Rockstar Games has offered an extensive glimpse into Grand Theft Auto VI with its latest extended look, revealing nearly 100 new details about the upcoming title. The showcase delved into refined gameplay systems, expanded world interactions, and deeper narrative insights, painting a clearer picture of what players can expect.
Gameplay Mechanics and Systems
The gameplay presented highlights a significant evolution from previous entries, drawing inspiration from Rockstar's own Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can now interact with animals in more nuanced ways, such as petting, scolding, or studying them. These actions appear to tie into a new "criminal profile" system, akin to Red Dead Redemption 2's Honor system, where player choices influence their in-game persona, indicated by visual cues like "angel" icons for positive actions.
Combat mechanics have also seen an overhaul. A new slow-motion ability, reminiscent of Red Dead's Dead Eye, allows for precise targeting of enemies. This system highlights efficient points on opponents, with red indicators for lethal targets and yellow for disarming opportunities. This "focus" ability aids in firefights, as demonstrated during a drug lab bust sequence where a character slammed an enemy through a wall, suggesting enhanced environmental destructibility.
Resource management and player progression appear more detailed. Characters can consume items from their inventory, such as chips to regain health or items to replenish specific gauges like stamina or the slow-motion ability. Reload animations are now context-aware, with unique animations for carrying items, such as Lucia reloading a shotgun one-handed while holding a bag. Melee combat has also been fleshed out, with Lucia shown utilizing boxing training for agile close-quarters engagements.
Small-scale robberies, like those at a waffle house or convenience store, are available for quick cash infusions. Witnessing these crimes may elicit different NPC reactions, with some civilians attempting to intervene. The user interface now displays monetary values with commas, and the game reintroduces a six-star wanted level system. This system includes detailed symbols indicating the level of information law enforcement possesses, such as CCTV sightings, suspect descriptions, and known vehicle details. Wanted stars can also change color from white to red, denoting different states of pursuit, or appear "hollow" when police are aware of a crime but not actively tracking the suspect.
Managing heat is also enhanced by mechanics like concealing weapons before robberies and the ability to change attire. A revamped item wheel allows for quick selection of masks and other customization options. Vehicle theft has been updated, with higher-end cars requiring a "key cloner" while older models can be jimmied with a slim jim, involving a quick-time event or the option to smash the window. Burning a getaway vehicle is also a presented option.
World and Activities
The world of Leonida, including a modern Vice City, is designed to be densely populated and reactive. The minimap features a 3D view with visible buildings, and player switching is noted as being significantly faster than in GTA V. Character portraits on the HUD include thematic emojis and a heart icon linking protagonists Jason and Lucia, hinting at their romantic bond. Players can also engage in cooperative actions like holding hands.
Numerous side activities have been showcased, including backyard wrestling, basketball, scuba diving with a visible oxygen meter, gym workouts, circuit racing with up to 16 cars, a dedicated gun training facility, and multi-class off-road races. Base jumping offers scenic views of Vice City, and street racing features cars with custom vinyls and underglow, evoking a Midnight Club aesthetic.
Numerous in-game brands and parodies are present, from the fictional TV network Megamundo to advertisements for products like the depression drug Angstipan and the massive "Prairie Sandwich" from Chacey's. References to past GTA titles are evident, such as a shirt for "Righteous Slaughter: Hood Ops," a sequel to the game featured in GTA V. Gang members sport chains for the "Sound4Sound" record label, and a Fleeca bank magnet appears on a fridge, referencing a GTA Online heist.
The game also features nods to previous titles through visual elements like a reversed image of the iconic bikini-clad woman from the original GTA: Vice City's cover art in Lucia's apartment. Sportswear brands like "Manatees" reference the Miami Dolphins, and fictional weapon manufacturers such as "Duke Arms Company," previously seen in Red Dead Online, are included. A console dashboard reveals a logo for "Space Monkey 3: Bananas Gone Bad," a game introduced in GTA Online.
Characters and Story
The narrative appears to heavily feature the relationship between protagonists Jason and Lucia. They are shown picking up drugs for a character named Boobie Ike, suggesting he is a quest giver. Other characters introduced include Brian and Lori Heder, drug smugglers with a history with Jason, and Raul Bautista, a bank robber who will likely participate in heists. Players may also take on bodyguard roles for figures like Andrés de León, a media personality targeted at a party.
Locations and Environment
Vice City and its surrounding areas in Leonida are rendered with significant detail. Locations like Vice Point, Ocean Beach, or Washington Beach are visible, as is a jetty for diving. The "Effluvia" rooftop bar offers striking city views. Starfish Island, a notable location from GTA: Vice City and the former home of Ricardo Diaz, makes an appearance, featuring sprawling mansions. Pun-based establishment names continue the series' tradition, with "Lickety Split" ice cream parlor spotted. A "Cortez" neon sign could reference Juan Cortez or his daughter Mercedes from GTA: Vice City. A large cruise ship is visible offshore, potentially hinting at new mission types.
Adult Humor and Vehicles
As is characteristic of the series, Grand Theft Auto VI includes adult-themed humor and parodies. Examples include "Palm & Flute" cleaning products, "Bugstars" pest control products, "Gruppe 6" security firm, a "Nine 1 Nine" nightclub advertisement, the "Jack of Hearts" strip club, a DVD for the movie "Edged," and a book titled "Two Pricks in the Bush." A scene also depicts a character engaging with VR content.
Vehicle variety is a key focus, with numerous models both familiar and new. Cars like the Bobcat and Rumpo are present, alongside updated versions of the Willard model. Leonida city tour buses, tow trucks, and various cars with detailed cabins, working pedals, and functional turn signals are showcased. The environment includes highway warning signs about turn signal usage. License plates, such as "Discover Gloriana" on Jason's Sentinel, hint at neighboring regions. Car chases feature dynamic events like tire shooting causing multiple rollovers. Various other modes of transport are available or hinted at, including mobility scooters, electric scooters, airboats for swamp traversal, jet skis, kayaks for navigating waterways, and the "Lure Predator" boat for fishing.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be extensive. The extended look featured numerous songs, including "Pop Bottles" by Birdman and Lil Wayne, "Let Your Love Flow" by The Bellamy Brothers, "Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard, "People Are People" by Depeche Mode, "Pound Town" by Sexyy Red and Tay Keith, "Skrilla" by Kodak Black, "Love Bites" by Def Leppard, "But I Think It's a Dream" by Captain & Tennille, "Cars and Girls" by Prefab Sprout, "Se Me Nota" by Chimbala x Omega, "Off the Grid" by !!! (Chk Chk Chk) and Meah Pace, "Mine O' Mine" by Aluna and Jayda G, and "Inner Light" by Elderbrook and Bob Moses. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the music of Phil Collins is also featured, with "Against All Odds" heard in an elevator, following his previous appearances in GTA titles and his in-game performance in GTA: Vice City Stories.