Rockstar Games has long been known for its lengthy development cycles for new games. A prime example of this is the successor to GTA 5. Gamers worldwide waited for over a decade before finally seeing a trailer for GTA 6. With plans to include Vice City in the new edition and introduce their first female protagonist, Lucia, Rockstar aims to ensure everything falls into place.
However, as a GTA veteran, I believe there are certain elements missing from recent GTA games that deserve a revisit. After much consideration, I decided to sit down and compile a list. So, without further ado, here are seven things I believe Rockstar should bring back in GTA 6.
1. Enhanced Notoriety System
Discussing Grand Theft Auto without addressing its notoriety system is simply incomplete. That’s why I begin my list by expressing the desire for an enhanced notoriety system in GTA 6. Traditionally, Rockstar Games has utilized a star-based system where the severity of your crimes corresponds to the number of stars you accrue.
The only means to remove these stars is by either getting apprehended, evading capture, or unfortunately meeting your demise. One feature I strongly believe Rockstar could reintroduce in GTA 6 is the bribery system. Consider a scenario where you’re being chased by a group of law enforcement officers, and the opportunity to resolve the situation by offering a bribe presents itself.
Another intriguing aspect of the GTA 6 trailer was the portrayal of social media within the game world. Although the trailer only depicted individuals uploading videos, there’s potential for Rockstar to expand this feature. For instance, players could utilize social media as a tool to lower their notoriety levels by hacking into police devices, akin to mechanics seen in the Watch Dogs.
I’m also keen on the idea of incorporating positive social media strategies reminiscent of the preachers or heralds in the Assassin’s Creed notoriety system. It would be interesting if influencers could speak positively about your character in exchange for some monetary rewards!
As I discuss evading law enforcement, I also crave a heightened level of challenge. To achieve this, I hope Rockstar reintroduces the six-star wanted level. Not only would it escalate the intensity of gameplay significantly, but having six stars aligns perfectly with the game’s title, doesn’t it? It’s a concept that resonates well with me.
2. Expanded and Accessible Interiors
At its essence, GTA has always epitomized the open-world gaming experience. The joy of exploration and navigating through cities is unparalleled. However, this sense of freedom isn’t entirely reflected indoors. While games like GTA 4 and San Andreas did offer some accessible interiors, they didn’t quite capture the full essence. Therefore, I believe that granting access to numerous buildings with detailed interiors would greatly enhance the game’s immersive quality.
Rockstar could reintroduce salons, expand the range of restaurants, incorporate pawn shops, and possibly include gyms. Furthermore, they could include basic buildings with simple interiors, purely to add variety and enhance the feeling of a living, breathing city. Perhaps these locations could hide easter eggs or unlockable content, adding to the overall experience. Enhancing the city’s accessibility in these ways would undoubtedly enrich the open-world gameplay, as it’s often the small details that truly elevate the player’s immersion.
3. Realistic Simulation Elements
Players of Red Dead Redemption 2 are well aware of the remarkable detail that Arthur’s beard grows in real-time within the game. This feature was widely praised as an excellent addition to the simulation aspect, and greatly enjoyed by players. As someone who values realism in gaming, this is certainly a feature I hope to see in GTA 6 as well.
Let’s take a moment to reminisce about San Andreas. Fans who have been with the series since then will recall how CJ’s physique reacted to his diet and exercise regimen in real-time. Indulging in one too many Cluckin’ Bell chicken wings resulted in weight gain, while regular gym visits helped him shed pounds and even build muscle. This dynamic system added depth to the gameplay and is something that long-time players fondly remember.
Activities such as swimming, cycling, driving, and fighting all had tangible impacts on CJ’s physique in San Andreas. This intricate system is precisely what I’m hoping to see return in GTA 6. Picture Lucia and Jason’s abilities being influenced by their lifestyle choices during heists. It’s a feature that truly immerses players in the characters’ lives and decisions, and it’s something I’m eagerly anticipating!
Rockstar could take it a step further by incorporating dialogues that only activate based on your character’s physical condition. Introducing NPCs who react to your body state would undoubtedly inject a new level of personality into GTA 6, and I’m fully on board with this idea!
4. Diverse Range of Arcade Minigames
Additionally, a feature that has been absent since the 3D universe is the inclusion of arcade minigames. One of my personal favourites was engaging in vigilante missions by stealing cop cars. Similarly, participating in ambulance and firefighting missions in previous GTA games provided hours of enjoyment. While GTA 5 introduced the Freaks and Strangers missions, they didn’t quite capture the same level of fun for me.
Reintroducing arcade minigames in GTA 6 would inject vitality into the game. Additionally, activities such as golf, shooting practices, races, and assassination missions could be included as engaging minigames. The prospect of horse racing transitioning from RDR 2 to the GTA universe is intriguing, albeit unusual for Vice City. Nevertheless, it’s a wish I’m willing to make!
5. Overhauled Vehicle Mechanics and Physics
I understand this viewpoint might provoke some, but it’s worth considering. Except for GTA 4, previous GTA titles have often featured less-than-realistic car physics, allowing for improbable stunts and manoeuvres. However, I advocate for a return to realistic car physics in GTA 6. Imagine the authenticity of bent bumpers and broken hoods resulting from even minor collisions, a detail that could elevate the gameplay experience significantly.
Car physics alone will only suffice with a diverse selection of vehicles to complement it. From what we’ve glimpsed in the trailer, it appears Rockstar may reintroduce classic vehicles from earlier GTA instalments. I eagerly anticipate the return of legendary vehicles such as the Phoenix, Stinger, Infernus, Angel, Cheetah, and Hotring Racer. Pairing these beloved classics with updated physics would undoubtedly create an exhilarating experience.
6. Improved Combat Mechanics
Hand-to-hand combat in GTA games has often felt lacklustre, resembling little more than flailing fists. With titles like Sleeping Dogs setting a new standard for combat mechanics, Rockstar has an opportunity to learn and improve. Quests such as the Bear Fight sequence from GTA 4’s DLC, The Ballad of Gay Tony, demonstrate the potential for engaging and dynamic combat experiences that players crave.
I want to acknowledge the slow-motion combat systems like Bullet Time and Deadeye that Rockstar introduced in games such as Max Payne, RDR 2, and GTA 5. Bringing back this feature in GTA 6 would be fantastic, even without the Matrix-style effects, as it adds a dynamic element to gameplay.
There’s potential for Rockstar to combine both systems for a truly remarkable experience in GTA 6. Additionally, I’d love to see the return of dual gun-wielding, allowing players to channel their inner gunslinger during fights, similar to the mechanics in Max Payne and Red Dead Redemption 2.
In addition to enhanced combat features, Rockstar could implement improved weapon modifications and crafting mechanics in GTA 6. Taking inspiration from systems like Cyberpunk 2077’s weapon mods could elevate the depth of customization within the GTA universe.
Adding scopes, muzzles, and other upgrade tools can significantly enhance weapon effectiveness in a shooter-centric game like GTA. Imagining the possibility of attaching a cyclone tool to a sword for dynamic combo manoeuvres is incredibly exciting and would bring a new level of depth to combat.
7. Meaningful Side Missions
Ultimately, GTA 6 will offer a narrative-driven adventure, known for its compelling plots. However, to maintain engagement throughout the main quests, Rockstar should incorporate impactful side quests. These additional missions could provide depth and variety, ensuring players remain immersed in the game world without succumbing to monotony.
Exploring side quest narratives like the Cult of Chelonia from RDR 2, drug marketing from Chinatown Wars, and entrepreneurial endeavors from Vice City stories in GTA 6 could offer essential diversity to the gameplay experience. These missions excel at infusing the game with the necessary variety to keep players engaged and immersed in the expansive world of GTA.
Utilizing the drug-selling narrative from Chinatown Wars could inject further excitement into the vibrant neon nights of Vice City. Additionally, reintroducing Vice City Stories’ respect system and business empire-building quests would enrich the gameplay experience. Imagining the ability to recruit top gunmen to oversee the state of Leonida while confronting countryside cults adds an enticing layer of strategy and immersion to the game.
Have We Chosen Wisely?
As previously discussed, GTA games revolve around the main storyline, often presenting players with consequential choices. Ultimately, the question lingering in a gamer’s mind upon completing a GTA game should be, “Did I make the right decisions?”
For this to truly resonate, Rockstar must implement a narrative progression that embraces the butterfly effect. While many GTA games feature intricate plotlines with multiple endings and surprises, the impact of your choices often feels limited, affecting only certain aspects of the story.
For example, in GTA 4, players controlled Niko, who faced various scenarios but ultimately found limited divergence in outcomes. Similarly, GTA 5 introduced multiple endings, yet they still felt somewhat constrained and predetermined. While acknowledging the necessity of a structured narrative, there’s a growing desire among gamers for increased autonomy and meaningful choices that truly shape the course of the story.
As a player drawn to moral decision-making, I envision Rockstar drawing inspiration from titles like Life is Strange and Detroit Become Human. Incorporating such mechanics could allow the plot to branch out in diverse directions, granting players greater creative agency. The possibility of assuming the role of a villain adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay experience.
These are the seven aspects I hope to see in GTA 6. If you feel we’ve overlooked any, please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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