The latest edition of Grand Theft Auto 5 brings a host of visual improvements to Rockstar's seminal open-world hit, but almost nine years on from its initial release, the game is beginning to show its age. Although undoubtedly the best way to experienceGTA 5, with Rockstar introducing a number of graphical and performance upgrades to single-player and its multiplayer component,GTA Online, plus easier-to-navigate menus, these same upgrades highlight how Los Santos has lost some of its luster.GTA 5 is still a brilliant game, but there are aspects of its gameplay and presentation that means it has fallen ever-so-slightly behind the times. Those interested in experiencing Michael, Franklin, and Trevor's story for the first time will find much to love, but for those tempted by a return voyage to Los Santos, the latest port is sadly lacking in incentives.

In terms of overall visual enhancements Rockstar has brought to the table, the latest version ofGrand Theft Auto 5 does not disappoint. Players are given the option of experiencing the single-player andGTA Online in three different settings: Fidelity (which prioritizes ray tracing and overall resolution), Performance (which focuses on framerate), and Performance RT (which combines the best of both worlds). Fidelity sacrifices much in terms of smooth frames - particularly in packed lobbies ofGTA Online - making Performance RT the standout setting. Players can now tear around Los Santos in buttery smooth 60 frames-per-second, and the improved visual enhancements make the game's large roster of vehicles look shinier and better than ever before.

Also gone with the latest edition ofGTA 5 is the game's notoriously long load times. It should only take players an average of 20 seconds to load into the single-player fromGTA Online and vice-versa - a noticeable improvement on the sometimes minutes-long wait on previous consoles. Faster load times have been accompanied by fresh tweaks to menus and UI, making it easier to navigate the many different heists, missions, and businesses ofGTA Online without having to load into a lobby, although players can still expect to be bombarded with an annoying array of text notifications, phone calls, and general inane voice chat as they play.

The focus ofGTA 5's latest port very much feels like it's onGTA Online. When loading it up the first time, the first menu seen will be ofGTA Online and not the single-player. Since its announcement, PlayStation Plus subscribers have been able to claim $1 million inGTA Online currency once a month, and for the next three months,GTA Onlinewill also be free for those same subscribers. Rockstar has made porting characters over fast and simple, and approaching almost a decade's worth ofGTA Onlinecontent has been made easier by a more detailed map that displays clearly what different missions entail and what businesses do what.

New and returning GTA Onlineplayers should find these features helpful - especially the addition of the new Career Builder - but itis still much the same beast it was on previous consoles, with obvious money sink activities and grind-based moneymaking mechanics. It's a formula that's resulted in great success for Rockstar, and more updates are set to come throughout the year. However, with comparatively little being added to the single-player story, this new edition ofGTA 5 feels designed mainly to entice new players intoGTA Online's highly monetizable economy. There's plenty to love in that setting, but the addition of more single-player content wouldn't have gone amiss.

GTA 5's enhanced next-gen port is definitely the best way to experience the game, and it's still every bit the enjoyable experience it was in 2013. However, with almost a decade having passed since then, Los Santos has started to show its age.GTA 5 lacks the detail or cinematic presentation of Rockstar's ownRed Dead Redemption 2. Animations look less fluid, melee combat feels antiquated, and gunplay - even with the addition of haptic feedback on the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller - lacks weight.RDR2 is still without its own next-gen upgrade, whileRed Dead Onlinecontinues to languish without new content. Together with the official confirmation thatGTA 6 is in development, this new port feels like a step backward when Rockstar should be looking to the future. It's still a great way to play Grand Theft Auto 5 , but even with the visual improvements and new multiplayer content, it feels less like a necessary return, and more like an aimless jaunt.

Next: GTA Online Voice Chat Options Explained (& How To Turn It Off)

Grand Theft Auto 5 is available now. Screen Rant was provided with a digital PS5 code for the purpose of this review.

Our Rating:

3 out of 5 (Good)

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About The Author

Ewan Paterson (80 Articles Published)

Ewan is a Gaming Features Editor for Screen Rant and may in fact have way too many interests. His love for comic books, video games and Dad Movies also instilled in him a love for writing, which he's been doing since he was about 16. Originally from Liverpool, Ewan made the move to Newcastle in 2022 to study History at Northumbria University (which he loved), and has stayed there ever since. You may have heard/seen him on YouTube a bunch as well.

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