Grand Theft Auto has captured the heart of many console gangsters since its original top-down release way back in 1998, the ability to totally disregard the law in almost every way possible seems to appeal to every generation of gamer in countries around the world. The series has come a long way, now offering fully mapped virtual cities, civilians that live their own lives, and enough guns and ammo to take a small country to war.

Arguably the most successful GTA title was San Andreas, offering depths of customization and interaction never before seen in the franchise, the game even spawned a highly successful online player mod, SAMP. Since then the series still remains popular but has never quite gripped gamers since GTA:SA was released. Grand Theft Auto 4, by most accounts, was a great game but it was linear when compared to San Andreas and left many gamers confused as to why they removed so many of the features that made SA as good as it was.

Official details on the next installment were practically non existent until the start of November when Rockstar released the first teaser video for Grand Theft Auto V. The internet exploded with gamers demanding more information. Was this going to be another linear GTA title or would Rockstar push the boundaries and give fans exactly what they're after? The video itself doesn't really give to much away, it seems to be a brief introduction to some of the characters and features but there wasn't enough footage to confirm anything ground breaking. If you are from Los Angeles you will instantly notice they really nailed the feel for the from Skid Row to Venice Beach. There has been a number of leaks that have released more information that has gamers everywhere biting their nails with anticipation. Below is a list on some of the leaked information so far.

The World Is Alive
One thing that many people felt was wrong with GTA:IV was the lack of civilian activities. There was no shortage of cannon fodder walking the streets but for the most part they lacked purpose and the only really interesting thing they did was buy a hot dog. In GTA:V players can expect NPC's to truly live out their own lives in realistic fashion. While exploring the woods players can expect to see civilian campers, hikers in various places, teenagers getting drunk by a campfire and even stunts on dirt bikes. Closer to the cities players will see NPC's flirting with each-other, being chased by cops, working out at the gym and even moving house. Waking up and leaving your home to see NPC's washing their cars, filling up their trunks and going on a camping trip is sure to create immersion unlike any of the predecessors. Animals have also been confirmed but it is not yet known if you can barbecue a cow with a flame thrower or attach a grenade to a kitty cat, throw it in a passing convertible and then walk away. Anyway...

Customization Returns
One of the biggest gripes with GTA:IV was the lack of customization compared to San Andreas, this prompted many gamers to express their concerns, in posts usually full of insults to Rockstar but they still had a valid point and it appears Rockstar were listening. Car customization returns in all its glory, players can mod cars out to their hearts content adding body parts and decals, you can also learn to repair your own car to avoid having to find a pay n spray. Another confirmed feature is the use of a real-time fuel gauge, players will have to keep their car gased up if they don't want to find themselves stranded at the side of the road. Although not really customization related another awesome feature confirmed is the use of fuel tracks. Players are able to puncture the gas tank on a car, which then leaves a trail of gas on the road, a smart shot with a gun can then ignite the trail, which obviously results in a rather large explosion and a lot of panicking passers-by. Character customization has also returned, much like San Andreas players will be able to choose from a huge selection of clothes and head to the gym to buff out their character. It is unknown whether you can choose to stuff yourself fat with Cluckin' Bell burgers but we would expect to see that if the gym system is back. If they really want to make it authentic adding a Popeyes or a Roscoes Chicken & Waffles would do it.

Los Santos
The main city is Los Santos and it has been said that the city is at least 4 times the size of Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto: IV. A magazine leaked that a journey from the center of town to the wilderness via car took them over 15 minutes to get there. It was also mentioned that the surrounding areas are far more alive than previous titles, farms were full of activity with farmers and workers, oil rigs could house as many as 100 working NPC's and every single location seemed to have NPC's performing some kind of job or task, instead of just aimlessly walking around in the middle of nowhere.

Bonus Content
Another reoccurring complaint with GTA:IV was the lack of extra content or bonus missions. Sure you could take your friends bowling or for a game of darts but when compared to growing your own business in San Andreas, it felt lackluster and a bit of an afterthought. They've done away with the likes of darts and bowling and have introduced a far more exciting array of extra activities. Players can play basketball, go ab-sailing, rock climbing or base jumping and even enter a triathlon. They have said there is more to come but this is already a far more exciting alternative to going for a date at a burger bar.

Is that It?
There are tons of other little leaks around the internet that give us the impression Grand Theft Auto: V is setting up to to be the best in the series so far. New shooting mechanics have said to totally revive the game, offering prone and crouching positions, various objects to hide behind, a large selection of guns that can be made at home, the option to use civilians as human shields, an extensive improvement to the law enforcement A.I and more. One thing is for sure, Rockstar have listened to the complaints of their fans and have said that GTA:V is their most ambitious project to date. So what do you think of the details leaked so far? Are you excited? Are you hoping they announce something in particular? Leave a comment and we'll do our best to give you any fresh information as soon as it hits the presses.

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