29 hours, 46 minutes, and 17 seconds later, and I’m finished with Grand Theft Auto IV. Well, the main story, anyway. I’ve barely played any multiplayer, and of course my game progress is 64.67%. So there’s more to do, more to see. That’s always the way, isn’t it? I doubt I’ll try to see it all, to reach that 100% mark. Hunting down 199 pigeons doesn’t sound like too much fun to me.
The story is what I came to see. And I’m having trouble putting my feelings for this game’s story into words right now. I’ll spare you the fumbling and just say that it’s probably the greatest game story of all time, both in content and how it’s integrated into the rest of the game.
All those early reviews, where everyone tossed out the highest score they could give, left me scratching my head a bit in the game’s early hours. But I get it now. I understand.
112 Comments
Well okay then, I guess I better head to best buy.
This game will be really awesome in five years when its price will finally drop down enough for me to afford it O_o.
nice to hear that from you..can’t wait to read your review guys..keep up the great work
I could have bought it a couple of times this week, but have resisted so far.
Ive got a lot of unfinished games that will stay that way if I buy GTA4 right now.
At this point, I might even see how long I can wait until I get it.
LOL
And yes I know this is going to be 2008’s best game and probably the best game of this console generation, but the single player story wont be any different in a month or two. Hope I dont read any spoilers …
I’m 22 hours in, 52% and i’ve gotta say that it’s been one hell of a fun game. I just wish there were more epic missions like Hostile Negotiation and Three Leaf Clover that just blow you away. Other than that I have no complaints on the storyline thus far.
Wow, this post gave me chills.
Well , i heard there are achievement points if you beat the game under 30 hours , don’t know if thats true though,anyways am glade that you enjoyed it, it sure does deserve all the 10’s it got.
It was definately good, but im still not sure it was all that, 3 bags of chips and a ticket to the ball game.
Anyhow, i’m about 68% after 24 hours. I’m gonna try for the 100% simply because im now broke and have nothing else left to play for with my 360 games but points until Rock Band comes out here.
Oh for when it’s released on PC……… Guess I can wait.
Jeff, its good to hear this post from you, I’ve been thinking the exact same thing, I’m about 8 hours in and im thinking, does this game really deserve all the high scoring reviews, but its good to know that at the end of the game, i’ll realize why, keep up the good work guys.
Jeff, your word is gold when it comes to video gaming. I’ve posted on the last GTA post on how it wouldn’t deserve the 10 out of 10, even though I haven’t finished it. I of course will keep an open mind, but has it affected you that much?
Do we have the best game of all time or of the year? Of the decade?
played for about 27 hrs and only 38% done, and this game will be epic
I have to say, it’s nice to finally find a game that justifies the $65 or so it takes to obtain it…factoring in tax. For the most part I still think the prices are excessive in the game industry for next-gen systems, but for an adventure this epic, it’s worth every penny. I’m only 27% complete or something like that, trying to get through final exams before getting completely lost in Liberty City again, but I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Awesome Jeff. So far I am only on the second Island and are really enjoying it. Didn’t expect you to like the story that much, but great that you do!
You barely got the “beat it in under 30 hours” achievement. whew.
Hell Yeah!!! You are just giving me more and more reasons to buy a 360 and not to improve my pc’s performance, which would cost me like 2 360s to get it goin’ on good in not so new games, so, i think i’ll buy one. AND YOU HAVE MANAGED TO ACHIEVE LIBERTY CITY MINUTE!!! CONGRATULATIONS MAN!!! YOU ARE A ROCK LEGEND… wait…that wasn’t it…ah…anyway, CONGRATS!!!
word man, this game is awesome
A great story does not make it a great game on all accounts. I am feeling quite dissapointed with the title so far; if I wanted a great story I could just watch a movie, I expect more from a game.
KOTRO/Bioware/Fable etc, have been making Moral Choice’s in their games for ages now, it’s hardly a new mechanic. So far my choices have mounted to kill somone or not…deep.
NO matter how amazingly good/twist the end is, I expect to have fun and innovation **along the way**, I don’t see how having a great ending should allow a game to get such hire scores.
From what I see so far
Go here, shoot that person etc gameplay
Few real interative places to go in an otherwise impressive looking city
Very few interatction with NPC outisde of scripted NPC
Money is almost meaningless. no homes to buy, no territory.
No flying, no hair customization/car customization.
Insane/Outgragoes slapstick humour of SA gone.
In SA its not problem that the protagonist is a Psycho since its such a spoof.
SO far I see GTAIV taking itsleft a bit too seriously (TV adds aside, Republican space rangers are gold). The main guy is an almost Psycopathic killer with some vague loyalty thing.
Made it just under the wire for that Liberty City Minute achievement. Nicely done.
I haven’t been playing it too heavily, but now that I think about it I should probably get back to work. I haven’t finished of the previous GTA games, and it’s high time I finally did.
Hey congrats on finishing the game. We should play MP sometime.
I wish mi 360 did not freeze so often, maybe i had not gotten rid of it so quickly :_
Waiting for the PC version here too.
Agree 100%.
You can’t beat that.
35%-ish and 25 hours, here.
Still probably got half the game to go, I see. Cool.
Wow….played this game @ my friend’s house and it really is amazing, however, i don’t have nearly enough money atm to buy a 360 or a PS3 so i suppose i will have to wait for a PC version…
i need some advice people…specifically, i have the 360 premium. i have had RRoD issues in the past. i have been hearing about the new cooler 65 nm CPUs in new versions of the 360. my question is this: i hear the 360s now have 65nm CPUs but still have 90nm GPUs. have the RRoD problems gone down? because i was planning to upgrade to a 360 elite when both the CPU and GPU were 65nm, but now that GTA is out, i feel like buying an elite ASAP, but i do NOT want to deal with RRoD issues again.
Hey, great work man! You would’ve gotten the Liberty City Minute achievement!
I plan on gettin’ that one on a second play through.
I’m only 12 hours in at 27%.
And feeling particularly murderous thanks to “The Snowstorm” mission.
I am really enjoying this one.
Almost everything in the game like all the missions, characters, and interactions with them are beyond just about anything I have experienced thus far in a game.
About the only thing I really miss is the car garage/customization that Saints Row had.
With this game out on the shelves I got a feeling Saint’s Row 2 will be able to take a few more pages from Rockstar’s book and make it possibly as compelling as GTA 4 at least as far as the originals already good game play goes.
I hate parents, it’s not like this game is evil. I mean the story as far as I’ve heard gives reasons why these people are doing these things, it’s not just random malicious violence it’s much more real than that. I suppose if I tried to explain that to a parent they’d either think I was lying or just see me shoot somebody and yell “it’s the devil, it’s corrupting our kids”
The mission “Three Leaf Clover” is easily my most favorite mission in any game, ever.. I’m already over 30 hours, so no achievement for me.. 32 hours in, 49% or so.. amazing game.
Managed to beat the story yesterday. 28 Hours with 64.00%
Ya the story is pretty awesome. Theres a choice that can change the final mission/ending dramatically.
Deep, man, deep. I’ve also been wondering about the high scores. Conspiracy theories and all. I really didn’t like the early reviews because those sites want it up ASAP and rush the game and the review. I like how you’re taking your time with it, experiencing it as we would when buying it.
The greatest game story of all time? Damn.
Jesus, Jeff. You’re making it hard for me to wait until my HDMI cable gets in from Monoprice.com to play the rest of it.
Jeff, I’ve been a fan of your reviews since the long days of my teenage hood…Your reviews means much to me because your sincere approach. Though, I impulsively bought the game several hours later before the actual launch date - I was lucky enough to find a small game store that ignores the street date, I am still curious about your final thoughts. Although, your final review has yet to surfaced, those mere paragraphs left a powerful impression of how epic this game is.
I’ve played GTA since the days of PS2 and I well say this is the most polished of them all and the most technically and graphically impressive game I’ve had ever played in recent memory. I’m just grateful that Rockstar given us a complete game that defines this generation of gaming and not follow the crowd with a half ass game..
I really didn’t like the ending that I choose…A real bummer. Great game though
Way to go Jeff. Congratz on finishing the story portion…now the real fun kicks in…the exploring and fun!!
I got it at the worst possible time. 4 projects due within one week of each other. A test in ever one of my classes next week. Then midterm studying starts after that. I’m only 4 and a half hours into the game at this point. I hate school…
A very interesting view on this game. I only wish my PS3 version would stop locking on me. Rockstar get that patch sorted now!!!.
Yeah, I’m bout 31.% in and I gotta say the story is Oscar quality.
BruntFCA: I agree completely. I’m only 40% or so in, but it doesn’t feel like 40% into one of the greatest games of all time. It’s an outstanding game, but it hasn’t been as much fun as SA. So far, the plot is pretty standard mob-movie stuff. I thought the SA mission where you heist a plane in midair was too much, but they should at least let me run around with no shirt beating up cops with a purple dildo.
Or, for a start, let me date Colonel Cuddles.
I will say that the non-interactive parts of the environment are top notch, but the gameplay hasn’t blown me away.
Good to know I’m not the only one who thinks this.
ooooh, sounds so cool, I am still waiting for my copy
If only I had an Xbox to play my copy on.
Listen, In all honesty..This really shouldn’t even come close to a 9 out of 10. Its good; but it’s sure as hell not even close to Ocarina. Seriously, Anyone else feel that way?
Wow Jeff, looks like you almost missed the achievement there. Replaying the story (especially so soon) would’ve been pretty trying.
The story in the game is epic indeed. Great, great game.
Glad to hear. Waiting anxiously for the review.
What’s it like to be able to play video games . . . ALL . . . DAY . . . LONG ???
(Yes . . . I’m jealous)
I hate parents! I should blow them all up with a rocket launcher, yes, that’s what I’ll do. If Only I could play gta4, oh well I guess I’ll just have to actually go on a killing spree instead! Yay!!!
Dear “TheFBI”,
Not Funny . . . take your meds.
Thanks,
Tonka
I believe im almost at the end, judging from all the chaos thats going on with the main story, so far the games story is amazing, but 100/100 10/10 and 5/5 reviews i cant believe, the game has MANY graphical and gameplay problems, no way is this game a 10/10 - 100/100 - 5/5
I was at 30 hours… 40 percent in… But my game froze at the loading menu when i tried to play the next day… (PS3 GTA by the way). So I read some stuff online about deleting your whole game to fix. Turns out all i needed to do was to disconnect my internet for a bit…. so now im starting all over… for nothing.
Some powerful words from the Gerstmann.
this might be the greatest gaem of all time
If it weren’t for a)work and b)school, I’d be further into the game than I am now. I’ve barely scratched the surface. The spring semester is just about over, though, so I’ll have more time to bust this bitch wide open. I’m not aiming for 100% completion either, but I might in the future. I definitely wanna check out more of the multiplayer.
I’m 30% in and I am absolutely hooked. The story in this game is so amazing. I feel for the characters and what happens to them. I don’t think I have ever been this engrossed in a game before.
That mission Three Leaf Clover is seriously killing me. I mean, that mission is so HEAT I don’t even know how to explain. I’ve retried it over and over and over I keep messing up the drive back. WHERES THE FUCKING VAN!!!
Don’t know how I felt about the story. It kind of got a bit choppy at the end in my opinion so I don’t know if I’d call it one of the greatest game stories ever. In fact I think even the reviews were a bit too generous but that could just be me. Good job on just barely getting the Liberty City minute achievement though!
I dont know how any1 can say bad things about this game. I got it launch date and ive been playing it non stop to i fall asleep.
Story is great, because it throws stuff in there that you just dont expect (Like the gay guy missions), ah nothing like chasing after a homophobe biker on a scooter with your gay m8 on the back through central park lol.
I think niko is the greatest character in fiction entertainment.
Also i have a VERY STRONG FEELING that the 360 DLC is gonna be JAMACIA. How cool would that be. Then next year it would be VICE CITY.
Also i was a sceptic of this EURORIA engine. But they werent lieing.
sounds like you hust joined a cult.
Also after the guy emails you after you kill him. FUCKING brilliant. Havent felt that gutted in a game since SPERIOTH killed AERIES back in the 90s.
just
Has anyone had their “Oh snap!” moment in GTA4 yet?
Here’s mine:
I was doing one of the first missions that goes into Algonquin, driving in one of those Hummer type cars that you get from Playboy X. I was driving like normal when I turned the corner and smashed into a long line of taxis waiting at a stop light. (There were like 20) I was thinking “why the hell were there so many taxes right there?” when I had a thought of the time I had actually been to New York. I panned up and I was smack dab in the middle of Times Square! (can’t remember what the game version was called) Right at that moment as I was drooling over seeing the place for the first time, the DJ on the radio introduced “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West. I literally stopped playing and sat there in the middle of traffic for like 10 seconds as I attempted to take in the pure awesomeness.
the end of the story almost makes me not want to carjack and shoot people anymore… I’m not sure which ending you got (I was smart and saved right before the last choice you have to make, so I got both) I think the ‘revenge’ ending is somewhat more impactful than the ‘deal’ ending, everything seemed like it was wrapped up and like it was gonna be a nice warm fuzzy happy ending
I think I’m over that now though
mm a great story has always been what I’m looking for in a game beside a good game-play.
Man it is so good to get an honest and truthful opinion about this game. i have seen all these 10/10 reviews srping up everywhere some before the games release and i thought to myself should i trust it or have they just been paid to say that. but coming on here and seeing that you do almost agree with these reviews cuz of the amazing storyline lets me know that this game could be worth near enough 10/10 although i still hold to the fact that no game will ever be perfect so lets say we leave it at 9.8/10.
there is never not room for improvement!!!
*starts chanting* VIDEO REVIEW
Zelda Ocarina of Time and Mario Galaxy owns this piece of casual trash
@ gtaiscasualtrash
dude, you’re not old enough to play this game doesn’t mean you have flame it, go suck on your mama’s tities and STFU!
I’m no where near finished with the story and I’m o.k. with that. Looking for 200 pidgeons is gonna be a blast.
They should make some sort of spinoff with Brucie. It could be some sort of strange puzzle game like the one that was made with the girl from the Wind Waker.
*starts chanting* VEDIO REVIEW. In your own style
not to sound like a party pooper.. but seriously.. could I visit one gaming blog where 90% of the posts aren’t about GTA4? It’s getting pretty lame and obnoxiuos. I love the game, don’t get me wrong. But this is getting way too far, it’s annoying. It’s not the second coming, it’s a game for cryin out loud!
this game deserves a 10/10 or 5 donuts out of 5 lol i dont know how you will rate it jeff but you need to give it the highest score ever!
Were you on any mind altering substances that might have added to your enjoyment of this game? I would like to stock up before playing. This game has just been sitting in its gamefly sleeve for a day or two. I was just not that pumped to play “another” gta game, however your comments on the story have me pumped. There goes my Sunday.
Hey guys,
Have you had any problems with the Ps3 version of the game? Mine has been locking up. Think i will buy the 360 version as well as I want the DLC anyway.
Thanks.
PS just seen what the NASDAQ is called. good to see that rockstar are still putting scottish humour into the game.
@ NinjaPaul
a way to solve that problem is to log off the PSN (disable internet connection) and play the game. It works for me and everyone else
@duke69. Yeah I know but its really annoying for multiplayer.
Shoot the pigeons! Shoot the Pigeons!
I am really glad you enjoyed it.
I am experiencing this same feeling of “greatness” and with my broken english puttting in words the way GTA is making me feel is even harder.
I am loving this game and that is the reason i am already over 30h in the game and not even at 50% (on top of the fact that i kinda suck)
I just feel this game is getting to me in a way no other game ever did and just going around the city. looking at the people around…it is just incredible.
By the way i have to say another game with an insanely good story was MAfia for PC if you guys never plaied it you should.
I’ve only gotten about half as far in the same amount of time. woe is me.
I respect Jeff a lot, but having just finished the game, dude, it’s not the greatest story ever. I like the way it is presented, talking and driving is a good way to force people to listen to cutscenes without there actually being cutscenes, and the ending is pretty good, but not mindblowing. There are a lot of good video game stories out there, this is probably the best integrated story into an action game, but it can’t beat games that focus on story like all the Bioware games or Metal Gear Solid or something.
I finished today to….weird.
He is rude and mistaken. That is all.
5/5, no brainier…
I’m almost done with the story and I still don’t see how this is the greatest game story of all time. Oh well, I’ll have to finish up before making up my mind.
wow it’s been a while since the last post. Better be the review this time!
Very well said Jeff….this hypes me up for this game even more. Hopfully ill have a chance to get it by the end of this week
Aww…so you’re not aiming to get those flashy ‘keys to the city’ Jeff??
Well said Jeff. I can’t seem to shake this game off of my mind. The story has really hooked me.
“[…] it’s probably the greatest game story of all time, […]”
Impressive.
I love this game - but my missus isn’t!!
Could anyone buy me an Xbox 360? I really would fathom playing GTA4. All this hype made me pick up my PSP and attempt to finish the last missons of Liberty City Stories, a game that is not anywhere close to the standard of the PC & console games.
Great!Glad to hear you enjoyed the storyline a great deal.
Don’t quite get the critics hype… This game is great, but also incredibly flawed in so many ways.
And the plot? Hmmm, not sure I get the hype there either. If a movie came out with that story it would be considered very generic I think.
Please read the story and think about why people think that way.
looks like you got finished just in time for the achievement. I wish id noticed it earlier, not sure if ill finish in time, kind of sux because i plan to do everything on my second playthrough so no way i will get it on that play through.
That was exactly my feelings while playing the game. You see the review scores and at first feels like it just an evolution, a current gen version of the same old GTA with improved graphics, combat (combat is actually fun this time around), and driving (which btw has made me really stoked for the next Midnight Club). Worthy of 9.something sure, but 10s? But then through the quality of its storytelling and the sheer amount of hours of high quality gameplay at a time when most games barely scratch the 6 hours mark you have to give in and go “yeah give it it’s 10, it has earned it”.
yes u are right im so into the story as well 100th comment
Wow, I cannot do that. It took me like 6 months to beat GTAIII just because I love taking those games at their own pace and if I want to spend 2 hours trying to get to the mystery island by the plane, thats cool and I will come back to doing actual missions tomorrow. Kinda wherever the wind blows type.
playing it now on my PS3.
Now now jeff… remember, as a game reviewer, no game can be absolutely perfect, there will always be flaws in the game. I for one didnt care for the combat system, granted the GTA franchise has never had a good combat system but thats why none of them can be perfect. As long as you can list flaws, the game cannot get a perfect score.
I just completed the mission “Three Leaf Clover”. Best. Mission. Ever.
Can’t wait for the review.
Just finished the game… don’t want to spoil anything but this game is actually flawless in my opinion. Not one part of it did i find bad. Beautiful game.
Nice Work!! I’m still on the first island.
Work, Family responsibilities just kill game time. But it’s all worth it in the end.
A lot of people seem to really like Three Leaf Clover, which is as a good a place as any to say what I, and I think some others, find a bit disappointing. It’s not bad. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a fun mission. But the best ever? Really? Three interchangeable characters, clearly included because The Departed did so well, in a run-and-gun bank heist? The gameplay is the same as ever — lock on, pop, lock on — and it’s less surprising and less epic than other GTA missions. The SA mission where you fight the Russian mobsters and escape on a motorcycle comes to mind.
you must’ve not gotten the ending i did, cause i thought it sucked. on my second play through now.
You should stop at 69%, just because.
just finished the game today, and definately will play it the second time just to see what will happen if i choose the “other” option.
Greatest game story ever? dude, wtf is that! What about Half-life, or Mass Effect, i just beat GTAIV and its not a 10.0 its a 9.9. And it def does not have the greatest story in gaming, not by a long shot.
So yesterday I wrote that I was almost done with the story and I didn’t see how it could possibly be the best game story ever. Well, today I’m finally done with the story and I still don’t see how this is the best game story ever. I mean, this game as a whole is brilliant, that is for sure. The story is really (REALLY) good and it sets it apart from previous GTAs but it isn’t the greatest game story ever, for me anyway.
Pigeons are not Lays potato chips, I can happily leave it at just one.
Just fininshed this my stats:
21:31:34 and game progress 66.67%
Great story, great game.
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[…] 29:46:17, 64.67%: ” […]
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