Overview
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) takes the franchise back to the city of Los Santos previously seen in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Unlike prior games in the series which focus on telling the story of a single player controlled character, GTA V features three central characters that the player is able to actively switch between at nearly any time during gameplay.
Rockstar Games states that this will be their largest open world game to date, boasting a total area greater than those of GTA: San Andreas, GTA IV, and Red Dead Redemption combined. At a preview event in Spring 2013, reps said that the map in GTA V will be "five times bigger than Red Dead Redemption".
A first for the franchise, players aren't restricted from certain areas in the game and can now explore the entire environment at their leisure.
At E3 2014, it was announced that Grand Theft Auto V would be coming to the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One, and the PC. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released on November 18, 2014 with the PC version releasing on April 14 2015 after numerous delays.
Gameplay
The gameplay is similar to that of previous installments in the franchise. Players control one of three characters in a free-roaming open-world environment. GTA V places a higher emphasis on heist missions, in which players can switch between the various protagonists on the fly, potentially allowing them to take control of a car or provide covering fire as they see fit. Players can also switch between the protagonists between missions at any time.
Many of the game elements found in GTA IV will return, such as: fake TV shows, minigames, clothing customization, and leisure activities, which now include tennis, yoga and base jumping. Dynamic missions have been introduced - similar to the random encounters of Red Dead Redemption, players may come across certain situations as they travel the world that they can choose whether or not to investigate.
The customary bevy of vehicles and weapons are available. A first in the series, weapons now boast the ability to be outfitted with custom parts; silencers, flashlights and more can be liberally applied to weapons of all types.
Story
GTA V splits its story between three playable characters, each representing a different side of Los Santos. Each character will have their own missions and side stories, as well as their own daily routines when not controlled by the player. The story progresses as the player completes missions with all three, which can allow the player to have insight into the events even when their current character does not. The player can switch between the characters at any time outside of missions and specific story moments.
Characters
The three playable protagonists of the game are a retired bank robber named Michael, a violent career criminal named Trevor, and a young repo man named Franklin. Each character represents a different personality and angle of the world of crime in Los Santos.
Michael De Santa
Michael is a successful former bank robber in his early 40s, who decided to retire by making a deal with the authorities, and settled down with his family. Now, his marriage is in ruins and he is incapable of connecting with either of his two teenage children. Michael seeks to ditch his lush life in Rockford Hills and get back in the game.
Trevor Phillips
Trevor is a violent drug addict, in his early 40s. He has worked with Michael in the past, and is firmly entrenched in a life of crime. He has experience as a former military pilot and is currently living in Blaine County. He is the 'loose cannon' of the group.
Franklin Clinton
Franklin works as a repo man for a luxury car dealership in South Los Santos. He is an ambitious hustler in his mid 20s who seeks fortune and only knows how to attain it on the streets. Franklin is fit and much more capable than Michael and Trevor.
Game Engine
Preliminary reports describe Grand Theft Auto V's graphics engine as a modified version of the Rage engine used in Grand Theft Auto IV. The engine was extensively modified for Red Dead Redemption after GTA IV and further refinements were reported to be made for GTA V and Max Payne 3.
Multiplayer
The online multiplayer component, referred to as GTA Online, launched as a free download two weeks after the initial release of GTA V. The service officially launched on October 1st, 2013.
In GTA Online, up to 16 players (30 players on Xbox One and Playstation 4) engage in co-op missions, competitive deathmatches, races or free roam activities. An included in-game editor also allows players to design their own missions to share with other players. Nearly all of the components from the single player game are accessible in GTA Online including side activities such as golf and tennis. Additionally, the multiplayer features player progression and persistence with each player earning reputation points and money to spend on clothing, properties, vehicles, weapons, and more. Some elements of the world are also persistent among all players in GTA Online including for example the stock prices of various companies players can invest money into.
GTA Online is set prior to the events of GTA V's single player and features interactions with some of its characters.
Rockstar has stated that GTA Online will have extended support with additional content, including the possible addition of new areas at some point in the future.
GTA Online launched on October 1st, 2013, but had some major server issues after it launched, mainly because of "millions" of people logging in to the service at the same time. Rockstar confirmed that they were having server issues the same day, and have been working to fix the server issues since. They have posted multiple blog posts about the progress, and almost all the server issues have been resolved.
Soundtrack
GTA V features 240 licensed tracks across 15 radio stations, and is the first game in the franchise to also feature an original score. The original score is produced by three separate composers, Edgar Froese of the electronic band Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson who previously worked on the Red Dead Redemption and LA Noire soundtracks, and the hip-hop duo Alchemist and Oh No. Each composer's distinct sound is used to define the different characters and environments of the game.
The Xbox One, PS4 and PC version receives over 150 new tracks to the soundtrack, including several exclusive original songs from the following artists: Flying Lotus, Jamie Lidell, Freddie Gibbs and more.
East LOS FM |
---|
Genre: Various Mexican Music DJ: Camilo Lara & Don Cheto
|
FlyLo FM |
---|
Genre: Electronic DJ: Flying Lotus Xbox 360 / PS3
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (ALL of the above, plus)
|
Rebel Radio |
---|
Genre: Country DJ: Jesco White Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Vinewood Boulevard Radio |
---|
Genre: Modern Rock DJ: Stephen Pope and Nathan Williams Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
West Coast Classics |
---|
Genre: 90's Rap DJ: DJ Pooh Info: DJ Pooh was a co-writer on GTA: San Andreas. Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Radio Los Santos 106.1 |
---|
Genre: Modern Rap DJ: Big Boy Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Channel X |
---|
Genre: Punk DJ: Keith Morris Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Blaine County Talk Radio 96.5 |
---|
Genre: Talk Shows: 1. Beyond Insemination Host: Duane Earl 2. BCR Community Hour Host: Ron Jakowski (Nervous Ron) 3. Bless Your Heart Host: Bobby June |
West Coast Talk Radio - WCTR 95.6 |
---|
Genre: Talk Shows: 1. Chattersphere
2. Chakra Attack
3. The Fernando Show
|
Space 103.2 |
---|
Genre: Funk DJ: Bootsy Collins Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Radio Mirror Park |
---|
Genre: Indie DJ: Twin Shadow Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (all of the above, plus)
|
The Low Down 91.1 |
---|
Genre: Soul DJ: 'Mama G' Pam Grier Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Worldwide FM |
---|
Genre: Lounge DJ: Giles Peterson Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
The Blue Ark |
---|
Genre: Reggae DJ: Lee "Scratch" Perry Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Soulwax FM |
---|
Genre: Techno DJ: Soulwax
|
Non Stop Pop FM |
---|
Genre: Pop DJ: Cara Delevigne Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC: (All of the above, plus)
|
Los Santos Rock Radio |
---|
Genre: Rock DJ: Kenny Loggins Xbox 360/PS3:
Xbox One/PS4/PC (All of the above, plus) Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son |
DLC
The Beach Bum Pack
The Beach Bum Pack is a free GTA Online update released on November 19, 2013. The pack is included in the 1.06 title update on the PS3. Xbox 360 users must download the 1.06 title update, (or later) then download the pack separately on the Xbox Games Store. The Beach Bum Pack includes: (Vehicles and weapons are also available in story mode)
- 4 New vehicles: BF Bifta, Canis Kalahari, Bravado Paradise and Speeder.
- 2 New weapons: SNS (Saturday Night Special) compact pistol and a broken glass bottle.
- 30 New jobs, including: Races, Deathmatches, Parachutes, Last Team Standings, Gang Attacks and a new survival on Del Perro Pier.
- New beach themed apparel, hairstyles and tattoos.
The Business Update
The business update is a free GTA Online update released on March 4, 2014. The update is included in the 1.11 title update for both the PS3, and Xbox 360. The Business update includes: (Vehicles and weapons are also available in story mode)
- 4 new vehicles: Albany Alpha, Dinka Jester, Grotti Turismo R and Vestra.
- New vehicle horn, and wheel smoke options
- 2 new weapons: Heavy Pistol and Special Carbine
- New business themed apparel
- 14 new missions: 4 land races, 4 air races, 1 survival, 1 capture, 1 last team standing, 1 team death match, and 2 vehicle deathmatches.
The High Life Update
The high life update is a free GTA Online update released on May 13, 2014. The update is included in the 1.13 title update for both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The High Life Update includes: (Vehicles and weapons are also available in story mode)
- 5 New apartments, with a new high-end apartment design
- The ability to own 2 properties, instead of just one.
- 4 new vehicles: Enus Huntley S (SUV), Dewbauchee Massacro (Sports), Pegassi Zentorno (Super) and Dinka Thrust (Motorcycle)
- A new option in race mode: Non Contact - Players can not collide with other players in a standard race.
- 1 New weapon: Bullpup rifle
- 15 new Jobs - including 5 new Contact Missions
- Mental State - Players in free roam now have a mental state. Players icons on the map will start out white, but for players that enjoy killing civilians, and or other players, their icon will progressively turn a deeper shade of red. This makes it easier for other players to determine whether another player is likely to shoot them on sight.
GTA Online: "I'm Not a Hipster" update
The "I'm Not a Hipster" update is a free GTA Online update released on June 17, 2014. The update is included in the 1.14 title update for both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The "I'm Not a Hipster update includes: (Vehicles and weapons are also available in story mode)
- 7 new vehicles: Lampadati Pigalle, Vapid Blade, Vulcar Warrener, Benefactor Glendale, Declasse Rhapsody, Benefactor Panto and Benefactor Dubsta 6x6 (Unlocked at rank 100)
- New clothing, tattoos, apparel and hairstyles.
- 2 new weapons: Vintage Pistol, and Antique Calvary dagger.
- 12 new jobs
- The following has been added to LS Customs: 2 new paint jobs, 4 new horns and pure black window tint.
- Eight new individual player celebrations and four new paired Celebrations.
Title Update Change-log
As of June 17, 2014, there have been 14 title updates to GTA V. You can see the full change-log for every update here.
Special and Collector's Edition
Rockstar Games released Special and Collector's edition of GTA V whicher were available for pre-order as of May 23, 2013 from participating retailers. The special edition was released at $80 and Collector's edition for $150. In addition to any variation of a GTA V pre-order, customers receiveed access to the "Atomic Blimp" as an in-game vehicle.
Special Edition
- A full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto 5
- Collectible Steelbook featuring exclusive artwork
- Exclusive 21.5” x 26.75” blueprint map with points of interest and fast-cash opportunities cryptically marked.
- 25% regeneration increase to Michael, Franklin and Trevor's special abilities.
- Stunt plane trials across Los Santos and Blaine County
- Bonus main character outfits, tattoos and special deals with stores across Los Santos and Blaine County
- Free exclusive weapons in Ammunation stores in single player: Pistol .50, Bullpop Shotgun and Melee Hammer
Collector's Edition
- Everything included in the Special Edition of GTA V
- Grand Theft Auto V security deposit bag and logo key
- Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap
- Classic characters from previous Grand Theft Auto games for use within the multiplayer customization system
- Special vehicles and garage property including, 1930's style Hotknife and CarbonRS sports bike within single player as well as the Khamelion electric car in multiplayer
PC System Requirements
Minimum specifications:
- OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1, Windows Vista 64 Bit Service Pack 2* (*NVIDIA video card recommended if running Vista OS)
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) @ 2.5GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB (DX 10, 10.1, 11)
- Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
- HDD Space: 65GB
- DVD Drive
Recommended specifications:
- OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1
- Processor: Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHZ (4 CPUs) / AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHZ (8 CPUs)
- Memory: 8GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD7870 2GB
- Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
- HDD Space: 65GB
- DVD Drive