Grand Theft Auto 5: Large preview GameInformer

Rockstar Games has earned the status of the creator of the blockbuster in 2001, when Grand Theft Auto III players spanning the freedom offered in an open world gameplay.But instead of to start controlling every step to promote predictable and business solutions in the creative process, Publisher Take-Two Interactive remained on the periphery thereof, giving the teamenough time for a thorough formation of his own vision of the project (they may be cursed by financial analysts). Take-Two this not regret it.

At this point, the last game of the flagship series of Rockstar, Grand Theft Auto IV, has sold more than 25 million copies and firmly holds the top position in the best games on the version Metacritics - c assessment of 98 points out of 100, which is based on more than 80 independent reviews.

Start of development continue, Rockstar did not seek to maintain their positions, collecting data on market research and observing focus groups.Instead, to surpass all expectations of gamers, to expand the boundaries of creative and add something that would cause us to debate on the rule of game design, the studio began to engage in behindthat the majority of publishers immediately dismissed them simply because it is too complicated, too expensive and too long to implement.In GTA V has evolved every element mechanics, added the largest open world in the history of the series, and also introduced a new technology that radically transforms gaming experience. What control one character at any time when you can switch between the three?

NEW PROSPECTS

The evolution of the Rockstar Games Heroes horribly reminiscent of the history of storytelling in video games in general. In earlier games in the series storyline fed through subtitles.When Rockstar passed in 3d with Grand Theft Auto III, the protagonist, Claude, was a silent Bug, while all other characters were voiced.In Vice City and San Andreas studio introduced the new protagonists:Tommy Vercetti and sidzheev whose cartoon appearance, voice, and study of the characters perfectly reflected the spirit of those eras, which belonged to the heroes.At the dawn of the era of high-definition, Rockstar refused to caricature the characters in favor of moral mundane heroes, like Niko Bellic in Grand Theft Auto IV and John Marston in Red Dead Redemption.

But with the increase in size of the open side of the world and the number of classes in the game, Rockstar has faced with the dilemma that confronts every project with an open world.How many different protagonists can be in the game?Nico is struggling with the moral difficulties, because he is against his will was drawn into the world of crime; therefore, a contradiction occurs when the player in the role of Niko begins to shoot a rocket atpassers-by in the center of the street. When it was time to begin work on Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar has decided to thoroughly analyze the problem.

"We love Nico, he was a strong protagonist, and we decided to turn it into John Marston" - recalls the creative vice president of Rockstar Dan Houser."We still wanted to create a crazy Western, but we also wanted to come up with an interesting character who liked to players.After these two games, we just felt that repetition will not be enough, because we simply will not be able to beat these games. That is why we have come to the concept of the game in the spirit of the episodes, three characters. "

Episodes from Liberty City demonstrated that flow of events from different points of view has its advantages.When you, as Johnny Klebitts, drive through Alderney on choppers, carrying all the emotional baggage of his motorcycle club, the Liberty City thus dramatically transformed when you go toparty as Luis Lopez, or to build the American identity as an immigrant Niko Bellic. The city, which is the true protagonist of any game Grand Theft Auto, there is much more alive than the three of the thousands of stories that have taken place within its borders.

When Rockstar began to discuss the issue of the introduction of three playable protagonists in the Grand Theft Auto V, which will inevitably lead to changes in the game design, the idea is graduallyIt has evolved from a simple differentiation between the characters to the progress of the episodes.Why change character every 5 mission, if you can constantly switch between them? It is hard to implement, but Rockstar decided that opportunities are worth it.On the one hand, it will create a more diverse style of the main character and relate the behavior of specific characters.In terms of gameplay, if the characters live far away from each other, then the players will be able to learn more about the world outside the missions and Rockstar could eliminate blind spots during missions, allowing the player to switch between different perspectives at the touch of a button.

"It's very difficult because first you have tried to keep in mind a story, and now you have three of them" - said Hauser."It's definitely causing difficulty and challenge us, but I think that the advantages of a very simple and stupid level in that it allows us to tell a more complex story more interestingmeans. The same can be said about game design, as well as about the history of design, so you do not have to force the protagonist to pass through every situation and get some information.On the other hand, it will allow you to play as the protagonist, and for the antagonist.We believe that to create a strong and interesting secondary characters, maybe a little less colorful than in previous games, because those people with whom you are fighting and arguing - is your other main characters. "

Three friends Ocean

For the first time we meet with the three heroes Grand Theft Auto V thanks to the demo that showed the developers. Rockstar first showed Michael - it was his voice we heard in the first trailer of the game.Michael - a former bank robber, who - thanks to the rather unusual deal with the FBI - is a much more lavish lifestyle than most people passing on the witness protection program.At the beginning of the demo, he is resting near the pool in the affluent area of ​​Rockford Hills (Beverly Hills in reality). Not far away, we can see his private tennis court, and if you look at the smoky horizon, you can see the cityscape of Los Santos.

In fact, Michael's life is not as comfortable as it seems at first glance.Wife empties its cash reserves until auditioned for a role in «The Real Housewives of Orange County», and he has not the slightest idea of ​​how to communicate with their children.When the hero comes to his luxurious mansion, we meet with his teenage daughter Tracy, who loud noise while playing a game ala Just Dance.

"It's called exercise - you should try" - the daughter of his father said lightly.

It clearly follows the example of Michael's wife, Amanda. We cross with her when she goes to the front door to go shopping.When Amanda goes out, then shouted: "If you want to know where I am, then you should check your bill by credit card!" She jumps into his sports car Sentinel XS, and Michael shouted after his wife: "Hey, I feel that I was lucky today! I will check the hospital! ". These two look like a hybrid couple Soprano and Huxtable.

No car, so Michael takes the bike out of the garage. During the trip down the street for the first time we are able to look at the neighbors.Thanks to well-groomed lawn, irrigation system, the hills and expensive cars, in comparison with which cars from the passenger compartment Grotti in Liberty City seem buckets with nuts, Rockstar once again accurately recreates the atmosphere of the region.

The contrast between the world of Michael, and his old friend Trevor struck to the depths.When an employee is Rockstar menu to quickly switch between the characters, the camera flies by a wealthy area, goes up in the style of Google Earth, before moving to the oldtrailer, standing in the desert region. When we are introduced to Trevor, he valiantly struggles with constipation, sitting on the toilet and yelling: "In this case I need c ***** I'm a midwife!".

We spend very little time with Trevor, but his manic personality manages to impress.He jumps into a huge truck Bodhi, reminding Jeep Wrangler JK, and sent down the road.Blaine County - barren and endangered region, which is inhabited by bikers, the producers of methamphetamine and other Man About Town life, living on the margins of society (reminiscent of the area around the SaltonSea). Trevor goes down the street, stopped in the parking lot and begins to stick between the people in front - Rockstar shows it to demonstrate the behavior of people in various situations. People from disadvantaged areas behave differently than soccer moms in the chic boutiques.

Time to wreak havoc and destruction.Managing Trevor employee Rockstar casually takes a can of gasoline, passes it along the wall of the building, pouring from all sides parked truck and removed, leaving a track of petrol.After admiring the quality of reflections in a puddle of gasoline, he throws a Zippo lighter and takes a step back, in order to admire the result of the work done.Flames covered truck: first light tires, then the body and finally reaching the gas cylinder explosion occurs. Another typical day psycho-addict ...

When we move to the third hero, Franklin, that he just rides along the beach Vespucci (in reality, Venice Beach) in a wheelbarrow, which he must give to his boss.On the coastline full of life, there is even a gym in the open air. Meanwhile, Franklin finds its target: 9F, GTA-equivalent Audi R8.When he gets into the car, the first drift on the spot, before you leave. Heading into the center of Los Santos, we see a few familiar shops including Ammu-Nation.After a break in the Grand Theft Auto IV - say thanks to strict laws about possession of weapons in Liberty City - is very pleased to see the return of the beloved store weapons.

These briefings dating only slightly disclose the identity of each character, but because of this, it is easy to see the potential of this approach to the story.Michael, Trevor and Franklin not simply interchangeable dolls. Each of them has its own character, motivation and skills.When you do not control them, they go about their business, and you may wonder what they do when they return to them. The player can freely switch between the characters at any time outside the missions.

"It is the contrast between the three different kinds of experience, geography and atmosphere of all that is really important, and I think it gives the game a unique feel when you watch the lives of people andsee what they do "- said Hauser. "During the narration, you will receive information about the character before they get it, because you will know that others know a hero when you play for them."

Living the life of robbers

What unites these disparate characters? The love of the almighty dollar. Each character has a story arch, but in Grand Theft Auto V There are several complex and multilayered thefts in the spirit of the popular missions "Three Leaf Clover'Of Grand Theft Auto IV.

"We really wanted to make the theft of the main theme of the game - and we will demonstrate it later - they are not based on the missions of GTA IVBut from previous games, players know they "- said Hauser. "People love to rob banks, especially if they feel that all planned out.We were never sure misrepresented that worked well a robbery, and so we decided, "Let's properly constructed story and mission design for the jobs that will be built on a series of robberies."It was a huge work- try to create a game for most of the other games that we have created in the past. "

In addition to the large-scale theft, Rockstar has also established a mission involving various combinations of the protagonists.

"We want to participate in missions that one, two, three character" - said Hauser."This ensures variety in how perceived high rate of action, but it will vary - depending on how many people are involved in the job, and how much time we switch between them to see the difference."

In order to demonstrate how switching technology is implemented in missions Rockstar I run the script, which involved just three characters.

Switch between characters

When we meet with the team, Trevor and Mike had met, but have not decided on further plans. FBI firmly holding the balls, and to get rid of them, the trio must fulfill the mission for the Bureau.

They meet on the helipad, which should take civilian helicopter provided to fulfill the mission of the FBI.While Michael is raised, Trevor comes into argument with the security agent guarding the helicopter because he is doing nothing with his earpiece, while others "zashibayut loot and glue heifers."When Michael tries to reassure his friend, lunatic, Trevor continues to scream, like a kooky character Dennis Hopper.He agreed to this mission because it will be able to thanks to organize the escape of his friend Brad. When he starts repeating it, Michael replies, "We'll talk later about Brad." It looks like they have a different opinion on this matter.

Apparently - this is the first acquaintance with Trevor Franklin, because after the verbal diarrhea psychopath, whose goal was Michael parenting skills, the latter tells Franklin thatnormally it would be nice if he sits alone. Franklin did not object, so the mission continues to evolve the way it was intended. Michael wears a suit climbers to descend on the skyscraper, and Franklin Trevor climb into the helicopter.

When they reach the headquarters of the IAA (GTA-analogue of the CIA), Franklin already sitting with a sniper rifle in a nearby building, ready to immediately respond when things go wrong.Trevor remains in the helicopter, while the player takes control of Michael, who comes down the skyscrapers.Mechanics descent resembles a Rainbow Six Vegas; the player has full control over the camera and the shutter speed. While Michael goes down, we can see what people are doing in the middle of the office working day.
Note also that music enhances the tension - the first time in the series GTA.Michael finds his goal just in time: the lady conducting the interrogation, the prisoner threatened to rape 18-inch flashlight Maglite - without lubrication.When you start a skirmish and interrogated begin using your fingers to press weighty torch, Michael moved to a position where it should "set the camera, and not seeing."

Before everything gets out of control, Michael breaks the glass and captures the goal of keeping one hand, and the other of firing the gun. And this is where the player icon appears switch character.

At this point, you can stay in the shoes of Michael, trying to fend off the agents, while their distance Franklin shoots, but the player using the radial menu selects Franklin.After pressing the switch occurs instantly, allowing you to find yourself in front of the building - with a sniper rifle at the ready. Transition is smooth, with a perspective that helps to instantly adapt to the new role. Playing for Franklin, the player shoots agents.

After Trevor Michael picks up and the hostage, the helicopter rushes into the sky above the center of Los Santos.During the chase, the player has three options:fly far away, driving Trevor, try to shoot the rest of the pilots, playing for Franklin, or cover the rear of the fire with an assault rifle by Michael. Knocking a few birds, the crew returned to the helicopter pad FBI, and the mission ends.

Due to this short demo clearly shows those gameplay opportunities offered by switching between the three perspectives.Switch to the character at the right time helps eliminate sagging moments during the mission, so that the player is always in the center of events.Switch between characters to perform different tasks allows developers to create even more spectacular robbery - just imagine: you hack a safe, and then switch to another character, guarding the door, which is just about to open fire on the police.

"We had the same problems with the design, as well as at all of the games - at a certain level of the game you become a person responsible for the mechanics" - says Hauser."When you play only one character, which means that you should always be at the wheel when driving is fun to shoot when it's fun to fly when it's fun,parachute when it's fun.This can lead to absurdities - spend a lot of time climbing stairs, or switch from one moment to another, which may be a little far-fetched.(Thanks to several characters) We can leave it in the past and cut a lot of transient moments, fully concentrating on the action. "

Risk worth taking

Since Rockstar for this technology - a major change in the structure of game design since the days of Grand Theft Auto III, it will be difficult to implement.The ability to instantly switch to the other player has a detrimental effect on the engine, so Rockstar is still in the optimization.Working on this, the developers have also found in the missions moments in which switching between the characters make them more spectacular and cinematic, using experience, tested in Max Payne 3.

In conjunction with the flexibility of the narrative, which provided several characters in Rockstar are convinced that they have created the basis for the most innovative games ever created.

"We began to realize that this is our strongest game, consider how intertwined characters" - says Hauser."When you follow the story of Michael, as you follow the story of Trevor from a different angle, and their intersections look very exciting.I think that the work on the project was time-consuming, given our inexperience and lack of skills, but we have done everything possible to give everything to the full, and we think that, because of this weWe concentrated the experience that could not be collected in a situation where you always have to control the hero at any time. "

For such successful series as Grand Theft Auto, Any major changes - it is a huge risk. Fans expecting an improved version GTA IV in the setting of the San Andreas, will get a lot more. Time will tell whether the fans Rockstar adopt a new structure with three heroes, but given what we have seen, the developers have a good chance to pick a franchise-and the whole genre of open world games - to a new level. The changes are not easy, but if a creative risk Rockstar justify himself, a reward for Take-Two and fans GTA It is simply huge.