Grand Theft Auto V - game review

Grand Theft Auto isn't just a game. It's a brand. A cocktail of sex, drugs and violence that leaves fans wanting more after each outing.

And Grand Theft Auto V is no different.

Whether it's laying into the American economy or forcing the player to take part in gruesome torture scenes, GTA pushes the boundaries in almost every way possible.

For the first time in the series, you are given control of three characters. Michael is an overweight former conman, Franklin is a gangster chasing the bigger score, and Trevor is a psychotic criminal who lives in a trailer in the desert. All have their own missions, although Trevor's are the most enjoyable (and far-fetched). The dialogue between the three is well written and amusing, too - for those who found GTA IV lead character Nico Belic slightly dull.

If this is to be the last great game of the current crop of consoles, then visually, it's a masterpiece. Indeed, even with next-gen around the corner, GTA V has set the standard for open-world games - in both art direction and sense of scale. Look closely and the odd glitch and frame-rate issue will begin to annoy, but San Andreas is a living, breathing world like no other.

Venture up to the mountains and you'll see people camping. Go jogging along the beach and you'll see people walking their dogs. It's this level of detail that elevates GTA V into the realms of greatness.

It's so good, in fact, that you'll oft find yourself driving through the countryside admiring the view as the brilliant soundtrack blasts through the speakers.

Coupled with revised car handling, cover dynamics, checkpointing and animation and there's no denying that it's the best GTA yet.