V's storyline isn't as bad as people say: its misunderstood

October 1, 2014

And Niko never bitched about anything? It seemed that bitching was Nikos favorite pastime.

October 2, 2014

Yeah he did b*tch sometimes, but only when he was feeling low, and that was not all the time. Niko was just a negative and cynical guy, don't always get that confused with b*tching.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Official General

October 2, 2014

Oh man. Michael and Trevor reminded me of an old married couple with Franklin trying to play peace maker. it's one of the reasons I don't really like like the second half of the story

October 2, 2014

Oh man. Michael and Trevor reminded me of an old married couple with Franklin trying to play peace maker. it's one of the reasons I don't really like like the second half of the story

@ SOL

Yeah it got tired and old real quick. But the problem was, it went on for the second half of the story, and that got really annoying, especially hearing it come from Trevor. It soon got to the point where I just did not give a f*ck about the relationship between Michael and Trevor, I found myself wanting to cover my ears whenever those two spoke to each other.

That, along with the FIB/IAA/Merryweather plot cemented my disdain and dislike of V's story.

October 2, 2014

yeah me too

by far worst part of the story is M and T always bitching after Bury The Hatchet

I mean, wow.... basically the end of The Big One is totally ruined by their whining... the scene at M's house (Subtle) is so badly done, so awkward... the argument feels so fake and forced

or the way Lester gives up so easily at the start of Ending C... and F barely even knows the names of the antagonists...

even the start of Lamar Down can't get away from their bitching

there are a couple good scenes after Bury The Hatchet... when M and T meet at the end of The Wrap Up, that's a pretty great scene. the very last scene of Ending C is good too (though the whole capitalist analogies are very weird and make no sense at all... sometimes I feel like a totally different guy wrote some of these cutscenes that was not even involved with the first 75% of the game)

and the scenes during The Big One when you're inside the UD (Subtle) are awesome... especially the facial animations... some of the best I've seen in any video game, the subtle movements and sounds that M and T make inside the UD... same with when you plan the heist, when M says 'what an asshole'... the face animation showing his subtle movements in his eyes and cheeks are so well done.

but these are isolated examples of very good acting.

the core writing in general after Bury The Hatchet is mostly ruined by so much bitching

which sucks because when M and T were during Exile, it's probably one of the best acted and animated chapters in any video game

and it goes downhill soooo hard after that

Edited October 2, 2014 by S1N0D3UTSCHT3K

October 2, 2014

Yeah it got tired and old real quick.

Gotta say gents, I am loving the irony.

What does this remind me of, I wonder? Another "b*tchfest" going on, what, over a year later now?

Thanks for this. You've made my day.

October 2, 2014

Yeah it got tired and old real quick.

Gotta say gents, I am loving the irony.

What does this remind me of, I wonder? Another "b*tchfest" going on, what, over a year later now?

Thanks for this. You've made my day.

Your welcome Jimmy boy Jimbatron.

Even though I have no idea what you what irony you are getting at, frankly I couldn't give a sh*t either.

October 2, 2014

I'm playing through taking my sweet time with the story. I've played through most of the GTA's stories multiple times. Some times a second playthrough is needed to form a strong opinion.

I'm going to focus briefly on rewards and the multiple character system and why V is flawed in both departments.

V's story is lacklustre. Firstly, I think it's mostly because of the player feels even more detached from the characters.. You never sense the feeling of going through a huge journey like you did with Niko Belic or Carl Johnson. You're jumping from character to character... you get rewards too soon.. (the house from Lester) and then again, you're someone's bitch and they take your cash never letting you feel you actually achieved anything for most of the game.. This happened in IV too. You set up shop and then a quarter the way through the story, you must start from scratch again.. Family missions are f*cking down right boring... I don't care.. .maybe it's because I don't have my own family and the Housers probably do and they can relate to that.. but this family man aspect was boring... constant depressing, bickering, cheating, annoying brat kids. .. Yoga... Yoga!? Constant bickering between Trevor and Michael.... urgh... so tiresome.

Multiple characters is a noble idea...and they pulled the actual character changing off. But it doesn't quite work... For me.. as a gamer (i'm not sure the Housers actually play games.. I get that feeling), multiple characters is a great idea but they should be something that's a reward at story completion and/or for use of side missions, burglaries, gang recruitment simply for monumental missions such as heists. It shouldn't be the main thing throughout the main story. Trying to cover everyone's story from all angles at the same time is too much. It's like the jack of all trades. Focus on one character... make his story excellent. If they want to use multiple characters again, bring them in briefly.. one mission here or there.... But starting off with a guy that all ready has the big house, nice car, money in the bank is crap.

Some things, I'd do if I were Rockstar when it comes to characters and rewards.

Focus on a main character

Make sure character is poor with f*ck-all weapons, cash.

Reward the player for difficult and time-consuming missions.

Reward the player with unique rewards for difficult side-missions (Driving school, purple Hotrod anyone?)

Focus on reward-pacing and optional rewards (I have saved enough cash as I never blew it at the casino...think I'll buy that nice house I was looking at for the last two months with the sweet 2 car garage and the helipad!... now I might save for that unique helicopter or get all gold in the flying school to get that unique helicopter) - I didn't get anything for getting all gold!? What was the point? Personal satisfaction!?!?

Gambling, purchases, real sense of being able to spend and lose cash easily - option to go in to debt - option to borrow money from bank to pay back monthly. Every month you must have 'X' amount in your account otherwise, house/cars can get repossessed - offers a sense of danger and a need to earn cash!!!

Reward and rags to riches. Gamers love to feel like they earned some special rewards in a game. Safehouses in San Andreas were like a reward a player could give themselves which made the game so rewarding!

Use the map as a journey like SA. LS to Badlands to San Fierro to desert to Las Venturas and back to Los Santos for the conclusion.

Everyone likes a success story.. especially when the gamer is in control and you feel attached to the person you are playing as and they are rewarded. Remember getting the mansion and the $50,000 in Vice City?! Such a great feeling. Why didn't that feel good in V? Oh yeah.. .you were handed everything on a plate. You all ready had a mansion (Michael).

Rockstar should focus on the psychology of the relationship of between the gamer and the game/story, rather than seemingly pushing a story on the gameplay and then the story/gameplay pushed on gamer.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Mister Pink

October 2, 2014

He literally said it in his post lol.

You seriously don't know what he's talking about?

October 2, 2014

Well, there's plenty of debate going on regarding the story. Nice reading all the interesting inputs.

From the gameplay perspective, I've enjoyed the VC, III, and SA story, a lot, and also the gameplay, which I can't think of anything remotely as fun, not even V. I always easily liked the game, that blends the story elements, in a way, that I'd like to go back and play more often than not, but that's just me!

I'm sure people have enjoyed V story, but to me, it's a completely forgettable trip.

Even NG/PC won't change this fact, that story was/is a failure.

Game over.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Osho

October 2, 2014

And I feel bad for Rockstar because you know they were trying to please us and do something that moves on from IV but unfortunately they seem to be really hit and miss with HD-era.

October 2, 2014

^ even though I disagree with a lot of the criticism V gets I don't feel bad for R*. You simply can't please everyone whatever you do, but the record breaking sales figures must be more than a consolation.

October 2, 2014

I've never really thought about the story in a game, i just kinda get on with it, if the characters are good the story doesn't have to be oscar winning. I still see games like i did when i was playing streets of rage as a child, when fun was more important. I could just be easily pleased.

October 2, 2014

Its good, but nothing special.

Countless times it could have gone down an interesting and dark route but instead ignored it completely and carried on down the FIB route.

The heists and prep missions were really enjoyable and the whole Mike and Trevor thing was interesting but they could/should have been two separate stories IMO. Maybe they meet during a heist organised by moLester or something I dont know.

Good story, could have been better, could have been worse.

October 2, 2014

It feels like Trevor changes personality when he goes to LS.

He starts as a crazy psycho who doesn't give a sh*t about anything but taking over Blaine County and ends as a crazy psycho bitching machine who kind of forgets what was his main goal some weeks ago.

I still like T, he is one of my favourite protags, and I like the story still, but this really pisses me off.

October 2, 2014

@ Mister Pink

Totally spot on with your main post

I agree with everything you have said. You have the same views as me. I mean look, I respect Rockstar for trying to be different and fresh with ideas by bringing in someone like Michael with that family stuff, but it just did not work for me in V, at least going by the way it done. In the end, I just think the game could have done without it and focused on something better. In my personal view, a GTA protagonist's family shouldn't be featured in the game too much; they are career criminals, they are cold-blooded killers and psychos, we should not really need to see the caring, family-nature side anyway. And what you said about Franklin, I've said before soooo many times. I really don't get why Rockstar made him get financially comfortable so quick in the game - the rest of the game made his drive for more riches and money feel very low to the player. He's given a mansion and he has half a million the bank before halfway through the game. And playing as Michael further killed the spirit and drive of pursuing riches, since he's already rich and lives in a plush mansion. As for Trevor he did not really care for riches like the other two as evidenced by his existence, even after he was getting big money. These inconsistencies really hurt and ruined the pacing of an already boring and uninteresting story. Why not at first make Franklin really struggle for a long time before he makes big money ? Put Franklin out on the streets with Lamar and co, make him a real money-hungry thug always low on cash - out on the block selling crack trying so hard make a profit, gang wars over petty drug disputes, doing store hold-ups, breaking into mansions, stealing cars and other gritty strong-arm for quick cash until he meets Michael to plan big scores. Have Michael rich at the start, but he quickly loses his mansion and gets into big debt and finds himself at a very low point - he needs to start doing big scores again to get his nice life back. Trevor, well he can do what the f*ck ever, as long it's relating to making money, not mindless stupidity and nastiness. Maybe have Trevor trying rebuild his life, clean up his drug addiction, get out of his trailer and live well again from a big score. So much better ideas abound, and Rockstar decide to give us this corny-ass 'family guy' parody and that government agent bullsh*t.

@ Zodape

Wow, you changed your tune about Trevor. Not so long ago, you claimed he was the best GTA protagonist ever.

October 2, 2014

Gotta say gents, I am loving the irony.

What does this remind me of, I wonder? Another "b*tchfest" going on, what, over a year later now?

Thanks for this. You've made my day.

Your welcome Jimmy boy Jimbatron.

Even though I have no idea what you what irony you are getting at, frankly I couldn't give a sh*t either.

Allow me to elaborate.

Trevor spends a lot of the last part of the story "b*tching" about how Michael let him down. Some people said this element was something they didn't like about the plot. What I found ironic is over a year after the games release, we effectively have the same people b*tching about how R* let them down over a plot where one of the protagonists b*tches about another too much for their taste.

To be honest I have more sympathy for Trevor's situation. Let's face it, they guy was left in the lurch by the person he regarded as his best friend. Fictional though that is, I think most people in that context would be more than a little upset. Some people are still complaining they were let down by just a video game, over a year after it's release. However, from their perspective, Trevor protests too loudly. Hence the irony.

October 2, 2014

A lot of criminal's have families and it is something R never touched on. I have no kids or wife myself but my family is pressuring me to marry and settle down so that part of the story was interesting to me. I like how they showed Michael trying to balance being a husband and father with being a criminal. His story is much deeper than people realize. A lot of crime movies depict gangsters having families so what is so wrong with a GTA doing it?

October 2, 2014

I hope we get something good in the story dlc if it ever comes out. I hope we get a little more character development and they will most likely have to make Ending C canon.

October 2, 2014

Gotta say gents, I am loving the irony.

What does this remind me of, I wonder? Another "b*tchfest" going on, what, over a year later now?

Thanks for this. You've made my day.

Your welcome Jimmy boy Jimbatron.

Even though I have no idea what you what irony you are getting at, frankly I couldn't give a sh*t either.

Allow me to elaborate.

Trevor spends a lot of the last part of the story "b*tching" about how Michael let him down. Some people said this element was something they didn't like about the plot. What I found ironic is over a year after the games release, we effectively have the same people b*tching about how R* let them down over a plot where one of the protagonists b*tches about another too much for their taste.

To be honest I have more sympathy for Trevor's situation. Let's face it, they guy was left in the lurch by the person he regarded as his best friend. Fictional though that is, I think most people in that context would be more than a little upset. Some people are still complaining they were let down by just a video game, over a year after it's release. However, from their perspective, Trevor protests too loudly. Hence the irony.

No disrespect, but I'm not really interested in the irony of some us GTA fans that you say were b*tchin' about how Rockstar let us down over V for the past year. I wouldn't personally class it as b*tching, I would refer to it as customers making legitimate complaints about a product they were very hyped for and very disappointed by. We're not under-privileged pupils in f*cking school that should be automatically happy and so grateful for whatever goodies and candy has been handed out to us. We are the fans and customers, it's natural for us to moan and complain if we're not happy with a product we have bought from a company whose products we normal have very high regard for. The feeling of disappointment is much heavier in such a scenario because you expect much better, so yeah the complaints get more stronger and prolonged over time. Anyway, my concern is video game characters, not real people. Thanks for sharing, but hey people b*tch it happens, whatever.

You can make those 'ironic' connections to Trevor all you want. I don't really see how it's constructive or relevant to the fact we think V's story is weak and why Trevor and Michael's b*tching at each other was one of the factors for this. Like I said we're not talking about fan's bitchiness, we are talking about video game characters.

Edited October 3, 2014 by Official General

October 3, 2014

Nothing wrong with it bro. I just don't think Rockstar did a great job of it and I've already explained why. Like I said personally, in a crime game like GTA, I'd rather not see too much of a family side of the protagonist, especially for a guy whose life is mired in so much negative extremes of human life.

October 3, 2014

I suggest playing through Again but DONT focus on the missions, look for things to do between missions. The landscape evolves..i.e. New things appear...see what u notice each mission level?.... Iv played thru 5 times (5th time 100%). Have you seen the 'new' lightning effects at 100%? Hmm...

Crime game? I suppose? But i often describe this to my mrs as a real life simulator....

October 3, 2014

You know, a part of me hopes GTA VI also has multiple protagonists because I really like how it made the story have more scope because you had 3 separate competing interests.

In fact, I would go as far to say that having just 1 protagonist in a GTA game would be like having 1 protagonist in a Final Fantasy.... it's just much more interesting to have a story where you really see it from the POV of multiple people. And when I say FF, I mean more like a FF VI or XII where there are clearly multiple main playable protagonists.

I'm not against 1 protagonist... it does do some things better. You become more immersed and attached to 1 character... you feel more like you ARE the character. You would never ever see that in Elder Scrolls Skyrim for example. But I personally loved it... in fact, I wish GTA VI had even 4-5 main protagonists... maybe it could focus more on 1... but I like that I can choose which protagonist is my favorite and getting a chance to build multiple characters, stories, stocks, garages, etc.... Imagine

Rest of what you said I wouldn't argue with haha... I agree with some, like M and T bitching... some I agree with but I felt was OK or even good... the main other thing I thought was interesting was you saying Franklin getting a house too soon... I dunno, I thought the pacing of that was perfect. it was already at least 10-15 hours into the game for me, you had already done a heist worth a few hundred thousand dollars for Michael... I dunno I thought it was pretty awesome. One of my favorite moments in the game, especially because it happened while M and T were busy bitching. It seemed like a well received moment, I remember a lot of people think it was a super cool surprise and felt very rewarding/satisfying back at release in impression topics.

Everything is a good point though! I'm not arguing or saying you're wrong! just discussing cuz I feel a bit different haha

Edited October 3, 2014 by S1N0D3UTSCHT3K

October 3, 2014

Your welcome Jimmy boy Jimbatron.

Even though I have no idea what you what irony you are getting at, frankly I couldn't give a sh*t either.

Allow me to elaborate.

Trevor spends a lot of the last part of the story "b*tching" about how Michael let him down. Some people said this element was something they didn't like about the plot. What I found ironic is over a year after the games release, we effectively have the same people b*tching about how R* let them down over a plot where one of the protagonists b*tches about another too much for their taste.

To be honest I have more sympathy for Trevor's situation. Let's face it, they guy was left in the lurch by the person he regarded as his best friend. Fictional though that is, I think most people in that context would be more than a little upset. Some people are still complaining they were let down by just a video game, over a year after it's release. However, from their perspective, Trevor protests too loudly. Hence the irony.

No disrespect, but I'm not really interested in the irony of some us GTA fans that you say were b*tchin' about how Rockstar let us down over V for the past year. I wouldn't personally class it as b*tching, I would refer to it as customers making legitimate complaints about a product they were very hyped for and very disappointed by. We're not under-privileged pupils in f*cking school that should be automatically happy and so grateful for whatever goodies and candy has been handed out to us. We are the fans and customers, it's natural for us to moan and complain if we're not happy with a product we have bought from a company whose products we normal have very high regard for. The feeling of disappointment is much heavier in such a scenario because you expect much better, so yeah the complaints get more stronger and prolonged over time. Anyway, my concern is video game characters, not real people. Thanks for sharing, but hey people b*tch it happens, whatever.

You can make those 'ironic' connections to Trevor all you want. I don't really see how it's constructive or relevant to the fact we think V's story is weak and why Trevor and Michael's b*tching at each other was one of the factors for this. Like I said we're not talking about fan's bitchiness, we are talking about video game characters.

If it was the odd comment here and there, I would agree. For your finely worded statement here (which is the calmest and measured sounding I've seen you write by a country mile - probably because you've got zero room for maneuver on this one), you know that's a long way from the truth. It's continual, it's harshly worded, and as said, it's been going on for over a year. That would make it b*tching I think by anyone's standards who is neutral (not that we will find anyone on here) - or at least on the same level of complaining Trevor indulges in (which offends said individuals).

I can see why you'd be keen to try take people's motives for taking their positions off the table. I have a feeling if we start delving a bit more down into why people would still be complaining so vehemently about V's plot a year after release, their positions will start to look a bit shaky (I can totally understand why those who were disappointed would air their views for the first few months or so - but for some people it appears a permanent hobby). However in the interests of not making things sound personal I'm happy not to go there - unless someone else forces the issue.

October 3, 2014

Your welcome Jimmy boy Jimbatron.

Even though I have no idea what you what irony you are getting at, frankly I couldn't give a sh*t either.

Allow me to elaborate.

Trevor spends a lot of the last part of the story "b*tching" about how Michael let him down. Some people said this element was something they didn't like about the plot. What I found ironic is over a year after the games release, we effectively have the same people b*tching about how R* let them down over a plot where one of the protagonists b*tches about another too much for their taste.

To be honest I have more sympathy for Trevor's situation. Let's face it, they guy was left in the lurch by the person he regarded as his best friend. Fictional though that is, I think most people in that context would be more than a little upset. Some people are still complaining they were let down by just a video game, over a year after it's release. However, from their perspective, Trevor protests too loudly. Hence the irony.

No disrespect, but I'm not really interested in the irony of some us GTA fans that you say were b*tchin' about how Rockstar let us down over V for the past year. I wouldn't personally class it as b*tching, I would refer to it as customers making legitimate complaints about a product they were very hyped for and very disappointed by. We're not under-privileged pupils in f*cking school that should be automatically happy and so grateful for whatever goodies and candy has been handed out to us. We are the fans and customers, it's natural for us to moan and complain if we're not happy with a product we have bought from a company whose products we normal have very high regard for. The feeling of disappointment is much heavier in such a scenario because you expect much better, so yeah the complaints get more stronger and prolonged over time. Anyway, my concern is video game characters, not real people. Thanks for sharing, but hey people b*tch it happens, whatever.

You can make those 'ironic' connections to Trevor all you want. I don't really see how it's constructive or relevant to the fact we think V's story is weak and why Trevor and Michael's b*tching at each other was one of the factors for this. Like I said we're not talking about fan's bitchiness, we are talking about video game characters.

If it was the odd comment here and there, I would agree. For your finely worded statement here (which is the calmest and measured sounding I've seen you write by a country mile - probably because you've got zero room for maneuver on this one), you know that's a long way from the truth. It's continual, it's harshly worded, and as said, it's been going on for over a year. That would make it b*tching I think by anyone's standards who is neutral (not that we will find anyone on here) - or at least on the same level of complaining Trevor indulges in (which offends said individuals).

I can see why you'd be keen to try take people's motives for taking their positions off the table. I have a feeling if we start delving a bit more down into why people would still be complaining so vehemently about V's plot a year after release, their positions will start to look a bit shaky (I can totally understand why those who were disappointed would air their views for the first few months or so - but for some people it appears a permanent hobby). However in the interests of not making things sound personal I'm happy not to go there - unless someone else forces the issue.

Oh I'm so sorry, my bad - I never realized there was a time limit on when you could complain about a particular video game on a gaming website forum dedicated to it. Or do we have quota on the amount of times we can complain about it ? Which one is it bro ?

Ok, you don't like it and it really annoys a you. Here's the good news - nobody is forcing you to get involved in the discussion, better yet you can choose to discuss better things about the game with those who really like it. Somehow, yet you still always find yourself engaging in conflicting opinion with those who in your words "b*tch" about GTA V. Quite strange if you ask me, especially when you know you will never change their negative minds on how they feel about the game or their negative opinions if it.

October 3, 2014

Seriously, f*ck you. How dare you have the audacity to call me a racist when the man you claim gave a more believable argument agreed with me so much that he literally, to use his own words "Couldn't agree more".

f*ck you, f*ck your stupid biased opinions and f*ck your idiotic, absolutely nonsensical labeling.

October 3, 2014