With the holiday season looming over shoppers and a slew of November releases for next gen consoles, gamers are frantically searching for the best bang for their buck.

With a shopping list including Far Cry 4, Little Big Planet 3, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed: Unity and Dragon Age Inquisition at $60 per game, the grand total adds up to a hefty sum.. Thankfully, Rockstar Studios has blessed us with a release that is worth the full price and more. Grand Theft Auto V was re-released on next gen consoles and this caused much skepticism. One question was on the minds of the players: was the sticker price really worth the same game?  Let’s break it down.

Gameplay: 10/10

Rockstar could have taken the easy way out and improved the graphics and added a few things here and there. Instead they took the game to new heights and added something that the series has never seen before, a first person experience. Although it may seem relatively similar, I can assure you that the game does not feel the same. Robbing a bank or sticking up a liquor store feels so much more immersive and it sometimes forces you to carry that guilt with you. The driving is more refined than ever, the smooth transition between the three main characters is shorter as loading times are faster, making the seamless switch between first- and third-person modes  near perfect. The only issue that stands out with the first-person mode is you sometimes feel detached from the roles you play.  Considering the fact that there is three different characters, it shows that character development was not a main concern in the development of the game.

Plot (Spoiler Free): 9/10

The story in GTA V is identical to last year’s release on current gen consoles so expect nothing new here. For newcomers to the latest installment, the game allows you to switch between three different characters: Michael, Trevor and Franklin. These three lunatics all come together at one point and do various jobs for high level mobsters and government agents. They each have different, rather selfish motives but you tend to empathize with them. You see each character’s downfall and are lucky enough to feel as if you’ve experienced it yourself. The satire included in the game’s dialogue is rather hilarious and well thought out. Its genius script provides a sarcastic approach towards American society today and takes little jabs at every stereotypical character you see in Hollywood.

Graphics: 10/10

With the release of next gen consoles last year, gamers expected quite a lot from a consumer standpoint in terms of graphics. GTA not only improved in terms of gameplay but the new visual overhaul was also impressive. In order to create a world that immerses the player into the fictional city of Los Santos, Rockstar needed to pay attention to detail and that’s exactly what they did. Even with minor adjustments such as wallpapers for your phone or more detailed bark on a tree, the visual changes are noticeable. Character models still tend to remain the same except for a few new facial expressions and features. Not only did Rockstar upgrade the visuals along with the console but the developers also added a depth of field feature. Backgrounds are blurred out in the distance and the foreground just pops out more when taking pictures or even during cutscenes.

Lasting Appeal: 10/10

One of the main issues gamers suffer from is the lack of content in a game. The campaign is completed in a matter of days or even a week and the game is shelved forever. Grand Theft Auto V takes that stereotype and buries it six feet under. The game’s story mode will keep you entertained and occupied for hours upon hours. And once you’ve completed the campaign, the single player mode is riddled with extra side missions and an entire city for you to explore. If you’re bored of playing alone, you can always hit the “Options” button and go online and wreak havoc in the massive playground known as Los Santos with some good friends. Overall, the game will last you an extremely long time.

The Verdict: 10/10

Overall, Grand Theft Auto V on next gen consoles is absolutely mind blowing. From the massive graphics overhaul to the immersive first-person mode, the game is a great installment in the series and worth every penny.