GTA V: Let’s Speculate
Posted by Dan Curtis on Oct 31, 2011 in News | 36 comments
GTA V is coming. Now we know that much and, aside from a trailer release date, Rockstar is remaining tight-lipped about what is on the horizon. What better time than to speculate about what we might see in GTA V?
The Realism Continues
GTA IV was a landmark in the series. A sprawling, highly-realistic city running on a next-generation system for the first time, Liberty City differentiated itself from the older versions of GTA by delivering a gritter, more realistic storyline that was devoid of jetpacks and crazy hippies. The result was, naturally, critical acclaim from the very get-go; GTA IV took the established formula of the series, tweaked it for the modern audience, and delivered one of the best games on the next-gen systems we’ve seen.
The realism that was used in GTA IV will probably also continue into V, judging by the critical reception IV received; in fact, Rockstar seems to be shying away from the old, madcap mentality of GTA and moving towards delivering a tighter narrative and less lunacy in their approach to games. Red Dead Redemption. GTA IV. LA Noire. All of these are firmly grounded in reality (apart from RDR’s Undead Nightmare DLC) and as a result of the critical appeal, it is easy to see why Rockstar would be keen to continue this trend in GTA V.
I don’t know if I’m in the minority here though, but I personally missed some of the lunacy that was missing in GTA IV. I still remember the moment I found the jetpack when playing GTA: San Andreas and being instantly wowed. This then resulted in what can only be described as at least six hours of flying around the entirety of San Andreas on a jet pack while attacking anything that moved with whatever weapons I could get my hands on. A similar experience also occured with the jet in San Andreas; there’s something immensely satisfying about ascending to ridiculous heights before parachuting/splatting onto the ground below.
Now I really liked GTA IV – it was gritty, the storyline drew me in and there was a massive city filled with shiny cars and lots to do. There was always that nagging thought in my mind as I was playing though that something was missing from the game – in fact, I was constantly on the look-out for Rockstar’s trademark secrets that range from finding a real Easter Egg to displaying messages telling us we aren’t supposed to be here. GTA IV, in that respect, was somewhat of a disappointment. Aside from the very real heart inside the Statue of Liberty inside Liberty City, there wasn’t really much in the way of crazy secrets to be located in GTA IV and I personally feel that, for V, Rockstar needs to move back into incorporating a sense of realism while still offering a significant playground of crazy vehicles, weapons and areas that rival San Andreas’ in terms of scale.
The Location
Rumours are abuzz about the location of GTA V. People are speculating all over the internet about where the franchise could possibly be headed next, ranging from the far-flung, apocalyptic future filled with zombies to a return to the sandy shores of Vice City. No one really knows for sure except Rockstar themselves and, despite prodding with sticks by various media outlets, they aren’t budging until the trailer is revealed in November.
Seriously though, where would Rockstar go next? I’m personally going to believe that they’re going to go back to San Andreas – in terms of scope and impressing the fans, that would be the most logical choice. Think about it – for IV, Rockstar went back and recreated Liberty City, which was already given to us in GTA III. Is it not the logical choice to assume they’d then move on to their biggest sandbox and try to replicate that as well?
You could argue that Vice City came first, but I don’t want to imagine another foray that moves into the modern era, and therefore isn’t full to bursting with an absolutely amazing 80′s themed soundtrack. It could still happen, but would anyone really want to see a modern version of Vice City? Perhaps, but, for me, I wouldn’t.
The future, meanwhile, seems like a bit of stretch for Rockstar. They’re yet to take the gamble and move the franchise into the future where yellow taxis are replaced with teleportation, but a lot of people have wanted a future GTA for a while now. That’s not what GTA, fundamentally, is about though – Rocktar’s approach with the GTA experience has always been to make it about our past/present and lampoon what’s already happened in spectacular fashion. If you set GTA in the future, this then negates that sense of parody from the franchise, as we don’t really have a clue what the future holds for the world just yet, and GTA would merely be speculating, thus getting rid of the elements we can relate to. Not that it wouldn’t be awesome to fight off the futuristic police using a laser machine gun while riding a hoverboard. Just saying, Rockstar.
Of course there’s also the chance that Rockstar could take us to an entirely new area we’ve never seen before, whether this be in Rockstar’s vision of America, or actually goes overseas like GTA: London did a long, long time ago. There’s still a whole lot of the world left to explore for Rockstar and they can distort areas as they see fit, so it really is hard to predict where on earth they might be going with this foray into the series.
Personally I’m really hoping that they go back to San Andreas for this entry into the series – the time is nigh to see that game replicated in the modern era complete with a new storyline, better characters who don’t get fat no matter how many Burger Shots you eat and great mechanics filled with secrets and lots to do.
Branching Morals
GTA IV experimented with it, but branching storylines are yet to make a massive appearance in the GTA franchise. If rumours are true about the game incorporating multiple playable characters, then the storyline is likely to be much more branched out than ever before, but will lack the morality of making decisions because it would more than likely get far too convuluted and confusing to have multiple character all making moral decisions.
Personally I feel that this information is probably not true though; Rockstar is widely known for putting you in the shoes of one character and making sure you’re that person for the entire game and, by taking that away, the storyline as a result would make sure you couldn’t connect with your character in the way you usually do when playing a GTA game.
If -and it should be true – that GTA is still focusing on one major character, then the time is nigh for a GTA storyline that offers multiple outcomes based on your decisions. Rockstar already flirted with the idea in LA Noire, and now is the time to make sure that GTA V encourages multiple playthroughs by branching the narrative in different ways, with different missions becoming available based on your decisions. For example, shooting a prolific mob boss in the face might have knock on effects that destabilise the mafia, while continuing to work for him will strengthen the mafia’s hold over an area. The possibilities are endless and perfect for a Sandbox like GTA which is designed to encourage experimentation and doing your own thing.
I always love a branching storyline that works well because it ensures that the game remains unpredictable, and I often wonder exactly how things would play out if I went back and did it again making a different decision. GTA V would work extremely well with this approach as, while I usually love GTA’s endless plethora of missions, it would be great to see them have more depth and impact by using decisions.
The Character
While many would probably love to see CJ, Tommy or even Claude make a return to the franchise, it is unlikely that this will occur. GTA loves experimenting with new guys with every game they churn out, and judging by how this is GTA V and not an expansion like Vice City/San Andreas was, it is unlikely we’ll be seeing a familiar character as Rockstar loves to reboot every single time.
As said above, some reports on the internet are claiming that the game may have multiple playable characters, but, again, I think this is a load of hogwash, GTA V’s character will be someone with a checkered past, a past, that perhaps, could tie in with moral decisions by allowing the player to shape the character’s past experience similar to Mass Effect.
Closing Thoughts
You know, there’s every chance I’m completely wrong. I don’t claim to predict the future, but its always good fun to speculate on what a big name like Rockstar will do next. But what do you think will happen in GTA V? Why not comment below and tell us your theories about what’s coming next for the franchise? The answers will be answered on the second of November 2011, but until then, we can only speculate.
We’re also hosting the GTA trailer as and when it becomes available right here.
36 comments
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more of us!
I'd like to see an older Tommy to give funny quoes to the younger mobsters
I'd like to see an glimpse of Tommy or CJ, maybe not as a playable character, but just as a cameo. Maybe to give the new character a few missions.
I agree with the author about the lunacy. We really didn't get that with gta iv, even though Niko had some very funny conversations, we didn't see any crazy weapons or even a heliocopter until Gay Tony. (I loved sticky bombs!).
I just want them to modernize san andreas. Bring SA back woth even more features n better graphics!
I agree with treycrll,I would love to see gta.sanandreas come back with even more to do..I like the realism in gta v don't get me wrong but why lack all of what you created making gta sanandreas. To gta v being like nearly not as much to do? Anyway I still like gta sanandreas the most….
I don't know why, but the official GTA V image reminds me of money, so perhaps it's setting could be Vegas (or it's parody), especially as This Is Vegas by Midway was cancelled, leaving it untouched for this genre.
I personally think Vegas would be prime real estate for a GTA installment, and it was touched upon in San Andreas. There are countless scenarios available when gambling and casino's come into it, Mafia, robbery, loansharking…all the things that make for a good GTA.
Vegas had an airing in San Andreas though as Las Venturas (?)
I’d like to see an older Tommy to give funny quoes to the younger mobsters
I’d like to see an older Tommy to give funny quoes to the younger mobsters
I’d like to see an older Tommy to give funny quoes to the younger mobsters
I think Rockstar will get Lil wayne as the character
I am 14 and i really like GTA i think it should be in San Andreas map cause it was amazing
When you're only 14, it's best not to tell others your age because it makes you look like an idiot.
Nobody cares how old you are.
San Andreas was the best GTA game Period!. Go back to those days
I think they'll make Justin Bieber the main character. Would so rock if they did…
… as long as he dies in the end…
Why reuse L.A.? Let't come up with an original locale. Off subject…I'd love to receive missions from Lazlow!
Maybe it will be set in DC, post GFC. Plenty of juicy commentary there…
Due to the logo, where the V is designed in the pattern of an american dollar, I would think that it won't be in another country.
One thing everyone is forgetting, is that when the franchise moved from 1, to 2, to 3, then to 4, they re-built the graphics engine with every sequel. So i'm wondering if their just calling it "GTA V" for now until the trailer is released, which will feature the new name. I doubt they have already made a new graphics engine AND a game for it this fast after GTA IV. Unless…and I bet this is dead on, GTA V will be in 3-D.
All I Care About Is If They Have A Military Base. BRING BACK AREA 51!
They better have airplanes in gta v
see you got it all wrong gta iv was the worst gta, dont like realism, saints row is gettin ahead ,
i wont to see multiple states (3-4) with like 3 cities in each , maybe san andreas 2 , go inside buildings, not gta iv where you could barely go into anythig, hope they bring back the customization, like muscle and fat gain, tatoos, more freedom in the clothes, customize cars better, fly jets and ''real airplanes'' from the air port, rob banks, add somethin new like mafia wars or gang banging again, keep the boats, destructible environments, girlfriend, also keep the violence do not change because people complain about violence , they should not be playing the game if they dont like violence , it should not be on rockstar,……. MAKE THIS THE BEST GTA
Nikko will be the main character again
If it's anything like GTA IV, I wont be getting it. That was the single most disappointing game I have ever played. You don't remove features to make a sequel, you add and improve upon what's already there. The last GTA was just painful to look at.
I'd like to see the game set in a completely new area, one that takes a lot of inspiration from San Andreas. If Rockstar ever make a GTA style game set in the future, it'll probably be part of a brand new series.
Maybe it will be set in DC, post GFC. Plenty of juicy commentary there…
GTA IV had a good story but the missions were unbelievably repetitive. The lunacy of the past games helped give the game variety. I still think it's the worst in the series so far as it really just wasn't that fun in the story mode.
I just played through San Andreas a month ago for the 5th or 6th time and still loved the game. I wouldn't even bother replaying IV.
Nikko will be the main character again
Nikko will be the main character again
Nikko will be the main character again
Nikko will be the main character again
I disagree with the fact that more than one playable character is hogwash. We saw it in both Red Dead Redemption and L.A. Noire, I personally find it a neat perspective to polish up a story with.
GTA V… V things they have to nail; Epic narrative that'll make you hate or love certain characters with multiple paths and decisions that shape the game. Epic scenes/cut scenes that will wow us. Destruction not just a couple light post or shattered windows actual destruction, everytime I drovve past a landmark in GTA IV, I thought, would 't it be funny to destroy the empire state? Or possibly re-invent the 911 attack? (no offence intended.) How about moving out of america most of the GTA games have been based in America, there are plenty of countries that would be perfect for a GTA game and lastly cheats some may disagree but cheats greatly increased GTA's fanbase flying a harrier in San Andreas made my day slaughtering helpless civilians and those hookers who chase you with purple dildo's, those were the days… To narrow it down my winning formula is Story/Epic Scenes/Destruction/Location/Cheats.
GTA V… V things they have to nail; Epic narrative that’ll make you hate or love certain characters with multiple paths and decisions that shape the game. Epic scenes/cut scenes that will wow us. Destruction not just a couple light post or shattered windows actual destruction, everytime I drovve past a landmark in GTA IV, I thought, would ‘t it be funny to destroy the empire state? Or possibly re-invent the 911 attack? (no offence intended.) How about moving out of america most of the GTA games have been based in America, there are plenty of countries that would be perfect for a GTA game and lastly cheats some may disagree but cheats greatly increased GTA’s fanbase flying a harrier in San Andreas made my day slaughtering helpless civilians and those hookers who chase you with purple dildo’s, those were the days… To narrow it down my winning formula is Story/Epic Scenes/Destruction/Location/Cheats.
I agree with about 70% of these comments we all know rockstar has the tools and the knowledge to make a great game all us grand fans can hope for is realism with jut a hint of fanasty like getting gas from ur car or weekend get aways with ur syber gf or maybe even buying food for ur own house instead of eating fast food ect ect I think we can all say that we Want realism not all this wallpaper with restrictions
I just want to be able to own and run a company or strip club or something.