Recently, the massively successful Grand Theft Auto V was released on PC, and as a game mired in controversy, it has been met with both positive, and negative reviews. Continuing the long-running legacy of satire, the game is not afraid to explore topics and ideas that are otherwise taboo to the gaming scene: namely things such as torture, alcoholism, and other such ‘disparaged’ topics. Since most of this review will be relatively subjective, there will be a main focus on gameplay, plot originality, and artistic integrity.

Gameplay: As a whole, the game runs as smoothly as any I’ve played. The controls – even on a keyboard – are relatively fluid and easy to use, the ability to shift between first and third person is a welcome addition to the game, and adds a large amount of variety and replayability to the game. In fact, Rockstar – the makers of the game – have seemed to perfect the formula for perfect gameplay elements. On consoles, the controls are intuitive, easy to use, and can easily be picked up by the most novice of players. On the other hand, while the PC version does offer upgraded graphics and better overall controls, there are some caveats to the keyboard design. This becomes apparent when the player begins to move on a 3D plane, or up and down. While moving across the landscape, either by running, boating, or driving, is easy, moving vertically provides a bit of a challenge and is not well-optimized for the PC player. Flying aircraft, diving into water, or parachuting are shown to be much more difficult within the PC version as compared with the console titles. As a whole though, Rockstar has put out a polished game that possesses very few flaws in gameplay or interface mechanics.

Plot Originality: Though not entirely unique within itself, GTA V’s story possesses many original elements, colorful characters, and novel ideas that are translated well throughout the lengthy “campaign”. Within the first few hours of the story we are introduced to the game’s three main players: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each character is based off of the various stereotypes of California – in which the fictional setting takes place. Michael, the most financially successful of the three, is seen as an alcoholic and disinterested father, who bemoans the lifestyle of luxury and spiritual emptiness that he resides in. Franklin, the second character we see within the game, is a repo-man with heavy ties to a local Los Santos (The fictional city based off of Los Angeles) gangs. With dreams of riches and fame, he embarks on a dangerous partnership with the Michael. The last character in the colorful trio, Trevor, is the closest representation of trailer park trash within the game. Hailing from the arid deserts surrounding Los Santos, this sadistic methamphetamine kingpin joins the other two main characters in their quest for cash after discovering that his longtime friend Michael, who he presumed was dead, still lives.

The story follows the efforts of these three not-so-likely protagonists (if they can even be considered so) in their search for the “big score” in order to pay off some major debts. I’m not going to give much away, but it’s a story that stays fresh and lively throughout, with plenty of well-placed and unexpected twists. Overall, the plot of GTA V is exciting, witty, and an excellent break from the drab AAA titles we have been subjected to within the past few years.

Artistic Integrity: As is per norm with many of Rockstars games, GTA V possesses a unique element of artistic intrigue that allows the player – whether they be cognizant of this or not – to experience a game that is rife with satire, dark comedy, and socially pointed comments. In fact, the game itself is basically just a satirized version of American society. Consumerism rules, police only use brutality, and social norms are turned on their heads. As far as the recent gaming industry goes, the game itself possesses far more artistic freedom than any other games on the market, and certainly makes full use of it. But, interpreting Rockstars choice of mediums to present the satirized version of society within GTA V is subjective, and far more enjoyable if discovered by the player. So, I’ll just let those of you who haven’t played yet find out for yourselves.

In closing, GTA V is a wonderfully flushed out game, with many features and a terrific plot.