Rockstar's detailed character customization tools in each Grand Theft Auto title smack of RPG influence and heritage. At a minimum, the recent installments of the series allow players to alter their protagonist's appearance through outfit changes and - with the exception of GTA IV - haircuts, facial hair and tattoos. By now every gamer who's spent even the slightest amount of time with one of these titles will be familiar with how the clothe-buying and haircut-changing works. It's just one of those simple but effective game mechanics that provide easy enjoyment for players. Who out there didn't love turning Trevor into a fully disheveled bum in GTA V as soon as they escaped whatever shenanigans he had gotten them into? For some reason, however, Rockstar still seem to think that the players of their games need to have their hands held all the way into the nearest 'Binco' in the early missions. Every GTA game includes a small, pointless mission within the first couple of hours that serves absolutely no purpose other than to change the players' appearance. In truth, though, most players have already at least tried to do this even before the mission "helps" them to. There's just no need for these missions to exist anymore. And, besides; how much longer are we supposed to believe that no GTA protagonist is capable of changing their appearance until a companion forces them to?
Gareth is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff. Interests include film, TV and an unhealthy amount of Spider-Man comics and Killers songs. Expect constant references to the latter two at all times.
Follow on twitter @GJCartwright.
