By Jason Savio

Unless you have been hiding out in a cabin somewhere deep in the New Hampshire woods like Walter White for the past few months, chances are you have either played or at least heard about Grand Theft Auto V, perhaps even in Pulse’s earlier article previewing the game. But for those of you who have missed out, here’s some advice: Play this game! It is, in a word, epic. Never has there been such a highly detailed game that will undoubtedly supply endless hours of entertainment.

The GTA franchise has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a 2D release in 1997. The overall improvement of each new release in the series since that ’97 debut has been mostly consistent, and GTAV is no exception. It is a major accomplishment and leap forward for its manufacturer, Rockstar, and gaming in general.

The world in which GTAV takes a place ~ a satirical re-imagining of Southern California, with two major areas: the city of Los Santos and the countryside area of Blaine County ~ is the most immersive of any GTA yet, with the largest map ever to be presented in the series. Whether you want to cause chaos on land, at sea or up in the air, it’s all up to you. And you have the choice of doing it as three different playable characters: Michael, a former bank robber in witness protection whose retirement hasn’t met his expectations; Franklin, a young street hustler who’s looking to make a name for himself; and Trevor, a ticking time bomb running on drugs and booze. For the first time in GTA, the player has the ability to switch freely between each of the main characters, taking part in heists and missions unique to each one. And, yes, among all the debauchery we have come to love, there is an actual story line ~ one that begins with a bang during the game’s thrilling intro. As the game progresses, the paths of the three lawbreakers cross and their stories intertwine with each other, helping to make the storytelling more organic and layered.

Of course, all of this packed action comes at a price (besides the monetary one). Upon first inserting the game, you will be forced to give up 8 gigs of your hard drive, just to be able to play. That will certainly cause headaches for those with limited space and saved data they are unwilling to part with, but the tradeoff is ultimately worth it.

Games nowadays tend to get a lot of hype that is hard to live up to. GTAV may be the most anticipated game to date, reaching a universal fever pitch that will be hard for others to match, but once you play GTAV, you’ll understand why; it has the scope and feel of not just a video game but a major Hollywood blockbuster. Exciting, addictive and unpredictable, GTAV will grab your attention and won’t let go. Now, if we could just get Rockstar to make that Breaking Bad-themed GTA. …

For more, visit rockstargames.com/V.

The best games for every gamer on your list

1. GTAV ~ The best in the series yet. With a highly interactive world, it is non-stop entertainment. Not for all ages. See review for more.
2. Batman: Arkham Origins ~ The third entry in the Arkham story is a prequel that chronicles the beginning of the Caped Crusader’s journey. With a large cast of villains from the DC Universe that expands beyond the Dark Knight’s typical rogue gallery, this game offers plenty of surprises and is a must for the Batman and comic fan on your list.
3. Call of Duty: Ghosts ~ The new Call of Duty takes place 10 years after an unimaginable catastrophe rocks the U.S. as a mysterious group known as “Ghosts” fights to protect what’s left of the nation. It boasts a new Create-A-Soldier System.
4. Madden 25 ~ It’s hard to believe, but Madden turns 25 this year. The fact that it remains popular year after year is a testament to its innovation. For the sports fan in your family.