Rockstar has discussed Grand Theft Auto 5 detailing both the customisation and combat elements of the game to GameInformer following the release earlier today of the first gameplay trailer.
Associate technical director and game designer Phil Hooker said Rockstar has put "A massive amount of work," into features such as animation systems, targeting and camerawork.
"We wanted shooting to feel more precise and satisfying while supporting multiple styles of play," he added.
Hooker went to detail concerning the changes made to combat commenting, "The controls have been expanded, so now in addition to traditional left trigger 'down the sights' aiming, you can also both run and shoot comfortably while only using the right trigger."
He says this gives players the benefit of maintaining third person view while also allowing for a more immediate feel during shootouts.
Rockstar has also overhauled how players move in Grand Theft Auto 5, "If you fire your weapon, or become engaged in a fight, your character's bearing changes and your default speed switches from a casual walk to a combay jog, giving you improved mobility as well as a greater sense of urgency. If there's no threat or you haven't been firing, you'll revert back to a relaxed state.
"Each character's personality is also reflected in the way they move and handle weapons, whether it's Trevor's aggressiveness, Franklin's swagger, or Michael's efficiency."
Customisation is to play a big part in Grand Theft Auto 5 Hooker said in a separate Q&A, "you can indeed customise your weapons. The player has access to a wide range of modifications, such as extended clips, grips, weapon tints, flashlights, scopes, and suppressors. Attachments such as suppressors allow the player to adapt their approach to some missons and take a stealth option. It's all part of broadening the range of tactical options for the player."
He adds that the decision to bring back car customisation is "Definitely" a nod to San Andreas adding, "but rather than it simply being an additional option for players to experiment with, we wanted to expand it and integrate it more deeply into the game so that it would seamlessly slot in with everything else that the player can do in the world.
"Some missions ask you to customise vehicles in certain ways, and we have taken vehicle customisation in general a lot further than we did in San Andreas."
Hooker adds that Pay & Spray shops have been replaced by LS Customs which are "located throughout the world and they're a one-stop shop for any car customisation. You will be able to take in your car or bike, speak to the mehanic, and customise them."
Grand Theft Auto 5 releases September 17th for PS3 and Xbox 360.
