Rockstar is in the final days before the titanic launch of one of the most popular franchises in modern gaming. Here are a few thoughts on the "extended look."
1. Hardline
After finishing the half-hour preview, my first thought went to Battlefield Hardline (2015), a game of which I revisit more than others in my library. I remember it made GTA V feel more like a cartoon at the time. Looking back at clips, it certainly still does. I also got Cyberpunk vibes at the opening of the preview. Nothing wrong with that, of course.
2. Tired
My first experience with GTA was GTA 2 on the Sega Dreamcast, probably around the year 2000. While later on in life I played Vice City, my next GTA was San Andreas on the Xbox, then IV and V in order.
Looking at VI, it seems like it retains the DNA of SA, IV, and V with Red Dead 2 light mechanics. I'm sure it'll be enjoyable, but I've played this game many times before. I suspect they know that as well, at least for the 30+ year-old demographic. We'll see how it goes for the younger players who have been living off GTA V Online for a decade.
3. Environment
Just like my critique of how Black Flag Resynced didn't feel like the West Indies like the original game did, VI doesn't "feel" like Miami or the beach. I suspect some of that is the fact that it is really the southern part of Florida that the game takes place, but even with that allowance: I want blazing sun whiteout middays, wispy sunsets, and neon nights. Right now, it still feels far too much like Los Santos.
Conclusion
GTA VI is guaranteed to break records, but for players who measure a world by its atmosphere and identity rather than just its polygon count, the jury is still out. Here's hoping the final release brings a little more Florida heat and a lot less Los Santos déjà vu.