Crafting Retro AI Art: Building on the Grand Theft Auto Vice City VHS Cover Trend

In 2025, the resurgence of retro aesthetics has taken platforms like X by storm, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge AI technology. A standout example is the AI-generated VHS cover for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, shared by gnrlyxyz on X. Using GPT-4o, the creator crafted a nostalgic masterpiece featuring a mobster with an AK-47 and cigar, set against a backdrop of yachts, palm trees, a police helicopter, and South Beach—all hallmarks of the 1980s Miami vibe that inspired the game.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, released in 2002, drew heavily from 1980s Miami culture, influenced by shows like Miami Vice. Its iconic art style, led by artist Stephen Bliss, perfectly captures the neon-drenched, sun-soaked aesthetic of the era. This makes it an ideal candidate for retro VHS art that resonates with fans of 80s/90s media.

The Rise of Retro AI Art Tools

AI tools like GPT-4o and Retro VHS Artist (as seen on yeschat.ai) are making it easier than ever to create photorealistic VHS covers reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. These tools can confirm genres, add aging effects, and incorporate elements like synthwave colors and VHS grain to capture the right vibe. For example, the original prompt by gnrlyxyz included specific elements to evoke the era: a yacht, palm trees, and bold typography for "GRAND THEFT AUTO" with a cursive "Vice City" subtitle.

Create Your Own Retro VHS Cover Display

Let’s build ashowcase AI-generated VHS cover with a retro aesthetic. Below is the prompt to create a neon-styled container with a hover effect that adds a sepia tone for a vintage feel.

Grand Theft Auto VHS cover

Prompt Used

GPT-4o 💬 "Create a retro style VHS cover. The main character is holding an AK-47 and smoking a cigar. Visual elements to include: yacht, palm trees, a model, police helicopter, South Beach. The title "GRAND THEFT AUTO" in bold and subtitle "Vice City" in cursive are displayed on the cover. The VHS tape is slightly peaking out of the cover. Include a small VHS logo, Dolby Surround logo, and Rockstar logo in the cover." (source)

Tips for Creating Your Own AI Art

To create similar AI art, try tools like 4o-image.com, which leverages GPT-4o for image generation. Experiment with prompts that include 80s elements like synthwave colors, VHS grain effects, and iconic props (e.g., neon lights, retro cars). For authenticity, add aging effects to mimic decades of wear, as Retro VHS Artist does.

Why Retro Aesthetics Matter in 2025

The fascination with 80s/90s media is stronger than ever, as seen on platforms like X where creators are blending nostalgia with modern tech. This trend reflects a broader cultural movement to revisit the bold, vibrant styles of the past while reimagining them through AI. Whether you're a fan of retro gaming or just love the VHS era, AI art offers a fresh way to celebrate these influences.