GTA 6 looks like it’s going to be a stellar open-world game, even if Rockstar Games hasn’t released proper gameplay yet. Still, fans are impressed with the visuals, and there are teases of returning features from San Andreas, so that’s something to look forward to. There’s also an argument that this game actually looks next-gen, something other titles can’t say.
While this does look like it’s going to be a great open-world game, everything I’ve seen has confirmed that GTA 6 just isn’t for me. It’s not going to be a bad game at all, and anyone interested in this long-running series will probably enjoy what they play. However, the focus on realism and crime stories doesn’t interest me.
For the record, this is entirely based on my taste in games and has nothing to do with what Rockstar has shown. Based on my previous articles, people should know that I like more fantastical games with unique settings. Whether it’s the dark melancholy of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or the bright and colorful world of Dragon Quest 8, these are the games for me.
That’s not to say I can’t enjoy games with some realism in them, but they still need something weird and wacky to get my attention. Like a Dragon: Yakuza has a pretty realistic setting, but the battles are turn-based, and there are anime-like side quests that are very entertaining. It’s that weird mix of fantasy and reality that makes me come back to SEGA’s quirky action series.
Rockstar’s GTA 6 looks like it’s going to continue being a Grand Theft Auto game, and that’s fine. Based on the gunplay and vehicle controls of previous GTA games, we’re sure Jason and Lucia will control well. The San Andreas-style RPG mechanics that were hinted at could also be fun, especially if they lead to drastically different character designs.
Outside of crime, I can do the various activities of GTA 6 in real life. I can go to the gym, drive cars, and maybe even shoot guns, albeit in a shooting range. Obviously, I won’t be punching random citizens or meeting up with sex workers, so that’s probably where people can live out their dark fantasies.
When I play games, I want to emulate something that can’t be done in real life. Things like web-swinging as Spider-Man, using the Master Sword as Link, or stopping corrupt politicians as The Phantom Thieves feel like cool video game-only experiences.
GTA 6 will probably sell well, despite the rumored $100 price, and play good. It’s also going to sweep The Game Awards when it comes out next year. But nothing about it astounds me.