'Grand Theft Auto IV' drives toward success
By Marshall Pearson, Staff Writer
May 8, 2008 | 9 a.m.
"GTA IV" thrusts players into the tumultuous life of Niko Bellic, a man who comes to America for the women, cars and money but instead begins doing dirty work in the criminal underworld of Liberty City, which looks a lot like a certain city in New York.
In this highly interactive world, every choice the player makes subtly affects the game's storyline in some way. For example, by deciding to kick a drug dealer off a roof, a player may anger the dealer's boss but please his own.
Building relationships with business partners, friends and potential girlfriends within "GTA IV" gives game-play a social aspect that is also directly player-controlled. "GTA IV" succeeds in nearly every way because all the aspects of the game combine to fully immerse players in a frightening and exhilarating universe that is fully interactive.
The cornerstone of the "Grand Theft Auto" franchise is obviously driving, and it has never been more enjoyable than it is in "GTA IV." A wide variety of vehicles are available all over the city. Players can take control of anything ranging from garbage trucks to limousines, each one handling realistically.
Additionally, a blur effect was added to the game that makes whipping around the streets of Liberty City a stunningly visual experience.
Expectedly, the graphics have been drastically improved since the third edition of "Grand Theft Auto," thanks to the capabilities of the current generation of video game consoles. From the top floor of a downtown skyscraper, the game's entire town and surrounding islands can be seen in gorgeous detail.
Vehicle damage looks amazing, and the fiery explosions of grenades and helicopters are beautifully rendered. Blood splatters and sprays realistically and sticks to every surface. The eye-popping appearance of "GTA IV" only enhances the realism of the game and drops the player in a living, breathing city.
The most impressive aspect of "GTA IV" is the new shooting mechanic—easily the most-improved aspect of the game. The "GTA" series always has possessed a weak targeting system that made it hard to lock on to targets when shooting but not anymore.
A basic cover system has been implemented to allow players to crouch or stand behind nearly any object in order to protect themselves from the inevitable hail of gunfire. The “run and gun” approach of the previous "Grand Theft Auto" games is nowhere to be found, and every armed encounter is a tactical and intense experience.
Perhaps the most notable improvement in "GTA IV" is the addition of an online multi-player option. With 15 modes to choose from, many of which support up to 16 players, every player can casually enjoy this aspect of the game without investing dozens of hours into the extensive single player campaign.
Online the standard team death-match is present, along with “Turf War” (two teams struggle to control an area of the map and hold it for as long as possible) and “Team Car Jack City” (players steal cars and receive money after safely transporting vehicles to a garage). The online component gives competitors complete access to the city in every match, and this unbridled freedom makes "GTA IV" one of the finest online experiences around.
"GTA IV" is likely to be the best game to come out this year. It causes players to lose themselves in a digital world that is unpredictable and completely fluid, where everything is affected through player choices. It is realistic without losing the slightly campy aspects of the "GTA" storyline, while also compelling in a genuine way.
American society is lampooned at every turn of "Grand Theft Auto IV." The game comments powerfully about our culture and is full of wonderfully cinematic moments, while still managing to be one of the most playable video games ever created.
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"Grand Theft Auto IV"
Speakeasy rating: A+
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Genre: RPG, driving
Consoles: XBox 360, Playstation 3
Rating: Mature for intense violence, blood, strong language, strong sexual content, partial nudity, use of drugs and alcohol