Print Works
The Print Works is a sificant business asset acquired by Tommy Vercetti in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, representing a crucial step in his ascent to power. This legitimate-looking front allows Tommy to engage in a more sophisticated criminal operation: counterfeiting money. Acquiring and managing the Print Works is a key objective for players looking to expand their empire and generate substantial income.
Tommy gains control of the Print Works after completing a series of missions for Ricardo Diaz. Once acquired, the Print Works becomes a passive income generator, but its true value lies in its ability to produce counterfeit money. This operation is not only a lucrative source of funds but also a central element in several important story missions.
Acquisition and Initial Missions:
The Print Works is located in the Little Haiti district of Vice City. Tommy will be tasked with taking it over as part of the storyline involving Ricardo Diaz. This typically involves a mission where Tommy must eliminate Diaz's rivals and secure the location. After this, the Print Works is officially under Tommy's ownership.
The Counterfeiting Operation:
Once Tommy owns the Print Works, he can initiate the counterfeiting operation. This involves a series of missions where Tommy must procure the necessary equipment and supplies, often through illegal means. These missions usually require Tommy to steal specialized printing presses, acquire large quantities of paper, and sometimes even deal with corrupt officials or rival gangs trying to interfere.
Key Missions Involving the Print Works:
- The Fastest Lap (Phil Cassidy): While not directly about the Print Works, this mission can be a prerequisite or occur around the same time as acquiring Print Works assets.
- All Souped Up (Tommy Vercetti): This mission involves using the Print Works to create counterfeit money. Tommy needs to defend the operation from attacks.
- The Party (Tommy Vercetti): This mission involves a large-scale event where Tommy uses the Print Works' output.
The Print Works missions often involve defending the facility from waves of enemies who are attempting to shut down Tommy's operation. These defense sequences can be challenging, requiring Tommy to use several weapons and strategic positioning to protect the valuable printing equipment.
Generating Income:
Beyond the missions, the Print Works acts as a business that generates passive income for Tommy. The more successful the counterfeiting operation, the more money Tommy earns over time. This income is crucial for purchasing other businesses, weapons, and upgrades, further solidifying Tommy's dominance in Vice City.
Strategic Importance:
The Print Works is more than just a money-making scheme; it's a symbol of Tommy's ambition and his ability to build a legitimate-seeming empire from the ground up. It represents a shift from street-level crime to a more organized and sophisticated criminal enterprise. Mastering the operations and defenses of the Print Works is essential for players aiming to complete the game and become the ultimate kingpin of Vice City.