If you’re over the age of 15, you’ll remember the ‘glory days’ of gaming. Back then, games were made to entertain the younger generation. Even further, back to the 80’s, gaming was seen as something new, something primitive. It was also seen as one of the most fantastic new inventions of the modern era.
Inevitably, this new industry grew, and a more mature audience demanded attention. This is where the pioneering games aimed at a mature market appeared. The gore and horror of Resident Evil enabled hardcore adult gamers to gratify their lust for blood. Metal Gear Solid is considered one of the best games ever made, with gritty detail, realism and a plot to rival a blockbuster. Grand Theft Auto 4 is somewhat of an amalgamation of Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil, in terms of style. It delivers absorbing game play and longevity.
Grand Theft Auto 4 has blasted its way through the door to introduce itself to the ravenous gaming community. Rockstar have released possibly the most anticipated game of 2008, and the newest addition to the GTA series. What an addition it is.
GTA4 is the first venture onto the current generation consoles, and Rockstar have done it in spectacular fashion.
You first step onto the docks of as Niko Bellic, an immigrant from , lured to the city by the false promises of his cousin, Roman. The game is set in , which some remember as the city from the original Grand Theft Auto.
The elements from the previous games are still present. The plot is mission based as you work for different people and bosses to earn enough money to make a living. There are plenty of guns, blood, explosions and crashes, all of which are now in incredible detail compared to the previous titles. Grand Theft Auto 4 uses a different and innovative engine, which allows for much more detail and more realistic physics effects.
The attention to detail is stunning. You realise the things which go unnoticed in every day life are taken for granted. You remember back to the original PlayStation games where large areas of simple textures were common. You now regain awareness and stare onto the screen, captivated by the gorgeous plethora of city life. Pedestrians will run under bus shelters when it starts to rain, the police will chase and arrest other non-player characters, and if you crash into a solid object at high speed, Niko will be thrown from the car through the windscreen and onto the road. It can happen to other drivers as well, although they usually will suffer a broken neck and slump onto the steering wheel, sounding the car’s horn for a short period.
There is a much finer atmosphere in , as steam rises from drains in the road, ethereal fog permeates the background and the hustle and bustle of the public going about their day makes the city feel alive and genuinely functional.
Another touch is the emphasis on personal relationships; if you ignore your phone or forget to cancel a meeting your relationship with significant characters can be affected.
The small details and extra touches mark this game apart from the earlier games in the series, and justifiably many other games at this current time.