Err, one for the GTAs nerds who have hot every single pixel going into Rockstar’s next opus. A lunatic has dropped a wild thread comparing pre-release GTA 5 screenshots to leaked and officially-taken images of GTA 6 – the gulf; it must be like that between a flip phone and an actual hologram.
Alright, here’s the deal. A fervent fan truly has of course done the lord’s work by going full-on detective and scraping every single pre-release screenshot during the hype era of GTA 5, going to match them up with similar scenes from the GTA 6 leaks and trailers. And I bet the jaw droppers in the view-outside-serve-as-payback are worthy.
Lighting first! With the pre-release shots of GTA 5, I think it was good for its time, don’t get me wrong. But looking at the not-so-neon-lit city streets with dynamic weather in GTA 6, reflecting puddles that really do look like… well, puddles? Who would bear to say otherwise?
Then we have details. GTA 5 was densely packed. Of course! GTA 6? Every inch of Vice City (or wherever it’s set) is packed with life. NPCs do not just walk; they live. Storefronts have depth; alleyways look like a place you’d avoid at night; and the waters? Oh, boy, even water physics should get an award! Meanwhile, the GTA 5 pre-release oceans were like somebody just smeared blue paint on a canvas.
Not the character models. Franklin and Michael from GTA 5 might appear lowly clay casualties when faced with all the hyper-realistic, sweat-glittering, muscle-flexing modeling we’re seeing in GTA 6. And now, I must insist you forget about the hair: GTA 5 hair was just plastic wigs, but GTA 6 hair actually has a physics engine.
And then comes the real knockout: The scale. The map felt huge in GTA 5… until one starts realizing from the leaks that GTA 6 might have a world too huge to be worthy of just spending days on mere exploring. Next up are these next-gen console powers (and hopefully the PC version soon, cough Rockstar cough), drawing distances are crazy. Absolutely no, oh, foggy horizons-Give me unbroken chaotic viewing as far as my eyes can look.
Before syndicates start screaming, “BUT THESE ARE JUST SCREENSHOTS,” let’s go: We know. Tend to look better on the pre-release hype. But, to put things into perspective, the jump between GTA 5 and 6 is mind-boggling. And it’s just not about better graphics; we’re going to infarct now with immersion.
Another question, then, the verdict: If these comparisons mean anything at all, then GTA 6 is not just a sequel but a generational shift. And honestly… These lads are nowhere near ready. Rockstar is going to foray into a game where everything else would look like a PS2 classic.
Make sure you go through the full thread for your side-by-side view, if you want. Just… sit your butt down. Your nostalgia will need to take in a few moments.
