(I also wrote this months ago, lol.)
Game Review
Grand Theft Auto IV
"Things will be different"
Just how accurate is the slogan? I’ve been eager to play GTA IV for some months, now. Not just keen to play the game, but see exactly if it had changed, and if I would actually want to play it properly. Does it live up to its hype? Well, after four days, I’m surprised at the results.
Before the game starts, gamers will have to sit a five-minute update to version 2.17 and a ten-minute install. I recommend running errands during this time, because you won’t want to put the SIXAXIS down for at least an hour.
The game opens with the main character, Niko, climbing off a ship in the harbour. Immediately you notice the environmental detail that the game now possesses; Night is actually dark, water glints in the moonlight, and there are guys with brooms sweeping the ground, among other things I will mention later. Your first assignment is driving Niko’s cousin, Roman, back to his apartment.
Upon arriving Niko questions just how wealthy his cousin is; “This is your mansion?”
Before starting any missions walk outside and explore. There is no loading time between the building and the streets, and steam floats up from manholes in the road. Bump into anyone and there’s a chance they’ll say something, often funny.
Stealing a parked car involves breaking the window first, then hotwiring it and taking off before anyone notices. Attempting to hijack a vehicle, however, is much more fun.
Upon making the previous driver donate their wheels to you, they may try to get it back. Wait until they open the door before you begin driving. They will get dragged along, clinging one-handed to the open door. You can easily throw them off with a sharp turn, but I prefer to see how long they can stay there.
Your first mission has you take Roman to a meeting with his associates, and you must wait out front and keep an eye out for a pair of loan sharks. You get your first use of your mobile phone here, and can use it whenever you want after the mission finishes. I called 911 just to see what’d happen. Three phone calls later the police, paramedics and fire department had visited the street I was in. Later on contacts are added to your phonebook.
Grand Theft Auto games are typically known as a bad influence outside the gaming industry, but gamers regard them as stupidly fun sandbox games with dozens of cheats. The GTA riots that were so easy to start in previous instalments have all but been abolished, and it is far easier to become wanted. Wanting to see the extent of Niko’s swimming abilities, I jumped into the ocean and swum around a bit. Seeing a wharf nearby I climbed onto it and my wanted level was immediately SIX STARS.
Turns out I’d climbed onto the police department’s wharf and was soon being chased by two helicopters, half a dozen cars and a group of officers. Despite my experience creating havoc in other GTAs I barely lasted thirty seconds. Gone are the days of bullets dealing next to no damage.
The level of detail in IV is incredible. I visited a diner later in the game, picked up a bottle of mustard, and threw it at the clerk. Well, she did drop my burger on the ground.
The control system has improved in some ways, but still has its slight drawbacks. Shooting is far easier, but is nowhere near matching the system in Uncharted. It’s easy to control Niko, and tapping X will make him run.
Cars have real weight to them and are so much easier to steer—unless of course, you damage them. Too much rough driving and they will stop working altogether. Trucks and heavy vehicles actually feel slower then their smaller counterparts and turn slower, but take less damage by comparison.
This game is all about discovery. I’m not one to be amazed by games, but there were moments where I was genuinely surprised by what I found. If I tell you any more, I’ll be spoiling the game.
So, does this game live up to its reputation? Is it as incredible as it’s supposed to be?
Yes, things are definitely different.
But it’s still Grand Theft Auto.
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3): Review
I stopped playing the game half way through for lots of reasons but that was the main one. They just don't fuck off and leave you alone. >:[
