Grand Theft Auto IV is the latest installment to the Grand Theft Auto franchise and it has been the most anticipated game of 2008. As with its predecessors, Rockstar have not failed to create an action packed sand-box environment with limitless possibilities. Once again we return to Liberty City, a modern replica of New York City. This time around the star character of the game is Niko Bellic, an Eastern European who comes to Liberty City looking for the American dream as his cousin Roman has promised. However, it is not plain sailing for Niko and when he arrives in Liberty City there are lots of unexpected surprises in store for him.

For PS3 and Xbox 360 owners, this game brings a totally new GTA experience with lots of brand new vehicles and characters. The story line has lots of twists and turns and also has choices that affect the story later on in the game. It will take around 50 hours to complete but there is much more to do than that. You can take a break from all the crime and go and explore Liberty City in a helicopter tour or in a taxi. On the PS3 the SIXAXIS wireless controller can be used to drive vehicles such as bikes and helicopters and also to reload your weapon. With fantastic HD graphics Liberty City looks very real with all of the buildings having a great deal of texture and depth. The euphoria makes the movement effects much more realistic. For example the pedestrians are sent flying in the air when hit by a car.

As well as this, there is a big difference in game play from previous GTA games. Niko’s cell phone plays a major role in the game. From it you can call your friends and take them out to places, take pictures, activate online play, call a cab and much more. Another new feature on GTA IV is that nearly all the vehicles have a satellite navigation system so you can set a location on the map and it will show you the quickest legal route to get there. This can be quite useful for getting around in such a large environment.

The police wanted star system has also changed in GTA IV. This time if you get a wanted level a flashing circle appears on the map and you can see where any police cars are. In order to escape the cops, you must get out of the circle and stay hidden for about 5 seconds. The more wanted stars you have the bigger the circle is and therefore it is harder to escape. This is adds a sense of realism which was missed in previous games where simply hiding in a Pay’n Spray would shake the heat. The shooting has been modified and it lets the player auto aim but if the R2 button his held down half way they can do free aim. It is also much easier to shoot out of vehicles and you do not have to get along side another vehicle to shoot at it. The game does not play out as a run and gun affair quite so much and the new gameplay mechanics allow Niko to take cover behind objects in a similar way to Uncharted Drake’s Fortune.

Since GTA IV is set in the modern day, there are internet cafés spread across the city which allow Niko to surf the net. There are over 100 different in game websites which include online dating sites and an email site that lets Niko check any mail that contacts or friends have sent to him. Like on San Andreas there are plenty of clothes shops scattered over the city where Niko can go and by clothes. Anything you see in the shop you can buy.

The online play in this game is excellent. It can be accessed very quickly by just selecting the multiplayer option on your cell phone. You can play 16 different modes with up to 15 other players and make your own custom character. The higher your rank the more customizations you can have.

The only downsides to this game are that there are no aeroplanes to fly and there are no fire fighter or paramedic missions available either. Due to its superb game play and story, it makes Grand Theft Auto IV a game worth getting.

+ Compelling and gripping story.

+ Fantastic online capabilities.

+ Improved control layout.

- No Aeroplanes.

- Occasional AI glitches.

9.5/10

By Ian Ratledge Posted Saturday, March 14th, 2009 10:40 am