GAME REVIEW: Grand Theft Auto V exceeds expectations

If video games could be likened to fashion, then Rockstar Games’ lucrative Grand Theft Auto franchise would certainly be recognized as one of the leading brands of gaming, the kind that opens doors to all kinds of trends and possibilities.

Since the release of “Grand Theft Auto III” for the Playstation 2 on 2001, Rockstar Games has built up quite the reputation of developing games engaging players in a world of their own with almost limitless boundaries to explore and immerse themselves in.

This success would continue with “Grand Theft Auto Vice City,” “Grand Theft Auto San Andreas,” and two more spin-off titles using that generation’s graphics engine, until a major overhaul update came with the release of the true sequel, “Grand Theft Auto IV,” in 2008 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC platforms. The game was an unprecedented opportunity for Rockstar to make good on their commitment to impressing gamers with almost realistic graphics, and the results speak for themselves on the game's success.

Five years later, Rockstar Games reached a new level with “Grand Theft Auto V,” which earned a “Mature” rating from the Entertainment Service Regulatory Board and is marketed to be the biggest entry in the series yet.

The sales records have reached $800 million worldwide. But does it break boundaries?

Same build, three times the opportunity

Touted as a spiritual successor to past titles and even other Rockstar Games like “Red Dead Redemption,” “Grand Theft Auto V” breaks the mold of its predecessors by allowing players to control not one, but three main protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.

Set primarily in the Hollywood-like town of Los Santos on the island of San Andreas, these three very different criminals stand out with their own conflicting personalities and problems. Through fate, are forced to work together in order to solve matters by acquiring the “almighty dollar.” Adventures are shared, heists are executed, and when a tense situation from Michael and Trevor’s past comes roaring into the present, all three men and their accomplices must figure out how to get out of it and score big.

Gameplay beyond your wildest dreams


Similar to past installments, “Grand Theft Auto V” is a gamer’s sandbox—you can do practically anything you want. The world of Los Santos and beyond is open to whatever machinations and nonsense you can possibly think of playing out.

Starting the game proper, however, takes you through a flashback sequence that ties a heist event from the past to the present day, with players eventually controlling Franklin first before meeting and acquiring Michael and Trevor. Whether you follow the main story, play through side missions, or engage in random acts and events, GTA V indulges in your preferences from living the clean life to indulging in the great luxuries the game’s world has to offer.

Exploration has its merits too. You can drive an expensive sports car, ride a speedboat, or even hijack an airplane or train and use it at whim. You can even play outdoor games like tennis, watch television from the comfort of your own safehouse, or even visit a strip bar and watch pole dancing girls for kicks.

Living the part of a criminal is technically easy as you progress through GTA V and gain experience. Successfully pulling off heists will be based on the choices you make and the people you work with.

How you carry yourself also matters, and looking conspicuous or performing random acts of violence and crime may very well give you away as well, earning the “Wanted” stars of trouble that sees the Los Santos Police Department and other authorities chasing after you until you are either “Busted” or “Wasted.” It’s not all fun and games when the cops are chasing you, as this installment makes it very challenging to elude them, much less fight them off.

Playing and making your own game

Whichever way you earn your street cred and money, GTA V also adds replay value and uniqueness to a player’s experience by giving them free reign of how to play the three protagonists after settling down and playing through parts of the game’s story. Each character comes with a set of eight skills that can be improved and refined by participating in different activities.

For instance, biking and playing tennis can help increase a character’s stamina, while shooting and working out your gun skills increases your proficiency with firearms. The game’s style and atmosphere work to your own preferences, down to the excellent soundtrack. Whether you listen to the numerous stations like Non-Stop-Pop FM or Chemical X or tune in to talk shows, there’s a plethora of music to choose from, and it’ll fit right into your game like a tee.

There are even plenty of ways to dress up your character a or pimp your ride. So many options, so much time.

Drive it like you stole it

It can be tempting to unleash carnage and hell upon an unsuspecting populace, but there’s more depth and immersion to GTA V that’s too good to pass up.

Just by exploring the different parts of Los Santos, you’ll realize the exquisite attention to detail the developers have put into this installment. If you loved past GTA games, then prepare to have your expectations exceeded. Otherwise, if you’re new to everything, prepare to board a virtual world like no other.

Grand Theft Auto V is now available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, with a PC release to follow soon. — VC, GMA News