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The wait for Grand Theft Auto 5 is finally over

SINGAPORE — The latest instalment of Rockstar Games’ very controversial yet much-loved Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is finally here, and TODAY was lucky enough to get a preview before it hits stores tomorrow.

SINGAPORE — The latest instalment of Rockstar Games’ very controversial yet much-loved Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is finally here, and TODAY was lucky enough to get a preview before it hits stores tomorrow.

GTA 5 is set in the city of Los Santos — a Rockstar remake of Los Angeles — and it looks stunning. GTA games have never been well-known for their graphics, but the developers have installed a game engine that was built specifically for open world games. As a result, environments are beautifully rendered, and everything from fishes in the sea to explosions on the street look very realistic.

For the first time, players will take control of three characters in the vast world of Los Santos instead of only one. Franklin is a young adrenaline junkie whose life changes when he meets Michael, a retired bank robber who wants to get back into the business after becoming disillusioned with life in witness protection. The duo are accompanied by Trevor, a drug-abusing former military pilot who lives in a trailer out in the desert.

All three characters have ratings for elements such as stealth, shooting, stamina and driving.

They all also have a special ability, which can be utilised to get away from the police to successfully complete a mission: Franklin has the ability to slow down time while driving to avoid police road-blocks. Trevor can double his weapon damage while reducing the damage taken by half, while Michael can execute a variant of “bullet-time”, something Max Payne fans will be familiar with.

These skills can be improved by completing side missions or through heists, which form the bulk of the game’s main missions. Players will also need to plan before attempting any heist — another GTA first. They will have to decide who to hire into their crew, where to position the snipers, which getaway route to take and many more elements that complete the perfect heist. Thankfully, planning is made quick and easy via a series of simple menus so as not to be a turn-off to fans.

The combat mechanics have also been reworked to resemble the one featured in Max Payne games. Players can now take cover more easily and aiming has been made more accurate. The ability to fire while running has also been introduced and that will please fans who, like me, love to blow up everything in sight.

But if you want to take a break from the missions, the game does give you plenty of opportunities to roam Los Santos and engage in a plethora of activities such as skydiving and scuba-diving and even yoga. Those who like to live dangerously can also steal vehicles, rob liquor stores or just cause mindless mayhem on the streets.

The video game will also feature an online mode, which will be available a month after it hits stores. In this mode, players can create their own character and team up with others across the world to stage their own heists. It will also feature over 500 missions and an insanely huge map, guaranteeing players many more hours of great fun.

GTA 5 is without a doubt one of Rockstar’s most ambitious productions to date, but based on what I have seen, it could be the best version of the game the world has ever seen.

It will be available in Singapore from tomorrow on the Xbox and PlayStation 3 at the retail price of S$79.90.

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