Vice City is, according to the first two trailers for GTA 6, one of the most important locations of the new game. MeinMMO editor Caro is looking forward to the big city, but especially to a smaller place that may seem more idyllic but can be really intense.
The state of Leonida will become the playground for many eager fans on November 19, 2016. Particularly Vice City, referred to by Rockstar itself as the “Sun and Fun Capital of America,” is especially intriguing due to the glamour, partying, and flair that is already unmistakably evident in the first two trailers.
I am also really excited about Vice City and the big city feel that is promised to us. However, since the announcement and the first insights provided by the trailers, I am particularly looking forward to another place that seems a bit more laid-back: the Leonida Keys.
The Leonida Keys are also seen in the trailer:
Leonida Keys look like a dream
The Leonida Keys, inspired by the real Florida Keys and Key West, look simply more than inviting. Tropical islands, turquoise-blue sea, and so many opportunities to just – even if that may sound unspectacular at first in a game – chill.
Besides the chill options, the Keys boast a variety of opportunities around the marina and generally the sea that surrounds the peninsula. You see lots of boats, yachts, jet skis, but also people diving, partying, or getting wasted in small bar shacks. The Keys have character, and I find that incredibly great in video game locations.
Yes, the aforementioned chilling will certainly find its time and space in the Leonida Keys. However, what makes the place really exciting is what happens behind the facade, and what this will ultimately mean for us players. Rockstar makes that clear even in advance:
The gateway to paradise:
The dress code is relaxed and the bars are more than well-stocked.
Life on this tropical peninsula may not be flashy, but it is relaxed. Treat yourself to a few beers and make yourself comfortable in your deck chair, but watch out – you are very close to some of the most beautiful and dangerous waters in all of America.
(Source: Rockstar)
Behind the idyll, things can get really dangerous
Three factors make the Leonida Keys particularly exciting for me. First, the Keys seem to be a kind of starter home base in GTA 6. Based on the mapping project, where fans recreated the map of GTA 6 after closely studying all the information, it is already clear: Jason’s home will be located in the Keys. This can also be seen in trailer 2.
Therefore, one can assume that the island will be a sort of “tutorial island.”
What makes it exciting secondly: Somehow, the major conflict needs to be initiated to get the story of GTA 6 rolling. Since Jason’s boss Brian already says things in the trailer like “They have your name, address – they have everything,” the Leonida Keys will no longer be a safe haven for players but an absolute danger zone.
Drug smuggling and involved persons are a staple of the Keys
Speaking of Brian – let’s move on to the third point that makes the Keys so exciting. Jason works with Brian as a boss for a drug smuggler who has been successful in his business for a long time.
I’ve transported so much weed in that plane, the entirety of Leonida could lift off.
(Source: Rockstar)
Jason is one of the people who does the dirty work for Brian. Therefore, the Keys will surely provide a plethora of missions centered around this drug smuggling operation.
Brian does not seem like someone who supports Jason with a rent-free property out of kindness. It’s all a give and take, and Rockstar’s commentary on the businessman also suggests you shouldn’t underestimate him:
Looks like a beach bum from Leonida – moves like a great white shark.
(Source: Rockstar)
The map itself will lead to stressful situations
Anyone who has looked at the postcard of the Leonida Keys or further images of the islands will certainly not have overlooked the long bridges and their highways. These are based on the real Overseas Highway of the Florida Keys, which leads to Key West and connects all the islands with a road amidst the sea.
Also in GTA 6, this highway is a prominent part of the Leonida Keys. It looks nice and raises curiosity: What will it feel like to cruise over it in a stylish car?
This highway can certainly become quite tricky in some situations.
When you want to lose the police in GTA, there are always different escape options. You can hide in underpasses, between houses, and – my favorite – on an undeveloped green area, preferably with a hill where police cars cannot follow … or are too lazy to continue the chase.
However, when you find yourself in a chase on the … let’s call it … Leonida Keys Overseas Highway, the game may present some hurdles here. Simply because a highway surrounded by water will hardly provide an escape. Either you drive fast and skillfully enough to get away, but could also be quickly intercepted due to the narrow width, or you give up your car and … swim.
Without a boat that happens to be available there, it will certainly not be difficult for the police or other pursuers to catch a Lucia or a Jason at swimming speed (or take them out in other ways).
The Leonida Keys make me incredibly excited. Not just because I find them beautifully stunning and look forward to the possible activities, especially around the water. But also because I want to see how such an idyllic place can become ever more dangerous.
What do you think of the Keys in GTA 6? Are you as excited as I am? Or do you find another location in Leonida significantly more exciting? Let us know in the comments!
Recently, the community could rejoice over a new milestone: GTA 6 is less than 100 days away from us! On this occasion, we have started a new project: Every day we will check for news, whether from Rockstar itself or the community’s wild imaginations: 100 Days Countdown to GTA 6: Were there any news today?
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