Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North, Rockstar Toronto (PC)
Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Genre: Third-Person Action Adventure
ESRB Content Descriptors: Intense Violence, Blood, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Use of Alcohol and Drugs
The Scoop: The Grand Theft Auto video game series is known for popularizing the sandbox genre of gaming. Not only that, but it has also become one of the most successful video game series in the history of gaming (with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas at number 9 on the ‘Top 20 Console Games of All Time’ list, selling 17.33 million copies). Grand Theft Auto IV delivers what we all expected and more.
The game has received rave reviews from many video game critics and has also sold millions of copies around the world. It is one of the only games to receive a 10 from IGN in 2008 (the other video game being Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots), and has received a perfect scores from just about every gaming critic around. Now that I got that out of the way, onto the details!
The Setup: GTA wouldn’t be the same without the same successful formula that Rockstar Games has been using for over 10 years now which is a very simple formula at that. Steal cars, do missions, kill people. Though there is always more to do, this is the basic idea of every GTA game. Just rinse, wash and repeat. The story however is somewhat interesting as you soon find out that the main protagonist, Niko Bellic, is a very relatable leading character.
The controls have changed extensively from past GTA games as well. To run, we must hold down the X (PS3) or A (Xbox 360) button and driving has taken a serious turn from what it used to be. It all becomes adaptable once you get used to the modern controls though.
What’s Hot: There are several things about Grand Theft Auto IV that make this game a must have for any gamer.
- Graphics: The graphics are superb. Everything has that shiny bloom effect look going on, but that doesn’t change the fact that the game is visually gorgeous. The cars look amazing, the explosions look real, even the mouths of the characters move corresponding to what they are saying. It’s flawless. Very beautiful scenery from above ground as well. Definitely some sweet eye candy for you visual nuts to enjoy.
- Freedom: Just like past games in the GTA franchise, this game allows the same kind of freedom and then some. The master and creator of sandbox gaming, in Grand Theft Auto IV you can do numerous activities other then playing the story. We can still shoot random pedestrians, car jack people, swim laps around Liberty City and fly helicopters, but there is also so much more available here like playing pool, shooting darts, going to strip clubs and getting plastered with your chums. Nothing quite like the freedom to live an awesome life in virtual reality, to make up for the drab one you live everyday, hm?
- Cast/Voice Cast: The characters in GTAIV are very humorous and enjoyable to watch during the cutscenes. The voice acting is also tremendous too as Niko Bellic comes close to being one of my favorite Grand Theft Auto leading characters. The same old slapstick humor that GTA has brought us is in full effect here in GTAIV.
- Multiplayer: Rockstars first attempt at multiplayer with a GTA game and it ends up becoming a huge success. Grand Theft Auto IVprobably has the best online of any sandbox game available. Anything from Racing and Deathmatches to Cops & Crooks to just roaming around the beautiful city of Liberty with your friends. The online present in GTAIV is extensive and will keep you coming back for future gameplay.
What’s Not: Grand Theft Auto IV is generally a great game, but it does have it’s flaws that make it head south from perfect.
- Customization: Purely my opinion, I thought the game was a huge letdown compared to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.While GTAIV has more freedom for the player, it lacks in customization as you can’t get tattoos, get muscular/fat or customize your vehicle.
- Transportation: While the vehicles are in GTAIV are great, there’s the lack of bicycles, which happened to be a great addition to GTA:SA. There also isn’t any jets or parachuting.
- Soundtrack: The soundtrack here really lacks compared to past GTA games. Grand Theft Auto Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasprobably had the most memorable soundtracks due to the timeline, but they could have chosen better audios to give us for cruising tunes. The talk radio isn’t bad though. Thank God for the return of Lazlow.
Final Verdict:While their are letdowns, the feeling of disappointment only lasts for maybe ten minutes, as you’ll find yourself becoming a local in Liberty City. This game really is amazing, and definitely an experience everyone should enjoy and adds as a nice edition to the GTA series.
