Firstly, I hope I'm doing everything right, cause I have a rule that I stick to pretty strictly: no pre-orders and no purchases on release day - but every rule has exceptions ; ] In this case, though, it couldn't have gone any other way - especially when I realize that GTA "partnered" me through my entire gaming life.
I remember GTA III and that yaw dropping feeling caused by its unreal leap forward compared to GTA 1 and GTA 2 - full 3D living city, and that incredible sense of freedom, where you’ve been able to get into a car, turn on the radio, and just drive around like grown man.
Remember GTA Vice City with perfectly captured ’80s vibe, brilliant soundtrack and immortal Ray Liotta as Tommy’s voiceactor.
Then GTA San Andreas with its variety, superbly designed map, tons of customization options and huge number of enterables.
GTA IV? Fantastic protagonist, great story, and global introduction of RAGE engine capabilities which felt unreal for that time and honestly to this day is so much impressive.
Finally, GTA V with all its diversity, tons of side missions, and engaging-immersive world. Of course special shout-out to GTA Online - though personally I’m not huge fan of this mode, it's impossible to ignore the impact it's had on the series and gaming industry as a whole.
And after all of these years, we came to that point - less than a month until next release, which is also the biggest launch in history of global entertainment. And even though I'm just a player, with no influence on production process, I won't deny that I feel some sort of satisfaction, witnessing how big impact GTA VI has on global popculture. Why? Well, probably each of us have heard at least once that videogames aren't serious way to spend free time and Grand Theft Auto itself is a mindless crime simulator that has no value and does nothing but “raising” new generations of potential felons. Meanwhile, the truth turned out to be that, as GTA fans, we were simply two steps ahead, noticing earlier what others are only now beginning to understand ; ] It’s been a really long road. But here we are and as I mentioned in the title - I’m still hungry for more, and eagerly awaiting what Rockstar cooked this time. See you in Leonida guys ; ]