Rockstar releases first gameplay footage of GTA V

The video's narrator introduced the game as re-creating the open world game in a number of ways, calling Los Santos a "diverse sprawling satirical re-imagining of Southern California".

The footage parades the three leading protagonists of the game, a format that is a first for a GTA release, which usually features just one.

"The introduction of three lead characters transforms the narrative into one interwoven story and the structure of the individual missions," the video explains. As a result, players can cut between vantage points and "from one high octane moment to another" to give missions more intensity and diversity, the video narrator describes.

When not on a mission, the use of three main characters allows for what Rockstar calls "a touch of voyeurism" because you can drop into their individual environments at any moment to see what they've been up to.

The video shows us how customisation is also major feature in the GTA V game, as the open world environment allows the player to see and do a range of modifications, such as revise cars, fly different planes, the option to buy clothes, play sports, dive into oceans and spot and hunt animals, as well as the addition of a more intelligent network of local characters that the player can watch and befriend.

There's also been a focus on the mechanics of the game, to make it more fluid, from driving and shooting to tennis and bike riding, to make it "feel fun and responsive". From the video the game does appear very smooth and impressive.

Furthermore, we have learned from the new video that as part of the gameplay missions, the player will have to set up and perform a number of dangerous heists, which are set up by the player themself who decides how to execute them and with whom. The player then decides what to spend the money on if the heist is a success. This can be invested or used to buy tattoos or cars. It seems that GTAis getting ever closer to an adult-rated version of The Sims.

Rockstar's video also gave viewers a glimpse of Grand Theft Auto Online, which the narrator said will be shown off "properly, soon".

GTA V's pricing and pre-order details were announced in March, shortly after the games developer said we will have to wait until 17 September to get our hands on it, instead of this spring as originally promised. The game can be pre-ordered for the Xbox 360 and PS4 from Rockstar's online store.

There the game, which it will ship for free on release day, will cost £54.99, and you will also get a t-shirt for your trouble

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