GTA V: 10 Pitfalls It Needs To Avoid

Though fans continue to speculate about the release date of the massively-anticipated Grand Theft Auto V, we're also left to ponder not only what we want in the game, but also what we don't want. What aspects of the previous games have you complained about the most, and wanted removed from the next game? Furthermore, what recent trends in the action game genre have proved most unsavoury? Rockstar are going to have a sure-fire hit on their hands either way, but there are some pitfalls they can try to avoid for the next game in order that it doesn't receive the middling reception of GTAIV (critically lauded though it initially was).

1. Realism vs. Fun

Past instalments of the GTA series have seen Rockstar toy around with different ideas and see what sticks. In San Andreas, they introduced a few drastic changes, such as the much-requested ability to swim, while also requiring your character to eat - or otherwise be beset by stomach pains - while also having to work out to keep stamina up, and also so as not to get fat. To me, this was a step of realism too far; this level of micro-management detracted from the enjoyment factor, as I had to have my character's dietary/physical requirements in the back of my mind while trying to press on with the missions. It adds little fun to the game and is just an obstacle to get around as quickly as possible. There are definitely some aspects that could be slightly tuned up; one-shot kills with head shots would be nice, though the flip side is that this would also result in our own dying to the same end, so it might prove a frustrating change to many, though these games are hardly particularly difficult as it is. Other things like dual wiedling are preferable because, let's face it, who wants a Resident Evil-esque system whereby you have to micro-manage your weapon load-out. The silliness of being able to carry a dozen giant weapons at once is something we are prepared to accept for the awesomeness that it invites.