The Epic Return: How GTA 6 Could Harness the Power of San Andreas' Iconic Lost Feature

Highlights

Adding basketball, a minigame that hasn't appeared since San Andreas, could help Grand Theft Auto 6 maintain its quality and keep fans engaged.

Engaging minigames in Grand Theft Auto offer players extra content, enhancing replayability and adding depth to the player character.

Basketball, a distinctive feature of San Andreas, has the potential to be reintroduced in GTA 6 with enhanced gameplay mechanics, challenging AI opponents, and enticing rewards for players to indulge in.

Adding a minigame that hasn't been seen since San Andreas could greatly benefit Grand Theft Auto 6. It is crucial for sandbox games to continue expanding, while maintaining the same level of quality that fans expect. With the immense success of Grand Theft Auto 5, there is a great deal of pressure for Grand Theft Auto 6 to exceed expectations. Therefore, it would be wise for the developers to explore past aspects that are worth reintroducing into the game.

One of the key components of Grand Theft Auto is its extensive collection of minigames. These minigames offer players a plethora of activities to engage in between missions, ranging from bowling and golf to racing. This not only adds more content and replay value to the game, but also adds depth to the player character. Despite spending a significant amount of time engaging in intense battles, witnessing them unwind through activities like playing darts or pool can create a sense of familiarity and relatability for players.

Grand Theft Auto 6 Could Let Players Onto the Basketball Court

Rockstar surprised fans a decade ago when they announced the return of Grand Theft Auto 5 to Los Santos. However, not everything from San Andreas carried over to the next generation. It was expected that certain aspects of CJ's adventure would be unique to him, as they wouldn't fit with the goals and personalities of GTA 5's protagonists. One such unique activity in San Andreas was basketball, which could potentially make a comeback in GTA 6.

The basketball experience in San Andreas was not very extensive compared to other side missions in Grand Theft Auto. But in GTA 6, the player could have a wider range of skills to showcase on the court. They could perform flashy moves and dunks reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters. Additionally, GTA 6 could introduce a missing feature from San Andreas' basketball minigame, allowing players to compete against AI opponents and determine who dominates the court.

In San Andreas, playing basketball offered no rewards. However, in GTA 6, the game could make it worthwhile for players to spend time on the court. Similar to how achievements are unlocked in other GTA games, players could be rewarded for playing basketball in GTA 6. One suggestion is to have players earn new jerseys for their protagonists after winning games on different courts. Providing players with more outfit options is a good idea, and earning jerseys through basketball victories could serve as a fun way to justify it within the game's universe. This could make basketball a profitable pastime without creating an imbalance in rewards.

Although basketball has not been heavily featured in the Grand Theft Auto series, it has enough potential to make a comeback in the next game. While there are numerous features that could be reintroduced in GTA 6, basketball could find its place. The game has the potential to transform a simple minigame into something remarkable, offering a satisfying challenge along with rewards for excelling at it. Allowing players to explore Vice City's basketball culture could breathe life into the world of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is in development.