GTA 5: 10 Things It Needs

GTA 5 information has been released in modest side chunks in recent weeks by Rockstar as fans slowly brace for more information about this much anticipated game. Not much is known about the game, however, it already appears to be graphically amazing with an incredibly large setting. Players will be heading to Los Santos for the latest installment of the franchise. That means players will experience a vast environment with multiple climates and terrains. Unfortunately, the setting is just about all Rockstar has revealed at this point. While early screenshots have given subtle hints at the new experience, fans can only speculate on the features to be included in the game.

GTA 5 will likely be integrating new ideas based on successful Rockstar titles such as Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire and Max Payne 3. Rockstar could blend the best features from those games into the latest version of GTA. If the company wants to provide a worthwhile successor to the GTA series, Rockstar should integrate these suggestions into GTA 5. If you haven’t read it yet and want more GTA 5 news, be sure to check out our provocative article, Will GTA 5 be a Return to Form? as well as our GTA 5 Rumor Roundup.

10. Animals

The franchise has largely ignored the fact that cities have animals, pigeons aside. Rockstar gets the benefit of the doubt for this one. Perhaps previous consoles or games were not graphically advanced enough to contain animals. However, tons of species roamed the land in Red Dead Redemption. The developer has shown the ability to do so and it needs to be integrated into GTA 5. Although the main character probably will not be skinning buffalo for their hide, seeing stray animals and pets would bring an added level of realism to the franchise.

9. No Annoying Phone Calls

Grand Theft Auto 4 was fun. Unfortunately, the constant calls from the protagonist’s friends ruined some of the fun. Supporting cast members often called main character Niko Bellic to ask him to perform various meaningless side tasks. Getting drunk or bowling with friends was entertaining at times but the joy quickly wore off. When feeling ignored, Niko’s friends would constantly bug him. Calls even came in while players were in the middle of missions. The worst part is that each friend provided a special ability or service that could only be unlocked if their like for Niko was high enough. Although having the option to play mini-games with others is a solid addition to the game, it should merely be an option that could be ignored.

8. Better Side Missions

Speaking of side missions, they have become more bland and pointless. Gamers had no real incentive to complete tasks outside of the main story in GTA 4. Occasionally players would get money or some other type of compensation, but there was still no significance to them. Of course, they are side missions so they cannot have too much influence on the main campaign. However, side missions should at least provide some context to the game’s main storyline.

7. Car Modifications

Now that GTA is going back to San Andreas, car modifications should also be making a comeback. Players have always had somewhere to store their vehicles for future use in the GTA series. Customizing a lowrider with new paint jobs and rims was a fun aspect in the series’ initial run in San Andreas. GTA 5 should combine those features and take modification options a step further. Rockstar could easily take some tips from the Midnight Club franchise in importing car customization capabilities.

6. Character Customization

One of the more interesting aspects of GTA San Andreas was the ability to change the overall appearance of main character Carl Johnson. Players could not only change his clothing and accessories, but also his hair style and size. If gamers forced C.J. to eat too much Cluckin’ Bell, he would begin to gain some extra stomach mass. If players chose to keep C.J. in the gym, he would start to gain muscle mass. These alterations also affected gameplay. Niko Bellic could only change his clothing. Changing the main character’s appearance helps to give him personality and develop a closer connection to the player.

Page 1 of [2]