WATCH: The massive, sprawling Grand Theft Auto V trailer

With just a few months left until the relase of Grand Theft Auto V — the latest entry in the popular and controversial video game franchise — Rockstar Games is pulling out all the stops to convince gamers its latest installment can't be missed. On Tuesday, the company released an almost five-minute trailer, consisting entirely of gameplay footage, that shows off the game's impressive scope and depth.

According to the trailer, Rockstar Games "has tried to re-imagine the open-world game in a number of ways" by offering players the chance to explore a "satirical reimagining of southern California" that spans from mountains and redwood forests to the urban sprawl of a city that looks suspiciously like Los Angeles. The new trailer also shows off the impressive variety of gameplay modes available, including activities like driving, shooting, tennis, cycling, and parachuting.

Of course, Grand Theft Auto wouldn't be Grand Theft Auto without its fair share of crime. The game's central narrative centers on three player-controlled characters who team up for a series of heists. There's Michael, a former bank robber; Franklin, a street hustler; and Trevor, who seems to be some kind of psychopath. Players will be able to swap between the three protagonists at will as they complete jobs and advance the story. On top of all the single-player options, the video also teases the game's as-yet unrevealed multiplayer modes, which will debut in a future trailer.

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Grand Theft Auto V is certainly an ambitious package — but will the game really meet sky-high expectations and live up to the top entries in the series' long and controversial legacy? We'll find out when the game becomes available on both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on September 17.