Released in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed games in the industry. Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA 5 has set the benchmark for open-world gaming, offering players a vast, dynamic, and immersive experience. But after more than a decade, is it still worth playing in 2024? In this review, we’ll analyze the gameplay, graphics, story, online mode, and overall experience to determine if GTA 5 still holds up.
Gameplay: A Timeless Open-World Experience
GTA 5 offers one of the most immersive open-world experiences in gaming history. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, the game features Los Santos, a city heavily inspired by Los Angeles. The sheer depth of activities available is astonishing – players can engage in high-speed chases, rob banks, complete missions, buy properties, play sports, and even go skydiving.
The game revolutionized the genre with its unique three-protagonist system: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each character has their own story arc, personality, and special abilities, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Michael is a retired bank robber, Franklin is an aspiring gangster looking for his big break, and Trevor is an unpredictable psychopath who brings chaos wherever he goes. The ability to switch between them at almost any time adds a dynamic layer to both story missions and free-roam gameplay.
GTA 5’s driving mechanics feel fluid and realistic, making high-speed chases exhilarating. The shooting mechanics, while not as advanced as modern shooters, are still solid and engaging. The game also offers a variety of customization options for vehicles, weapons, and even character outfits, keeping the gameplay fresh.
Graphics: Aged but Still Impressive
When GTA 5 first launched, its graphics were groundbreaking. Over the years, Rockstar has released enhanced versions for newer consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, bringing improved textures, ray tracing, and better frame rates. On PC, mods can take the game’s graphics to an entirely new level, making it look as good as, if not better than, many modern titles.
Despite being over a decade old, GTA 5’s world still feels alive. The level of detail in Los Santos is unmatched, from bustling city streets to serene countryside roads. NPC behavior, weather effects, and lighting still hold up well, proving that Rockstar’s attention to detail was ahead of its time.
Story: Engaging with a Dark Sense of Humor
The story mode in GTA 5 is one of its strongest aspects. It masterfully blends action, humor, and satire, providing players with a compelling narrative that explores themes of crime, corruption, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Michael, Franklin, and Trevor each have their own motivations and conflicts, leading to an engaging and unpredictable story. The heist missions are some of the best moments in the game, allowing players to choose different approaches and crew members, adding an element of strategy.
The writing is sharp, often poking fun at modern society, media, and politics. The dialogues and cutscenes are well-acted, with top-tier voice performances bringing the characters to life. While the story mode doesn’t have the emotional depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, it offers a fun, action-packed experience that keeps players entertained for hours.
GTA Online: The Game’s Lifeline
One of the biggest reasons GTA 5 remains relevant today is GTA Online. Launched shortly after the base game, GTA Online has evolved into its own beast, with constant updates, new content, and a massive player base.
GTA Online offers everything from cooperative heists and races to businesses, nightclubs, and even futuristic weapons and vehicles. Rockstar has consistently added expansions, including the Cayo Perico Heist, Los Santos Tuners, and The Contract featuring Dr. Dre, keeping the game fresh.
While the online mode is incredibly fun, it’s not without flaws. The in-game economy heavily encourages microtransactions, making it challenging for new players to compete without grinding for hours or purchasing Shark Cards. Additionally, the presence of hackers and griefers can sometimes ruin the experience, especially on PC.
Overall Experience: Does It Still Hold Up?
So, is GTA 5 still worth playing in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes. The game remains a technical marvel, offering an expansive open world, a thrilling story, and an ever-evolving online mode. Whether you’re playing for the first time or revisiting it, GTA 5 still provides an unmatched sandbox experience.
However, for those who have already spent hundreds of hours in Los Santos, the wait for GTA 6 might make returning to GTA 5 feel repetitive. Still, with community mods, online updates, and Rockstar’s continued support, the game continues to be a relevant and enjoyable experience.
Final Verdict
- Gameplay: 9.5/10 – One of the best open-world experiences ever.
- Graphics: 8/10 – Still impressive, especially on next-gen consoles and PC mods.
- Story: 9/10 – Engaging with great character development and humor.
- GTA Online: 8.5/10 – Fun but can be frustrating due to microtransactions and griefers.
- Overall: 9/10 – A must-play, even a decade later.
GTA 5 has stood the test of time and remains one of the greatest video games ever made. If you haven’t played it yet or are considering a return, there’s still plenty to enjoy in Los Santos. And with GTA 6 on the horizon, now might be the perfect time to relive the chaos before the next chapter begins!