It'll be to the delight of some (but perhaps to the behest of others) that I reveal that in GTA V, GTA IV's ever-present 'friends' mechanic will definitely be making a return (although GTA IV's romance mechanic has been removed). According to Game Informer, we'll be able to meet, befriend and hang out with NPC's including Michael's wife (who, don't forget, he hates) and also his son Jimmy, Franklin's "crazy friend" Lamar and Trevor's friend Ron. Not necessarily a huge change from GTA IV in and of itself but when combined with the knowledge of the vastly improved mini-game system, you can all but guarantee that actually taking them out will be a whole hell of a lot more fun and by extension worthwhile. Also, it get's me to thinking; if we, as Michael, can hang out with our own wife and son, is this going to lead on to one of those little GTA sub-stories in which Michael tries to connect with his child, or reconnect with his spouse (similarly to how players could persuade Dwayne Forge that life was worth living in GTA IV, should they spend enough time with him)? Again, details haven't been fully divulged yet and maybe they won't be now until the game is released. But hey, I enjoyed GTA IV's friend system (minus Roman's constant requests for me to take him bowling of course) and I'm pretty excited to reengage with the experience in GTA V.