Sky's the limit in new 'Grand Theft Auto V' images

A fresh batch of images for "Grand Theft Auto V" show that, like the just revealed "Battlefield 4", the distinctive city simulator has every intention of letting players rule over land, sea and air this year.

A fresh batch of images for 'Grand Theft Auto V' show that, like the just revealed 'Battlefield 4', the distinctive city simulator has every intention of letting players rule over land, sea and air this year.

Scuba- and sky-diving await in the idyllic surrounds of Los Santos (read: digital Los Angeles), while three main characters are pictured lounging against luxury cars, escaping the authorities on motorcycle, or torching a cop car with a military-grade flamethrower.

All very much in line with the 'Grand Theft Auto' spirit of high production value polish and irreverent anti-hero anarchy.

And while the distribution of this new clutch of screens coincides with the debut trailer for late 2013 release 'Battlefield 4,' almost provoking fans to prioritize the two, Rockstar's 'GTA V' may hold the psychological advantage as a September 17 launch is already nailed down.

Which platforms are to benefit is not quite as clear, with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 confirmed, but PC gamers left to sweat pending an announcement, and next generation consoles presumably included but not yet definite.