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‘GTA IV’ lives up to hype
Chris Murray - Thu, May, 8, 2008
Those familiar with the Grand Theft Auto series know how enjoyable it can be to take a character from nothing and turn him into one of the city’s most highly feared citizens.
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How-ever, the popular game doesn’t come without controversy as many argue the game is far too violent.
Everything that was criticized in past versions makes its way back to Grand Theft Auto IV for Playstation 3.
While the game is vulgar in every sense of the word, it comes with a warning label that warns people exactly what they are going to experience while playing the game.
Those who decide to play GTA IV will soon find out that it is one of the best games ever made.
The storyline in GTA IV is stellar as it tells the tale of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who arrives in Liberty City to join his cousin Roman and as they attempt to live the American Dream.
The game makes use of today’s technology as Niko’s phone is used as the main gaming portal to set up meetings, dates and call friends within the game. Relationships are an integral part of the game as each character has his or her roles. As the game progresses the benefits become clear.
The cast of characters is equally as impressive as each one of them has a role very critical to the game.
The dialogues are every bit as interesting as watching a movie, making it a truly pleasurable gaming experience.
The graphics are incredibly detailed given how big Liberty City is and the freedom that is involved in the game.
It is possible to walk around the entire map and feel like it is an emulation of a real place.
There are some flat spots and sharp edges, but overall it is truly a masterpiece.
The overall gameplay of this game is terrific. Whether you are driving, on foot or in shooting mode, the controls handle as well as anybody would want or hope for in a game.
The only complaint I have is the camera angles while driving. It is too low for my liking, causing me to constantly adjust it with the right analog stick. It is annoying, but it is a small price to pay for an otherwise very well made game.
As great as this game is, it isn’t perfect.
The online mode is a good addition to the game, but with the popularity of the game, the online servers are not currently capable of handling the traffic.
Rockstar Games, GTA IV’s creator, is currently working to make the online gaming a more enjoyable experience.
It has the potential to be a great multiplayer game with a bevy of options available.
I estimate that the server issues will be resolved in a few weeks, but until then that is the only major gripe I have about this game.
As with every GTA game in the series the Mature rating given is very fitting. With the M rating, customers younger than 17 years old are not allowed to purchase the game.
Drugs, alcohol, blood, intense violence, partial nudity, strong language, strong sexual content all make their presence felt frequently in this game.
This is not a suitable game for children so abiding by the Electronic Software Rating Board or ESRB rating system given to the game is strongly recommended.
If you are easily offended GTA IV may not be the game for you, but those who are not and want to play GTA IV will not be disappointed.
This game isn’t perfect, but it isn’t missing on much.
Just like GTA III when it came out on Playstation 2, GTA IV on the PS3 is on a level of no other game to date.
With the intriguing storyline to suck you in and the superb voice-acting, it feels like an interactive movie with gameplay every bit as fun as a best-selling shooter title.
I agree that this game may not be for everybody, but for those who want to play a true masterpiece, this game is for you.
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5
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