Grand Theft Auto is one of the longest running, most successful game franchises of all time and for good reason. This latest instalment of the series is the best of all. It’s bigger, badder and more irresponsible than ever.
The Grand Theft Auto series is for gamers who have a strong sense of the now. It takes swipes at post-recession society, modern infatuation with celebrities, and just about every aspect of modern life. The writing is sharp, clever and spot on in its observations.
Set in the Los Angeles mirror that is Los Santos, Grand Theft Auto V takes us through a few days in the lives of three very different protagonists. It’s a tale of violence, maniacal destruction, dark humour and three different tales of survival. This is a new direction for Rockstar and one I like.
The open-world format of Grand Theft Auto V allows us to explore the world from three different perspectives, in the process adding a lot of variety to the game. It also provides perfect set piece action between the three that produces plenty of laughs as well as action. Sometimes it’s absurd, sometimes more realistic, but it’s always fun.
The graphics are great, pushing the Xbox and PS3 consoles to their limits. The world is large, open and alive, offering a great backdrop for the game’s many entertaining missions. You can take part in everything from bank robberies to car thefts – if it’s possible in a city, it’s possible here.
If you have played previous Grand Theft Auto games, you’ll be very pleased to hear vehicle handling has at last been addressed. While vehicles can still lose the plot, they at least corner and handle more like cars. The same with guns and cover – it’s now less point and hope and more hide, point and shoot.
The combat mechanics are the highlight of Grand Theft Auto V. They are challenging, frenetic and exciting and force you to think as well as shoot. Cover is everywhere, bullets keep your head down and the AI is reasonably intelligent. It’s a good job your local Ammu-Nation store is still around to refill those magazines.
The game does have its flaws though. Some missions are a little confusing with little or no hints on how to complete them. Some missions prompt you, others don’t. Some can leave you wondering what you’re supposed to do or what you did wrong.
The other flaw is that Grand Theft Auto V is still very misogynistic in its views. Women only play supporting roles and are referred to negatively throughout the narrative. While it fits the context of the game perfectly, we should have evolved a little further by now.
Other than these gripes, Grand Theft Auto V is a stunning game. It is what computer games are all about and offers a challenge to your reactions, perspectives and views of modern life.
Jesmond Darmanin is a technology enthusiast who has his own blog at www.itnewsblog.com.