GTA 5 Review Roundup: Rockstar's Epic Remains Most Wanted

The Grand Theft Auto V review embargo has lifted, revealing widespread acclaim for the remastered PlayStation 4 and Xbox One title.

Released a year since its debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, this upgraded version comes packed with new features, additional side-missions, and a graphical overhaul which can be appreciated in a new first-person mode.

Critics appear to be in consensus that the Rockstar title is even better in first-person mode, with Los Santos' atmosphere and graphical splendor even more impactful at eye-level.

Some publications have held off offering a final score until the online component is more rigorously assessed as its public servers go live. Other publications, which have had access to the online component, are satisfied that their review score represents the whole package.

• • Game: Grand Theft Auto V
  • Developer: Rockstar North
  • Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Release Date:

• November 18 (PC version coming January 27)
• Price: $60 / £50

GameSpot -- 9/10

"Aside from a few mild frame rate issues that sometimes take the edge off its more dramatic moments, this is the definitive version of GTA V, and the bar by which all other open-world games, or indeed any game that aims for a cinematic feel, should be judged. It is beautiful, and thought-provoking, and thrilling throughout. Even if you've played through GTA V once already, it's worth going back just to be reminded of what an outstanding achievement it is." - Mark Walton [Read full review]

Metro -- 10/10

"Many people already consider GTA V to be the best video gamer ever made, but wherever you stand on that issue this is most certainly the best version of the game. The attention to detail is astonishing, and includes such minute touches as your character's head bobbing to the music when you turn the radio on and cats that prowl the city streets and mewl at you as you pass.

Whether it's the best game ever made or not is for you to decide, but this is most definitely the best GTA and the point at which the dream of the perfect crime simulator truly becomes a reality." - David Jenkins [Read full review]

USGamer -- 4.5/5

"In the absence of any story DLC to throw in the package, Rockstar went back to Grand Theft Auto V and made it look and play as good as it could on new hardware. They even beefed up the soundtrack and added a few new events to keep you playing. No, this is not a true current-gen Grand Theft Auto and yes, there are still some rough edges, but Rockstar has undeniably made a great game even better. Even with the extra year, that's enough to keep Grand Theft Auto V in nearly-perfect territory." - Mike Williams [Read full review]

Kotaku -- (No Score, Recommended)

"Aided by its new perspective, the updated version of GTA V takes everything we loved and loathed about GTA V--the good, the bad, and the ugly--and doubles down. There's no going back after this, and while Rockstar's next open-world games will doubtless still default to third-person, they'll be left feeling inadequate if they don't include first-person as well. Thanks to one well-executed idea, Grand Theft Auto has been transformed." - Kirk Hamilton [Read full review]

God is a Geek -- 10/10

"Anyone concerned that this was just another money-spinning 'definitive edition' can rest easy. As ever, Rockstar don't do things by halves, and Grand Theft Auto V on PS4 feels truly next-gen. It’s not just a remake, it’s a testament to the quality of the original that GTA V can effortlessly stand among the best titles so far available on the new consoles and, in many cases, surpass them. It can't be easy to make the re-release of a year-old game feel essential, but Rockstar have done exactly that." - Mick Fraser [Read full review]

VideoGamer -- (No Score, Review in Progress)

"At the time of writing GTA Online was available to play, but not as populated as we would have liked and as such judgment will be withheld until later in the week. Early impressions, however, suggest that getting started is a far smoother experience, with fewer connection issues and more streamlined approach to dropping you in the world, something the launch of last gen GTA:O botched badly. I was able to join a co-op mission in seconds of hitting the streets, and had no issues in the games I played. Worryingly, there were still a few problems with load times and getting people into games, particularly races and Team Deathmatch. Come launch day this shouldn't be an issue, but we'll have to wait and see how Rockstar's ambitious--if somewhat patchy--online masterplan comes together when the servers are being hammered." - Anon. [Read Review in Progress]