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

[Official General]

How is IV's story good? I just don't see it. It is incredibly dull and always takes side roads that leads away from the main story/objective.

It has no consistency. Niko doesn't like being people's bitch, but that's what he is throughout. I guess the subtext is that Niko in fact liked to be others bitch, their lapdog. Grow a f*cking backbone.

Without going into it too much, IV's story was indeed very good. It was very well written, paced, and structured. The theme was very interesting, and the protagonist and characters had so much substance and depth to them. IV really felt like a deep, engrossing gangster drama/action movie with it's own non-Hollywood unique identity. IV's story was very consistent indeed - it went perfectly with the theme it wanted to portray, which was the American Dream in the eyes of an immigrant, along with the fact that the reality of the Dream is often not always what it's cracked up to be. This was exactly what we saw through Niko's life experiences, his personal thoughts and expressions, playing his character. Unlike V, where the main theme was supposed to be about trying to get rich with "the pursuit of the almighty dollar" - V in the end was about mostly working for the Feds. As for being a b*tch ? Niko was nowhere near a b*tch for anyone, he was a freelance professional hitman and gangster for hire. Niko worked for whoever he felt like and whenever he felt like it, sometimes it was depended on how much money he was paid, other times it depended on his emotions and loyalties. At least Niko got paid for the sh*t he did. If anyone was a b*tch in GTA it was all 3 protagonists in V, they were doing all that sh*t for the Feds and they did not get paid for most of it. And in most cases they were held to ransom by the Feds and they felt they had to do it under duress. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor all errand boys and treated like b*tches by the Feds.

 

@ SonOfLosSantos

 

I don't mind FP for driving in GTA, I just don't think it's needed for the normal on foot mode. I respect your opinion however. As Masterfocker let him continue to fool himself into believing that not too many people think V's story is wack. With the numerous threads and comments from people on here who heavily criticise V's story would normally give you a snapshot indication that many people think little of it. Masterfocker apparently thinks this is nowhere near the case. Well, if it makes him feel better then all good.

 

@ Unpaid Rockstar PR official

 

If you cannot see that many people did not like V's story then you are in crazy denial and I cannot help you.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Official General

[HOW'S ANNIE?]

While I'm one to point out my disliking for the story in V whenever I can I can't put it down to the mood/vibe like all of you seem to be.

 

Let's compare Goodfellas and Pulp Fiction. Both are excellent movies but have entirely different tones. Goodfellas is a movie where you know right from the start everything's going to go up sh*t creek, and you watch as everything Henry Hill has got crumbles away until you get to the ending and you see he has nothing left. Now Pulp Fiction is the exact opposite, you have a bright, sunny city where you've got a number of characters who seem to have reasonably easy-going lives and just go through a stage where the world is against them and guess what? We end on a happy note.

 

And what makes these two movies as great as each other? It's the writing and the structure of the plot. The dialogue and acting in V was amazing (better written than IV even dare I say), but lost any type of structure not too long after Trevor got to LS. What I'm saying is that IV is Goodfellas and Pulp Fiction is what V should have been.

 

...

 

On another note I don't actually mind Steve Haines as an antagonist. Yeah sure he's no Billy Grey, but I would say that if he had been the one to try and f*ck with Michael's world after The Wrap Up instead of Devin, then everything would have been great. It just seems like everyone around here is just throwing the word "forgetable" on him all the time because they've seen Drunken Cowboy and SOL say it and just want to feel cool.

[rampage08]

The dialogue in V is indeed better than IV. I remembered being a bit surprised of how different it is from the previous games. The expressions helps too, there are more emotions.

 

But.... The tagline "the pursuit of the almighty dollar" wasn't really present in the story, i think that's the problem, i think it's a bit more about no matter how far you run, your past will eventually catch up on you.

Edited September 27, 2014 by rampage08

[Osho]

Imo, The tagline "the pursuit of the almighty dollar" was about GTA:O, quite simply. It had nothing much more to do with the story or either single-player.

I don't know, but to me, its not felt while playing the game, at all, except online, it's a major pain to what makes the pursuit of the almighty dollar much more relevant!

 

Good that Rockstar was so generous, and kind enough to provide cash cards to make it less painful.

[Jimbatron]

I agree the story isn't as bad as a lot of people make out. A lot of people don't enjoy it, but that's a different thing to it being badly written.

 

From what I've seen people write on here, there is fairly large section of the community who specifically don't like it from Mr Phillips on wards. The Trevor character caused a lot of issues for some existing fans, I think mostly for one or more of the following reasons:

1) He killed JK. So straight away, you've alienated the hardcore TLAD fans.

2) He occasionally wakes up in a dress.

3) He's not a rational sociopath in the Niko type mould, and a lot of people like to play a more professional character.

 

I see a lot of people saying the plot, and specifically Trevor's actions, are inconsistent, for example:

 

Think about the first time trevor goes to michael: you make a long, funny and quite charming trip to los santos (and great moment it was when you see the whole city in front of you), then you arrive at michael's house (and another great moment of silence and tension)...then 5 minutes later you crash a talent show and make fun of a guy with his pants down. THEN, after some times, you confront michael in a snowy cemetery (great setup), when trevor finds the body of his friend... nope, some chinese gang arrives and everything is delayed. THEN M and T points their gun to each other's face...but nope, franklin warns them to work togheter or they will be dead... THEN they cooperate and end of the game, "" I don't care about brad" "ok I forgive you". yeah, I know, there are two other endings, but they're not canon (come on, there are wallpapers that have the REAL ending print on it)

 

The reason for the apparent "inconsistency" is that Trevor is a neurotic mess. Michael was the only person who seemed to be able to exert some control and give him some stability in life. To then find out he was betrayed by that person was unbearable. So for the entire plot, Trevor lurches between wanted to kill Michael and go back to the old days of working on scores together.

 

I think Trevor's a great character, a really good go at creating someone who is genuinely emotionally unstable. However, a lot of people don't like playing as a character who is a neurotic mess. I certainly spend most of the game playing as Michael whenever the choice is given.

 

Personally, on the basis of the characters created and dialogue, it's on a par with IV for me. There are two critiques I do have of V's story:

 

1) It needs an antagonist that's better built up over time, like Dimitri Rascalov, who in IV you know is always in the shadows, looking for an opportunity to take Niko out. If you took out the incident with the Mercenaries been sent to Michael's house, you really wouldn't have primary antagonist at all. Steve Haines is an annoyance to the protagonists, but not much more. Martin Madrazo, Wei Cheng and Devon Weston all had potential, but not enough time to build them up.

2) I would have been better if it was a bit longer in my opinion - it would give you more time to address 1) in particular.

 

This doesn't make it dreadful though for me, not the way some people make out. Good luck trying to find a moderate opinion on an internet forum though. I also think after a few replays I appreciated the story more, finding out more hidden conversations, different cut scenes depending on which character you arrive at the mission marker with, different Heist crew etc.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Jimbatron

[TheGr8Cornholio]

My only gripe with GTA V's story is that is too short, or at least that's what I think. 70 (or so) main story missions fall a little bit short in comparison to previous GTA games, even though V's missions are a bit longer if you watch the whole cutscenes.

[Son of Zeus]

No. It isn't misunderstood. On the contrary, it's perfectly understood.

 

Everybody understood the Hollywood influence. Everybody understood R* failed attempt to deliver good social commentory. Everybody understood the lame satire. Everybody understood that 69 missions were less for 3 protags. Everybody understood R*'s desperate attempt to attract attention and keep player's interested. Everybody understood how poor the char development was. Everybody understood R* tried to make the story light-hearted after seeing reactions to IV's story.

 

The story was *your opinion here*.

[wiizardii]

I am putting in a poll.

[HaythamKenway]

"The pursuit of the almighty dollar" shouldn't be taken literally. Especially not gameplay-wise. While the pursuit of money still fits Franklin's character arc, the better tagline for the game overall would be "the pursuit of the happiness". Which isn't really too far off as money = happiness in the GTA world (and ours too). And pay attention to the word "almighty" in the sentence. All three protagonists take money as just means to the end. V is a game about American Greed, which is a key to the American Dream.

 

Franklin is in the pursuit of the almighty dollar, because he wants to prove himself, and to Tanisha, that he's better than all the other people he grew up with. He wants to be "the man who made it", with a mansion on the hill, newest sports cars in the garage and golden toilet seats. He thinks that life will make him happy. Again money is the key to it. Trevor is in it for the thrill. Money is merely a by-product of his actions. He wants to pull off scores with insane takes, make profitable drug deals and smuggle guns to Mexico for a good price, because he can, not because he wants to be rich. What he's really after is, again, happiness. He wants to bond with Michael again, revive their old merry band of robbers and ride off into the sunset. I don't think I need to say much about Michael. He showed what happens when you finish your pursuit of the almighty dollar and succeed. He too isn't after money itself anymore, but is trying to find something that would make him happy.

 

Actually, antagonists (Steve and Devin) were more of a literal pursuit of money than the protags. Steve had the whole government funding thing going on and Devin... well, Devin. But even with them it's a bit more complicated. Steve was after status too. He wanted to be called hero and be famous, while Devin wanted (and had) power.

 

In the end, you can't take press releases at a face value. I understand the anger, but I believe what we really got in the game itself is better than another tired "get rich or die trying" plot. For a game that is so superficial in its "satire" and cast, V's themes were surprisingly deep and well presented.

Edited September 27, 2014 by SFPD officer

[Osho]

My opinion on it.

"It SUCKS donkey balls, its a disgrace to storylines in any video games. Worst GTA storyline of all time"

Reason(s): Everything has been discussed in length. I'm sure someone would attempt at explaining this, already known by now, to many.

Though, my vote is based on my personal experience only!

[DaCosta]

You have to try and take the main content of the story, condense it into a two/three hour movie and imagine how you'd feel having paid to watch that.

 

I've seen many crime movies like Heat, the Godfather and Scarface - I have to say that I would be a satisfied customer but not overly thrilled if I watched (a hugely edited) GTA V as a movie. The themes are OK but get a bit stale. The characters aren't as relatable and lovable as they could be. An example: I wouldn't have cared if any of the main characters had died at the end. I didn't really feel any empathy to their situation or feel that they were any better than the villains or deserved anything better.

 

So, if you look at it from a "film" point of view, it's Good - but not amazing. In my opinion.

 

Great plots include Resident Evils, Last of Us and Arkham Asylum/City. I'd love to "watch" those as films. GTA V - a good time-filler.

 

/edit - Oh yes - and Red Dead Redemption. That would make a great film. *That* ending!

Edited September 27, 2014 by DaCosta

[autotheftgrand]

I agree with everyone that says it went downhill after Trevor came to Los Santos. I loved the beginning of the game, should of been longer though, Franklin needed more petty stuff to do with Lamar, so the breakthrough with Michael actually felt more rewarding. I really liked Michael's introduction, and I actually enjoy his family stuff. Trevor's first missions were some of my favourite, building his empire was so satisfying, only for it to mean nothing later on.

 

I was excited for Trevor and Michael's meeting, but that fell flat, and everything from then on was a clusterf*ck. There was simply not enough missions for all 3 characters, that's my main problem with the story.

 

I like each characters problems;

Michael with his family, the Feds and Trevor.

Franklin trying to make it big, with Lamar trying to drag him down.

Trevor with his TPE business, his relationship with Michael and his mental issues.

I just wish there was more missions for Trevor and Franklin, it all felt too centered on Michael. Franklin needed more missions with Lamar and the gang side of things. Trevor needed more missions with drugs and guns.

[hunk41]

Am i the only one who preferred the "other" endings ? It just felt more right to me.

[Algonquin Assassin]

I see a poll's been added. Well I voted for the "It's pretty okay, not something very or awesome" option as I think that's the fairest way of describing it. In other words it's average at best since it has its moments admittedly.

[thatstupidbug]

 

 

I see a lot of people saying the plot, and specifically Trevor's actions, are inconsistent, for example:

 

Think about the first time trevor goes to michael: you make a long, funny and quite charming trip to los santos (and great moment it was when you see the whole city in front of you), then you arrive at michael's house (and another great moment of silence and tension)...then 5 minutes later you crash a talent show and make fun of a guy with his pants down. THEN, after some times, you confront michael in a snowy cemetery (great setup), when trevor finds the body of his friend... nope, some chinese gang arrives and everything is delayed. THEN M and T points their gun to each other's face...but nope, franklin warns them to work togheter or they will be dead... THEN they cooperate and end of the game, "" I don't care about brad" "ok I forgive you". yeah, I know, there are two other endings, but they're not canon (come on, there are wallpapers that have the REAL ending print on it)

 

The reason for the apparent "inconsistency" is that Trevor is a neurotic mess. Michael was the only person who seemed to be able to exert some control and give him some stability in life. To then find out he was betrayed by that person was unbearable. So for the entire plot, Trevor lurches between wanted to kill Michael and go back to the old days of working on scores together.

 

I think Trevor's a great character, a really good go at creating someone who is genuinely emotionally unstable. However, a lot of people don't like playing as a character who is a neurotic mess. I certainly spend most of the game playing as Michael whenever the choice is given.

 

 

 

 

to tell the thruth that quote is mine, and I was talking about a plot that every times change its focus from one topic to another without getting to the point. But let's talk about Trevor : the inconsistency with him goes beyond what you said... I can accept the whole michael-trevor relationship and that Trevor is a "neurotic mess"...I can't stand the fact that everything is forgotten just as the credits rolls, The game, till the last mission, makes you know CLEARLY that, at that point, no one still trust Trevor. Even Franklin, while choosing option C, still thinks that Trevor is an unstable guy that can lead to more problems in the future. In the same mission Trevor tries to Kill michael (almost off-screen, we see just the last part of the fight before the ambush when they point guns to each other's face)...THEN, after the ending theme starts playing, everybody goes:

 

"Everything is awesome

Everything is cool when you're part of a team

Everything is awesome

When we're living our dream

Everything is better when we stick together

Side by side

You and I

Gonna win forever

Let's party forever"

( Dammit, Lego movie song)

ok, jokes aside, every doubt is resolved, and no one cares if Trevor can rage again (something EVERYONE was worried about just 20 minutes earlier)

Edited September 27, 2014 by thatstupidbug

[Geralt of Rivia]

If you cannot see that many people did not like V's story then you are in crazy denial and I cannot help you.

Yeah, I thought so

 

Am i the only one who preferred the "other" endings ? It just felt more right to me.

I preferred C, because it's obviously what's canon, and obviously wasn't the one that was just thrown in to have multiple endings.

[Staten]

Am i the only one who preferred the "other" endings ? It just felt more right to me.

My favourite endings are B and C. Ending A was too similar to B to really make an impression, but I'd put B and C at level pegging. Having chosen B first, it really helped me realise what was at stake, and made the victory in C all the more sweet.

[gta-man22]

For me the story was pretty good and easy to follow, except for Franklin story, it was ok until he got the big house.

[Algonquin Assassin]

Ending C was ok, but it still felt rushed and half assed IMO. It's like someone forgot all of these guys had to be silenced and remembered in the final few minutes before the script was completed.

 

I thought it stupid.

[universetwisters]

V's storyline was placed as a modern mainstream/ combined with stereotypical hollywood stuff

 

That's the main problem. It's a video game, not a Michael Bay Spielberg movie.

[REVENGE777]

Ending C was ok, but it still felt rushed and half assed IMO. It's like someone forgot all of these guys had to be silenced and remembered in the final few minutes before the script was completed.

 

I thought it stupid.

Exactly... If anything i would've wanted it broken up into their own different assassination missions... And they should've had the ambush a little more strategic and in a different location... Lamar played absolutely no role in the ending as he didn't even pick up a gun... And the "antagonists" weren't even well developed enemies... I only really cared to kill devin and steve because i thought they were assholes that were way passed due... The asian mafia guys werent even that big of a problem besides the fact that they kidnapped michael... And stretch? Didnt really have a reason to get stretched...

 

And speaking of the asian mafia, i wish franklin wouldve played a part in going to north yankton...

And how the hell did franklin save Michael just in the nic of time like that? It didnt make much sense... It just really threw me off... Reminded me of some true crime: streets of LA sh*t...

[Aby]

Voted that it sucks donkey balls. You would have to pay me to replay it again.

 

Replaying IV's much superior story for like the 8th time, because it's amazing.

 

"What are you wearing? No, I mean underneath hehe. Alright, I'll call you later."

 

"Who was that?"

 

"Never you mind."

 

"Was it Ivan?"

 

"That's funny. You know for a dumb yokel you're a very funny guy!"

 

"Heh yes, and for an annoying dick, you're a really annoying dick."

Edited September 27, 2014 by Biohazard Abyss!

[Niobium]

am i the only one who thought V's story went downhill when trevor gets introduced?

[universetwisters]

am i the only one who thought V's story went downhill when trevor gets introduced?

 

I'm right up with you. Everything post jewel store heist just flumped to the ground quicker than a miscarriage out the hospital window.

[DaCosta]

am i the only one who thought V's story went downhill when trevor gets introduced?

Read up. No you are not.

[Official General]

am i the only one who thought V's story went downhill when trevor gets introduced?

 

No, not at all. My opinion kinda similar to yours.

 

Well for me, the story went downhill for me once Trevor goes to Los Santos to find Michael. The moment the FIB got involved was also another point where the story began to go downhill, although at the time it did not feel like it would.

[Cyper]

You completely fail to demostrate any kind of arguments.

 

You start with the thesis that the story in GTA V is better than people tend to think because they have misunderstood it.

 

So far so good.

 

But then you proceed to state obvious facts, such as the fact that the story in GTA V is more stereotypical, aimed at the mainstream, less dark than GTA IV, as if these facts were to demostrate why the story is misunderstood, or why it is better than people generally think. These facts could hardly alone be a good criteria of what makes up a good story. Unless you have valid arguments, then be quiet.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Cyper

[Real_Badgirl]

I thought the story was okay. While it isn't terrible, it's nowhere near the best I've seen.

 

What I don't like is that after the 'Friends Reunited' mission, the game essentially becomes the Trevor show, with Michael arguing with him and Franklin becoming rather irrelevant to the plot. It seems to me that Trevor has more missions (including strangers and freaks) than Michael and Franklin. Like we'll start a mission as Michael or Franklin, but will end up playing as Trevor for most of it because the game forces us to.

 

Strangely, the FIB stuff didn't bother me that much. Being someone else's bitch is nothing new in GTA, and I knew I'd get to kill Steve and Devin at some point.

[wiizardii]

 

V's storyline was placed as a modern mainstream/ combined with stereotypical hollywood stuff

 

That's the main problem. It's a video game, not a Michael Bay Spielberg movie.

 

Speilberg movie are fine, Michael Bay movies suck.

 

 

[fefenc]

Brace yourselves, SonOfLiberty is coming