Running at a mighty 60 frames per second and 1080p resolution, Los Santos can look pretty incredible.
Grand Theft Auto V is already available on multiple consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox. So what is the point in releasing it on another platform?
Before you rule it out completely, there is actually quite a lot to do in the PC version of GTA V.
The newly-released heists, which are at the game’s core mini story missions for online co-op, bring a new level of challenge.
They also come with better rewards. Complete the missions to earn all sorts of new items, ranging from swanky cars to expert weapons.
Alongside that is the newly-added first person mode. If you like to get more personal and hands-on with your shooter, then this mode is made for you.
DESIblitz explores how GTA V stands out on the PC and where it falls short when compared with the console versions.
PROS
Graphics
The most obvious difference between GTA V on PC and its counterparts is the stunning graphics. Running at a mighty 60 frames per second and 1080p resolution, Los Santos can look pretty incredible.
Characters and objects are more detailed, lighting is improved, and movements are smoother. In other words, virtual realism is elevated to a new level.
The game can also run at a laser-sharp 4k resolution – if you have, or can afford to get, the right specs for it.
Mods
The PC version allows mods, hence opening up all sorts of avenues for upgrades and improvement that cannot be explored in GTA V on consoles.
You can change character models to look like other famous game characters. You can also modify the game mechanics to access certain weapons that are not readily available.
Rockstar Editor
Another new feature is the Rockstar editor which allows you to record parts of the game, such as story missions or when you are free-roaming.
It gives you full control of the camera, allowing you to make clips more dynamic in their execution.
The director mode is also one that will give you a good excuse to spend hours on the game, by editing clips to make potential short films.
Find out more in this tutorial:
Radio Station
A new radio station, called ‘The Lab’, has been added. It brings 14 new tracks, all of which are original songs exclusive to the PC version of GTA V.
Alternatively, you can run your own radio station by using the music files that you have on a hard drive.
Compatibility
To aid the transition from your current console to the PC, Rockstar Games has made it possible to port over your progress through Rockstar’s Social Club. That means you can pick up exactly where you left off.
CONS
Content
Despite having all new graphical updates, the game remains largely the same.
In fact, it actually suffers from frame rate drops in some areas, where models appear to be of lower quality.
Keep in mind that GTA V was first brought out on last gen consoles, meaning that the template for the PC version was built on that. This may explain why the quality dips now and then.
Cost
On its own, the game works fine without huge graphical output. But if you want to enjoy it on proper 4K graphics, Rockstar has offered some kind suggestions.
Kevin Hoare, the president of Rockstar Toronto, said: “To run the game on a 4K display at 30fps, you’ll need at minimum an AMD HD 7870 or Nvidia GTX 760 with 2GB of VRAM.”
He continued: “As for the 4K at 60 frames-per-second, that’ll require a “high-end SLI or Crossfire setup.”
On top of that, you will of course need a 4k monitor and a PC that can output high graphics. None of these come at a cheap price.
However, both GTA V and 4k gaming are still relatively new, so Rockstar is probably offering a high-end option just to future-proof it.
For some gamers, the lack of PC exclusive features, such as an exclusive story or DLC episode of some sort, may seem lacklustre.
But for others, the enhanced graphics and the chance to mod the game is probably enough to motivate purchase.
It makes sense that the core of the game has not been given a total makeover. Instead, Rockstar tries to offer new features that complement the game itself and draw gamers deeper into creating their own stories.
After all, the freedom to craft a world of your own is the most appealing aspect of the GTA series. Even at offline mode, you will never run out of crazy adventures.
