Video Games : Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360)

Rating: - Business as usual
In short, I believe this game delivers everything that was promised. As GTAIV is the first GTA for the new generation HD consoles, the graphics engine has had a major overhaul, and it looks mighty impressive on 360 in HD. The middle distance does look a little fuzzy compared to uber sharp titles on the PC, but that can be forgiven as everything else just looks lovely.

This new game sees a return to Liberty City (from GTAIII) but the game seems a lot more mature somehow, it has a grown up a little. Instead of being asked to destroy the city you are now encouraged to live in it. This is done by keeping social and work relationships in check with your mobile phone that works great as a game interface. The tone of the game is also more 'life-like' with weightier more solid cars, and a main eastern european immigrant character. Gone are the wacky missions involving jetpacks and gone is the requirement to keep fit in gyms. The stories are great and the characters even more so.

My only gripe is that some of the irritations of the previous GTAs still remain, such as difficulty spikes and having to repeat long missions because of them. Otherwise it is a fantastic update to an already well known template as well as a new multiplayer mode. If you like GTA , the fourth installment is highly recommended.

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Rating: - Amazing game, but missing a few things....
The most anticipated game of the year, and in my opinion it slightly disappoints......

PROS:

1) Graphics are top notch i.e. you can see reflections in puddles and trees blowing in the wind
2) The plot is good, with a few twists and turns throughout
3) The new combat system is great, especially the ability to use cover
4) The introduction of a mobile phone really adds to the in game experience and offers several new possibilities and options
5) The police A.I. is excellent, and they are often quick to respond to your crimes, but can be shaken off relatively easily
6) The "free-time" aspect is cool, with several leisure activities to try such as bowling and pool, and as you make friends with certain people, it unlocks the useful services they provide i.e. cheaper weapons
7) The ability to catch taxis saves endless amounts of time
8) The cut scenes are well done and the voice acting is superb
9) The radio shows are hilarious - in keeping with the GTA series
10) Finally, the introduction of moral choices within the story missions make it very replayable

CONS:

1) The vehicle handling is pretty bad, especially motorbikes
2) Lack of many types of vehicle
3) Only three clothes shops, very disapointing
4) Lack of any improvable skills, such weapon accuracy and strength/stamina, so no gyms like San Andreas
5) Limited side missions off of the main story
6) Lack of variation in type of mission, just same type repeated over and over with slightly different scenarios
7) No sky diving!!
8) No flying planes!!
9) No properties to save up for and buy like San Andreas, you are just given safehouses at different times in the story
10) After a while, graphics get sketchy and things either disappear completely or "pop in" at random times
11) Not as big a map as San Andreas
12) Hate to say it, but boring after the story missions are done

So to sum up, a very good game. BUT like so many other games these days, its a case of style over substance. Graphics are much better, plot is good, combat system is better, and the introduction of choices make it quite open ended. Alas, no real options for customisation and real lack of variation. San Andreas was bigger, more fun, funnier, and had real variation in mission types. Opportunity missed....

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Rating: - The BEST game ever
This is the best game ever and people who say otherwise are halo fanboys or just plain stupid. The graphics are amazing and every thing has an amazing amount of detail on them. The gameplay has been perfected thanks to a brilliant new cover system and better targeting and better more realistic driving. The sounds and music in the game are also brill and the voice acting as with all gta games is superb. The story is also fantastic and is very long and very engrossing and the way it is told feels like a action packed movie.
Overall this is simply a game you must own and 100% the best game ever made.

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Rating: - GTA 4
Im sorry to say the game was a bit of a let down sure the graghic`s are really good but sadly there is not much to do after all the mission`s have been completed. It`s worth owning but i found myself getting bored and going back to play call of duty 4.

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Rating: - Disapointing
Ive just completed the game and felt i should comment on it. Firstly i was very impressed, the graphics are gorgeous however underneath the graphics the game is missing in a lot of areas. Having played all the other grand theft games i guess i was expecting too much from this, to me it feels the game has been rushed and there are many things that could be improved upon. Firstly there is no where near enough weapons to choose from, the police are actually TOO good in GTA4, there isnt enough customisation available in clothes or cars, motorbikes are quite hard to handle and one thing that really stands it is that it just isnt as humorous as the other titles. The city at first feels huge and makes you want to explore however, there isnt that much in the city to actually interact with. The use of the in game internet is very limited and doesnt really add anything to the game. Improvements in the combat sistem is pretty good, but again could have been better (learn new martial arts?. Niko is a likeable character and develops well in the game. Still worth a purchase, just dont expect to be blown away by it.