Originally released more than a year ago, to widespread critical acclaim and its fair share of controversy, it seems unlikely at this point that anyone will come to Grand Theft Auto V cold. A multifaceted sandbox game, featuring a trio of distinct lead characters – the Goodfellas-esque Michael, wayward youth Franklin and meth-head misanthrope Trevor – the fifth instalment of GTA retained the series’ satirical edge, painting it on a greater canvas than ever before. This shift to next-gen consoles will allow everyone to discover, or rediscover, the vast expanse of San Andreas – and the plethora of story and side-quests that can be enjoyed – with a new graphical sheen.
This is most apparent in the lush greenery, which now quivers in the wind with greater verisimilitude as heretofore unnoticed wildlife scampers about. The other major change is the introduction of a first-person viewpoint. While it makes the title more challenging – it throws you into the action in unprecedented fashion – the ability to make it switch you back automatically to the traditional over-the shoulder, third-person view when covering in a firefight, or while driving, makes it more than just a graphical gimmick. A next-gen update, then, that is unlikely to persuade the unimpressed, or offended, but for those who have yet to experience GTA or who simply want to dive back in, this is the definitive version of an all-time great title.
