Miami Vice is based on the 80's TV series of the same name. Playing as Sonny Crockett or Ricardo Tubbs, the player must dismantle drug-lord Ortega's organization, following the plot of an episode of the series.
The gameplay involves taking down (or arresting, sometimes) drug dealers and solving minor puzzles such as finding keys to open doors or switching levers to get access to locked places. In some stages, the player can choose freely to play as Crockett or Tubbs by clicking a button. They have different abilities and weapons, with each character having its own set of options.
The characters can also carry a secondary weapon from among 14 types. Each character can use only certain types of weapon, with Tubbs usually carrying the heavier ones. The primary weapons have unlimited ammo, while the secondary ones do not. Basic commands can be given to the secondary character in stages where the player can choose either Crockett or Tubbs.
Characters can interact with their environment by following icons that show possible actions such as opening doors, climbing ladders, and jumping. They can also run, crouch, walk, and lean against walls. To shoot enemies, the player must aim using an auto-aim button and then shoot using a separate button.
The game features the original theme from the TV show and original voices.