(Image credit: Rockstar)
Grand Theft Auto V continues to captivate players worldwide, even as GTA 6 looms on the horizon and the Enhanced Edition brings graphical upgrades. Revisiting Los Santos as it was reintroduced in 2013 reveals why this game still stands out. Although unable to embark on a full replay this year and not keen on reentering GTA Online, I’ve focused on clearing the map from an old save file.
For more than a decade, it’s been apparent that few games come close to matching the truly vibrant and alive feeling of Los Santos. While there are plenty of open-world games like GTA worth playing, few capture the essence Rockstar perfected over 20 years. I love open-world games, even those not fully justified in size. Recently, I’ve enjoyed Assassin’s Creed Shadows and even found delight in Starfield‘s sparse planets. Freedom in video games is exhilarating, with modern RPG models promising potential by merging action-adventure dynamics with intricate systems.
GTA 5 excels through small details and dynamic interactions, remaining unparalleled in this regard. Unlike other games with mindless collectibles, GTA 5 features engaging side activities, not limited to mayhem or vehicle collection. Notable are the ‘Strangers and Freaks’ missions introducing remarkable characters and storylines, often making Trevor seem sensible with unshakeable views on North American society.
These missions add flavor to the game’s rhythm and world-building. Packed with humor, they are deserving of completion. Additionally, mundane tasks like playing tennis or nurturing businesses enrich player experience, differing from generic content in other games. GTA 5 respects these activities, utilizing them to flesh out Michael, Franklin, and Trevor through normal interactions that paint a vivid picture of Los Santos.
For instance, I recently spent two hours playing tennis as Michael against his wife. The post-game interactions were fitting, with new bits of dialogue capturing the essence of a wealthy, aggressive lifestyle. Rockstar values character development, allowing them to breathe. Even with Red Dead Redemption 2‘s mature narrative, GTA 5’s contributions should not be underrated.
As I pursue 100% completion—though I’ll admit it’s quite a task—side missions like races and celebrity-chasing prevent monotony. GTA 5 thrives on unpredictability, contrasting with many modern open-world games whose designs are too predictable. While boundaries in gameplay often limit exploration, GTA 5’s world truly dazzles by avoiding rigidity.
Dynamic sandboxes like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom demonstrate successful player-led exploration. Rockstar hasn’t fully immersed in RPG mechanics yet, but they excel in true sandboxes. Unpredictable AI, spontaneous events, and immersive scripts make every experience in Los Santos captivating, setting the stage for how much more Rockstar might expand in the anticipated GTA 6.
For those musing on the future, our GTA 6 wishlist captures our hopes for Rockstar’s next crime caper.