Grand Theft Auto V: Review

As a little note, I'd just like to say I'm not really going to talk about the online portion of the game as anybody who owns GTA V knows that up until recently, the servers required for online play have not been up to scratch to cope with the mass of players attempting to play, so reviewing it would not be fair. On with the review.

The incredibly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V launched a few weeks ago after literally years of hype, and I have only recently managed to complete the main bulk of the game, due to the HUGE array of content packed in. Let me start by saying that not only does the game manage to justify the level of anticipation that has grew around it, but it regularly surpasses my expectations of the Grand Theft Auto series and games in general. It's a phenomenally polished experience which is literally brimming with things to do and people to see.

Michael De Santa (Ned Luke)

As a player, you are thrown in on the heist job which led to the separation of two of the three main characters. Switching between Michael De Santa and Trevor Phillips, the action builds until an event which splits these two friends occurs. The game then travels forwards 9 years and drops you into the shoes of Franklin Clinton, a young man brought up in the ghetto who completes this trio of memorable characters. Eventually running into Micheal and then Trevor, these three characters become entangled in a life of crime and money: something not completely unfamiliar with them. This is just a brief over-view of the story, as for me it was not the main selling point of the game, but it certainly supports the action and chaos to a more than acceptable standard. 

After a few hours of play, you have the choice to switch between any of the three protagonists whenever you please, often stumbling across them performing an act comically appropriate of their personality. Whether it be red-neck, psychopath Trevor throwing a man off a bridge or unhappily-rich Michael meeting with somebody for lunch in an over-priced cafe, all three characters have many things attributed to them which deepen them and make the entire story feel that bit more believable. This switching mechanic is something new to the GTA series, and a tool which is just as cleverly utilised in missions, specifically the heists where one moment you may be piloting a helicopter as Trevor and the next shooting bodyguards as Franklin from a rooftop miles away. It's a strange thing to say about fictional characters in a videogame, but this trio all have such great chemistry, and have countless genuinely funny conversations. 

Franklin Clinton (Shawn Fonteno)

Something many remember about 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was it's stellar soundtrack thanks to the many radio stations, and this is something improved upon hugely in GTA V. Not only are there 15 radio stations when driving which all have well-known licensed songs, but there is also a superb musical score which accompanies all of the game's missions, and is comparable to that of a movie such as The Dark Knight. This is something completely new for the series, and a feature which hugely increases the already prominent action orientated tone. 

But what about when you're not on these cinematic missions? When roaming around the gigantic island of Los Santos, you have a vast number of activities to participate in; from off-road races to golf. Each of these 'mini-games' are detailed and developed, and nothing feels as if it has been tacked-on. This is a huge step-up from GTA IV, where all there seemed to be was a few dull games such as bowling or darts. Or if you choose to simply wreak havoc upon the innocent citizens of the island, the police artificial-intelligence has been greatly improved to allow for stealth in order to evade them, and as previously mentioned, the spectacular musical score builds tension unlike anything in the Grand Theft Auto series before.

If this seems like I'm just constantly praising the game, it's because there is very little wrong with GTA V. Vehicles handle perfectly, weapons feel satisfying, and there's enough content to keep you busy for a VERY long time (even more once the Online is functioning correctly). The only complaint I have heard from mainstream critics is how the game is rather misogynistic, but to be angry at GTA for being sexist or misogynistic would be like buying a steak pie and then writing a letter of complaint because you found some meat inside. 

Trevor Phillips (Steven Ogg)

Verdict
Grand Theft Auto V is not only the pinnacle of Rockstar Games, it is also one of the greatest games I have ever played. There is almost nothing to fault about it, and there is so much to do that you'll be playing for a long time after completing the 69 main missions featured. As long as you can handle the excessive profanity and witty humour, there should be nothing to stop you buying this masterpiece of a videogame.  9.8/10