GTA V has finally arrived after 5 (or V) years in development. After playing through the story, playing the single player mode, and then playing online, I am enjoying it. It was worth the wait. This is an honest review from a GTA fan.
Controls-
The controls feel good. The driving physics are a little different from IV's. They aren't bad but, I prefer how IV's feel.
Story/Single Player Overall-
The story is good. I don't know if I can say that it's better than IV's but I enjoyed it. I like how this time in the GTA series, they allow users to switch between 3 different characters to complete the story and do various tasks assigned to specific characters. The length of the game is pretty good. It took me a week to complete it. When not on a mission, your player can of course participate in various activities such as playing golf (not that driving range mess in GTA The Ballad of Gay Tony), hanging with a friend, doing favors for complete strangers, and/or doing other various activities. You are also able to buy properties.
Customization (Single/Multiplayer)
The customization is definitely better than in GTA IV. This time around you get to customize your vehicles (in both SP/MP), which was something GTA players have not seen since GTA San Andreas. This time around, you are able increase engine performance, change how much damage your ride can take, and a few more things. Players are able to purchase clothes as well in both of the single and multiplayer modes. However you really can't wear whatever you want when it comes to buying clothes for your character when playing single player. In SP, you can only buy certain clothes that are available for that character. For example, you have X,Y, and Z. X can only wear thongs, Y can only wear banana suits, and Z can only wear suits. If you walk into a store with Z to try to buy a thong, you would not be able to do so with him because that item can only be worn by X. Not a big deal... to me anyways and it's not really a con but it would allow some more customization options for every character. In multiplayer, you can buy whatever clothing you want. Players are also able to choose whatever hairstyle or beard they would want for their player in both SP and MP. In SP however, there aren't many options for hairstyles and beards. This is set up like the clothes in SP. Weapon customization is also a new feature.
Multiplayer-
After playing it, I think that it was a little overhyped but it's still fun. One of the new features of the online mode that is VERY useful is the ability to put the money that you have earned (or stolen) in your in-game bank account. That allows players to keep their money safe when some other player kills them. Instead of just jumping into a lobby after selecting the mode you would like to play like in GTA IV, you are thrown into a free roam session. From there, you are free to drive/walk/run/fly or use your phone to quickly join an activity.
Users are able to create clans (via Rockstar Social Club), buy cars, guns, and even apartments/houses/garages. Players are able to have personal vehicles that we be there with them when they join the online mode, join an activity online, and even when you are done with an activity (requires no apartment or garage to keep your vehicle, just some insurance and a tracking device).Another new feature added into the game is where users (or a computer) is able to set a bounty on another players head. So if someone messes with you, you are able to set a bounty on their head. There is also a "Bad Sport" system which is a penalty system for those who are bad players(or is it?). They also have a "Passive Mode."
The Game Overall-
GTA V is great. It is a game that is worth playing. I do sometimes get bored with both modes but it's great and very fun. However, I do feel that Rockstar could have done better than what they did. The game took 5 years to complete. And instead of adding on features, they exchanged some of them instead. (Based on the overall series) Players used to be able to bowl, play pool, dance, and more. Instead of buying your character new places to stay in SP (Single Player), you can only buy places that can generate you money. The only time a person is able to actually buy an apartment or a house is when they are in the MP(Multiplayer) mode. Why not include it in both modes? The map is huge but over half of it is a desert. When I think of San Andreas, I think of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas. Well what happened to San Fierro and Las Venturas? Los Santos was not the only city in SAN ANDREAS. Not a deal breaker for me but it would have still been nice to have those 2 included as well.
The MP mode isn't bad but there are somethings that needs to be fixed and I am not even sure should be in there. Passive Mode really isn't passive, the "Bad Sport" is flawed (still isn't a bad idea, just needs to be fixed), and having the ability to be able to put a bounty on someones head... well I think that part can be based on opinions. I can not be doing anything to another player or the computer and just want to cruise around and then all of a sudden "You took my chocolate chip cookie, you're gonna be 6ft under soon!"- From: Unknown player. A few seconds later "A bounty of $$$$ have been placed on your head". You won't know who did it or anything. You've just became a red dot with an X across it on the map. Depending on the players, some will go after the person with a bounty on their head. It will disappear after a certain period of time (in game). I will say this, if you don't bother me, I won't bother you. I just like to drive around, doing missions, and crap without being bothered by some guy that just wants to kill everyone in the room. I don't dislike it and then I don't really care for it either. I'm neutral with the bounty system but I can definitely live without it as well.
It's a great game but it was hyped up a bit much. I love the series and I'm not disappointed with this one but I feel that this game could have been better. The game did just release so we will have to give it time. It's got a few problems but they aren't bad though. The game is still very fun and it keeps me playing for hours. I'm not sure if I like it better than IV but it's still good. It's worth playing and I do recommend buying it. I give it a score of 9/10.