CRIME must be paying for Rockstar, as Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA4) is proving to be one of the most enjoyable games in the series, if not in the market right now.
Fresh off the boat as illegal immigrant Niko Bellic. Players begin their immersive journey into the world of the New York-based Liberty City, where the former Bosnian War veteran has travelled to in search of his rich cousin, only to find out that Roman Bellic is no more than a two-bit taxi driver still searching for the American Dream.
As with previous outings, GTA4 is centred around non-linear gameplay, where players get to have free roam of the city, partaking in storylines that propel the game forward, or enjoying side-quests ranging from car races to just roaming the vast virtual city.
Niko starts with carrying out tasks for Roman and begins meeting the other inhabitants of the city, from mob bosses who want his unique talents to friends and even girlfriends he can hang out with and bed.
Aside from hijacking cars and mowing down pedestrians and the police, Rockstar has added social elements that truly transport players to another reality.
In between missions, Niko can choose to play pool or go bowling with new friends, like arms dealer Little Jacob, or ask women out on dates. These mini games, while simple, add a new dimension to the life of Niko in what would otherwise be a crime-ridden existence.
Further into the game, these added social choices also closely reflect the type of person you want Niko to be. Is a date more important that hanging out with Roman, and who would you run to when both Roman and Little Jacob ring for assistance?
Do these choices affect gameplay? Absolutely.
Help Roman enough and you get to use his taxi service for free, while Little Jacob repays your loyalty with a discount on weapons. Such attention to detail is what places GTA4 in a whole new category compared to its predecessors.
While violence forms a huge part of the game, killing isn't always the only option. Early in the game, Niko has to save Roman from a loan shark and instead of knifing him as I was told to, my punch threw him out the window and into the river below. Was he dead? Did it matter? The mission was complete albeit laced with some moral ambiguity.
The game also features a redesigned and more realistic looking Liberty City. Buildings, cars, structures and pedestrians are rendered with such detail, it actually becomes easier to recognise roads and destination points while driving. The residents of Liberty City also bring so much life to the city, filling every nook and cranny that I found myself trying to avoid
running them over, unlike in previous games. Try being the operative word of course, because what is GTA without some mindless violence?
The game also adds in new modern elements, such as the use of a cellphone and the Internet to call for backup or stay in touch with friends, and even voice-enabled GPS navigation systems in fancier cars.
Adding to the realism is the removal of game options such as secret packages and even health packs.
If your life is running low, simply pop by a restaurant or hotdog stand to grab a bite. If you're bored, turn on the television. Yes, in-game entertainment has gone beyond the music- filled radio stations and Rockstar even got British comedian Ricky Gervais to contribute some skits. The two hours of in-game TV content include hilarious cartoons like the crazy 'Republican Space Rangers' and commercials for shows like 'Waning With The Stars'.
One key question most gamers would have is - should I get the PS3 or Xbox 360 version? Having played both versions, I can safely say there are only slight differences in each. The PS3 version requires installation onto the console, which cuts down load time considerably. Using the Six-axis controls to guide the motorcycle and boat was fun for a while, but doing the same for the helicopter was annoying and unnecessary.
Graphics wise, the Xbox 360 provides slightly more detail but the PS3 has better colours. In the end, the most important factor - aside from paying more for the PS3 version - is buying the same version as your friends, so you can all play online together.
But is this game perfect? Having spent my college years with GTA3 and months playing its sequels, there is no denying that GTA4 is the new pride and joy of the family, providing new elements
that enhance the game, but there are little changes that irk me. Despite having more songs, the radio stations are not as impressive without the classic tunes that filled previous outings, most noticeably GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas.
The surprising thing for the game though is the lack of violence. Yes, you can start pummelling innocents and ramming into cars, but there is little to differentiate the amount of violence from many other shooting or action games in the market to support the idea that GTA4 is bloodier or more profanity-laden.
It is simply about the choices players make and this game offers that aplenty.
