As the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 gets closer, the hype surrounding the legendary series continues rising, with hundreds of millions of gamers around the globe having enormous expectations for Rockstar’s upcoming title. Of course, these expectations are fueled by the previous releases from the series being some of the most successful, as well as well-received video games of all time.
Specifically for GTA 5, it has been 11 years since the game’s release, demonstrating incredible longevity thanks to its online mode, which is a large part of the game’s consistent relevance. Below, we will be looking back at exactly what made this entry to the GTA series so successful, and exploring how it kept the hype and expectations at an all-time high for the announcement of the successor.
The GTA 5 World and Activities
One of the biggest points of praise surrounding GTA 5 is the open-world design. Having the biggest map out of any previous entries definitely helps, as Los Santos is absolutely massive. Of course, size is not everything, and it could be a waste, or even a detriment, if not used properly and if the world feels empty or dead.
Fortunately, that was not the case with Los Santos, as the city, as well as the suburban areas surrounding it, are filled with side quests, as well as mini-games and activities that have surprisingly deep mechanics for representing such small aspects of the overall game.
Golf and Tennis are perfect examples to illustrate this, as with all three playable characters in the single-player campaign, a gamer can engage in these mini-games against various NPCs which offer varying degrees of challenge based on the player’s skills. If AI opponents are not quite doing it, there is always the online mode, which takes the implementations of interesting mini-games to a completely new level.
Slot Gaming Within the Main Gameplay
One of the most well-received updates in all of GTA Online is The Diamond Casino & Resort, which offers a particularly immersive slot experience. Here the players were introduced to not only new items and vehicles, missions, and major activities, but also different casino-mini games and slot gameplays, implemented and tailored after the most reputable real-life casinos.
Players can choose from an array of slot machine options resembling Bovada online slots, which tend to incorporate various different themes, soundtracks, and payouts, catering to the player’s individual preferences. Adding to the excitement of it all, the slot mini-games offer the highest overall payouts, with players reporting to hit $2.5 million worth of jackpots a few times, bringing these games closer to real-life casino experiences.
Where exactly do the similarities to real-world establishments show? Mainly in the diversity of options. For example, for slots you will have many different variations of the machines, either differentiating through themes, or even odds and payouts. This design tries to take into account the risk of the gamer getting bored, by tweaking their experience in interesting and fresh ways.
For instance, for players seeking the ultimate gambling experience, the “Deity of the Sun” machine has gained a reputation among players as being particularly lucky and profitable. To maximize potential winnings, experienced players recommend always betting the maximum amount of 2,500 chips per spin, as this is required to be eligible for the top jackpot.
However, it’s important to approach this virtual gambling with the same caution you’d exercise in a real casino. While the potential for a massive payout adds excitement to the gameplay, remember that these are still games of chance within GTA Online’s virtual economy.
Overall, through slot mini-games, the player will certainly find an enjoyable mini-game to take part in before or after a big mission, as a means of relaxing and having less of an intense experience.
Campaign and the Characters
While an alive and engaging open world is incredibly important, the overall experience might as well fall apart if the campaign and the missions are poorly designed. Of course, writing and the characters are also important aspects, though never really the main appeal of any GTA game.
Regardless, the storytelling in GTA 5 is solid, with most of the player base liking all three of the playable characters, Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. The three have very distinct, contrasting personalities and their dynamic is always fun to watch.
Representing varying effects, a life of crime has on an individual, as well as the differing environments they had to deal with throughout most of their lives, the main cast plays off each other extremely well, with the writers demonstrating their talents for engaging character writing, and witty, interesting and quotable dialog.
the three tackle all sorts of incredible missions, with Rockstar demonstrating their talent for providing jaw-dropping set pieces, and engaging sequences. This series shines at giving players an excuse to go through absurd sequences and action set-pieces through massive-scale heists, shootouts, chases, and everything else you’d expect in a GTA game.
While this series was never known for its difficult mechanically challenging gameplay that takes a significant amount of time to master, it demonstrates that this is not necessarily required to engage the player, even in a gameplay-driven game. GTA appeals to a massive audience by offering a decent enough challenge so that everything does not feel like a breeze while allowing the player to enjoy the chaos and the absurdity that they are bringing forward into the world.
This formula, evidently, is very successful, and most players hope it will remain present in the upcoming title. It has been over a decade since the release of the previous Grand Theft Auto game, and seeing the potential budget and financial resources that are going into GTA 6, as well as the time it is taking to polish out, is it a wonder expectations are so high?
Conclusion
Grand Theft Auto 5 has set, and to extension, the series as a whole has set a ridiculously high bar for GTA 6. Rockstar is very experienced though, with greater financial resources than almost any other development team, and they will likely come through once more.
