It may not seem like a big deal at first, but just a change in perspective can make all the difference in GTA V‘s on foot free roaming. Open world games like Grand Theft Auto really do have that sense that sure, you can cause chaos, or you can even just go for a walk. After all, these games are based on real world locations as well. With the addition of first person in the next gen release of GTA V, you really do feel a different sense than in third person. Read on for The first thing really is that in most cases you don’t need to use your cellphone camera to zoom in on signs or such now. You already are at ground level and can walk right up to buildings and read the clear, usually high resolution signs. When you’re just wandering around, it can be a joy to get out of your car and just stroll down the street. Going from storefront to storefront and just seeing what the little details have to offer.
You’re more focused on playing the role in first person mode. This feels different when interacting with characters too, since you get the sense of playing Skyrim instead of really playing a GTA game. You see a lot more of the characters expressions when they’re talking to you. Instead of just moving your character around on screen, you’re wandering about and looking around. It creates an interesting dynamic.
I found combat to be incredibly interesting and direct in first person mode. Even the intro felt a lot more intense as you ran for cover behind police vehicles while taking direct aim at your targets. I think those are truly the most memorable moments. The breaths between rising from cover and blasting away feel really different. You’re crouched behind a detailed car, looking at it’s interior as you try to see the newly arriving police. It’s a different experience, and if you’re a returning player, I’d recommend using first person mode for on foot scenes.
Driving however was difficult for me. Others may have an easier time, but thankfully there is an option to set independent camera views for different situations. I’ll need to confirm where the option is but I think it’s the first under either controls or display in the settings menus. Mind you driving in third person did feel even better in the games new lighting mechanics, so that was cool regardless. I just couldn’t get used to first person driving in game. That and the mirrors on the car are blurry, so they’re not of much use. As a 3D artist myself, I get that three individual mirrors displaying everything behind you could be a rendering nightmare, but it will be interesting to see how this looks on the highest end PC’s next year, or perhaps with mods.
Lastly, motion is neat in first person. It’s not a static view. The game really feels like a GoPro strapped to the characters heads rather than a more basic first person experience. What I mean by that is climbing, punching, or even being hit by a car is depicted in first person. The game does not cut out to third person if you get run over. So you’ll tumble and see the ground and sky spinning with your characters motions until you end up laying on your back or what not, staring upward. It keeps that sense of realism that even at times can be disorienting but fun. I dropped from a store front that must have been at least two stories higher or more. The experience was locked to the characters animation, so the tumbling view was included in that too. It isn’t just a straight drop, it’s more like the display from a VR helmet. It’s quite cool.
Is first person a game changer? If you’re going to play a lot in free roam and take in the world from this new perspective, then yes. It’s worth retaking the trip. What I’d like to see more of is locations to explore. While it is only day two after the games release and we don’t know what could be locked away within this next gen GTAV, I am hoping for some goodies. The casino is still inaccessible, as is the mall. I checked both in single player. North Yankton in higher res would be a great place to explore too. Really in the original release, it really captured my imagination and made me want to see what else I could find there then. I was disappointed to hear the glitch to access it was removed from the last gen version, but optimistic that it may be added officially later. Here’s to hoping that is something that does happen.
