Format: PS5, XBX
Given last year's Grand Theft Auto Trilogy – The Definitive Edition misfire, and the fact GTA V has already seen multiple re-releases since its 2013 debut, any lacking enthusiasm for this latest return to Los Santos wouldn't be without merit. But while many had probably planned on sitting this one out, Rockstar Games has managed to pull players back into its addictive, felony-filled sandbox for one last job.
Running on PlayStation 5, the obscenely over-the-top crime caper looks and feels better than ever. The boosted performance and visuals come courtesy of three modes, allowing you to choose between increased resolution, peppier frame rate, or a balance between the two. Whether tearing up the blacktop behind one of the sprawling city's slick rides, emptying clips into your enemies, or creating your own unique brand of chaos, the next-gen upgrades are definitely noticeable.
The PS5's DualSense also does its part to up the immersion, delivering more nuanced feedback for weather effects, driving, and all those city-rattling explosions. Even the police chase-triggered flashing red-and-blue lights – a cool, but mostly unseen feature on the PS4's DualShock – is more effective thanks to the new controller's top-facing illumination. Toss in significantly reduced load times, and this latest version makes jumping back into Michael, Franklin, and Trevor's shoes an offer loyal fans might struggle to refuse.
Of course, the fresh upgrades and modes aren't magic bullets that can bring dated character models and animations up to contemporary standards, nor can they remove the cringe from jokes and narrative beats that haven't aged well. While this is undoubtedly the best way to experience the game on console, there's no getting around the fact most of us first played it back when Microsoft was still trying to make Kinect a thing.
Rockstar has pulled players back into its addictive, felony-filled sandbox for one last job
It's also important to note that the story mode – while still a ridiculously fun romp packed with colorful characters, inspired missions, and mostly smart, hilarious writing – hasn't received any new content. That said, the always-evolving GTA Online has been streamlined a bit with newcomers in mind. The multiplayer mode's always been notoriously unfriendly to wannabe gangsters, but a new career-building option and more intuitive interface have helped smooth the path to growing your own criminal empire.
While we would've killed for some new story missions or other substantial single-player content, Rockstar has mostly done right by this re-release. It's by no means a must-buy if you've already made your mark in Los Santos, but for dedicated fans, as well as first-timers – or anyone who's been waiting for the right moment to rise through GTA Online's criminal ranks – it's an easy recommendation.