Video Game News: Rockstar Releases First ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Trailer

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CHICAGO – It has been over three years since the release of “Grand Theft Auto IV,” and fans of the very popular video game series finally have something to look forward to. Rockstar Games released the first trailer of “Grand Theft Auto V” on their website this morning, giving a vague look at the possible characters, setting, and storyline of the newest GTA game.

The trailer for the game begins with the narration “why did I move here? I guess it was the weather.” The trailer continues with images that look to be a copy of landmarks in Los Angeles; palm trees, beaches, golf courses, hills, and buildings like the U.S. Bank Tower and Two California Plaza. Also, the Hollywood sign (maybe the most recognized LA symbol) in the trailer has been changed to ‘Vinewood,’ a GTA location seen before that represented Hollywood. These images seem to say that the new game will take place in Los Santos, a Los Angeles type town in the state of San Andreas.

As far as the story, no name for the title character is given and we can only assume that the narrator is in fact the lead. Either way, there appears to be the storyline of a man that moved to Southern California with his family and bought a big house, planning to retire. However, after the narrator says “Well, you know how it goes,” gunman get out of a van and enter a building front, cops chase cars down busy streets, and helicopters and policeman tail running criminals down alleyways. It is GTA. What would it be without a little crime?

The only other rumor that may be true as seen in the trailer is the idea that the game will be strongly influenced by recession. The narrator’s comments about buying a big house may imply he becomes a criminal or gets back into the crime game to help pay for his new, lavish lifestyle. Also, the trailer features several shots of the homeless, scenes under bridges filled with tents, and one character hammering a “For Sale” sign in the front yard of a home.

No release date has been given for “GTA V” yet, but fans can take solace in knowing that the game is definitely in production and they can wear out the replay button every minute and twenty-four seconds when they watch the first trailer, which can be seen here:

By TIM MARTENS Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com tim@hollywoodchicago.com