Three Heroes Take Over the City
No matter how many new games come out, "GTA V" is still one of those projects that always makes you smile when you think about it. Back then, Rockstar basically said: “Let’s not just make a game, let’s make an entire life.” And they did.
For the first time in the series’ history, we got to play as three main characters at once — and each of them is completely crazy in his own way, but also genuinely interesting. Every one of them has a backstory, their own quirks, and their own way of solving problems. Put it all together and you get a big, bright, and absolutely wild world where there’s always something to do.
So, let’s meet them:
Franklin Clinton — a kid from the hood who dreams of the big time and wants out of the ghetto.
Michael De Santa — a retired career criminal living in a mansion, stuck with his family, slowly losing his mind from boredom.
Trevor Phillips — well… he’s Trevor. Unhinged, unpredictable, and always doing something insane, convinced he’s the most colorful guy around.
Three completely different personalities, each with their own drama and quirks. This cocktail of characters tears through Los Santos — a fictional city, but one that feels so alive and recognizable. The world is so detailed that you don’t even have to stick to the story missions. You can just hang out in the game: browse the in-game internet, play the stock market, hit the gym (at least in-game), rob stores, try on endless outfits, or just zone out on the beach. It feels less like a game and more like a life simulator. With assault rifles and rocket launchers, of course — can’t forget those.
The missions are a whole separate thrill. Heists, car chases, shootouts, and some completely insane scenarios that only Trevor would ever agree to. The best part? Many missions can be approached in different ways. Go in guns blazing or sneak your way through — the choice is yours. So it’s not just a massive game, it’s also flexible.
Now, the story itself didn’t blow me away. You can tell it was shaped to fit around the missions. Don’t get me wrong — it’s good, but not unforgettable. It’s more about following the characters, laughing at their antics, and enjoying the ride. For me, it lacked a bit of soul and deeper drama.
What does stand out, though, is the humor and satire. Classic Rockstar — mocking everything and everyone: politics, social media, TV, show business, consumerism, hipsters, you name it. Sometimes you catch yourself thinking that a ridiculous in-game scene has more truth to it than the actual evening news. It gives the game real character. It’s not just about shooting and racing — there’s an idea, a sharp look at modern culture, and plenty of laughs.
Gunplay feels great — the recoil, the sound, the variety of weapons. Driving is even better. Each car has its own weight, its own handling, its own personality. You can find a favorite, tune it up like it’s Need for Speed, and then just spend the whole night cruising around, blasting the radio (which, by the way, has some surprisingly good tracks).
As for the graphics — back in 2013, they were mind-blowing. I remember the buzz in the gaming community. I personally played it on PC when it came out later, and even then it looked fantastic. The details, the lighting, the reflections, the rain on the asphalt — it still holds up today.
The game easily eats up hours of your time, whether you’re doing missions, exploring the world, or just picking fights with half the city. And yes, it has multiple endings — it’s always up to the player. Each finale is satisfying in its own way. Or maybe not — depending on how you look at it. Glass half-full or half-empty. Either way, at some point you realize you’ve had a hell of a ride.
"Grand Theft Auto V" isn’t just a game. It’s an interactive series with countless options, where you’re not just a viewer but the main player. Want chaos in the streets? Go for it. Want to play the market? Done. Want to just walk around and explore the map forever? That works too. The point is, this world will pull you in for a long time. And everyone will find something for themselves: some come for the action, some for the exploration, some for car customization, and others just to soak up the city life. It’s not just a game — it’s a lifestyle.
8 out of 10