Daddy's back bitches, but is it a good thing?
- The story achieves the level of quality the series is known for. Even exceeding it in some ways. It's both unique, absurd, loud, over the top and terrific at the same time. Rockstar's writers really nailed the script. Although characters can't stop nailing their usual cuss words, it actually seems to fit right in with the game. Giving it ultimately a very impressive level of depth to each and every one of it's characters.
- Set in Liberty City, a fictional New York City. The game has pretty much all you would expect from that such place. The diversity in people (Blacks, Latins, Asians etc...) is pretty much what it builds on. It's obvious these social-tensions even translate into the game, as well or bad as they do in real life. This allows for the game to make you feel like you are in a living breathing world. Of course, not to perfection. Like past Grand theft auto games, you can't enter all the buildings you might want to. It draws away a bit, especially when this is a problem seen since Grand theft auto 3. Of course there are more buildings for you to enter, but it's an issue still needed to be addressed. Even if they have a box inside of them.
- Driving in the game is essential. Surely you don't expect to walk Liberty City, now do you? There are tons of cars to drive from standard 1970's minivans, trucks, S UV's, and even the good old Lamborghini. It's mechanics do feel dated however. Cars tend to drive a bit odd, having a weightless feel to them. The developers have attempted to address most of the games flawed mechanics by including a cover system, and enhanced shooting and melee mechanics. But after playing the past 3 Grand theft auto games, you might have a sense of deja-vu, because frankly, they aren't that improved. Even so, the weapons and guns do feel good to hold, and that's always a plus.
- Rock star finally decided to mount on the multi-player band wagon, and... they should have sat it off. While it is fun, and the number of modes are impressive, it was not necessary to do so. It's one of the games that makes you feel like the multi-player was just an afterthought. A fun diversion, but doubtful people will continue to play it years from now. I did have fun with it for a couple of days or so, but it's a forgettable addition, and perhaps the 7th installment won't even have it at all.
- The presentation ranges from excellent to good. Visually the game looks good. Not great. It has some good animations, and the city it huge and teaming with life. But textures leave much to be desired. Game also doesn't seem to running in High definition and can look blurry some times. The audio however is excellent. Voice acting is top notch, and hilarious. The licensed music has all the great tunes you would want, or haven't heard yet. Lets not forget the actual sound design which sells you on it's world. All in all the game is massive. It will take you probably not less than 30, but higher than 40 to complete all the missions.
Conclusion: Grand theft auto 4 is everything fans could have hoped for. Upgraded visuals, new characters, settings and soundtrack. Top notch story and memorable characters. It also sells you it's world for a high sum of your playtime. However it's a bit disappointing to see that the game doesn't completely advance the series forward. Much of the game-play elements, and overall design has been done before by previews games in the franchise. Still. Grand theft Auto 4 is a great game, worth every penny you spent on it. It's one that will last you a long time. And it's fun too.
