“The Spirit of St. Louis” is a movie that came out in 1957 that starred James Stewart. Actor Paul Birch was uncredited playing the role of Blythe in that movie. Actor Ned Luke is the grandson of Birch, and Luke voices one of the three main protagonists in the newest game in, arguably, one of the most popular video game franchises of all time.
“Grand Theft Auto V” was recently released on September 17, 2013 in the U.S. for the PS3 and 360. There are rumors the game could eventually be developed for the PC and next-generation consoles, such as the Wii U, Xbox One and PS4. It’s developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games.
“GTA V” is rated M (Mature) for intense violence, blood and gore, nudity, mature humor, strong language, strong sexual content and use of drugs and alcohol. The genre of “GTA V” is an action-adventure open world game. Single-player and online multiplayer are the major game modes in the game, though online is not available until October 1, 2013.
There will definitely be more establishments in the series, and its predecessor is “Grand Theft Auto IV”. “GTA V” is the fifteenth installment in the “Grand Theft Auto” series, though is the fifth major game, and first since “GTA IV” (2008). The first game came out in 1997 and it is called “Grand Theft Auto.”
Development began soon after “GTA IV’s” release and lasted for around four years. The budget and marketing for “GTA V” was most likely more than $265M, more than twice the amount of its predecessor, which means it is the most financially produced video game ever. The only movie that cost more to produce is “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (GameCentral). The debut trailer came out in November 2011. The launch trailer came out at the end of this past August.
“GTA V” is the most successful entertainment media, in regards to sales, within the first three days of its release date. It earned $800M in the US in the first twenty-four hours, doubling expectations and breaking the record held by “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” (2010) of $500M (Silverman). After three days, it broke “Black Ops II’s” record again by reaching the $1B mark; “Black Ops II” took fifteen days to reach $1B (Buckley).
Online mode pits up to sixteen players against one another in a deathmatch style of play using a team or crew in the whole of the single-player open world map. Competitive is not the only option, however, as cooperative play is available for heists, car races, etc. Players can even create race tracks. Successful matches earn experience points for progressing up the leaderboards.
Rockstar Games Social Club is an online experience that connects other Rockstar games, such as “Max Payne 3,” so that crews can be transferred over. The iFruit app lets the player customize cars, create license plates and teach the dog new tricks in order to unlock more abilities. After online mode launches, more online content will be continually developed.
Changes in “GTA V” from previous editions include something that has never been done in the series: play as not one, but three main characters, and be able to switch between them at most times. There are six heist missions, which the player can form a team of accomplices by paying them money to help the three protagonists successfully complete the bank jobs. This is also the first in the series that uses an original music score. Missions can now be started from checkpoints rather than from the beginning when a failed mission occurs.
Improvements in “GTA V” include a larger map for open world exploration, more vehicles to drive, such as aircraft, and dynamic missions, where a player can choose to accept or deny them.
Positives for “GTA V” include shooting mechanics, fluid cover system, better handling cars, satirizes contemporary America, ambitious, compelling story, enjoyable, funny, amazing world/scope, varied missions, excellent music and impressive heists.
Negatives for “GTA V” include Social Club and iFruit connection issues, some framerate and texture bugs, missions can be failed if the player doesn’t do it the “right” way, some unbelievable scripting and the fact that the online mode was not available when the game was released.
Metacritic gave it a Metascore of 98 out of 100 for the 360 and 97 for the PS3, making it the highest score given to a video game thus far in 2013 (Silverman). Only one mixed review is included with the 72 positive reviews. Even though “GTA V” has some downsides, it is still worth buying, unless you are not an adult or don’t like violence.
“GTA V” is about $60 for the 360/PS3 at Target, Walmart, Kmart, Best Buy, Toys “R” Us, Hastings and GameStop. The Special Edition is $80 and includes a special packaging case, a full game map and cheat codes. A "GTA V" bundle includes the game with a 500 GB PS3 console, 30-day trial for PlayStation Plus and "GTA V" headphones for approximately $270. The Exclusive Collector's Edition is $150 at GameStop.
A pre-owned game from GameStop can be purchased for about $55, and greater used deals can be found at Amazon. The official strategy guide is also available for $25 at Walmart, Hastings and GameStop. The limited edition hardcover strategy guide is $37 at Walmart and GameStop. Check each link for exact prices, carried versions and in-store/online-only purchases.
Please contact me at my email address below for any comments or questions you might have.
Official website: http://www.rockstargames.com/V/
Wiki website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto_V
IMDb website: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2103188/?ref_=sr_1
Facebook website: https://www.facebook.com/#!/grandtheftautoV
More articles by Trevor Roe: http://www.examiner.com/video-games-in-st-louis/trevor-roe
Have comments you don't want to share publicly? Email me at basketballplayer1551@yahoo.com.
