However, the game also generated controversy over its depiction of violence and racial groups, sparking lawsuits and protests. Upon release, Vice City received critical acclaim, with praise particularly directed at its music, gameplay and open world design. The game was released in October 2002 for the PlayStation 2, in May 2003 for Microsoft Windows, and in October 2003 for the Xbox. Much of the development work constituted creating the game world to fit the inspiration and time period the development team conducted extensive field research in Miami while creating the world. The game was also influenced by the film and television of the era, most notably Scarface and Miami Vice. The game's plot is based on multiple real-world people and events in Miami such as Cubans, Haitians, and biker gangs, the 1980s crack epidemic, the Mafioso drug lords of Miami, and the dominance of glam metal. The open world design lets the player freely roam Vice City, consisting of two main islands. The game is played from a third-person perspective and its world is navigated on foot or by vehicle.