Rockstar must be feeling fairly pleased about reaction to that Grand Theft Auto 5 trailer, first aired way back in November 2011. Since then, the internet has spawned approximately five gazillion "things you need to know" pieces, eleventeen trillion hazy analyst quotes as to GTA 5's release date, at least one "GTA 5 review" (Google it) and enough info-leaks to drain the Atlantic. All this from a minute and a half's worth of footage which doesn't even get round to naming the main character. There's hype, and then there's Grand Theft Auto.
There are disadvantages to keeping your cards close to your chest, however - other, similarly-styled or structured games may step into the void, like enormous cuckoos carpet-bombing GTA's empty nest. Here are four upcoming games Rockstar should keep an eye on.
1. Sleeping Dogs
Once upon a time, the notion of United Front's Hong Kong yakuza 'em up making serious in-roads on Rockstar's turf was laughable. Back in 2008, the then-known True Crime: Hong Kong was simply the third of three watery GTA also-rans, vainly attempting to distinguish itself by way of a Far Eastern setting. Reborn on Square Enix's watch, the game looks a lot more compelling. Melee combat - never Rockstar's strong point - is a blend of Arkham Asylum's 360 degree prowess and Ong-Bak-inspired bone-crunching. The cars are viciously sleek, and the open world diversions are glamorously sleazy: cock-fighting, gambling and strip-club karaoke. The tale of undercover cop Wei Shen is supported by a solid RPG backbone - commit crimes for Triad XP, which unlocks new combat moves, or prevent them for Police XP, which unlocks new equipment and vehicles.
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4 comments so far...
Bezza89 on 21 Jun '12 said:
Sleeping dogs and Watch dogs are the sly under dogs
that could equal the quality and sell well, but the lack of SDs marketing makes me think it wont do very well.
Most wanted - really? If gtav came out this oct - increasingly unlikely, MW will die a horrible death. Saints Row 4 is an expansion pack being converted into a full game... and I've heard a lot of people talk of how they are tiring of the joke. Good piece though, wouldn't mind seeing a bit more Sleeping Dogs, some Dragons Dogma style videos would be welcome come the time
Pretty please!
Clanger67 on 21 Jun '12 said:
Gta V will sell like hot cakes regardless of what else is around at the time.Not knowing for certain if GTA is gonna be this year or not shouldn't think it will have trouble from Watch dogs,can't see that being until well into next year.SD looks alright and the vids. i have seen it looks to have a bit more to it than GTA IV did,don't think it will be as polished or as slick but i am definitley gonna pre order it.If nothing else it will do until GTA V does come out if it comes out at the same time could see SD dying a horrible death.
bamozzy on 22 Jun '12 said:
Do you honestly think GTA5 is worried about ANY of these games??
The closest game to GTA5 would probably be Saints Row but that has gone Puerile and the joke has worn very thin! Sleeping Dogs, Need for Speed and Watch Dogs are completely different games although they may share 1-2 similarities. I think the only game that GTA5 can worry about is Watch Dogs BUT I don't think it will detract any sales away from it. If they are released at a similar time then only in terms of game time spent but I am certain thatif you own GTA5 you will still spend hours playing it! - If you want a GTA like game you will buy GTA simple as.
MrDaRkAsSaSsIn6 on 22 Jun '12 said:
GTA V has absolutely nothing to worry about.