Niko Bellic returns in GTAV for Collector's Edition owners

Rockstar Games today announced details regarding the various digital bonuses players will have access to if they pick up the $80 Grand Theft Auto V special edition or $150 collector's edition.

Both versions will give players access to additional weapons, including the .50 Caliber Pistol and the Bullup Shotgun, as well as the Hammer, described as a "brutal melee weapon."

The GTAV special edition and collector's edition will also feature bonus outfits and tattoos, and will receive a 20 percent discount at any related shop in Los Santos and Blaine County.

Those who own the Collector's Edition of GTAV will receive various custom characters for Grand Theft Auto Online, including Grand Theft Auto IV protagonist Niko Bellic and Claude and Misty from Grand Theft Auto III. These players can be used as "parent options" in the online mode's character creation system.

For GTA Online, Rockstar Games has tweaked the traditional character creation system, opting for a hereditary-based creation system instead. Players will choose their character's appearance by selecting their parent's heritage, then use a gene dominance meter to "dial-in which parent your appearance favors more."

Gamers who own one of the GTAV premium bundles will also have access to special ability boosts for Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Michael's special ability allows him to slow down time during gunfights, while Franklin's lets him slow down time during driving sequences. Trevor's special ability sends him into a rage, causing double damage while taking only half when hit.

With the boosts applied, the Special Ability bar will generate 25 percent faster.

Lastly, both premium GTAV bundles also unlock stunt plane trials in Los Santos and Blaine County, while the collector's edition will feature an exclusive garage to store custom vehicles. It will come pre-stocked with the CarbonRS sports bike and the Hotknife hotrod. In GTA Online, these players will have access to the Khamelion electric car.

GTAV launches September 17 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Sony this weekend apologized to Rockstar Games over the recent PlayStation 3 pre-load leak, which exposed various details about the game.

Check out GameSpot's preview of the multiplayer component and interview with Rockstar North head Leslie Benzies for more.