Select Games to Compare
Samson: A Tyndalston Story vs Grand Theft Auto V
| close | close |
|---|---|
| shopping_cart Where to Buy | |
| info General Information | |
| Release Date | |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Developer | |
| Liquid Swords AB | Rockstar North |
| Publisher | |
| Liquid Swords AB | Rockstar Games |
| Genre(s) | |
| Action, Adventure, Racing | Action-Adventure, Open World, Third-Person Shooter, First-Person Shooter, Heist |
| Engine | |
| Unreal Engine 5 | RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine) with Euphoria and Bullet Physics |
| stars Ratings & Price | |
| Content Rating | |
| Mature | Mature 17+ |
| Avg. User Rating | |
| 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
| Current Price (USD) | |
| $24.99 | $29.99 |
|
|
|
| tune Key Specs | |
| Quick Highlights | |
|
|
| sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
| Companions/Followers | |
|
|
| Key Collectibles | |
|
|
| Key Themes | |
|
|
| colorize Combat & Gear | |
| Weapons Overview | |
|
|
| Armor / Gear Sets | |
|
|
| Outfits/Customization | |
|
|
| trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
| Skills & Progression | |
|
Samson features a robust skill tree with over 25 upgrades divided into four distinct disciplines: Tactics (health regeneration and defense), Aggression (striking power and momentum), Instinct (adrenaline meter and reaction speed), and Cunning (environmental exploitation and improvised weapons). These trees allow players to specialize their combat style, turning Samson from a raw street brawler into a tactical survivor. Experience points (XP) are earned through narrative chapters, repeatable jobs, and spontaneous world events found via the 'Story Deck' system. |
Each of the three protagonists has unique special abilities: Michael can slow down time in combat (like bullet time); Franklin can slow down time while driving; Trevor can enter a rage mode, dealing more damage and taking less. Player stats (Stamina, Shooting, Strength, Stealth, Flying, Driving, Lung Capacity) improve through repeated use of related actions. Weapons can be customized with attachments (scopes, suppressors, extended mags, grips, tints). Vehicles can be extensively modified at Los Santos Customs shops (performance upgrades, cosmetic changes). Properties can be purchased to generate income and provide safe houses. |
| public World & Exploration | |
| World & Level Design | |
|
Samson eschews the 'hundreds of square miles' trend for a dense, curated urban map. Tyndalston is divided into several distinct districts, with the primary focus on the South End—a rough, industrial neighborhood where Samson grew up. The map design utilizes three pillars: 'Statement' (bold murals/architecture), 'Violence' (dilapidated, war-torn aesthetic), and 'Parasitic' (corruption clinging to old bones). The environment is packed with 'nooks and crannies' that allow for stealth, tactical exploration, and environmental combat despite a smaller overall footprint than AAA sandboxes. |
The game world is one of the largest and most detailed ever created by Rockstar. Los Santos is a vast, meticulously crafted urban metropolis with diverse districts (Vinewood, Downtown, Rockford Hills, South Los Santos). Blaine County offers contrasting environments like the Alamo Sea (Salton Sea analogue), Mount Chiliad, Sandy Shores (desert town), Paleto Bay (coastal town), and dense forests. The map is filled with activities, landmarks, and dynamic events. |
| Playable Vehicles | |
|
|
| Notable Fauna/Mounts | |
|
|
|
|
|
| book Story & Characters | |
| Main Characters | |
|
|
| Example Missions | |
|
|
| people Multiplayer | |
| Multiplayer Details | |
|
Samson does not feature any multiplayer modes. The decision was made to focus resources on the single-player narrative and the systemic complexity of the debt and law-response systems. This allows the city to react more precisely to the individual player's actions without the balance issues or network constraints associated with online play. |
N/A |
| extension Editions & DLC | |
| Available Editions | |
|
The game launched at an accessible $24.99 price point for the Standard Edition, positioning itself as a 'AA' alternative to $70 blockbusters. For $29.99, players can purchase the Supporter Edition, which serves as a way to assist the developers following their 2025 strategic refocusing. This edition includes the official digital soundtrack, a collection of concept art, a detailed map of Tyndalston with historical lore, 3D-printable character models for hobbyists, desktop wallpapers, and expanded character biographies for deeper world-building. |
Originally released on PS3/Xbox 360. Later enhanced versions released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and further enhanced versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Various editions included: Standard, Special Edition (SteelBook, blueprint map, stunt plane trials, bonus outfits, tattoos, special ability boost, additional weapons), Collector's Edition (Special Edition content + security deposit bag, GTA V cap, characters for GTA Online). The Premium Online Edition bundles the base game with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack for GTA Online. |
| Post-Launch Content / DLC | |
|
True to its 'zero-nonsense' philosophy, Liquid Swords has not announced any season passes or microtransactions. The game is intended to be a complete, standalone experience. Any potential post-launch content is expected to focus on technical optimization for console ports and potentially minor quality-of-life updates. The developers have emphasized that the game is built with 'no padding,' suggesting they prefer a finished product over a live-service model. |
The primary post-launch support has been for Grand Theft Auto Online, which has received a massive amount of free content updates over the years. These include new heists, businesses (CEO, Biker, Gunrunning, Nightclub, Arcade, etc.), vehicles, weapons, clothing, game modes, properties, and story-driven contact missions. No single-player story DLC was released for GTA V. |
| help_outline FAQ | |
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
|
|
| build Technical Details | |
| Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
|
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game utilizes Nanite for micro-poly detail and Lumen for global illumination. It features full Ray Tracing support and is one of the first titles to utilize NVIDIA DLSS 4.5. The art style prioritizes a 'photorealistic but gritty' look, further enhanced by an optional CRT filter that adds scan lines and barrel distortion for a nostalgic 1990s feel. Despite early concerns about performance, the studio has focused on graphical optimization for mid-range PCs. |
Utilizes the RAGE engine to deliver a highly detailed and realistic depiction of Los Santos and Blaine County. The game is known for its impressive draw distances, detailed textures, advanced lighting and shadow effects, realistic weather systems, and convincing character animations. Enhanced versions on PC, PS4/Xbox One, and PS5/Xbox Series X|S introduced higher resolutions, improved textures, denser traffic/pedestrians, and features like ray tracing on the latest consoles/PC. |
| Audio & Soundtrack | |
|
The soundscape of Tyndalston is gritty and atmospheric, featuring industrial clatter and urban noise. The soundtrack is heavily inspired by 1990s noir and urban brawlers, providing a rhythmic, tense backdrop to high-speed chases and brutal fights. Character voice acting, particularly Samson’s world-weary monologues, reinforces the noir tone. The Supporter Edition includes a digital audio version of the score for out-of-game listening. |
Features an extensive and diverse soundtrack across multiple in-game radio stations covering genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, country, electronic, reggae, Latin, and talk radio. Original score by Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson, The Alchemist, and Oh No, which dynamically adapts to gameplay. Sound design is incredibly detailed, with distinct vehicle engine sounds, weapon effects, character dialogue, and ambient city/countryside noise creating an immersive soundscape. |
| User Interface (UI/UX) | |
|
The UI is designed to minimize intrusion, emphasizing the 1990s aesthetic. A unique 'Daily Quota' indicator reminds players of their impending debt payments each morning. The 'Story Deck' prompts appear naturally within the world, and the 'Adrenaline Meter' is integrated subtly to keep the focus on the visceral action. Visual damage on Samson’s face and clothes acts as a diegetic indicator of health and struggle during brawls. |
Features a clean and functional HUD displaying a mini-map (with GPS), health, armor, ammo, and wanted level. A weapon wheel allows for quick selection. The in-game smartphone is used for contacts, missions, internet browsing, and accessing GTA Online. Each protagonist has a unique phone interface. Third-person and first-person views offer slightly different UI presentations. |
| Accessibility Options | |
|
Samson includes several modern accessibility options: Custom volume controls, Stereo and Surround sound options, and 'Camera Comfort' settings to mitigate motion sickness during high-speed driving. Notably, the game is playable without any Quick Time Events (QTEs), adhering to the developer's focus on tactile gameplay. Full controller support is included, and highly recommended by the team for the best driving experience. |
Includes options for customizable controls, subtitle display (size, background), aim assist options (full, partial, free aim), options to skip difficult mission sections after multiple failures (in story mode), colorblind-friendly HUD elements, and audio balancing. First-person mode can also aid some players. |
| video_library Media Links | |
| Gameplay Video | |
| launchWatch | launchWatch |
| Walkthrough/Guide | |
| launchView | launchView |
| settings_applications System Requirements | |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Low-Medium / 30 FPS) CPU: Entry-level 6-core CPUs from recent generations. CPU (Laptop): Equivalent mobile 6-core performance. GPU: Legacy cards with high VRAM are needed for texture streaming. GPU (Laptop): Sufficient for 1080p Low/Medium. RAM: Standard for modern UE5 open-world titles. Storage: Mandatory SSD for loading high-fidelity assets. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-10505 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 (8 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5600 (6 GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i5-11400H / AMD Ryzen 5 5600H laptop_windowsGPU (L): Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti (95W TGP) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 15 GB SSD | — |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (High / 60 FPS) CPU: Mid-range CPUs providing better frametime consistency. CPU (Laptop): Higher clocks help with physics and AI processing. GPU: Modern mid-range hardware for high-fidelity assets. GPU (Laptop): Matches desktop 3060 Ti performance. RAM: Dual-channel memory highly recommended. Storage: Ensures no stuttering during district transitions. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i5-11400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600 XT developer_boardGPU: Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti (8 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (8 GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H laptop_windowsGPU (L): Nvidia RTX 3070 Mobile (100W+) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 15 GB SSD | — |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low/Medium Preset) (Low to Medium Preset) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for playable framerates. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Modern i3/Ryzen 3 or better recommended. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. Game is less demanding by today's standards for these settings. RAM: Minimum RAM requirement. Storage: HDD is absolute minimum, expect long load times. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor @ 2.5GHz (4 CPUs) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT (1GB) or AMD Radeon HD 4870 (1GB) (DX 10, 10.1, 11) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-2430M / AMD A8-3520M equivalent or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M / AMD Radeon HD 6570M or better. **Any modern integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or entry-level dedicated GPU (RTX 3050 Mobile, etc.) will run this game at 1080p Medium/High comfortably.** layersRAM: 4 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB HDD (Current installs often need more) |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p at 60 FPS. CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range laptop CPUs. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p at 60 FPS on High. GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 2GB VRAM is bare minimum, 4GB+ better. RAM: Recommended RAM for smoother performance. Storage: SSD strongly recommended. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-3470 @ 3.2GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHz (8 CPUs) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-3610QM / AMD Ryzen 5 1400 (Laptop equivalent) or better. **Modern Intel Core i5 H-series / AMD Ryzen 5 H-series (e.g., i5-11400H, Ryzen 5 5600H) strongly recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M (2GB) / GTX 1050 Mobile (2GB/4GB) or AMD Radeon R9 M385X / RX 560 Mobile. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile will provide excellent 1080p High/Ultra 60FPS+ performance.** layersRAM: 8 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB SSD (Current installs often need more) |
| 1440p (QHD/2K) - Ultra/QHD (Ultra / DLSS Quality) CPU: High IPC required for Ray Tracing overhead. CPU (Laptop): Top-tier mobile chips for high resolutions. GPU: Enables full Ray Tracing with DLSS/FSR assistance. GPU (Laptop): High VRAM and Frame Gen support. RAM: Recommended for Ultra textures and system overhead. Storage: NVMe Gen 4 recommended for 1440p streaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X developer_boardGPU: Nvidia RTX 4070 / AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i9-12900H / AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX laptop_windowsGPU (L): Nvidia RTX 4080 Laptop layersRAM: 32 GB saveStorage (Tier): 15 GB SSD | — |
| 1440p (QHD/2K) - High (1440p ~60 FPS, High/Very High Preset with Optimized Settings) (High/Very High Preset (Optimized, DLSS potentially useful)) CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p at 60 FPS. CPU (Laptop): Estimated high-end laptop CPUs. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p at 60 FPS. GPU (Laptop): Estimated high-performance laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM essential, 8GB+ preferable. RAM: 16GB RAM recommended for smoother experience. Storage: NVMe SSD strongly recommended. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.0GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) / RTX 2060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB) / RX 5700 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-8750H / AMD Ryzen 7 3750H or better. **Modern Intel Core i7 H-series / AMD Ryzen 7 H-series (e.g., i7-12700H, Ryzen 7 6800H) recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile (8GB) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M/6700S. **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile provides a very smooth 1440p High experience.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB NVMe SSD (Current installs often need more) |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - 4K Cinematic (Max Settings / DLSS Performance) CPU: Maximum single-core performance for engine overhead. CPU (Laptop): Desktop-class mobile CPU for 4K. GPU: The only cards capable of native 4K with ray tracing features. GPU (Laptop): Peak laptop performance with Frame Gen. RAM: Ensures stability during long play sessions. Storage: NVMe Gen 4/5 required for 4K asset streaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i9-14900K / AMD Ryzen 9 7950X developer_boardGPU: Nvidia RTX 4080 Super / RTX 4090 laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i9-13980HX laptop_windowsGPU (L): Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop (175W) layersRAM: 32 GB saveStorage (Tier): 15 GB SSD | — |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultra (2160p/4K ~30-60 FPS, Medium/High Preset with DLSS Balanced/Performance) (Medium/High Preset, DLSS Balanced/Performance (Native 4K High/Ultra 60FPS is very demanding)) CPU: Desktop CPU recommendation for 4K. CPU (Laptop): High-end to top-tier laptop CPUs required. GPU: Desktop GPU recommendation for a playable 4K experience, likely requiring DLSS. GPU (Laptop): High-end to flagship laptop GPUs essential. 8GB VRAM is absolute minimum for 4K, 12GB+ strongly preferred. RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB strongly recommended for 4K. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K @ 3.7GHz or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X @ 3.6GHz developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super (8GB) / RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10870H / AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS or better. **Modern flagship Intel Core i7/i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 7/9 HX series (e.g., 13900HX, 7945HX) recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6800M/6850M XT. **An RTX 3080 Mobile (16GB) / RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB) or higher is needed for a better 4K experience, heavily relying on DLSS. Even an RTX 4090 Mobile may need DLSS for Ultra 60FPS. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (RTX 50-series) would be the target for improved native 4K.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB NVMe SSD (Current installs often need more) |
| save Overall Storage | |
| Spec: 15 GB SSD Note: Compact install size but high-speed storage is non-negotiable. Type: SSD | Spec: 72 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Initial release was smaller, but updates and GTA Online have increased the size. 90GB+ often cited for current installs. Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading and texture streaming, especially in GTA Online. Type: SSD |
| desktop_windows Operating System | |
| Spec: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) Explanation: Modern OS required for DX12 and DLSS features. | Spec: Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit) Explanation: 64-bit OS required. Windows 10/11 64-bit recommended for best compatibility and performance. |
| gamepad DirectX Version | |
| Spec: Version 12 Explanation: Required for Lumen lighting and Nanite geometry. | Spec: DirectX 10, 10.1, 11 Explanation: DirectX 10 compatible card minimum; DX11 recommended for best visuals. |
| info_outline Other Game Notes | |
|
|
| build Optimization Details | |
|
|
| laptop Laptop Considerations | |
|
|
info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Samson: A Tyndalston Story Specifically
For Grand Theft Auto V Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.