Rockstar Games has offered a substantial look at Grand Theft Auto 6, detailing 69 new gameplay elements gleaned from a hands-on demonstration at Rockstar North. The upcoming title, set in a reimagined Vice City, will feature dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, whose relationship and individual choices will significantly impact the narrative and gameplay.
Dynamic Protagonists and Relationships
Players can switch between Jason and Lucia at any time in the open world, with the ability to summon the other character for assistance with activities or simply to socialize. This interaction extends to in-car moments, where players can swap seats or have one character drive while the other shoots during high-speed pursuits. Ignoring texts or calls from the partner could negatively affect their relationship, which can be nurtured through various co-op activities, including robberies, shopping, and exercising together. While a romantic relationship is an option players can pursue by spending time together outside of missions, it is not mandatory and does not offer specific gameplay benefits, serving primarily as a roleplaying choice.
A Living, Breathing Vice City
The reimagined Vice City is described as a sprawling, detailed open world with distinct districts populated by a diverse range of NPCs, featuring greater variation in body shape and height than previous Rockstar titles. Exploration is encouraged, with random events and emergent activities occurring organically. A new taxi app, 'Ryde Me,' facilitates fast travel, and conversations can be held with fellow passengers. The in-game phone, now an interactive item rather than a HUD element, features apps like Snapmatic, though players cannot post photos due to the protagonists being on the run. Activities abound, from mini-golf and kayaking to visiting the zoo and scuba diving. The zoo feature includes an animal study system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, and dogs can be interacted with. NPCs can be conversed with using an evolved system from Red Dead Redemption 2, with options to greet, taunt, defuse, or provoke. Eavesdropping on conversations is possible but may lead to confrontation if detected.
Evolved Police and Wanted System
Grand Theft Auto 6 reinstates the six-star Wanted Level system, offering intense chase scenarios. Crimes must be witnessed by NPCs or trigger alarms to initiate a Wanted Level, with dispatched officers receiving specific information about the incident. The 'hot area' may remain marked on the map post-escape. Police can now learn about the player's appearance and clothing, requiring significant changes like a new outfit, not just accessories, to evade detection. Masks can prevent appearance descriptions if used during crimes. Vehicles are also tracked, making switching cars a viable escape tactic. If a couple is reported, Jason and Lucia can split up to divert police attention, with communication via text once safe. Hollow wanted stars indicate the police lack identifying information, allowing for potential escape if the area is left without drawing attention. Incapacitating enemies as an alternative to killing is possible by aiming for limbs or disarming them, with cinematic camera angles showcasing impressive moments. A Criminal Profile system, akin to Red Dead Redemption 2's honor system, tracks player behavior, influencing NPC reactions and potentially the story, though crimes committed during missions or forced aggression do not impact this profile.
Economy and Criminal Enterprise
Money is intended to play a more significant role in Grand Theft Auto 6, with players sometimes needing to accumulate capital to progress the main story. Income can be generated through boosting and selling cars, holding up businesses, robbing stores, and executing bank heists. Robberies can be undertaken solo or as a duo, with cooperative jobs contributing to the protagonists' relationship. The approach to robberies involves a trade-off between speed and profit, with explosives potentially damaging loot, while a slower, more thorough search risks law enforcement intervention. Stolen goods must be sold to fences, who also provide information, such as police impound codes for vehicles. Stealing cars involves a tier system and requires specific tools, with more valuable models being more challenging to access. The WAINK phone app can scan vehicles to reveal their worth, security status, and tracker presence. Carjacking is still possible, but delivering stolen vehicles undamaged is crucial, made more difficult by denser traffic and narrower streets. Advanced trackers on some vehicles can alert police if driven too slowly, forcing players to increase speed or abandon the car.
Narrative and Player Choice
The story of Grand Theft Auto 6 is designed with both major and minor choices that can lead to significant consequences and encourage repeat playthroughs. Rockstar aims to connect open-world actions with the protagonists' identities and narratives, blurring the lines between open-world and main mission activities. Missions themselves offer gameplay choices, including multiple escape routes and the ability to choose between driving or shooting roles. Lucia's ankle tag is a narrative element that helps bring the protagonists together. The game will feature Rockstar's signature satire and comedy, avoiding overly topical issues or memes to maintain timelessness in its dialogue and themes.