Editor’s Note: Nearing the end of our twenty-five most anticipated games of 2012, we now have for you number four. After culminating a comprehensive list of the confirmed games for next year, the MediaKick team voted on the games they are most looking forward to for next year, and after processing the results through a methodical algorithm we’re here to bring you the results. Taking a closer look at both what we know so far and why the team are excited for each game, we’ll have an article at midday everyday until Christmas – when we’ll reveal our most anticipated game of 2012. Be sure to check out the previous games so far if you haven’t already – #25, #24, #23, #22, #21, #20, #19, #18, #17, #16, #15, #14, #13, #12,
#11, #10. #9, #8, #7, #6, #5.

“Why did I move here… I guess it was the weather.” This was the first line of the Grand Theft Auto V trailer that launched on November 2, 2011. One week previously Rockstar took the wind out of Battlefield 3’s sails by announcing that just a week later they would be showcasing the first trailer for their latest game. It wasn’t just the shock of this announcement that sent shockwaves through the gaming world, after all, you’d be stupid to think there wouldn’t be more coming out of the studio. But it was the sheer ‘ballseyness’ of how it was done. In your face, brash and tenement to what was to come. Would anyone expect anything less from a game that has featured throughout popular culture and has been almost solely blamed for much of the ‘a videogame made me do it’ world we live in today? So what makes it top people’s lists of games for 2012? Could it be because it is one of the biggest video game franchises of all time, or possibly because it’s enormously engrossing and fun? All of the above? Read on to find out why.

Grand Theft Auto V is a continuation of the opinion splitting Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, set in the fictional world of Los Santos (modelled on Los Angeles, California). The trailer released back in November, although only a minute or so long hinted at a world filled with vibrancy, character, wit and charm. It was fully grounded in a realistic world, populated with realistic people and ideals. With each iteration this series grows and matures and with this release it would seem Rockstar have painted this game with more polish than you can shake a stick at. I could watch this trailer over and over again if only to spot things missed previously. A comedic titled construction company, the possible customisations, the scope and breadth of the world they have created; Rockstar know how to tease, how to tantalise and this trailer was exactly that in full effect.

Although no gameplay was present, the subsequent information we have seen has certainly whet our appetite. Rockstar have noted this is to be “the largest and the most ambitious game Rockstar has yet created”, and that is a massive statement when looking at their previous releases. This series has recreated the genre with each release and this shows no sign of stopping with quotes from the team behind it saying “a bold new direction in open-world freedom, storytelling, mission-based gameplay and online multiplayer.”

MediaKick writer Harry had this to say, “It goes without saying that I should be looking forward to this: Rockstar have an incredible knack for producing consistently high-quality and superbly presented games, and the Grand Theft Auto series is not only no exception, but without question, deserving of being the one the studio is most known for. Vice City and San Andreas are still two of the best videogames out there, and GTA IV showed that Rockstar have plenty more to give with the franchise; GTA V’s announcement trailer further proved this. We should always expect the best from Rockstar, because they are always capable of delivering it.”

What really has me excited for GTA V is the early premise. This is a world grounded in reality with real world troubles, recessions, crime all bundled into a glossy American dream. The pursuit of the almighty dollar has always been prevalent in GTA titles, yet never has this truly been conveyed so poignantly than in this announcement trailer. The setup was so gorgeously done that I could feel a cool breeze across my face from the Pacific Ocean. The lush scenery, from the golden sands of the coast to the heights of the Yosemite-esque mountain ranges, to the fast cars and bustling community, everything in the trailer screamed at me to play. This utopian style dream presented early in the trailer was contradicted by the eerie, deep voice over narrating the trials and tribulations of a past life and an eagerness to pursue the easy life. This painted a very rich and engrossed story that seems set in the real world troubles of the place we live in, the idea of pursuing the American dream in such circumstances couldn’t have more excited. And Davs, Editor of MediaKick, couldn’t agree more: “I love and enjoy the GTA games for the story of the rags-to-riches morally confused criminal and the slick gameplay each outing brings.”

In previous years hype has always played a massive part in the Grand Theft Auto machine. Rockstar’s ability to heighten interest in its title is unmatchable, and the same can be said once more for GTA V. The trailer may have answered a few questions, mainly where would it be set (both in location and year) but it left so many unanswered, that you can’t help but speculate? Who’s the guy in the suit, we know now that it isn’t Ray Liottas character from Vice City, Tommy Vercetti, so who is he and what is his MO? Is that CJ we see running from the police chopper? Where is CJ now, he was last seen with copious amounts of money in the San Andreas universe, so it’s possible he could now be down on his luck, this would also tie nicely into the recession era (hinted by the houses for sale in the trailer).

MediaKick writer Phillip sits in the same camp: “Ahhh GTA, what a strange and different beast you have become since the insane PlayStation 2 classics, but you are still a beast nonetheless. GTA IV’s colossal success has shown that although the series has matured a bit, throw some likeable characters into a good story, a beautiful open world and some off-beat pop culture and you have a hit on your hands. Rockstar being the masters of this, it’s safe to assume that GTA V will follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. We’ve seen the trailer; we’ve had our interests piqued, so let’s hope that the surely monumental title will love up to our expectations.”

The trailer certainly left an impression, with Liam saying, “The announcement trailer really teases the prospect of a new San Andreas sized GTA, and that ladies and germs is a good thing. If they stay true to the new driving mechanics – I personally loved it in GTA IV – and cram it with the same level of detail, activity and top-notch story lines, then GTA V may turn out to be the only game you need to play next year.”

Here at MediaKick we are all excited. Although a release window has yet to be confirmed, it is strongly rumoured for a release towards the end of 2012. Regardless Grand Theft Auto will once more sell all kinds of copies into the masses and probably surpass all previous outings.

Ryan agrees, “Everyone’s played GTA. Everyone. I’ve been playing since its top-down days on the PSone and, with the exception of the core IV experience, it has kept improving upon the last title. That said, I loved the 80s setting of Vice City and playing as a Liotta voiced Tommy Verceti. It is my favourite GTA game with San Andreas coming in a close second and while GTA V may not be set in the 80′s, I hope that it combines the best of both, with the graphical prowess of IV and a more entertaining multiplayer. No matter what my opinions are about GTA IV, V is a definite buy. That’s the power of Grand Theft Auto and Rockstar.”

With that in mind, no matter what can be said about the trailer, its creators, its ups or even its downs, Grand Theft Auto V is a behemoth waiting to be played by anyone within arm’s reach of a console. If this isn’t on your pre-order list for 2012, I’d open up a new browser tab and go look at Gardening World, because you don’t belong here.