Grand Theft Auto V Review

Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Rockstar North | Release Date: 2013

Published by Rockstar Games and released for Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows. The plot follows follows three protagonists—retired bank robber Michael De Santa, street gangster Franklin Clinton, and drug dealer and gunrunner Trevor Philips, and their attempts to commit heists while under pressure from a corrupt government agency and powerful criminals.

Campaign

The campaign in Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most expansive in the series, offering a rich and diverse narrative that isn’t confined to the main story. Players can freely explore Los Santos, engage in side activities, and shape their own experiences while progressing through the campaign.

The game introduces three playable protagonists—Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton—each with their own distinct backgrounds and motivations. Michael is a retired criminal struggling with his dysfunctional family while trying to maintain his lavish lifestyle. His character arc is arguably the deepest, filled with internal conflicts and explosive confrontations. Trevor, on the other hand, is pure chaos—a violent, unpredictable wildcard who steals every scene he’s in. While his story isn’t as layered, his sheer presence adds a level of insanity that keeps things exciting. Franklin is perhaps the weakest of the three, as his story lacks the same emotional depth. Much of his arc revolves around leaving his old life behind, yet elements like his breakup with Tanisha feel underdeveloped, leaving missed opportunities for greater character exploration.

Despite some underutilized subplots, the game's heist-centered storytelling brings a fresh dynamic to the GTA formula. The multiple-protagonist structure enhances the narrative, allowing players to see events unfold from different perspectives, creating a more immersive and engaging experience. Grand Theft Auto V delivers a thrilling, well-paced story filled with betrayals, action, and dark humor, solidifying its place as one of the franchise’s best campaigns.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Gameplay

Grand Theft Auto V offers a massive open-world experience with an impressive level of freedom. Los Santos is brimming with life, featuring an abundance of side missions, dynamic events, and hidden collectibles that keep players engaged beyond the main story. The ability to switch between three protagonists in real-time is one of the game’s most innovative mechanics, allowing for varied gameplay experiences and strategic advantages during missions.

The missions themselves are among the most memorable in the series, with high-stakes heists serving as the centerpiece. Players must plan these heists carefully, choosing between different approaches and crew members, which impacts the mission outcomes. While this adds replayability, the overall difficulty remains accessible, with only a few missions providing a true challenge.

Despite their unique personalities, Michael, Trevor, and Franklin don’t feel particularly distinct in gameplay outside of their special abilities. Michael excels in gunfights with a bullet-time effect, Trevor can enter a berserk mode that reduces damage, and Franklin has enhanced driving skills. These abilities offer some variety, but outside of their activation, the core gameplay remains largely the same across all three characters.

Customization is somewhat limited, with character-specific clothing and appearance options, but vehicle modification is extensive, allowing players to personalize their rides. The mini-map remains a minor distraction, pulling attention away from the stunning environment, but the in-game GPS system helps mitigate this issue.

Overall, the game provides an exceptional level of player agency, ensuring that there’s always something to do, whether it's engaging in criminal activities, playing golf, or investing in the stock market. With endless possibilities and a world that feels alive, GTA V delivers a gameplay experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Production

Visually, Grand Theft Auto V is a stunning achievement, showcasing one of the most detailed and immersive open worlds in gaming. Los Santos is a vibrant, sprawling city that captures the essence of Los Angeles, filled with diverse environments ranging from urban streets to sun-soaked beaches and mountainous landscapes. The game’s attention to detail is remarkable, with realistic lighting, reflections, and weather effects that enhance immersion.

Cinematic presentation is another highlight, with expertly directed cutscenes that blend seamlessly with gameplay. The level of detail in character animations, facial expressions, and environmental design deserves praise, making each scene feel dynamic and engaging.

The sound design is equally impressive, with an outstanding mix of environmental audio, gunfire effects, and vehicle sounds that add to the game’s realism. The voice performances are some of the best in the series, with Ned Luke (Michael), Steven Ogg (Trevor), and Shawn Fonteno (Franklin) delivering compelling and believable performances that bring their characters to life.

The soundtrack is one of GTA V’s strongest elements, featuring an eclectic mix of licensed music across multiple radio stations, spanning hip-hop, rock, electronic, and more. The original score, a first for the series, adds tension and excitement to key moments, particularly during heists.

From graphics to sound design, Grand Theft Auto V showcases Rockstar’s dedication to creating a high-quality, immersive experience that sets a new standard for open-world games.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Verdict

In the end, Grand Theft Auto V is an exceptional open-world experience that blends an engaging narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and top-tier production values. While some story elements could be stronger, the game’s scale, depth, and endless replayability make it one of the best entries in the franchise. Grand Theft Auto V gets 5 out of 5.