Grand Theft Auto V comes with a heavy weight of expectations. Not only is it said to be the most expensive game ever made, but it is also the first new GTA in five years or thereabouts. Since GTA III burst into the 3D world, the series has built up a loyal following.

So it's a good thing that GTA V is a worthy addition to the series. From the moment you crash into the snow, armed to the teeth and shooting your way through police roadblocks, GTA is back with a bang.

Set in Los Santos, the game is is every bit as warped as you remember. There are three characters to choose from, each flawed and battling their own demons. Former bank robber Michael is thrown together once more with his ex-partner Trevor, now a psycho meth head, and repo man Franklin as they delve into the criminal underworld.

GTA V brings the series into the 21st century. From the men's back stories – Michael's daughter yearns to be a reality TV star, for example – to the ubiquitous social network LifeInvader, GTA V pokes fun at everything we appear to hold dear. The previous phone interface for picking up missions has become a smartphone, and you can buy properties and businesses online. However, the basic premise remains: get a mission, complete it, move on to the next.

The missions themselves follow the same format, forcing you to drive to your objective, complete it, then return to pick up the next mission. It’s not just cars: you could take control of a helicopter or small aircraft, or even be forced into base-jumping. Whatever it is, you can be guaranteed you won’t get a moment to relax when you’re in the middle of the action.

As expected, the game has more than its share of dark moments, with torture and misogyny rearing their heads at various times.

But the scope of the open world of GTA is what makes it so addictive. You can drive around listening to the radio and taking in the sights while considering your next move. It has that pull that keeps you playing just five minutes longer every time. A worthy addition to GTA history.