muscle-based activities of arm wrestling and cage fighting. He’ll also receive part-time job vacancies as bouncer in Gleason Beach's nightclubs, collector for loan sharks, and "smasher" for extortion racketeer Walt O'Donnell.

 

Meanwhile, his driving is arguably the worst of three. Do you miss EFLC’s full boat-like experience? drive any land vehicle as Cesar, it’s a lot heavier. No clear reason why his driving is awful aside from “bad driving instructor, like every driver in the city”.

 

Cars, bikes, boats, helicopters, and several fixed-wings aircrafts can be simply jacked or be purchased from dealerships and online. Los Santos Custom-esque car modification made possible by mod garages around the map. The trio starts with one personalized vehicle in the beginning, replaceable with any vehicle of the same class: Leandro's grullo Declasse Fiorento for Thomas, navy Übermacht Sentinel SN for Maria, and silver Albanny Pierre for Cesar. Complete list of vehicles is available here (WIP).

 

The art of deception alone won’t be enough for your adventure; weaponize yourself.

 

Returned and reworked from GTA IV, environmental and everyday objects can be utilized as either melee or thrown weapons. Damages and noises produced depend on the object's material and size, a brick will break windows and distract people around more effectively than a post parcel for example. These objects are everywhere around, but cannot be stored into your pocket, unlike traditional melee tools like knife, hammer, baseball bat, and crowbar. Going further, only Cesar can equip the powerful knuckle dusters, metal bat, and sledgehammer.

 

Unlike GTA V where you can ridiculously own all weapons, the loadout system is highly restrictive. Depending on your clothing, you can carry 4 one-handed weapons and 1 two-handed weapon at max. Sidearms are concealed beneath your outerwear, on your belt/shoulder/thigh holster. The latter is slinged on your back, exposed unless you carry a briefcase or duffle bag, which accomodates an extra two-handed weapon, as well as spare clothes and materials for con games. For convenience, you can (finally) make use of car trunk and closets in safehouses for items storage. Never leave guns in the dust, though; weapons' quality will degrade overtime and requires routine cleaning. Firearms are classified into three classes, based on who's using and where you can obtain them: Complete look at the guns is available here.

 

Yes, you can attend magic shows, have fun in nightclubs or strip clubs, or head to gyms for combat training, as well as playing at golf courses, shooting ranges, etc. Go to the beaches and enjoy beach volleyball, parasailing, Blazer racing, any leisure activities you can imagine from the words “Vice Beach”. The rules: beachwears, shorts, bikinis are restricted to this area + only one weapon possible in inventory.

 

The real deal of Light & Shadow, however, has to be the gambling. What a con-themed video game would be without poker card games? Horse betting and drinking games? Slot machines and roulette tables? Blackjack and good old' Texas Hold'em? 

 

Sure it ain't the Strip, but you can play it anywhere: at the yacht, at the clubs or the bars, at the Seminole Park Racing & Casino in Haiyakpo or the Meropis Island Casino in the Bahamas. Go to Little Cuba's domino park and place bets on rounds of domino and chess. Explore the map carefully and you'll end up finding illegal gambling spots or strangers playing three-card Monte trick. Like in RDR II, most games are sabotage-able to minimize the loss provided you master some sleight of hand tricks. Thomas does this the best, further showcased by the ability of pickpocketing pedestrians or inserting items to their pocket.

 

The more limited customization has been adjusted to fit the trio's personality; whatever combination you use, the charisma never drops. Other than outfits from casual wear of Binco to must-have tailored clothing of Perseus, as well as hairstyles from the barbers, accessories can be bought. Wearing a watch reveals current in-game time above the minimap. Having an earphone allows you to listen to radio broadcasts on foot. Jewelries enhance your social value, but also attract thieves. Maria has wider customization options to embrace her femininity: skirts, elegant dresses of different materials and necklines, flats (no high heels for practical reason), and makeup from Pharaoh Cosmetics, applied by interacting with the safehouse's mirror (Thomas and Cesar can modify facial hair instead). Unlike in GTA V, the protagonists' appearances persist permanently, save for the makeup.

 

 

 

ORIGINAL SCORE by Michael Hunter

Butches Brew • Dubs and Rarities • Echo Tone Defeat • State of Flux • Turntable Technology

 

RADIO STATIONS (WIP)

Spoiler

ART O' WAR Hip-Hop, Soundcloud Rap

Spoiler

Flo Rida - "Good Feeling" (2011)

Rizzle Kicks - "Down With The Trumpets" (2011)

Smoke of Field Mob - “Backseat” (2006)

Chevy P - "So Lonely" (2008)

Jay Electronica - "Exhibit C" (2009)

Jim Crow ft. Sean Paul & Jazze Pha - "Holla At A Playa" (2002)

Trick Daddy - "I'm A Thug" (2001)

Loyle Carner - "Ain't Nothing Changed" (2017)

9TAILS - "Comatose" (2017)

Lil Peep - "Honestly" (2017)

JERHELL - "Love Unconditionally" (2017)

C Murder - "Thug in Yo Life" (2000)

Z-Ro ft. Trae - "1 Night" (2005)

Fayn - "Game Changer" (2012)

Rick Ross ft. Trey Songz - This Is The Life" (2008)

SpaceGhostPurrp - "Pheel Tha Phonk 1990" (2011) 

 

EVOLUTION Progressive Rock/Metal, Electronic Rock

Spoiler

Muse - “Supremacy” (2012)

Genesis - “The Carpet Crawlers” (1975)

Beggars Opera - “The Witch” (1972)

AGORA - “En La Nada” (2011)

Above Symmetry - “Traces Inside” (2010)

Karnivool - “Set Fire to the Hive” (2009)

Voyager - “Ascension” (2017)

Black Strobe - "I'm A Man" (2007)

Gentle Giant - "Proclamation" (1974)

The Pineapple Thief - "Simpe as That" (2014)

Frumpy - "I'm Afraid, Big Moon" (1972)

Mon Laferte - "Hey hey" (2013)

Bad Salad - "Crowded Sky" (2012)

Devin Townsend - "Greetings" (1997)

 

ETHER Alternative/Indie/Folk Rock, Reggae Fussion

Spoiler

White Rose Movement - "Girls In The Back" (2006)

Imagine Dragons - "Friction" (2015)

Gin Wigmore - "Kill of The Night" (2011)

Nothing But Thieves - "Wake Up Call" (2014)

Dispatch - "Con Man" (2013)

Kan Wakan - "Like I Need You" (2014)

Nil Lara – "Money Makes The Monkey Dance" (1996)

Big Sugar – “Turn The Lights On” (1998)

K-Flay - "High Enough" (2017)

Garbage - "Push It" (1998)

Straw - "Wake Up (Miss Venezuela)" (1999)

Jáfumega - "Latin'América" (1982)

Radiohead - "Just" (1995)

The Neighbourhood - "Wires" (2014)

Nuclear Valdez - "(Share A Little) Shelter" (1991)

Tabula Rasa - "Atlas" (2016)

 

ULTRA House, EDM

Spoiler

Angelika Dusk ft. Playmen - “Beautiful Love” (2015)

Duke Dumont - “The Giver” (2012)

Gromee ft. Wurld - “Who Do You Love” (2015)

Morgan Page ft. Lissie - "The Longest Road" (Vicetone Remix) (2012)

deadmau5 & Kaskade - "I Remember" (2008)

Swedish House Mafia ft. Tinie Tempah - "Miami 2 Ibiza" (2010)

Ocean Drive - "Whatever" (2012)

Arty & Mat Zo - "Rebound" (2011)

Weird Genius - "DPS" (2017)

Arva ft. Risky Kidd & Iro Legaski - "#Bang" (2016)

 

LATE NIGHT ARCADE Electronic, Synthwave

Spoiler

Carpenter Brut - “Le Perv” (2012)

Daniel Deluxe - “Breakout” (2017)

Sebastian - “Tetra” (2012)

Gesaffelstein - “Viol” (2011)

Boys Noize - “Alarm” (2014)

Mr Flash - "Motorcycle Boy" (2014)

Kavinsky - "Roadgame" (2012)

Justice - "Waters of Nazareth" (2005)

Power Glove - "Motorcycle Cop" (2015)

Dirtyphonics - "Tarantino" (2011)

 

GENTLEMEN Pop, Contemporary Electroswing, R&B

Spoiler

Saint Motel - "My Type" (2014)

Earl - “Tongue Tied” (2017)

Amy Winehouse - "Rehab" (2006)

Alice Francis - “Too Damn Hot” (2017)

Parov Stelar ft. AronChupa - “Grandpa’s Groove” (2016)

Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z - “Suit & Tie” (2013)

Michael Bublé - "Sway" (2003)

Mis-Teeq - "Scandalous" (2003)

Jade Baraldo - "Brasa" (2017)

Pixie Lott – “Boys And Girls” (2009)

Temptress - "What I Want" (2017)

Newborn - "Honey Trap" (2017)

Nite - "Dreamer" (2017)

 

GOLDEN AGE 80's Time Machine

Spoiler

Bad Boys Blue - "Lady in Black" (1989)

Charly García - "No Me Dejan Salir" (1983)

Randy Newman - "Miami" (1983)

Heaven 17 - "Let Me Go" (1982)

Until December - "Secrets (I Won't Tell)" (1986)

Malcom J Hill - “Take a Chance (High Energy)” (1988)

Les Rita Mitsouko - "C'est comme ça" (1986)

Oviformia Sci – “Fashion Magazines” (1981)

Heróis do Mar - "Paixão" (1983)

A-ha - "You Are The One" (1988)

Saga - "On The Loose" (1981)

Maria Vidal - "Hands Off!" (1985)

 

RADIO VICE BEACH Power Pop, Dream Pop, Indie Pop

Spoiler

Lana del Rey - “High by the Beach” (2015)

Hooverphonic - "Mad About You" (2000)

Whissell - “Get Free” (2015)

Dream Academy - “The Love Parade” (1985)

Julee Cruise - “Falling” (1989)

The Primitives - “Ocean Blue” (1986)

Goldfrapp – “Black Cherry” (2003)

Sunday Munich – “Her Name” (2000)

Malcom McLaren – “About Her” (2004)

Pet Grief - "The Radio Dept." (2006)

The Antlers - "Refuge" (2014)

Joy Crookes - "Sinatra" (2016)

Cocteau Twins - "Crushed" (1991)

Cat Power - "Cherokee" (2012)

Conor & Jay "Femme Fatal" (2008)

León Larregui - "Rue vieille du temple" (2016)

 

TRANQUILITY Soft Rock, Chill R&B, Folk

Spoiler

Yuri Buenaventura - "No Estoy Contigo" (2005)

Jason Scheff & Mica Okudoi - “Till The End of Time” (1998)

Sabrina Claudio - "Tell Me" (2017)

Jorge Palma – “Deixa-me Rir” (1985)

Toto – “Rosanna” (1982)

Plane 3 – “Tonight You’re Mine” (2004)

Lord Huron – “Into The Sun” (2010)

Kumbia Kings - "Why Did You" (2001)

Kehlani ft. Chance the Rapper - "The Way" (2015)

MC Magic - "Lost in Love" (1995)

Sinead Harnett - "Don't Waste My Time" (2017)

Lighthouse Family - "Run" (2001)

 

CALLE OCHO Contemporary Latin Pop/Pop Rock

Spoiler

Anitta – “Tá Na Mira” (2013)

Piso 21 - "Delicia" (2015)

Eiza - "Te Acordarás de Mí" (2012)

Nayer ft. Chacal - "Yo soy lo que tu quieres" (2017)

Zoé - "10 A.M" (2013)

Santana - "Saideira" (2014)

Yina Rose - "La Vida" (2010)

 

SAN JUAN SOUNDS Merengue, Bachata, Latin Hip-Hop

Spoiler

Darell ft Ñengo Flow - "Ninguno Se Monta" (2016)

 

BABYLON REPUBLIC Reggae

Spoiler

Keida - "Ganja Tea" (2012)

 

GLOBAL HAVANA Everything Cuban

Coming soon.

 

 

 

The main story is non-linear, formed by scattered con games with different marks. Setting up those targets won’t be easy, and thus the role of ever-expanding connections is significant. The right acquaintances provide the protagonists with quality details regarding the targets, some even give hints of certain opportunities earlier. Many paths can be taken. The protagonists can miss out certain marks and connections entirely. Some may leave the town at one point or even get arrested/killed.

 

The story is divided into two main parts. The first-half works like EFLC: three separate and loosely tied stories for Thomas, Maria, and Cesar. Only one perspective can be played at a time. The second-half is closer to GTA V post-Friends Reunited as the three stories intertwine into singularity. The character wheel is now unlocked to switch between protagonists, but only usable while outside of missions and activities. 

 

What follows are summaries of the two parts: the current state of affairs in Vice City and each primary character’s stance in the middle; and numerous mission posts which are more of demonstrations for confidence trick's mechanics than a full novel-like narrative.

 

I: THE ARTISTS

To Obey His Code THOMAS

Parasitic Relationship THOMAS

Paradise Lost THOMAS

Funtime After Dark MARIA

Siren's Call MARIA

A Warning Before Sunrise CESAR

Don't Blood the Money CESAR

 

II: THE OPPORTUNIST

Coming soon

Edited 1 hour ago by wise_man

[sabitsuki]

Looks amazing so far. Totally looking forward to this one

 

Edit: Had a more thorough read through it. The Con minigame reminds me in some way of the interrogations in LA Noire, albeit with more sweet talking than shakedowns. Really interesting mechanic but I'm just wondering how it might differ from protagonist to protagonist. Thomas is obviously a masterful conman and Maria's the classic femme fatale/honey trap but I'm not too sure how Cesar would approach it.

 

The music sounds really promising so far, but I'd definitely increase the number of songs for each station to maybe at least 15-25 songs per station like in V. Definitely include stations that play Soundcloud Rap (or partially containing it), EDM and modern Latin music (similar to Motomami Los Santos) since these genres have a large footing in Miami today. A phonk, lofi house or hyperpop station might be good as well to set your concept apart from the others.

 

The graphics are really nice, there's sort of the whole minimal vibe going on which I think is really cool and fits that classy, high society modern-day Miami atmosphere that you're going for. I liked how you didn't just go for the same old neon synthwave aesthetic that plagues a lot of the other Vice City concepts, so hats off to that.

Edited April 16 by sabitsuki

[Datalvarezguy]

Finished the V1, it looks fantastic. A more subtle approach to GTA, I like it. From what I understand, modern day Miami (and by extension Vice) is like, Bratva Headquarters or paradise or something, so I eagerly await once again for the clusterf*ck that is Russian Mob politics to come back in full swing.

[VanHostell97]

That was a good concept I love Vice City in modern times better 

 

Edited April 16 by VanHostell97

[wise_man]

On 4/16/2022 at 11:31 AM, sabitsuki said:

The Con minigame reminds me in some way of the interrogations in LA Noire, albeit with more sweet talking than shakedowns. Really interesting mechanic but I'm just wondering how it might differ from protagonist to protagonist. Thomas is obviously a masterful conman and Maria's the classic femme fatale/honey trap but I'm not too sure how Cesar would approach it.

Thank you for the comment. I'll take it into account.

 

The point of Cesar's "intimidation" is to apply pressure, make his mark stressed out and force them to corporate with him. The methods are based on fake MI5 agent Robert Hendy-Freegard, who pressured his victims into doing his wishes, claiming that the IRA was after them. That sounds a bit like how Steve Haines forced Michael co. to do stuffs for him because he knew about the deal with Norton. 

 

Netflix has a documentary about him too, The Puppet Master: Hunting The Ultimate Conman.

Edited August 2 by wise_man

[wise_man]

A quite extensive updates today with updated format and descriptions. Finally finished naming all the neighborhoods, only need to put on their description. I don't really think I need a map, pictures are enough to imagine the settings. Also adding new characters with temporary image link, will be replaced with links to their detailed profile later on. Hey, it's started to take some shape now. 

 

By the way, I've just watched Runner Runner, the movie mentioned by @The Notorious MOB while ago. Not really enjoying the story and characters, but the exotic style and presentation exactly match my vision on L&S. Honestly I'd recommend it for the atmosphere alone.

 

 

[sabitsuki]

20 hours ago, wise_man said:

A quite extensive updates today with updated format and descriptions. Finally finished naming all the neighborhoods, only need to put on their description. I don't really think I need a map, pictures are enough to imagine the settings. Also adding new characters with temporary image link, will be replaced with links to their detailed profile later on. Hey, it's started to take some shape now. 

 

By the way, I've just watched Runner Runner, the movie mentioned by @The Notorious MOB while ago. Not really enjoying the story and characters, but the exotic style and presentation exactly match my vision on L&S. Honestly I'd recommend it for the atmosphere alone.

 

 

Kinda reminds me of RocknRolla and Layer Cake vibe wise, both good films as well.

Edited April 21 by sabitsuki

[The Coconut Kid]

This really is an excellent idea. I'm glad you've been able to port it from the Wiki post so seamlessly! The topic looks terrific.

 

I'm going to have to make time to go through each section of this individually. For the moment, I'll focus on the Con Games feature because I know Confidence Tricks are the core of your concept. It's also something I can tell you're really enthusiastic about.

 

The main draw here has to be our opportunity to essentially create our own story. We decide which protagonist to approach a con with. We choose the mark. We control our approach to the con by building our own identity and doing our own background work. Our chances of success are directly affected by our choices.

 

It's a fantastic direction - and one that is completely new to me and unique to this concept. 

 

It also isn't lost on me that the Confidence theme plays out with a lot of the same logic as Heists in GTAV. It's not just a gimmick. You've put a lot of thought into how this can actually work gameplay and story-wise.

 

My question to leave you with has to be this - are you planning on posting any story missions at all to show us how these dynamics work? I'd love to see 'em. Show us how a couple of cons play out!

 

This is a very enjoyable read. It reminds me almost of an interactive Elmore Leonard novel. I'll come back and focus on your location work and your supporting characters soon... but you can be very happy with this. Great work.

[wise_man]

On 4/29/2022 at 11:35 AM, The Coconut Kid said:

My question to leave you with has to be this - are you planning on posting any story missions at all to show us how these dynamics work? I'd love to see 'em. Show us how a couple of cons play out!

First of all, thanks for the comment.

 

The story will indeed be non-linear, but it'll always lead to a same conclusion. Thomas could end up fail to persuade Cyrus. Maria could end up losing her ties with the Russian mob. Regardless of what happen individually, the story always ends with the main antagonist being dead, and the protagonists reconcile despite still not trusting each other.

 

The full story itself will be presented like this. I doubt that a story structure like Mob Rules can be conveyed in mission by mission format. I've also planned some con missions, though they'll take more time for me to develop, as I'm aiming to have a comparable open-ended complexity to Hustle (not for all the missions, but majority of it).

 

I must said that your Liberty City 1978 concept with @Akaviri also inspire some of L&S mechanics, considering that's the first concept to actually introduce a conman protagonist. 

Edited August 2 by wise_man

[The Coconut Kid]

On 4/29/2022 at 9:45 PM, wise_man said:

The story will indeed be non-linear, but it'll always lead to a same conclusion. Thomas could end up fail to persuade Cyrus. Maria could end up losing her ties with the Russian mob. Regardless of what happen individually, the story always ends with the main antagonist being dead, and the protagonists reconcile despite still not trusting each other.

This is interesting. It makes me wonder about the possible consequences of a failed con.

 

It seemed like consequences were completely absent from the heists in GTAV. It doesn't matter which way I prepare or execute a heist. The outcome will always be the same. Some crew members are programmed to die and I'll lose a tiny amount of the take, but there aren't any real consequences.

 

Which brings me to another thought - are you planning to feature crew members who can be brought in to assist with a con? You've assembled a lengthy supporting cast, and I'm assuming many of them will take this role. But I'm interested to hear your thoughts either way.

 

I'm glad you're planning to post a summary. I'm familiar with Hustle from my days in the UK - it's an understatement to say I'm looking forward to your examples.

 

On 4/29/2022 at 9:45 PM, wise_man said:

I must said that your Liberty City 1978 concept with @Akaviri also inspire some of L&S mechanics, considering that's the first concept to actually introduce a conman protagonist. 

 

Thank you. The big inspiration for me to include con was the film Trick Baby. I'm sorry about the quality but the first ten minutes are golden - they're exactly what I was going for. There's a second long con to complement the first short con later in the film. Might be worth a watch!

[wise_man]

On 5/1/2022 at 1:46 PM, The Coconut Kid said:

This is interesting. It makes me wonder about the possible consequences of a failed con.

 

It seemed like consequences were completely absent from the heists in GTAV. It doesn't matter which way I prepare or execute a heist. The outcome will always be the same. Some crew members are programmed to die and I'll lose a tiny amount of the take, but there aren't any real consequences.

 

Which brings me to another thought - are you planning to feature crew members who can be brought in to assist with a con? You've assembled a lengthy supporting cast, and I'm assuming many of them will take this role. But I'm interested to hear your thoughts either way.

Honestly, having every cons "irreversible" sounds ambitious, but also complicates me in designing the story, so only few that can be "missable" due to player's failure.

 

It works like the killing choices in GTA IV. Sometimes they cause minor outcome (becoming random characters when spared) or major outcome (killing Derrick/Francis leads to a funeral mission). If the cons alter the story in major scale like that Derrick/Francis scenario, then there's possibility that it cannot be repeated.

 

Yes, there's ability to optionally call some connections for some cons. A single team, however, is limited to two to four members (including the protagonist). I feel like GTA V's crowded heist team lacks some bond, specifically between the trio and the crew members. Apart from that conversation in The Paleto Score, nothing really interesting happened between Michael and let's say, Karl Abolaji . A small crew is enough as long as there's some proper chemistry.

 

EDIT: Here's the updated mechanic for partner system in con games.

On 4/16/2022 at 11:06 AM, wise_man said:

PARTNER

Some con games are more complicated than the others, requesting a crew in the field. They will play the roles of either ‘roper’ or ‘fixer’. Roper helps the protagonists in persuading the mark directly, while Fixer prepares the resources needed in convincing the mark, such as items, places, and websites. 

 

Do outsourcing for partners. Pay off some street thugs to ambush your mark, or ask a counterfeit money factory to produce a suitcase of bad currency. The protagonists can also invite friends with useful skills. For instance, Diego Pascoal can persuade Portuguese speakers and Rodrigo Sandoval can craft fake police badges for disguise. You lose an amount of money, but you hone their skills for future uses. 

Edited August 2 by wise_man

[The Coconut Kid]

On 5/1/2022 at 5:48 PM, wise_man said:

Yes, there's ability to optionally call some connections for some cons. A single team, however, is limited to two to four members (including the protagonist). I feel like GTA V's crowded heist team lacks some bond, specifically between the trio and the crew members. Apart from that conversation in The Paleto Score, nothing really interesting happened between Michael and let's say, Karl Abolaji . A small crew is enough as long as there's some proper chemistry.

 

This makes sense and I'm glad it's the direction you've chosen.

 

It actually reminds me of Burn Notice and how closely the main characters operate. They take care of business, but they also aren't afraid to chill around the hotel pool.

 

Which brings me to your work on the location. You've done a really good job of bringing contemporary Miami to life. You've even fleshed out the neighbourhoods! I got a giggle out of your references to people who've resided in this part of Florida over the years -- Versace, Jackie Gleason, and Alphonse Capone himself.

 

You're probably going to know already how much I love Miami. But it takes a lot to convince me that I'd enjoy it as much present day. You do that. You also go above and beyond with the surrounding area. It's important that the Bahamas and Keys are in a re-imagined Vice City map.

 

I'm also interested to know. How much research did you drop on the location? I know you've mentioned City-Data forums in the lounge. Where have you been looking? And where would you recommend we look if we want to learn more?

[wise_man]

Haven't watch Burn Notice yet, but have seen some clips and trailers. Such a promising show about modern Miami. Not sure if I have the time to watch all 100+ episodes, though, maybe only a couple later.

 

1 hour ago, The Coconut Kid said:

I'm also interested to know. How much research did you drop on the location? I know you've mentioned City-Data forums in the lounge. Where have you been looking? And where would you recommend we look if we want to learn more?

Youtube helps me alot in studying Miami with countless documentaries and blogs. Among them I'd recommend The Field: Miami about the hoods and hip-hop scene, Miami Nightlife Guide about the scummy practices in Miami's nightlife, and this real estate agent talking about the luxurious side of the city.

 

That City-Data Forum was found by accident when I was looking for info about Westview. Wikipedia lacks the info needed sometime, so diving into that forum can fill the blank spaces. The forum is helpful enough to learn cities from locals' perspectives, but the web design makes it difficult to search topic by publish date.

[sabitsuki]

On 4/16/2022 at 2:06 PM, wise_man said:

 Dream Academy - “The Love Parade” 

Nice. One of my favorite dream pop songs in there.

 

I recommend adding songs by Cocteau Twins or Electric Youth as well, I personally think they're good fits for the vibe of the station.

[AkshayKumar]

My favourite thing about reading concepts is the unique ideas people come up with. Con games and confidence tricks sounds very novel and fun. Like you mentioned a markedly different approach from the usual GTA power your way through approach, I'd say so much of a deviation it almost appears like a different game to GTA but it's good to shake up the formula makes things more interesting for sure. 

 

I like how you combined GTA IV and GTA V's approach to the multiple protagonist storyline. The seperate stories that intertwines into one large story in the latter half is probably my preferred approach to see too. Having the three protagonists play differently is a good touch too, it's something I think many have been asking considering how IV and V's protagonists play more or less the same. (Also Cesar being the worst driver means the driving will be like GTA IV for him i like that though I imagine GTA IV fans wouldn't lol)

 

I'm a bit mixed about having the different grade weapons to be bought in different places. On one hand it feels more convenient to buy all in one place but on the other it makes more sense that an underground store won't have the quality merchandise that the top gunrunners have. It's definitely more immersive this way though. 

 

Good job on making Vice City look bleak, the whole tourist traps and only the wealthy enjoy the city... it really feels like a city of vices heh. 

Edited May 7 by AkshayKumar

[wise_man]

3 hours ago, AkshayKumar said:

I'm a bit mixed about having the different grade weapons to be bought in different places. On one hand it feels more convenient to buy all in one place but on the other it makes more sense that an underground store won't have the quality merchandise that the top gunrunners have. It's definitely more immersive this way though. 

Yeah I just found it weird that while a GTA game can have many gun stores around the map, all of them act almost identical. In GTA III and the original Vice City, aside from the normal Ammu-Nation stores, we also have Phil Cassidy stores where heavy weapons are exclusively available. In GTA V, we only have Ammu-Nation outlets that sells all weapons. 

 

The different grade system will also play role in the gunrunning side mission, something I will work later on.

[wise_man]

Just dropping another extensive update. Graphics, descriptions, and credits are updated. New hyperlinks are added, not only for images and wikipedia pages, but also youtube videos about Miami which I think worth enough to watch. Grammar, spelling, and formatting mistakes have been sorted out. Ton of new information is added, including two familiar characters  and more comperhensive explanation on the con mechanic.

 

Now I'm feeling obligated to make at least one mission post, for proper example.

[sabitsuki]

I've been lurking this thread from time to time and I gotta say, the amount of work you put in and updated in this is incredible and pretty admirable.

 

Really great attention to detail and graphically pleasing while staying true to that classy rendition of 2017 Vice City you went for. Makes me wish it was actually a real game.

 

Keep it up man

Edited June 12 by sabitsuki

[wise_man]

Decided to re-organize the characters with new image links to postimage (as anticipation if the original links gone). Vehicles and weapons will be re-added soon with new graphics. Also merging the Gameplay and Diversions sections into one. I don't think exploring all of possible activities and side missions are worth enough, it takes away the time that can be allocated for story/missions instead.

 

Speaking of the story, both parts will be posted on separate posts with missions in-between. Progress on them are quite slow due to RL things, hope I can finish it before the end of the year. Summer break is coming, but I won't be able to do much in early to late July for reasons.

 

In the meantime, let's expand the discussion here.

 

On 4/16/2022 at 4:23 PM, Datalvarezguy said:

Finished the V1, it looks fantastic. A more subtle approach to GTA, I like it. From what I understand, modern day Miami (and by extension Vice) is like, Bratva Headquarters or paradise or something, so I eagerly await once again for the clusterf*ck that is Russian Mob politics to come back in full swing.

You can actually check the page's history for the complete changelog from 2018, back when it still an obsecure concept, zero direction, same cast but completely different vision.

 

I have added Maria's Russian Connections section under Maria's profile for characters related to the Russian underworld of Vice City. What will be explored is an opposite to @Jeansowaty's The Russian Roulette, more about grit behind glitz, high calliber Bratva's figures of wealthy oligarchs, playboy, and high-class prostitution racketeers, where the "American Dream" is alot easier to achieve. Personally I use Dukhless 2 as tone influence, eventhough it's not an action-crime film and I don't understand a single word. Don't forget to check out Thomas' Affiliations In The Skylines and Cesar and his Drug Contacts sections too.

 

On 4/29/2022 at 11:35 AM, The Coconut Kid said:

It also isn't lost on me that the Confidence theme plays out with a lot of the same logic as Heists in GTAV. It's not just a gimmick. You've put a lot of thought into how this can actually work gameplay and story-wise.

Other than watching Hustle, I would recommend The Confidence Game book by Maria Konnikova for a bigger picture of how the con works. I try the best to keep anything grounded, not too over-the-top and unrealistic.

 

On 6/12/2022 at 3:11 PM, sabitsuki said:

Really great attention to detail and graphically pleasing while staying true to that classy rendition of 2017 Vice City you went for. Makes me wish it was actually a real game.

Details and complexity have been unwritten goals here. Two things that I find missing from other modern VC concepts I've read. So far, I only know three concepts that are close enough to reach that: Vicio Imperia, VICE, and Vice City True Story by @Jezus Holy Christ (I still own the original savefile before its gone). I would also mention the ideas thread by @The Made Man, though it's not really a concept. They don't influence L&S directly, but still worth some attention.

 

I also have that thought, I mean an AAA game centering on the realistic side of confidence tricks is strangely yet to be existed. The closest caper simulation I know is The Big Con indie game. It's possible that Rockstar would head to that direction, we have con options during GTA V and Online heists, and we have Hosea Matthews in RDR II as one of fan-favorite side characters.

Edited July 27 by wise_man

[wise_man]

Updating the gangs section, now in The Underworld section under Jan's quote. So if you're looking for more in-depth gang information, street gangs, the Italian, the Russian, whatever, you're welcolmed to click on the spoiler.

 

Updates on the rest of the main post can wait.

[wise_man]

In America's capital city, a new president was inaugurated months ago, but the public kept questioning the election, conspiring that Russians and Cleethorpes Family were involved. In Vinewood, a movie producer’s arrest lead to a widespread movement, where sexual harrashment victims finally get their justice, though some fabricate their fictional scandals. In around the world, fake news is harder to detect, and contemporary media controls political leaning even more. A problematic year, but these turmoils won’t be our focus, what matters is what’s happening down in South Tequesta.

 

By 2017, almost three decades after being country’s cocaine capital, Vice City’s underworld is still alive, well, and maturing. Valerio Reyes, the most powerful Cuban kingpin here, has maintained ties with in-office lawmen and politicians, mainly via lawyer Thiago Alarcón. Mr. Reyes always refuses to thank Céntricio Cartel, Colombians who helped his rise with coke supplies in the eighties; he believes his estate can handle everything alone now. But no bloody conflict or cold war, the cartel’s drug baron Romero Valdez owns a fair share of VCPD officials to run money laundering in his fronts, like in Downtown, Brettle, Paramount, the satellite city of Floral, and David Beach, a territory of Jewish mobsters, another important players in the present.

 

Up north in Riviera, the Russians are new forces to be reckoned with since early 2010s. When Valdez invites syndicates from the South, Nikolai Kirikov has Europeans, wealthy Eurasians. The Bratva is usually passive, never making too much noise, though they import Capital H from Liberty City which gradually becomes more popular than coke. Their star trafficker, Andriy Maximov, has been demoted to distribute heroin across VC locale, while his responsibility of Kirikov’s east coast network is taken over by oligarch Artemiy Yelagin. Not a big deal for Reyes nor Valdez, but internally, it’s a sign of restructuring: Kirikov won’t hesitate to let outsiders run his organization.

 

Meanwhile, the narco division of VCPD has been involved in all types of corruption, serving Reyes, Valdez, Kirikov, even touching the street-level gangbangers. They extort, launder, and take cuts. That is, until someone leaked notebooks detailing the real amount of money they have, more than what officially reported. The Drug Observation Agency (DOA) steps in, investigating everyone including division chief Lawrence Ford and one of honest sergeants left, Claude Geffrard. If that ain’t enough, well the feds attempts to shut down various dirty-money hubs after years of undercover stings.

 

In the ground level, a Haitian gang led by Nelson Dulysse is repeating his senior’s actions in early 2000s: plundering drug shipments/deals and exporting the goods to Port-au-Prince. Small timers unite in response, making their organizations with increasing reputation and escalating competition against one another. While the aforementioned big players couldn’t care less, opportunists like “Wildcard” Zheng in Viceport, gunrunner Manuelo Ortega, and narcotrafficker El Rubio use the competition to maximize profits. The third name, in particular, angers Valdez since the two have rivalry history in the Caribbean.

 

Drugs and money laundering aren’t the only problems that define modern Vice City. Economic bloom leads to extreme inequality, just compare Alphonse Island with Independence City. New projects by the likes of Yusuf Amir are approved and constructed, at the same time rates of ghetto crimes are increasing. Locals are protesting, especially when controversial property broker Hernán Ruiz campaigns himself as mayoral candidate. Price of living is skyrocketing, and his ambition will make it more unaffordable. 

 

They also don’t call the city “deceiving paradise” or “fraud haven” for the superficial lifestyle alone. Beyond organized crimes are greedy takers, ponzi schemers, gamblers, grifters that take advantage of the poor-rich conflict and tourism industry. Here is where people like Gloria Delaney the art director, ambiguous financier Marius Fritz, and international wine frauder Gunawan are able to pull million-dollar scams with nothing to worry. Honorable mention: influencers also promote the vague Fuego Fest in the Bahamas’ empty beach.

 

Introduction sequence inspired by: “The Kids Will Have Their Say” by Raniero R

 

The game starts with a cutscene: the opening credit, always unskippable in the first ever playthrough. "Goes to Pluto" by Pablo plays in background. The camera shows the scenery of Vice City in the yellow sunset as the streets get more crowded and the city lights are turned on. The cutscene then shifts to three scenes of interest: Thomas Kingston meeting a guy in Ventura Key beach park with the visible skylines as a backdrop; Maria Vinogradova taking the metro departing from Frank Taylor International; and Cesar Álvarez chilling at the porch of his house in Verona Shores.

 

Once the music ends, the screen turns black abruptly with the game's title in the center. As the logo fades, the character’s wheel is shown in the down right corner. Choose one protagonist to experience first; you'll return to this section after completing the first story.

 

Failing to scam petty drug dealer Leandro Gomez, Thomas is forced to elevate and conceal his drug business. In the meantime, he also reaches out the connections of Jan Daniels, tourist scammer who becomes Leandro’s associate, to exercise his talent. The names include: Gloria, Marius, Jan’s own rookie boy, Neil Shackley, and more. Moments after driving Leandro out of his life, Thomas finds himself stuck between conflicted father-son duo Francis and Felipe Da Silva, both of whom run a shady freighter enterprise, and both of whom can self-destruct the company. Thomas might’ve improved his skill and motivation through cons committed in the city’s hedonistic scenes, but it can’t convince a ghost from the past: Cyrus Forsell.

 

THOMAS' CON GAMES:

To Obey His Code

Parasitic Relationship

Paradise Lost

 

Maria’s just moved here in recommendation of Vasily Petrenko who assigns her to support Irish muscle Brandon McCallan. Their mission: protect Artemiy’s influence and prove the suspicion of his Bratva’s employees. Only those three know Maria is a sparrow planted within the mafiya to be Vasily and Artemiy’s ear. That is, until nightclub owner Maks Ivanovich forces her and Brandon to counter-manipulate the rich businessmen, including Artemiy, or he’ll report to Nikolai. Brandon is tempted to be double agent, but a reluctant Maria secretly carries contract killings outside with fresh hitman Solomon Bradley and swindler Saul Rodriguez, the right acquaintances that can protect her. The question is: how long can she keep all the secrets?

 

MARIA'S CON GAMES:

Funtime After Dark

Siren's Call

 

Cesar has been in hiding since his resignation. No badge, but that doesn’t stop him from extorting money out of smuggler/racer Marlon Ramos. Not enough, he works under Walt O’Donnell, known for multiple rackets and links to multiple drug-fueled syndicates. Everything seems alright until Cesar learns that leaving the police department in panic during DOA’s investigation was a mistake. He’s forced to constantly play cat-mouse games with the agency’s Andrea Genovese, and he can’t run forever. His only gateway: forging relations with powerful people like Mr. Reyes, together with his buddy Freddie Newman. It’s never too late.

 

CESAR'S CON GAMES:

A Warning Before Sunrise

Don't Blood the Money

Edited October 21 by wise_man

[wise_man]

Credit to @Datalvarezguy for the Spanish dialogues

 

Another failure meets another consequence. For now, Thomas has no other choice to survive than serving Leandro, the drug dealer he tried to rip off earlier. It’s another spontaneous decision of his to vocally offer his talent for the mark. It’ll give Thomas time to replenish his mind and skill, necessary for him to trick Leandro again, successfully in the future.

Leandro forces Thomas to take rest in his hideout: a small, unexciting apartment in Gladeville with packed drugs and daily stuff scattered around. Thomas has no problem with the living condition, but he does have a problem with Leandro’s laziness and tendency to get high from his own supply. It’s the first impression that Leandro gives that night, after the pair drives away from Ventura Key.

“So, all I do here is carrying a lazy weed-smoker ass up the ladder,” Thomas mutters.

 

“Don’t forget whose idea this is,” Leandro answers while laying back on his sofa, smoking his weed, “you prove to me how lying is an easy gateway. Few, fabricated words, and people believe ‘sh*t just got real’.”

 

“Scamming is easier said than done. I got caught this noon, that’s how inefficient my state today.”

 

“Lucky boy, other thugs would blow your pretty face before you talk. Like ‘em, I hate liars, snakes, but you seem special from the moment we ‘accidentally’ met.”

 

“There's no accident. Why did I target you? I thought you’re an exploitable prick who’s gonna fall for the simplest Vinewood prop.”

 

After a short conversation, Leandro says that he needs to go out for some unfinished business. Thomas is left alone, locked in the apartment as Leandro will return in the morning. At this point, you regain control of a tired and frustrated Thomas. 

 

“Think quick, Thomas. How to escape a mad drug dealer?” he can't stand Leandro and can’t think of ways to outsmart him on the second try. No helpful contact on his phone. No suitable tools around for escaping. Police siren is heard from outside, take a peek from the window and you'll see police cars lighting up the dark scenery. Turn on the TV or read the pile of magazines, do something in this claustrophobic space to wait until sunrise or go to sleep on the sofa.

 

In the morning, Leandro returns and gives further context while he and Thomas chew the bland-tasted breakfast bought from a restaurant nearby. Leandro reveals that he wasn’t coming alone to Vice City. He left Mexican prison a month ago with a trio of prison lads, who invited him here for a fresh drug dealing experience. However, they robbed and betrayed him after a week and ran the business themselves. Leandro then establishes his own venture, small-time, and grabs a few customers from gangbangers across in Independence City.

 

“Carlos, Lucas, and Rique. Three dumb pendejos I’ve met in prison. We moved here, it was fun and games till these friends stabbed your back for extra cuts,” Leandro says the trio’s name.

 

“I hear that’s how street norms work,” Thomas comments.

 

“Being untrustworthy ain’t part of street codes, es parte de tus códigos.”

It’s part of your codes.

 

Words from the street say that the trio is having an unfortunate time in Little Dominica. Leandro has predicted it: this trio expect the glory will follow instantaneously. With them being in trouble, Leandro looks for sweet revenge. This will be Thomas’ first job. 

Thomas drives Leandro to Little Dominica's hoods in a grullo Declasse Fiorento, a nice ride Leandro hijacked from North Vice City just three days before. After a bit of exploration, Leandro witnesses Carlos and a Dominican gang member in front a house doing heroin transactions. Overhear the conversation and you learn that the trio business went downhill because of a feud with the Yardies. From the way he speaks, his English isn't as fluent as Leandro: saying simple vocabs and mixing Spanish words. As the Dominican left disappointed with Carlos’ overpriced product, you’re instructed to observe him from the car.

By activating the observation mode, you’ll dig more intel about them. Never underestimate this special ability, it will impact the available dialogue choices and the way Thomas talks. More details mean Thomas will understand him better and more personal, modifying the conversation’s flow. 

 

Use the analog stick to examine Carlos, who’s standing still next to the house, from head to toe. Press (X) when you catch any interesting bits. 

 

In this case, you’ll see a desperate facial expression, implying that it’s difficult for Carlos to find a customer, at least for today. A duffle bag flings is hanging on his shoulder, definitely full of heroin. Leandro suspects it’s Carlos' last stock, hence why he sells it at a high price. A dirty pistol can be seen in his right jeans pocket. Wrong steps and surely he'll fire it.

 

As this is a con game tutorial, Carlos will never catch Thomas and Leandro spying on him. For future cons, however, always consider the distance between you and the mark when observing him/her directly without utilities like binocular. The further, the more time for observation before the target notices, but the less details you can dig out. The closer, less time but greater details are visible.

 

After quitting the observation mode by tapping (L3) + (R3) again, Leandro orders Thomas to teach him a lesson. Exit the car, go approach Carlos, have a talk. Leandro waits, anticipates if anything goes wrong.

“Heard you got nice stuff there, mate,” Thomas greets the dealer.

 

“Heroin, special,” that’s the first two words from Carlos, simple and straightforward.

 

Afterwards, you’ll decide the direction of the conversation through different dialogue choices. Thomas can act as someone new or familiar to Carlos, and he replies, “Really? never seen you before. Quizás me olvidé de tu cara.”

Maybe I forgot your face.

 

For the latter, Thomas can question Lucas and Rique’s fates, and Carlos tells that they had dumb deaths during their feud with the Jamaicans, as they attempted to rob their weed shipment. Carlos is in control alone now, homeless, constantly moving around Little Dominica. What’s in the bag is only a few baggies of heroin, which Carlos sells highly in hope for a quick buck. By the end, Thomas can pose as either buyer wanting to buy all of the heroin stock or fellow dealer looking for barter. Decide the path, and return to Leandro for a second, “My friend is in the car, hold on."

 

A) BUY

Leandro reluctantly hands him some cash, less than what was asked by Carlos. Thomas must bargain the price well until Carlos agrees. The deal is done with Thomas holding the bag, but he continues talking with Carlos about his desperate time, his dirty pistol, or his venture in Mexico (if Thomas pretends to be a forgotten familiar face). It’s a misdirection act to steal the money back from Carlos’ left pocket, unnoticeably.

 

B) TRADE

Leandro hands Thomas the fake cocaine powder he used yesterday. Carlos doesn’t want a coke-heroin barter at first. Thomas must convince him anyway, telling lies like he obtains them from a big cartel in the city, fake it as an A-grade item.

 

After the short-con, Thomas leaves Carlos politely, “Appreciate it, hope the best for you.”

 

Take the car and leave the area immediately. Carlos finds out that Thomas has just taken the money back or tricked him with fake merchandise, he’s yelling from behind, “¡Eres un puto estafador! ey! ey!”.

You’re f*cking swindler!

 

Leandro is satisfied as they speed up, “Ha! good work Tom, know you’ll be this useful,”

 

“That’s like the first successful scam I've done in ages, jezz. What’s next for him?”

 

“Leave and forget it, he’ll be eaten alive by the city in no time.”

 

Arriving back in the apartment, Leandro tells Thomas it’s time for his gig: taking his career up to the sky. Thomas believes he needs more time and research for inspiration, perhaps looking around the city would help. Luckily, Leandro’s in a positive mood after the conman displays his talent. “If that’s how grifters work, fine,” Leandro approves, “...but keep the deal in mind. Again, no third chance.”

 

Complete free-roam around the map is now possible. Remember, Thomas is still under Leandro’s wrath for now; ignoring his wish for too long will ignite his anger.

Edited October 21 by wise_man

[E Revere]

This is really good. I find the Russian protagonist's role very interesting. Not very original, but nonetheless unique to the GTA setting, never seen before. Makes me very curious what it'd be like in a real game. Keep it up. Very interesting gameplay idea too, with those superficial conning techniques.

Edited August 9 by E Revere

[VanHostell97]

I love the Vice City Concept. But i thinking about doing a Vice City Concept like yours. But unfortunately, I don't know how to make Radio stations. 

 

Edited August 9 by VanHostell97

[wise_man]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying it @E Revere, you're in for a treat

 

It's odd that no existing modern-day concepts so far has explored the Russian mafia's roles in Vice City, and that's what I'm aiming to do with Maria's story. Shady things going on in real-life, news of Russian rich guys buying condos/mansions, and some European immigrants believes a Bratva organization involved behind the scene, but nobody really knows what happened. 

 

Not only does it fits with the general theme of manipulation, having a honeytrap protagonist fits the situation of the game's setting. In early 2017, Russia was accused for blackmailing Trump, and going back to early 2010s, we have sensations ranging from ''Katia'' Zatuliveter, dating Mike Hancock and safely able to enter the British parliament; to Anna Chapman the spy turning celebrity after release. But why making Ms. Vinogradova a deep cover spy infiltrating US government, when you can make her infiltrating the VC Bratva's politics instead? Lot more interesting to explore than repeating GTA V FIB-focused pattern again.

 

Still working on the second mission for Thomas, lot better than first in my biased opinion. Then we'll see her in action 

[wise_man]

Credit to @Datalvarezguy for the Spanish dialogues

 

This noon, Thomas goes alone to a bar, one of couple along the street of Encantador. Four days ago he helped the lazy drug dealer fulfilling a vengeance, and the next following days are about walking together with Leandro through the world of Vice City’s lower-class criminals. Nothing  interesting about them apart from being a practice ground to refresh his scamming skill, so he prefers a lone escapade in form of a city tour, familiarizing himself with points of interests like the nearby airport and El Barrio’s artistic district. No crossing bridges to Vice Beach yet, however.

 

Encantador is not Little Cuba, but as a neighbor of it, the Cuban flavor is still strong. Outside is a band of street buskers singing “Chan Chan”, the melodies echoing into the bar’s room. Taking a seat at the bar counter, Thomas observes the bottle rack in front of him. 

 

“¿Cómo puedo servirle/s?” asks the bartender: a young short-haired brunette.

How can I serve you?

Akward silence for few seconds.

 

“Oh sorry, thought you speak to someone else,” Thomas ignores the bottle rack, turning to face the bartender.

 

“First timer?” the girl smiles warmly, “My bad, apologize if you don’t understand that, most frequents here do. Anything to order?”

 

Thomas looks back at the bottles and points to an orange bottle under the ‘rum’ label, “That rum over there, how about my first try?”

 

“Okay, one glass of Ciudad de La Habana.”

 

Suddenly, a familiar voice comes from the doorway. The man walks in closer to Thomas, “There you are, cabrón!”
F*cker!

 

Nah, not again.

“You’re hitting her?”

 

“Translating ‘order’ to ‘flirt’ specifically for a bartender girl? Very funny.”

 

“Better not.”

 

The bartender finishes pouring Thomas’ order to the glass, “your order, sir, that’s $7”. After Thomas hands over the cash, the girl’s happiness fades at the sight of Leandro; she looks mad now, “¿Que estás haciendo aquí?”

What are you doing here?

 

“Es un nuevo amigo mio. Estamos hablando sobre su nueva noviecita. Nada que ver contigo.”

He’s a new friend of mine, we’re talking about his new girlfriend. None of your business.

 

“¿Bebes o fumas?”

Drink or smoke?

 

“Ninguna bebida hoy, y tengo mi propio cigarro, Laura.”

No drink today, and I brought my own cigar, Laura

 

“Ni una sola palabra sobre mi, okay? O llamo a Jose para que os eche ambos de patitas a la maldita calle.”

Keep your mouth shut about me, alright, or I call Jose to kick your two asses out

 

“Vale, chat somewhere else Tom,” Leandro can’t protest much, forced to move with Thomas and his glass of rum to another empty table.

Fine

 

Thomas is full confused, why the bartender has just argued with Leandro, “The hell!?”

 

“I forgot how sensitive Laura is about this,” Leandro pulls out a pack of 69 Brand from his pockets.

 

“She knows you?”

 

“Us, Mexicans, know her dad…”, Leandro pauses to take one cigar, light it up, and smoke, “...someone you won’t mess up with, one of big cartel honchos in Tamaulipas. Ever heard of Ocean Cartel? they’re here in America. If you know Alfonso Vasquez, the drug millionaire who legalized cocaine baron’s job, they make his entire success a joke.”

 

“Why she’s here then?”

 

“I don’t know,” Leandro shrugges, “wasting spoiled younger days with daddy’s drug money maybe?”

 

Leandro catches Thomas taking quick glance back at Laura while drinking the rum, “Instead of staring her, how about you pay my f*cking favor, que te has cocinado exactamente, eh? You think a naughty boy can just go checking out bars, gambling dens, clothing stores, looking for inspiration? or just trying to forget our deal?”

What exactly you cook, huh?

 

Putting back the half-empty glass in the table, Thomas sighs, “I told you as a non-native guy: let me know ways around, then we move.”

 

“Vice City is huge, okay, I’d say weeks to see everything. Should I wait that long? absolutely not.”

 

Seconds passed, the conman gets a spontaneous idea, “How about we pretend you’re on par with Laura’s dad.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Spread the word that mister Leandro Gomez is a great drug baron coming from the US border. Perhaps some major players would jump into your boat.”

 

A decent plan, at least from the conman’s perspective. Thomas drinks the rum back.

 

“No good. Appearing out of blue as a big name only attracts attentions of established bosses here,” Leandro disapproves his idea, “You know what I think? the con-whatever you call it.. can you make it a motivating story? Like, from a nobody, I slowly live up American Dream.”

 

“So you wanna act like old-day hustlers building towers till they make millions…” Thomas finishes his drink, leaving an empty glass on their table, “...while you in fact get me stealing bricks of other towers and let me build it alone.”

 

“Go on and think. Hurry up, it’s a race.”

 

“With whom? I thought your only issues are those next-door black gangbangers and cholos.”

 

“Still don’t understand my situation, huh? many new kids in town. I know one Panamanian named Horacio seeking around for recruits and resources for his newborn business. He’s building wonder, only matter before he’s big enough.”

 

“Bingo. Let’s hijack him.”

 

“¿Te burlas de mi, eh?”

Mocking me, eh?

 

“Meet this guy, work together with him, then takeover.”

 

“Don’t make sense, you think he’ll trust me?”

 

“Oh, you’ll see, all I need is some setup.”

 

Thomas and Leandro part ways after leaving the bar. You’re instructed to gather intel about this Mr. Horacio. This preparation work is integrated with free-roam, and not a hand-holding mini-mission like heist setups in GTA V. Gathering intel is entirely optional; you wouldn’t want to waste time on digging everything about the mark, right?

 

You can decide to assist Leandro tonight, he’ll take Thomas and a courier named Marlon Ramos to a busted deal involving Horacio’s underlings, who call their boss Señor Vera, indirectly revealing the full mark’s name as ‘Horacio Vera’. Outside of this mission, take a listen to street dealers, back alley gunrunners, or groups of thugs. Even when your search results in no avail to Horacio, their words can be useful for future targets. Finally, check the computer of police’s cruiser too, you’ll find Horacio’s police record with a mugshot.

 

We eventually learn that Horacio Vera is half American, used to be a Caribbean-crossing smuggler for big-shot Colombians in the city: the Céntricio Cartel, before fully motivated to run personal network. He’s in dire need of property assets and extra staffs now. His common recreation is Aire Libre, a rooftop restaurant in Riverfront. Do an unexpected face-to-face meeting, or if you somehow obtain his contact number, arrange the discussion earlier.

 

Horacio might be fluent in English, but Leandro has recommended Thomas to learn Spanish deeper to convince him faster. Again, optional by interacting with teaching books or listening to conversation. But in this scenario, we’ll see what happens when it’s not happening.

Location of Thomas’ mark will always be marked with a ‘golden handshake’ icon in the map. The resto opens from 6:00 to 22:00; he’s likely chilling there around that hour.

 

STEP ONE

In this scenario, let’s assume that Thomas visits Horacio without calling his number first. No planned appointment; the mark is in for surprise.

 

Get yourself a better outfit and head to Aire Libre in time. You won’t find him among the visitors. Ask the waiter, he/she will lead you to an exclusive table, separated from the public space by a wooden wall and one tattooed bodyguard nicknamed ‘Puma’ (at least as seen from the namecard). You can overhear a conversation from behind the barrier:

 

“Two cops owe me right now, you want me to be their puppet forever?”

 

“You see, I can’t do anything yet. Why don’t visit Reyes estate instead?”

 

“Seriously? I’ll be a living meat for Valerio’s crocs. He won’t sign a screw-up, and I bet those two guys are in his pocket.”

 

“Stop fooling yourself, if you here to learn, you in.”

 

The bodyguard interrupts their talk, walks in to the table with Thomas follows him behind. Two of three seats are full: a curly glassed man in Hawaiian shirt (Horacio) and a fatty one.

“Puma, ¿quien coño es este?”

Who the f*ck this man?

 

“Dice que tiene negocios con usted, señor.”

He says he has some business with you, boss.

 

“¿Asi es? Never see you before.”

Is that so?

 

Time for Thomas to introduce himself. What’s he going to pose as now? Look at the bottom-middle of the screen: two dialogue options.

 

I’m a property broker

I’m a fixer

 

Nothing to be afraid of dialogue/action picking sessions. Light & Shadow is not an overly complex RPG nor a contemporary interactive drama made by Quantic Dream. There’s no new decision making every single second to the point of oversaturation. You only make choices when it matters to the con’s direction, whether it speeds up or slows down the scheme, whether it increases or decreases your target’s trust. No more than four choices are presented at one time. More intel gathered unlocks better choices that automatically replace weaker ones.

 

Left stick to navigate between choices, hold (X) to confirm. No time limit.

 

I’m a property agent

I’m a fixer

 

“Property broker Ethan Cobb. Your employee tells me you need guy like me.”

 

“Uh.. Nobody warn me before.”

 

“Apologize if I forgot his name, maybe he’s dead before calling you. You have shady business like everyone else here, Mr. Vera, I know it. Do you watched TV lately? more drug sellers are killed this month than last year, maybe he’s one of 'em?”

 

“Probably, police keep f*cking ruined my days, only three of us here alive and kicking.”

 

“Sorry to hear that.”

 

“Sit down Mr. Cobb. I assume you already know me as Horacio Vera, remember that name cause you’ll hear it anywhere soon. Puma, get him another drink.”

 

Thomas sits down, joining Horacio and the other guy whom he introduces as Vigo Jaén, drug dealing rookie. At this point, you’ll be facing more dialogue choices to build up Thomas’ profile: why he isn’t afraid to get himself dirty and how he met Horacio’s henchman. As Thomas doesn’t understand Spanish deeply yet, Horacio will deduce that he’s not from Vice City, to which Thomas must add another detail: where he comes from?

 

Don't forget your own made-up profile, the game will question that again later on. Luckily, Thomas (and other protagonists) will note details on their cellphones, but you can’t take peek everytime, especially while you’re interacting with the mark. Re-read and memorize at the right time, like in the safehouse or when riding car alone. Write your own physical note on paper if needed. 

 

Some marks will be smarter than others, realizing when you contradict yourself.

 

“Okay, what’s your offer?”

 

Warehouses for your stash

Luxury home, better headquarter

 

“Storages, that’s what most drug clients ask first to me.”

 

“Ah, good choice, been looking for days but all owners go wild as I spoke. Just a small one for the goodies so they’ll be safe from those pesky Haitians. Good, where is it?”

 

Wesley*

Encantador

Gladeville

Well, what’s your preferred location? (ask location)

*option only available if Thomas ever explores said neighborhood.

 

“I recommend Gladeville. You may complain it’s close to Independent City, but no street gangs bother to raid, they too focused to protect their own turf. Used to be abandoned, but I recovered it”

 

“Mind for visit?”

 

“Maybe other day, I must talk with the busy owner directly, never reply my calls, but he’s a great guy.”

 

“Maybe you can send the picture first, here’s my number.”

 

Receiving a small paper with Horacio’s number, Thomas about to reply by giving his number as well. Too bad he doesn’t prepare a name card, so he pretends to reach into his pocket, “Thanks, apparently I dropped my card when on the way here, been the third time I lost it, sorry.”

 

“Nevermind,” Horacio says as Thomas about to leave; they shake hands, “Nice to meet you.”

 

STEP TWO

With the mark’s hooked, it’s time for the convincer: a warehouse in Brownsville. There’s one on sale two-blocks away from Leandro’s apartment, sole owner, “no intermediaries” as shown in the advert outside. But how to get it? Asking banks a loan of $200k will be difficult right now, the only options are (1) disarm whoever the current owner is before using Horacio’s money to shut his mouth, or (2) let Horacio meet the current owner and convince both sides to have a deal. Let’s see the former:

Thomas has informed Leandro about the con, including what role he expects Leandro should play. Leandro isn’t the best actor, but Thomas has no other talented manpower for the con. The two visit the location, meeting the owner Mr. Hudson inside the empty warehouse’s living quarter, on the desk reading Lords of Vice newspaper. Leandro speaks up first.

 

“We’re here to meet Mr. Hudson.”

 

“That’s me, but can’t you guys knock first?”

 

“Shut up and stop reading, my boss here has business to do.”

 

“I won’t, be nicer next time, sir.”

Thomas can take advantage of Leandro’s short temper or defuse the situation. If Thomas antagonizes Mr. Hudson too, he lies that the warehouse is now under his control and Hudson must leave immediately. If Thomas chooses to defuse, he warns Leandro to calm down and says something more honest, “I’m here to purchase this warehouse”. A chase sequence will ensue if “antagonize” is chosen or if Thomas fails to negotiate well with Mr. Hudson.

 

“I ain’t dealing with freaks or scammers!” Mr. Hudson runs away into the back alley via the back door. Leandro draws his silver, but fails to shoot accurately.

 

“Sh*t! You get there, block his way out!” Thomas chases Hudson from behind while Leandro runs through the front door; he’ll block him at the end of the alleyway. 

 

Chase down Hudson

 

Keep running while he furiously reaches his cellphone and attempts to call the VCPD. If you can outrun him, tackle him by tapping (O) when close, hold (O) to keep him on ground, grab his phone and abort the call. If Thomas can’t catch up, Leandro rams his car into him at the end of the alley, knocking him unconscious and breaking the phone.

 

Getting Hudson’s phone safely allows Thomas to contact Horacio with that phone. As the sign outside the warehouse displays Hudson’s number, Thomas doesn’t need an excuse on why he contacts Horacio with a different number. Regardless of the scenario you get, Leandro knocks Hudson out and ties him up in the car’s backseat.

 

Thomas then takes a picture of the warehouse interior/exterior and sends it to Horacio, who in response will arrange time for visit: tomorrow at 8:00. While waiting, you can help Leandro cleans out the living quarter from Hudson’s personal belongings; go loot some items and valuables before Leandro finds them. There’s a paper of a blank property contract in the desk’s drawer for the deal.

 

STEP THREE

Horacio will arrive with Puma in a black Canis Titanium around 8 AM, be sure to have Thomas in place already before him.

 

You’ll then set a tour around the warehouse. Make sure to avoid going near Leandro’s car where Hudson is tied up. As Horacio meets up with Leandro, Thomas introduces him as the warehouse’s owner, who’s not only willing to give the property to stash drugs, but also willing to help him in distributions of such illegal goods.

 

“Tell me, Mr. Gomez, you sure to take part? this always be a seriously dangerous business.”

 

“C’mon, everyone knows coke pumps up this city’s blood, it’s part of everyone.”

 

“I guess even with like 200k, you can’t keep up with the price of living here. I believe it’s good investment to stay here with Mr. Vera. You said to me days ago it’s only three of you now, right?” Thomas adds, trying to further convince Horacio to recruit Leandro. 

 

“You're welcome, I definitely need another face, you’ll do it .”

 

Horacio is satisfied, he’ll buy the place and let Leandro in. You can ask Horacio to meet the initial price of $200k, but with the right words, you can make it higher up to $220k. Don’t get too unrealistic: hoping he will hand more cash for an overpriced warehouse.

 

Once the deal is done, Horacio completes the document. Thomas advises him to input names of his company/business, which will be a simple ‘Vera Enterprise’. This organization name is what Thomas and Leandro will exploit to expand their business and network. Horacio and his bodyguard bid farewell, will return in few hours with his products. Puma leaves behind a briefcase, 220k in cash inside.  

 

Leandro is ecstatic, until Thomas orders him to split the cash like this: $10,000 for Thomas and Leandro each, and $200,000 to Hudson, the original owner. 

 

“That’s two hundred grand, Tom, I never see that much money forever and you just throw it away?! Are you mad?!”

 

Thomas assures that he wants to avoid risk. It’ll be enough to shut Hudson's mouth forever, he’s not gonna report the police, and nobody would curiously search for him if the two follow Leandro’s suggestion: simply kill an innocent Mr. Hudson.

 

“Look, you’ll get rich again.. no you’ll get even richer soon enough. Promise.”

 

The final step is to drive Hudson away from Gladeville into somewhere more secluded, the further the better, but just don’t leave him in Evergreen’s swamps alone. One location you can pick is any house on sale, like in Cordoba’s safer part, at night when nobody is witnessing. Thomas unties him, gives him the two-hundred-grands briefcase, and advises him to “go buy new home” or “invest in market” or whatever, as long as he forgets what just happened before.

 

“I can’t believe we get him (Horacio) that easy, what’s next?” Leandro asks.

 

“We’ll take him out, it’ll be all yours soon,” Thomas reveals the next plan, it’s going to be part of one long con, so patience is key.

 

“When?”

 

“Don’t know yet, there’ll be chances eventually.”

AUTHOR NOTE: I've updated the Part I summary section above, go have a read. Also considering to overhaul the first mission, adding extra scenes and dialogues, not a complete overwrite. 

Edited October 22 by wise_man

[wise_man]

Credit to @Ivan1997GTA for the Russian dialogues

 

There’s reason why, from everyone else, Maria was picked by oligarch Artemiy Yelagin for the new job in America. No doubt about her field skills, but what’s convinced him to recruit her is her knowledge about the country and advanced English skill, despite the slight Russian accent; As if she’s been preparing to go overseas in hurry. Artemiy was introduced to Maria via his friend, Vasily Petrenko, as the two needed her service in Vice City for usual espionage tasks. He was so overly-cautious that Maria was instructed to leave everything home; even her phone, to avoid any tracking bug. 

 

Well, the richman handles the immigration, giving her a forged passport with fake names and one Moscow-Vice City plane ticket. That’s all, no info of place to stay. She doesn’t like it, the way she’s treated, did he really back her up? Her judgment so far: another day, same kind of client.

 

The metrorail arrives at the station of Little Dominica, Maria gets off, remembering the license plate of a pick-up car; will park next to the station’s exit. Head right there, but beware: there’s no minimap on screen right now.

 

A navy Sentinel SN is the only car parked there, matched license plate too.

 

Inside the car’s driver seat is a man, around early 30s, in a crumpled suit, eyes locked on an Andromeda Eight phone. Maria knocks on the window.

 

“Excuse me.” 

The man forgets his phone, whistles as he sees her, then opens the window, “My day just got better. You’re the new girl boss talks about?”

 

He speaks in Russian accent too, but sounds unnatural and forced.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Get in,” the man orders. Maria can take the seat next to him or the backseat, up to you, “Name’s Brandon.” 

 

“Maria,” the two shake hands, “so Artemiy orders you to pick me up?”

 

“You already know his paranoia. Boss is too scared to get out at night and surely won’t pick young girls personally, fear of getting called a sugar dad.”

 

“He’s still a horrible miser, сейчас у меня в общем нет дома и мало денег.”
I’m basically homeless and poor by now.

 

“He’s not, you’re in for a little surprise.”

 

“Any word from him?”

 

Brandon hands his phone to Maria. On the screen: a Snapmatic post showing a man on a Marquis. 

 

“Oh, this guy.”

 

“Boss probably have told you the situation, some of his workers acting sus lately, yeah, we’re on to him tonight.”

 

Artemiy has told her briefly about the circumstances while in Rostov. Like every other Russian businessman coming to Vice City, he hires some people from Nikolai Kirikov’s powerful bratva organization. One of them is this first target. This is Ivan Lifanov, nicknamed “Evan”, a staff worker at one of Artemiy’s marinas in Marina Bay Village. His record: blowing up two boats “accidentally”, including the oligarch’s own; requesting explosives from the bratva’s gun suppliers, and last few days, night out outside his usual club.

 

Artemiy wants to find out more of Evan’s plans and capture him afterwards. Brandon is masterful at cleaning, terrible at disguising and digging intel directly from source, that’s why Maria is needed.

 

While Brandon drives to the location, he tunes in Ultra FM. “I Remember” by deadmau5 & Kaskade is playing. Ask him to switch if you don’t enjoy it. Take the time to absorb the scenery of Vice City at night or to investigate more about Evan by stalking his social media account. In GTA IV, only dating and blog websites are fully interactive. GTA V expands the access with Lifeinvader posts that updates throughout the story, but offer no significance to the gameplay nor the game’s lore. In L&S, it’s a goldmine of intel: many marks share their social life on the internet, well, including Evan, who has a Snapmatic account.

 

Tap  to bring up the phone, which as usual will appear on the bottom right, then click on the Snapmatic icon, and search for an account with a nearly similar username to his real name. You’ll find one most likely possibility: @EvanLif.

 

It’s not him in the profile picture, most likely his lover as hinted by the description: One girlfriend. It’s rather important to learn whether the mark is in relationship/marriage already, and whether they’re loyal with their partners, or else Maria’s advance to flirt will be perceived negatively. 

 

Scrolling through his feeds you’ll find many posts of him playing bowling, alone, with friends, #bowlingnight #bowlingfun, that’s without doubt his favorite pastime. One more frame. Now you know what to exploit: his bowling love.

 

At some point, Brandon breaks the silence, trying to talk in Russian. Maria, however, isn’t impressed and rather confused at his words, commenting “I got it, but like I say, I only hear gibberish”. Brandon explains that ever since he meets the Russian mobs in LC and VC, he forgets the pride of his Irish heritage, wishing to be born as Slavic instead.

 

In Marina Bay Village, Brandon stops next to the lighten up palm trees before a three-way junction. Going straight takes you to Vice Beach via David Beach; going left takes you to Evan’s workplace, Artemiy’s marina..

 

“We’ll wait him here, he’ll leave in couple minutes and we’ll follow him behind,” Brandon says.

 

“He’s going to play bowling, isn’t he?”

 

“Don’t know yet, maybe he’ll go home or maybe he’ll hang with the buddies.”

 

“You know his car?”

 

“Maroon Aspire, that’s all the boss told me.”

 

A car matching that description appears in seconds from the left, driving away left to David Beach.

 

“Gotcha,” Brandon exclaims.

 

The scene cuts to Brandon tailing the Aspire all the way to, as expected, The Underground in Gleason Beach. It’s a bowling alley situated under a not-so-popular nightclub. The entrance is a down staircase on the north side of the club’s building, next to a dead-end street with couple of cars parked alongside the road, no pedestrians around.

 

One man, someone who looks young and cold in full navy-colored fancy suit, is standing with hands in pockets in front of the glass doors entrance, next to a white Zorya parked on the side of road. Evan parks his Aspire behind the Zorya, and he comes out from the car with a friend, both in suit tops and blue jeans. Another man, someone who looks younger and colder in a full fancy suit, is leaning against the Zorya with hands in pockets.

 

Brandon parks across them.

 

“He’s not alone, can be a problem,” Maria mumbles.

 

“That’s Lazar the f*cking Bratva prince,” Brandon’s eyes widen as he watches the young man talking with Evan, “The hell he’s doing here?”

 

Activate the observation mode to overhear the conversation.

“How many time you guys would use my credit card to eat sh*t?” Lazar speaks up in annoyed tone.

 

“This is our last, promise. We’re good friends, не хочешь присоединиться?” Evan tries to calm him down.
Don't you want to join?

 

“Я буду занят с машинами папы и игрой в боулинг с другом. You and Donovan only good at this, huh?”
I’m busy with my dad’s cars and with my friends bowling game.

 

“Эй, посмотри на себя, ты веселишься, как будто завтра не наступит, а у нас.. у нас здоровый спорт.”

Hey, look at yourself, you’re partying like no tomorrow, while we.. we’re having a healthy sport.

 

Lazar shakes his head and gets in his car, ”Нафиг с этой хренью, я уезжаю.”

Enough with this sh*t, I’m out.

 

“What’s the matter man?” Donovan finally speaks up. From here we know he doesn’t understand the language.

 

“Nothing, let’s play,”

 

Evan and Donovan walk into The Underground, while the white Zorya speeds away from the scene. 

 

“We shall watch his back after this,” Brandon refers to Lazar, “It’s your show now.”

 

“So, what should I do?”

 

“Both of us gonna pretend as casual players there. I’ll watch around, you’ll talk with them. Just attract them with your pretty face till they slip out.

 

“Oh yeah, you’ll need this, my own valentine gift,” Brandon hands a pistol with a suppressor attached. Unlike other modifications, the silencer can be detached/reattached anytime you want.

 

“Спасибо.”
Thanks.

 

Maria hides the pistol underneath her leather jacket and leaves the car with Brandon.

 

Get inside The Underground

The staircase leads to a glass door, which leads to a dimly lit row of bowling lanes. Very few people are playing, including our Evan and Donovan. Brandon will sit in one of the tables away from you to keep an eye. Your two marks are too busy having fun; they won’t notice until you do something. As you get close, a prompt to greet appears. Optional, you can ignore it and just play in an empty lane next to theirs. To attract their attention, you can either: (1) flex your skill by scoring a strike or (2) pretend to play badly by scoring zero, not hitting any pins. Note that the bowling’s control is identical to GTA IV. If you know the technique for “Gobble Gobble” trophy, the former is piece of cake. 

 

What will happen in (1) scenario?

 

“Wow, that was sick,” Evan’s attention turns to Maria, praising her strike.

 

Thanks

Impressed?

 

“Thank you,”

 

“Wait, wait…” two words and he’s already familiar with her accent, “Are you Russian?”

 

“I am, you too?”

 

“Yeah, always good to meet some fellow from my country. Иван Лифанов, или просто Эван.”
Ivan Lifanov, just call me Evan.

 

“Тогда можешь называть меня Алисой.”
Then you can call me Alisa.

 

“Похоже, мы раньше не встречались.”

Seems like we’ve never met before. 

 

It’s my first visit

I’ve been frequent here

 

“Конечно, нет, я впервые здесь.”

Of course we haven’t, it’s my first time coming here.

 

Evan will ask Maria’s background next, which is where you’ll construct her disguise: whether she’s a tourist from Moscow, new immigrant, or already living in VC for quite a long time. After introducing her to Donovan, he’ll invite you for a full or half match, up to you.

 

You’ll learn that Evan is a more friendly and open guy, while Donovan is visibly more cautious, keeping an emotionless face and setting a ‘safe-distance’ from her. You can activate the observation mode on Evan again to see a work card attached to his chest (use this to question his job), as well to know that there’s no signs of weapons in his clothes. Observing Donovan is possible, but doing it too long/often will make Maria more suspicious in his eyes. Luckily, you don’t see any guns in Donovan either. 

 

While the match goes on, Evan and Maria will have more chat about their bowling hobbies and professions. The latter is where you can question Evan’s relation with Artemiy, whom he describes as “lazy boss, bad job”. He even jokes, “With a boss like that in your office, you’ll probably want to kill him."

 

“That’s terrible, so what do you do now?”

 

“I have talked with Donovan and some other friends about leaving. Not really sure what’s next, maybe I’ll be in Devushka club. Top spot, our favorite not far from here. Y’know how much you can get by just becoming a part-time cleaning service there?”

 

You can further ask Evan about his friends and the club. For example, they enjoy taking advantage of Lazar’s wealth; while all his other friends use it for drugs bought in beachside cafes or high-class ladies, he and Donovan only want bowling and new jobs. He also briefly tells how his friends “from people you won't mess around/bratva members” hate Russian businessmen as much as the American government.

 

Keep in mind: your conversation will end once the match finishes. Evan will say something different, depending on how the match ends, but Donovan will be rather mad regardless.

 

“Evan, you have Lena at home, don’t cheat with that b*tch.”

 

“Oh c’mon, sorry if I ignored you, but we got a new friend tonight.”

 

The thing is, there’s no visible ‘like’ meter ala GTA IV that informs you how much Evan trusts you. You can only guess from his facial expression and voice tone. Right now, he has warmly considered Maria as a new friend. Safe to say he’s falling into your trap.

 

As you guys leave The Underground, Brandon will follow from behind. No guards nor cameras are in the enter/exit staircase. He has locked the glass door into the bowling alley from outside. This is his chance to confront them while they’re taking the stairs.

 

“Time’s up, boys,” Brandon gets as close as possible to Evan. A silenced pistol touches right to his neck.

 

Maria pretends to be freezily shocked as Donovan covers her, sharply looking at Brandon.

 

“Calm down, the hell is wrong with you?!” Evan attempts to defuse politely.

 

“Boss won’t be pleased to know what his boys doing at night, definitely not planning a hit.”

 

“How do you… F*ck that lazy old man!”

 

“We’re one v two, three if we count her in,” Donovan growls, “Only one gun and we sh*t our pants?”

 

“Donovan, we can’t carry knives to a gunfight,” Evan argues.

“А сейчас не пойдет?”

What about now?

 

Maria takes out the pistol from her jacket, pointing it right at Donovan’s chest as he turns around in shock.

 

“Сволочь!” Evan, glancing behind, is as shocked as his friend.

Bastard!

 

“Told you not to go into strange b*tch, Evan!” Donovan fumes.

 

“Shut the f*ck up! you two!” Brandon can’t stand it.

 

When everyone’s eyes go back to Brandon, Donovan suddenly tries to forcefully grab her pistol with his hands. With his strength, it’ll be difficult to break free, so your option is to keep holding (SQUARE) repeatedly to hold your weapon while use your feet to attack, by tapping (O) and use the Left Stick to stomp his foot (move it down) or kick his thigh/knee (move it down then left). Keep switching between holding (SQUARE) and attacking with (O) + Left Stick combination.

 

He’ll move back after three attacks. As you keep the pistol in hand, tap (R2) to shoot him in the head, therefore killing him; or tap (O) to knock him out, thus pacifying him.

 

Brandon will brawl with Evan around the same time. No need to worry about him, he’ll knock Evan unconsciously at the end.

 

“Well, he’s out,”

 

“You kill him?”

 

Maria’s answer and Brandon’s response will depend on your choice, “... and Evan?”

 

“He’s a sleeping beauty now, gonna take him to Artemiy, now get him/his body to their car.”

 

The two take the passed out marks to the backseat of their maroon Aspire. Brandon says he’ll handle them from here, Maria can take their previous car.  

 

“By the way, that navy car, that’s yours, as well as the phone, just take it,” Brandon hands her a key, “And.. one second.. boss leaves a place to rest for you in North Vice too,” he hands her another key.

 

“You serious? He’s really that positive?” Maria is visibly surprised. Her new boss isn’t as careless as she thought before? giving a safehouse and new car right away on day one? 

 

“He’s a generous lad. Middle-aged, insecure, but he treats us like humans. I got my own free stuff. We’re his special force after all, specially served. Just turn on the GPS for the location. Good night.”

 

Brandon leaves.

 

The scene fades and cuts to Maria driving the Sentinel SN along the Atlantic Drawbridge. You gain control of her again and must follow the GPS to an apartment in North Vice City, your first safehouse.

AUTHOR NOTE: With the recent leaks of next canonical GTA being set in modern-day Vice City as well, I must confirm that the leaks won't affect the progress nor the vision of Light & Shadow. The concept will retain it's current vision, and ignore Rockstar's vision regarding the settings, characters, and events. 

Edited October 22 by wise_man

[wise_man]

Partially inspired by this Leverage scene

 

We’ve seen Cesar chilling outside of his safehouse in Verona Shores in the opening cutscene. As we switch back to him, the scene cuts to him sleeping shirtless in the bed. The clock on the table next to it shows 3:58, around three hours before sunrise. Breaking the night’s silence, Cesar's Majava VI smartphone on the table rings. In his half-asleep half-awoken state, Cesar picks up the phone while laying down. His buddy cop Freddie Newman is calling.

 

“Fred, it’s four AM-”

 

“Something important, man. It’s Marlon.”

 

“Sup’’ with him? He’s ghosting us all week.”

 

“That’s it, has he called you yet? Few minutes ago, he called me, saying he had enough of us-“

 

“So he’s toying us as usual.”

 

“That naughty boy really needs some humbling, and we do it.”

 

Seems like your drug-dealing boy, Marlon Ramos, is acting up again. Ever since Cesar left the police department in fear of DOA’s shadow, Freddie can’t handle the dirty deeds alone. Cesar rarely sees his friend’s face; he’s more frequent in racketeer O’Donnell’s place where he can feed himself between his weekly extortion on his and Freddie’s boys: Marlon and Vigo Jaén. Luckily, neither of those two know that Cesar no longer has the badge; they’re still afraid of him deep down.

 

After Freddie tells him that Marlon wants a meeting in Gulfside Park this morning, Cesar hangs up the phone and gets up, dresses up quickly, and leaves the house. As you’re outside, get in his parked silver Albanny Pierre.

 

While driving as Cesar, vehicles will feel heavier like in GTA IV. Not an issue for now; the traffic in mainland Vice City is low before sunrise and there are only a few pedestrians on the sidewalk. Also notice how unlike when playing Thomas and Maria the first time, a minimap is shown the first time you play as Cesar.

 

Arriving, you see Freddie and Vigo standing in the entrance of Gulfside Park path.

“You took him here, too?” Cesar asks, referring to Vigo’s presence.

 

Freddie answers straight, “I’m taking him so he can watch us pulling Marlon’s pants down.”

 

“Wait, what’s this mission about?” Vigo asks nervously, the two men turning their gaze at him.

 

“Shut up, it’s about the tiny jits,” Freddie points his forefinger to Vigo, “His try-hard ass wants to kick us the second time, too much believing he’s bigger than us," he believes Marlon’s going to ambush them again in attempt to cut their ties. Last time he did it was a humiliating experience for him, unsuccessful.

 

“C’mon.”

 

The three walk into the entrance. Marlon is supposedly waiting near the fountain in the middle of the park.

 

“Fred doesn’t give you a hint, huh?” Cesar now asks Vigo.

 

“I thought you guys gonna reach my pocket for the weekly cut tonight.”

 

“Ah, good thing you can remember, how much you made?”

 

“Only a grand.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Vigo briefly explains how couple of Haitians constantly go after every unit in the city, causing people to form crews of their own and barely trust small-time independent peddlers like him. Cesar already knew the situation, but it’s nice to hear Vigo, despite his goofiness, he still has eyes and ears on what’s around.

 

As you three walk to the park’s fountain, you see Marlon not in his usual style: in a gray suit instead of the black tank top that exposes his tattoos. By his side are two menacing African-American men in all-black: one in hat and glasses, the bald one inhales a cigar. Next to Marlon is also a black-dressed lady.

 

Freddie rolls his eyes, Cesar stares seriously in cautiousness, and Vigo tries to avoid eye contact with anyone, looking worried. 

Left to right: Idris, Holly, the mark Marlon Ramos, and Lou

 

While you’re facing him, take the time to observe Marlon and his entourages. You see that Marlon has a pocket pistol underneath his suit. The big bald man who smokes names Lou has a revolver tucked into his pants near his crotch; while Idris, the man in hat, carries a wooden baseball bat.

 

Freddie taunts first, “The hell is this?”

 

“Our business is over,” Marlon replies mockingly, “You don’t know why I'm off the last few days?”

 

“Pretty clear, you look for money to pay these human shields and hooker to make yourself a VIP?” 

 

“No, no, no, I have legitimate nine-to-five in Seminole now, no gambling.

 

Cesar raises an eyebrow, “You drunk?”

 

“You ain’t trusting me?” Marlon gestures to Lou to approach Cesar, “Better learn to trust me first! Lou!”

 

Lou throws his cigar to the floor and stands in front of Cesar, both hands on hips trying to assert dominance. Your observation earlier catches the sight of the handgun in his pants. Here’s some fun choices:

 

Grab the gun, point at face

Grab the gun, point at chest

Keep the gun, point at his balls

 

Picking the third option, Cesar’s quick hand reaches the tucked revolver, fingers work to disarm its safety catch and stay on its trigger. Lou looks below, his confidence’s level drops in instant.

 

“You made a mistake,” Cesar confronts firmly, maintaining his cool as Lou looks back at him, ”He’s not an honest joe to befriend with.”

 

“Yo, slow the f*ck down!” Marlon draws his pocket pistol, pointing it dangerously too close to Cesar.

 

“Hey!” Holly, the girl, grabs Marlon’s shoulder, “Don’t do stupid things, honey!”

 

Meanwhile, Idris remains motionless behind, Freddie’s glare keeps him in place. The latter does have a pistol in his hip holster. After Cesar’s first move though, he doesn’t think it’s good idea to escalate the standoff further.

 

Cesar doesn’t flinch, “Listen to me or I blow your balls.”

 

Lou freezes, his blank expression tries to cover the fear, “What’s your problem with Mr. Ramos?”

 

Taunt and surprise Marlon

Convince Lou of Marlon’s lies

 

“By the way, your gun is too close to me,” Cesar turns to face Marlon while keeping the grip on Lou’s revolver, “I can break your bones before you shoot, cabrón.”

 

“Is that so?” Marlon smuggly taunts back, “I dare you.”

 

Immediately tap (O) and Cesar grabs Marlon’s elbow with his free left hand. Tap (O) again to break his elbow and (optionally) tap (TRIANGLE) to take his pocket pistol. Lastly, finish him off by a headbut by combining (O) and moving the Left Stick up.

 

Marlon falls to the ground, holding his pain, “F*ck you, why do you guys do nothing, huh?! Who’s the master here?!”

 

Holly covers her mouth with her hand in shock.

 

“He’s not a Hercules, lady,” Cesar explains, “That’s why he’s our jit.”

 

Lou’s about to step up until Cesar tightens up the grip on his revolver, “Who are you guys?”

 

Too bad Cesar doesn’t have a badge anymore to show, but he can let Freddie, Marlon, or Vigo who’s only been a silent spectator so far to speak for him.

 

We’re policemen

Let Freddie tells

Let Marlon tells

Let Vigo tells

 

“Show em’ Fred.”

 

Freddie pulls out his VCPD out of his jacket. Lou, Idris, and Holly are surprised, while Marlon, still on ground, grits his teeth in frustration.

 

“Cops?!” Idris shows his disbelief, “For real?!”

 

“Should we handcuff you to the station as proof?”

 

Cesar then exposes Marlon’s facts: how he’s under their payroll and how he’s actually a nobody. You can also force Marlon to be honest instead, he’ll tell everyone that he pretended to be a VIP in the Seminole Casino, buying a nice suit with the money stolen from a guy in the casino. He stole his membership card too. With it, he convinced Lou and Idris, average gangsters from Independence City to be his bodyguards; and attracted Holly, a random visitor of the casino, to be his girlfriend.

 

With the grand reveal, Holly slaps Marlon in the face as he stands up and angrily leaves the scene without saying a word. Lou and Idris are about to beat him up, the former points his revolver at him. Cesar stops them, he’ll be the one taking care of the liar.

 

“You f*cked up dog!” Lou points his middle finger at Marlon as he and Idris walk away.

 

Cesar and Freddie preach, warning Marlon and Vigo to never be rascals, don’t ever think to betray the two cops.

 

“Be real, that’s the worst scam I’ve ever seen. You ain’t a pro conman,” Cesar says.

 

“I say I’m sorry, here’s yours,” Marlon hands over a stack of money as compensation.

 

Cesar then orders Vigo to take the injured Marlon to hospital or any doctor out there; he’s still useful after all.

The next cutscene shows a quick timelapse to the sunrise. It’s gonna be sunny today. More people flock in the park, taking a seat, jogging, and cycling. Cesar and Freddie overlook the blue ocean; Vice Beach on the horizon.

 

Like the other days, Freddie criticizes his buddy’s decision of leaving the police department while the DOA’s investigation is ongoing.

 

“You can’t be a pussy. The agency only looks at those overspenders with jewels and whips. We? We just small roaches taking crumbs from those launderers!”

 

“Sure we’re at the bottom of the pyramid, but you know who else likes us? The hundred crooks in the eighty, the agency still hunt their heads.”

 

“I’ll never be satisfied with your excuse, what’s next?”

 

“I’ve been connected with O’Donnell the whole time, he’s one way to get me up there.”

 

“Where?”

 

“El Solucionador himself maybe, or anyone else good enough, I don't know. He’s reliable man with many friends.”

 

“You absolute crazy risk-taker c*nt. My hope ain't high, but I’m not going anywhere cause if you get f*cked up, then I’m too.” 

 

Before parting, Freddie tells that his boss-Cesar's former, Claude Geffrard, is planning operations against the Fratènite gangster only known as N, who’s responsible for the drug robberies around the city. Can be a good option for Cesar to redeem himself in his boss’ eyes. Claude’s house is labeled CG on the map, he’ll be there after work.

Edited October 22 by wise_man