Things I Miss

Overall, I think Grand Theft Auto V is a great game.  I haven't quite finished story mode, but I have had a blast playing as all three of the main characters.  GTA V took the formula from previous games and greatly improved upon it.  There are a few things from previous games I miss.

I am probably weird, but I always enjoyed the missions where you would receive a list of unique cars to steal.  First you had to locate them and then you had to steal them and get them back to some central location.  You were paid based on the condition of the vehicle so you had to be careful.  There was something really satisfying about completing those lists.

One feature that also seems to have disappeared in this new game is dating.  Sure, Michael is supposed to be married but his marriage is obviously a disaster.  Why can't Franklin and Trevor play the field and meet some lovely Los Santos ladies?  I guess dating was something Rockstar felt we could all do without.

Hanging out with your contacts also has become optional.  In GTA IV your friends would occasionally call you up with a request to participate in some sort of fun activity.  If they liked you enough they would offer you some sort of special perk like getting rid of two stars on a wanted level or providing free cab rides.  In GTA V hanging out is optional.  I tried it once and ended up playing as Franklin and hanging out with Lamar at some weird foreign film.

Besides all the things I miss there is one feature I can live without--strippers.  Last night I decided I should check out the local strip club to see what had changed from previous games.  Now, as you watch the pole dancers you can choose to give them a small tip or "make it rain."  Each stripper has a "like" bar that rises as you lavish her with cash and flirtations.  If you're feeling bold you can pay a stripper $40 to get a private dance--a topless private dance.  Once inside the private room there is a sort of mini-game where players are challenged to flirt with and touch the dancer in order to make the "like" bar rise.  You can't get caught touching the dancer or the bouncer will throw you out.

Even though I hate the strip club, I had to check it out.  It's sort of like a car accident...you don't want to look, but you kinda do.  Thanks Rockstar for taking something kind of gross and turning it into something really gross.  My characters will be avoiding the strip clubs from now on.