Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013
The newest installment of Grand Theft Auto is back—and it’s badder than ever. Rockstar Games has brought the record-grossing high crime action-adventure series back to Los Santos, their version of modern day Los Angeles. This time we follow not one, but three playable main characters: Michael, Trevor, and Franklin in their bid for riches, recognition and even respectability. There has never been a title that tops the immersive design, detail and freedom that the city of Los Santos has to offer. The game is big—seriously big—and it is not just size that Grand Theft Auto V brings to the table.
The story begins with a flashback showing Michael and Trevor at a bank robbery gone wrong. This prologue is set ten years in the past and when we cut back to present day, Michael is talking with his shrink. We then meet Franklin, a street-smart kid from Los Santos working for a shady car repossession company. Franklin meets Michael accidentally on a job and they start working together. Trevor joins later. The story will really pull you into the game world. Each of these non-law-abiding characters is fun to play separately, but when they all come together for heists you really get to see them shine and put each of their unique abilities to use.
Most of GTA V’s main story missions revolve around heists ranging from robbing a jewelry store to breaking into bank vaults in the countryside. Each heist requires that you pick the right crew and assign each person carefully according to their unique “abilities”—like driving, fighting or shooting. The heists are huge and cinematic and may have you running all over the city hopping from car to submarine to cargo plane. The most fun heists are when you are switching between each main character in different locations on the same job. For example, one may be in a helicopter, another sniping from a building and the other dangling outside the window of a skyscraper during a firefight. The updates to the play mechanics really make these missions manageable. The cover system and the ability to customize almost every weapon in the game allows you to handle each encounter however you like.
Grand Theft Auto V is really all about the characters. You feel connected to all three main personas. Though it would be a stretch to call them “good guys” with all of their flaws and problems, they are fun to play and believably push the game along. More of a ticking time bomb of hidden truths and craziness than a team, they somehow manage to get the job done (with your help). As the narrative progresses, we learn more about Michael and Trevor’s back-story and how their relationship actually affects future heists and missions. We also meet other interesting Los Santos inhabitants: from corrupt government agents, movie producers and media moguls to some of the city’s celebrities, street freaks and rich socialites. All entertainingly lead your gameplay into even more insane missions.
The world of San Andreas, the fictional county that houses Los Santos, is completely open with countless things to do. There’s almost too much to cover here. You can fly or drive almost anywhere you like and interact with people and things all over the city. Random encounters with denizens of Los Santos can be fun and rewarding. I once helped a stranger keep his bike from getting stolen. A day later I received $100,000 of stock shares in his company. You’ll even come across characters you might recognize from other GTA games who you can hire for heists.
Grand Theft Auto V is a massive step forward in gaming. The amount of things to do is truly astounding. But it’s not without some problems. Button assignment is tricky. Most notably when the same button performs multiple actions and you end up hanging up an important phone call while running. Driving from point A to B can also be incredibly time consuming. Luckily you have a dozen radio stations to listen to. In the end the best part of the game is playing and experiencing it in your own way. Want to play the missions and enjoy the story? Cool. Want to blow stuff up? No problem. Want to watch TV and trade virtual stock? You got it. Rockstar Games has created a beautiful virtual playground and missions with stellar writing and cinematic story telling that anyone (over the age of 18) can enjoy.
Pros: Immersive world with cinematic story telling. Heists. Guns. Explosions.
Cons: Gets boring driving from place to place. Button assignment can be frustrating.
