Grand Theft Auto V

Softonic review

Rockstar’s open world blockbuster

Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is the latest installment of the popular open-world action and adventure franchise by Rockstar. Considered as one of the best video games of the last decade, GTA V takes us back to Los Santos, the setting for the misadventures of CJ in the legendary GTA San Andreas. It’s here where we take on the role of three distinct characters: the gangster Franklin, the ex-bank robber Michael, and the always peculiar and psychopathic Trevor. As is typical in the series, you can expect chaos, violence, and madness with plenty of political incorrectness in a sandbox game that, 10 years after its original release, is still as fresh and entertaining as it was on day one.

Loaded with new features and with a map 3 times larger than its predecessor Grand Theft Auto IV, GTA 5 is easily one of Rockstar’s most ambitious projects to date. Staying true to its rogue-ish charm, this action-packed game takes everything learnt from hits like Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne 3 to bring us the GTA we were all anticipating. New gameplay, improved driving mechanics and an awesome multiplayer are just a few of its many charms. Would you like to know why GTA V is considered to be one of the best videogames of all time?

Three criminals in the pursuit of success

Grand Theft Auto V reinvents the sandbox genre with an ambitious story that, for the first time, is starred by three different main characters: Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. This atypical trio of misfits is undoubtedly one of the best features of this new GTA. With clashing personalities and unique gameplay abilities, this triad offers different perspectives that enrich not just the missions and the development of the plot, but the overall gaming experience. 

There’s Michael De Santa, a former bank robber who worked with Trevor, committing all sorts of crimes. After betraying his partners and faking his death, Michael lives a fruitful and peaceful life in Los Santos… However, it’s all a facade. Now in his forties, De Santa has a dysfunctional family led by a cheating wife and two ungrateful spoiled children who burn what’s left of his fortune. Depressed and deeply in debt , Michael sees no other escape from his troubles than returning to his criminal roots.

Next is Franklin Clinton, an young Afro-American gangbanger who aspires to become something more and leave the suburbs where he’s lived all his life. While waiting for his big break, Franklin works repossessing high-end cars for an automobile company with his friend Lamar. However, things change when he meets Michael, who recruits him to help in his bank robberies and quickly becomes a mentor figure to him.

Last but not least is Trevor Philips, a former pilot and bank robber. After being betrayed by Michael, Trevor left for Blaine County and hid in Sandy Shores where he ran a small but powerful drug dealing network. Chaotic and constantly crossing the line of sanity, Trevor is a psychotic man who is prone to sudden and violent outbursts. After discovering that Michael is still alive, he decides to move to Los Santos to join his partner and help him on his heists.

Los Santos never looked better

GTA 5 is like fine wine, the older it gets, the better it looks. Time may have passed since its release back in 2013, but thanks to the RAGE and Euphoria engines, Los Santos still looks as fresh and crisp as it did back then. Every corner of the city feels alive, showing off its amazing 4K textures and jaw-dropping lighting effects. All of this is topped off by exceptional motion capture, bringing all the cast to life with realistic expressions that fully immerse us in an unforgettable cinematic experience. Crime never looked so good!

In terms of sound, the game has a memorable soundtrack, with catchy themes that adapt to its different missions. The surround sound effects are excellent and make us feel like we were actually in the middle of a heist. But what’s GTA without its classic radio and music stations? Don’t worry, Grand Theft Auto V has you covered and while you drive you will be able to enjoy songs from iconic bands such as Queen, Chicago, Black Eyed Peas, Def Leppard, Boston and many more.

Improved gameplay and new features

Grand Theft Auto V represents a turning point in the franchise. After collecting feedback from players and fans of the saga, Rockstar worked hard to improve its gameplay and top it up with outstanding new features. The result is one of the most loved and best-selling games of the past decade.

One of the most notable changes in GTA 5 is found in its action and shooting sequences. Thanks to everything Rockstar learnt from RDR and Max Payne 3, these are now more fluid and action packed, improving its aiming system and also adding bullet time effects. Another big change is found in its driving system, now bringing smoother controls and showing improved physics, making it feel almost like we were playing a racing game at times.

But let’s be honest, Grand Theft Auto is all about mischief and committing fiendish crimes. For that reason, Rockstar has polished one of its previously less popular features: the police response. If you were tired of dodging unrealistic apparitions of police cars that no matter where you were or what you did, they always found you? You’ll love this change because now the LSPD acts more like a real police force. Whenever you commit a crime, a patrol car will be deployed to the crime scene and once there, they’ll scope the area trying to find you. Be careful not to stand in their field of view, otherwise they will call for reinforcements and start tailing you through the streets of the city.

Record your adventures with the Rockstar Editor

The PC version of GTA V comes with a very interesting new feature: the Rockstar Editor. This video editor allows you to record clips of your adventures in Los Santos and then tweak them as much as you want to create your own motion picture. You can manipulate the camera, add depth of field, effects, change the speed… Basically, you have the ability to turn any of your feats into the perfect movie. In addition to that, you can also add music from the different radio stations of the game as well as add text to your videos. Finally, you can export your creations to the Rockstar Social Club or upload them directly to your YouTube channel. Are you ready to show the world the chaos and mayhem of your GTA adventures?

The world’s greatest sandbox

The Grand Theft Auto series have always been known for giving the player freedom to explore and do whatever they want across a massive map. In that aspect, GTA V does not disappoint. Whether you are visiting Los Santos, driving through Blaine County or climbing Mount Chilliad, you won’t have time to get bored. Even though it takes around 33 hours to complete the main campaign, you’ll surely spend hundreds more just exploring the game. In addition to the main missions, the map has hundreds of secondary missions, each of them crazier and more challenging than the previous one. That’s not all, hidden throughout the game you will find secrets, activities and mini-games that will bring you hours and hours of entertainment. And that’s without adding any of the endless amount of mods available! 

A powerful multiplayer that could be a standalone game

GTA 5 includes Grand Theft Auto Online, Rockstar’s most ambitious multiplayer experience. You’ll be able to experience your own criminal adventures in San Andreas alongside up to 30 other players at once. Simply create your avatar and do anything you consider necessary to achieve fortune and success. The game includes hundreds of activities such as missions, races, competitions against other players and the possibility to create your own gang to organize heists. The possibilities are infinite in a multiplayer as big and as fun as the game’s main campaign. If you’d like to read more about that, check out our GTA Online review.

System requirements to play GTA V on PC

If you want to download GTA 5 and play it on your PC, you’ll need to fulfill the following requirements:

Minimum requirements:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 11, Windows 10 64 Bit, Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) @ 2.5GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB (DX 10, 10.1, 11)
• Storage: 72 GB available space
• Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible

Recommended requirements:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 64 Bit, Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1
• Processor: Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHz (8 CPUs)
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD 7870 2GB
• Storage: 72 GB available space
• Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible

A must-play game for any PC gamer

Grand Theft Auto V is an instant classic and a must-play to any fans of the sandbox genre looking for a challenging action-packed adventure. The devilry of Michael, Trevor, and Franklin are an authentic delight to all gamers looking for the perfect balance of action, story, and adventure in a world as fun as it is chaotic. With a wide array of gameplay improvements, juicy new features and an exceptional multiplayer, GTA 5 is the perfect choice for both new and veteran players. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for? Download it now!