GTA 4 manages to provide a deep word. Whether you're following the great story or screwing around, it's always a blast to play.
Graphics – 8.5/10:
It's hard to rate a game graphically when you know that there are thousands of activities going on around you. However, this is a review. The game looks amazing in certain lights. Sometimes, you might find yourself looking at a unique looking game where the character models look like RockStar Games' game art. Sometimes, you might be staring at a detailed environment of great shadow effects and lighting. Sometimes, you look at dull environments of blurry color.
Unfortunately, the game suffers a bit from the huge world. The frame rate always seems to be a little lower than it should be. When driving like a madman, you'll notice texture and building pop-ins as well. None of these things hinder the game-play, but are noticeable.
However, it's a marvel to witness a ton of activity in one small area. Graphically, the game does a great job of looking great, while maintaining such a level of activity.
Gameplay – 9.5/10:
As most of you may know, Grand Theft Auto games are "sandbox" or "free-roaming" games. You're essentially free to do almost anything you want to complete your objectives or desires. While having obvious limitations, RockStar has done an outstanding job of putting as much effort into the game-play as possible.
The controls are solid. You use shoulder buttons to shoot, take cover, aim, and pick things up. The control scheme is strange at first, but RockStar's rebellious control scheme works nicely, as buttons are mapped out so that you can use a certain group of buttons for certain situations.
Running around is what you will probably be doing most of the time. You walk normally, but hold X and you will run. Tap X repetitively allows you to sprint. The catch is that you can get tired as well, so sprinting is not always the wise choice. Unfortunately, the game feels a little slow while walking, especially compared to driving and the fact that the city is so big. You can now scale small fences and such, but it always feels so slow as you let the climbing animation scale the wall/fence for you.
This is where vehicles come in. You can use any car/truck/motorcycle/helicopter/scooter or whatever you find by stealing it. You will always be successful in taking a vehicle you want as long as there isn't anything there to stop you. This can be achieved with a simple press of the triangle button, so accidental car-jackings may ensue. Vehicle controls are fluid, thanks to the physics engine, while drifting is a little too sensitive.
You'll have an assortment of weapons, ranging from pistols, to shotguns, to grenades. The police will not hesitate to take you out at the first sign of trouble, but are easily avoided just by driving away from their "search circle". This leads to an easy game, which is just sugar coated with more easiness due to the fact that auto-aiming is an option.
Shooting is much better however, with the atrocious lock-on system replaceable with the Gears of War/Uncharted shoot and cover system in place. You can also choose to auto-aim towards their torsos, so that you can tap the analogue stick a tiny bit up-wards for some satisfying head shots. Everything works well, with just a few finicky touches.
The basic structure of GTA4 is to maintain relationships, missions, and have random fun. You build relationships with characters over time and will have to take them out to dates, drinks, dinner, or maybe even a game of pool or two. Honestly, it gets tedious after a while, as it turns into a chore. Luckily, the missions are made so that you're never bored. You cannot tell a main-story mission from a side mission, as RockStar has taken considerable effort into each mission. If you don't feel like getting bossed around, you can participate in one of many fun activities, non-essential to the game. You can watch TV, play darts, or go on random killing sprees.
The possibilities are so endless, it would take me hours to give you all of the details. So please, let's move on!
Sound – 9.5/10:
Let's get one thing out of the way first. The voice acting... is amazing. I haven't been this convinced by characters since Heavenly Sword! Every character is unique in talking styles and have convincing tones/accents in their voices. This alone makes the sound amazing.
You can listen on the radio for great licensed songs, because the game doesn't offer a huge array of original scores. However, the radio talk-shows are priceless. In one of the many unique shows, I listened to the ranting of a guy about how video games are turning our children into monsters. I fell out of my couch, laughing at the irony.
The sound effects are great as well, as everything sounds as they should be.
Value – 10/10:
The main game will take you a looooong time to finish. After you're done, there's the core game leftover, for your inner-beast to go on random killing sprees and whatnot. When you're done the single player, there's the multi-player waiting for you. This isn't some sissy, multi-player scrapped together at the last minute - this is a full, crazy good multi-player. There are an abundance of modes such as death-match, to even racing! You're definitely getting your money's worth here.
Story – "a true under-dog story with great characters"
You play as Niko, fresh off the boat of his old, war-torn country. He comes to America in search of fortunes, his cousin's promises, and some personal matters. The game features amazing characters, with an actually likable protagonist this time around. As you move up the food chain, you'll uncover organizations to help you reach the top with your ignorant cousin.
The story is simply stunning - brimming with confidence and sheer humor. RockStar has simply put a ton of effort into this script.
CONCLUSION:
If you haven't noticed already, GTA4 isn't that over-rated piece of trash everyone's talking about. There's just so much effort put into it that it even beats Oblivion in detail. If you have a PS3 or a 360, then grab a copy of this game - if you haven't already that is. If you haven't entered this generation of HD consoles, then this is a great place to start - that is, if you were planning on getting a PS3 or 360. I'm sure that you won't regret it.
Graphics - 8.5/10
Gameplay - 9.5/10
Sound - 9.5/10
Value - 10/10
Story - "a true under-dog story with great characters"
OVERALL – 4.5 STARS
Graphics – 8.5/10:
It's hard to rate a game graphically when you know that there are thousands of activities going on around you. However, this is a review. The game looks amazing in certain lights. Sometimes, you might find yourself looking at a unique looking game where the character models look like RockStar Games' game art. Sometimes, you might be staring at a detailed environment of great shadow effects and lighting. Sometimes, you look at dull environments of blurry color.
Unfortunately, the game suffers a bit from the huge world. The frame rate always seems to be a little lower than it should be. When driving like a madman, you'll notice texture and building pop-ins as well. None of these things hinder the game-play, but are noticeable.
However, it's a marvel to witness a ton of activity in one small area. Graphically, the game does a great job of looking great, while maintaining such a level of activity.
Gameplay – 9.5/10:
As most of you may know, Grand Theft Auto games are "sandbox" or "free-roaming" games. You're essentially free to do almost anything you want to complete your objectives or desires. While having obvious limitations, RockStar has done an outstanding job of putting as much effort into the game-play as possible.
The controls are solid. You use shoulder buttons to shoot, take cover, aim, and pick things up. The control scheme is strange at first, but RockStar's rebellious control scheme works nicely, as buttons are mapped out so that you can use a certain group of buttons for certain situations.
Running around is what you will probably be doing most of the time. You walk normally, but hold X and you will run. Tap X repetitively allows you to sprint. The catch is that you can get tired as well, so sprinting is not always the wise choice. Unfortunately, the game feels a little slow while walking, especially compared to driving and the fact that the city is so big. You can now scale small fences and such, but it always feels so slow as you let the climbing animation scale the wall/fence for you.
This is where vehicles come in. You can use any car/truck/motorcycle/helicopter/scooter or whatever you find by stealing it. You will always be successful in taking a vehicle you want as long as there isn't anything there to stop you. This can be achieved with a simple press of the triangle button, so accidental car-jackings may ensue. Vehicle controls are fluid, thanks to the physics engine, while drifting is a little too sensitive.
You'll have an assortment of weapons, ranging from pistols, to shotguns, to grenades. The police will not hesitate to take you out at the first sign of trouble, but are easily avoided just by driving away from their "search circle". This leads to an easy game, which is just sugar coated with more easiness due to the fact that auto-aiming is an option.
Shooting is much better however, with the atrocious lock-on system replaceable with the Gears of War/Uncharted shoot and cover system in place. You can also choose to auto-aim towards their torsos, so that you can tap the analogue stick a tiny bit up-wards for some satisfying head shots. Everything works well, with just a few finicky touches.
The basic structure of GTA4 is to maintain relationships, missions, and have random fun. You build relationships with characters over time and will have to take them out to dates, drinks, dinner, or maybe even a game of pool or two. Honestly, it gets tedious after a while, as it turns into a chore. Luckily, the missions are made so that you're never bored. You cannot tell a main-story mission from a side mission, as RockStar has taken considerable effort into each mission. If you don't feel like getting bossed around, you can participate in one of many fun activities, non-essential to the game. You can watch TV, play darts, or go on random killing sprees.
The possibilities are so endless, it would take me hours to give you all of the details. So please, let's move on!
Sound – 9.5/10:
Let's get one thing out of the way first. The voice acting... is amazing. I haven't been this convinced by characters since Heavenly Sword! Every character is unique in talking styles and have convincing tones/accents in their voices. This alone makes the sound amazing.
You can listen on the radio for great licensed songs, because the game doesn't offer a huge array of original scores. However, the radio talk-shows are priceless. In one of the many unique shows, I listened to the ranting of a guy about how video games are turning our children into monsters. I fell out of my couch, laughing at the irony.
The sound effects are great as well, as everything sounds as they should be.
Value – 10/10:
The main game will take you a looooong time to finish. After you're done, there's the core game leftover, for your inner-beast to go on random killing sprees and whatnot. When you're done the single player, there's the multi-player waiting for you. This isn't some sissy, multi-player scrapped together at the last minute - this is a full, crazy good multi-player. There are an abundance of modes such as death-match, to even racing! You're definitely getting your money's worth here.
Story – "a true under-dog story with great characters"
You play as Niko, fresh off the boat of his old, war-torn country. He comes to America in search of fortunes, his cousin's promises, and some personal matters. The game features amazing characters, with an actually likable protagonist this time around. As you move up the food chain, you'll uncover organizations to help you reach the top with your ignorant cousin.
The story is simply stunning - brimming with confidence and sheer humor. RockStar has simply put a ton of effort into this script.
CONCLUSION:
If you haven't noticed already, GTA4 isn't that over-rated piece of trash everyone's talking about. There's just so much effort put into it that it even beats Oblivion in detail. If you have a PS3 or a 360, then grab a copy of this game - if you haven't already that is. If you haven't entered this generation of HD consoles, then this is a great place to start - that is, if you were planning on getting a PS3 or 360. I'm sure that you won't regret it.
Graphics - 8.5/10
Gameplay - 9.5/10
Sound - 9.5/10
Value - 10/10
Story - "a true under-dog story with great characters"
OVERALL – 4.5 STARS