7. The Beautiful Level Of Detail
I remember when I put GTA IV in my 360 for the first time and I spent about half an hour walking around the streets just admiring the graphics and the textures. It is a video game memory that serves to remind me how much things can change in a reasonably short space of time. Because GTA IV doesn't hold up that well, to say the least. GTA V doesn't have so much of an instant graphical effect. Let's just get it out the way and say that we have all seen better graphics. It's an inevitability. We are on the brink of next-gen after all. And E3, Gamescom and TGS showcased a hell of a lot of PS4 and Xbox One content that seriously looks phenomenal. GTA V's majesty is not necessarily in it's graphics on a whole, but the level of detail involved in the world. Los Santos is definitely the most well realised open world that I have ever seen with a brilliantly intricate design that will want to make you stop and look at everything that is presented to you. While I didn't walk around the streets admiring graphics in this one, I found myself strolling around Franklin's house for an hour looking at every table and appliance and magazine cover. I didn't even watch TV, I was quite happy to look at stuff which is admittedly noting you can interact with. The great thing is most people won't do that at all, but Rockstar put it in there anywhere. The same feeling happens when you walk outside. Every street is realised to the smallest detail. Cracks in the sidewalk, flickering neon signs on sleazy motels, buildings with flowerpots on the balconies. It's breathtaking, and it's going to take me a long time to be satisfied that I have explored this world to it's maximum potential. Whether you are a scenic route kind of guy/girl like me, or if you just rush to that next mission, you can't deny that Los Santos is really something special.