Trailers, presentation on Netflix, interviews with hand-picked media… in recent weeks, the American studio Rockstar Games has revealed many details about the content of “Grand Theft Auto VI”, which is released on November 19. Here is what we know about the new opus of this saga, which has sold more than 475 million copies worldwide.
What is it about?
Since the series’ launch in 1997, the GTA games have featured stories of gangsters evolving within the organized crime of an American megalopolis, which changes with each episode.
This part is no exception to the rule: it follows a duo of protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, who form a pair of robbers à la “Bonnie and Clyde”.
According to its creators, “GTA VI” will emphasize the bond between these two characters: players will be able to nurture this relationship, by carrying out missions with their partner or by responding to their messages. It will be possible to change the protagonist at any time.
The game also presents colorful characters: a hacker with a bit of a conspiracy theorist, a strip club manager or even two influential female rappers.
It should continue the satirical tradition of the franchise by attacking in particular the omnipresence of social networks.
Where does the game take place?
The action of “GTA VI” takes place in the fictional state of Leonida, which is reminiscent of Florida, more precisely in Vice City, a megalopolis inspired by Miami and already appeared in the opus released in 2002. The published images show a city modeled in very detail, made up of varied neighborhoods and populated by numerous virtual characters.
It will also be possible to explore several regions outside the city, such as a swampy area reminiscent of the Everglades or a tropical archipelago, all filled with dozens of animal species.
The playing area will be approximately twice as large as that of the previous episode and will contain ten times more visitable buildings, Rockstar promises.
What can we do about it?
Chases, heists and other shootouts with law enforcement and criminals will be at the heart of the game’s mechanics. Like previous episodes, the player will be entrusted with missions, ranging from burglary to murder to drug trafficking, and will also be able to explore a vast open world.
It will always be possible to crush passers-by or machine-gun at all costs, but the more reprehensible actions the player carries out, the more he will be hunted down by the police.
The game pushes realism even further: the appearance of the characters changes depending on their diet and it now introduces a fuel gauge for driving. Various activities will be offered (diving, basketball, kayaking, etc.) and it will be possible to pilot vehicles such as motorcycles, planes or jet-skis.
“GTA VI” will only be playable in single player, while an online mode, as yet unannounced, is expected next year.
What’s new?
Developed for the latest generation consoles, the game is more graphically impressive and rich in details than its predecessor, released 13 years ago on much less efficient machines.
To populate its universe realistically, Rockstar has created a branch in Los Angeles dedicated to the writing and animation of non-player characters, responsible for giving each of them their own identity.
This is also the first time that one of the game’s main characters will be a woman – apart from the first game – after decades of criticism over the representation of women in these games.
French electro duo Justice composed the soundtrack, while an official album featuring artists like Travis Scott and Keith Richards will accompany the game’s release.
When is it released and at what price?
Not recommended for those under 18, “GTA VI” will be available on November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. A PC version is expected at an as yet unknown date. It will be sold in digital (download) or physical format, but the game box will only contain a download code. No discs will be included in the box, according to Rockstar.
The game is sold at 79.90 € in its standard version, and 99.90 € for its version containing various in-game bonuses such as new weapons and cars.
Players who have pre-ordered it will be able to download the title from November 10, but will not have access to it until the official release.
