This is my first review on these forums, so I decided to review the newest game in my collection, Grand Theft Auto IV. I'll spare you all the story, as the community here will all know what GTA IV is about, and will most likely have played previous GTA games. So I will skip straight into review of how the actual game plays. I will break this down into Storyline, Graphics and Gameplay.
Storyline : Despite my initial thinking that this game was all about running around blowing things up, I was quite shocked to find a deep storyline. The characters are all superb and are dripping with detail. Each character has their own unique personality and traits, and the voice acting is top notch. After spending the many hours piloting Niko around, you really bond with him and can predict how he will act given certain situations. The storyline itself is great and will have you enthralled.
Graphics : One word, Spectacular. The level of detail in this game is amazing. But not just looking at it, it's the details you only notice after a few hours behind the controller. When turning, the occupants are thrown to and fro according to where they are sitting. Debris on the ground collects and moves accordingly. This game is rife with such details and I commend it so. However, there were quite a few things that disappointed me. In the game, there are a plethora of buildings which you can go in and explore. However, on the buildings you can't the textures for windows and other interior views are terrible. However, the doors are all seamless, meaning if there is a building with no windows, you may run into 10 dead ends while trying to ditch the cops through a housing structure. Overall though, the graphics are just as good as everyone rants and go with the games mood very well.
Gameplay. I really enjoy the feel of this game. Of course the driving is done with shoulder buttons, which I appreciate a lot. The combat system is great, however it comes with a drawback. In most of the missions there are WAY too many enemies. I have seen FPS games with less spawned hellions preventing you from reaching point B. After a while, this can wear you down and refuse to continue playing when you die for the fifth time on a mission because some police car mowed you down going 100 mph and you have to kills the hoards of LCPD officers determined to fill your face with lead. I haven't played the multiplayer though, so I cannot comment on it.
Overall : I'd give this game a go buy it right now and don't come out until people call the police assuming you have died. I purchased a Limited Edition for my PS3 and love the little details of the swag it comes with. For instance, there's a little weld on the Rockstar keychain preventing it from falling from the ring. I throughly enjoy this game when I want a serious mission, some sandbox fun, or to kick it with friends.
Storyline : Despite my initial thinking that this game was all about running around blowing things up, I was quite shocked to find a deep storyline. The characters are all superb and are dripping with detail. Each character has their own unique personality and traits, and the voice acting is top notch. After spending the many hours piloting Niko around, you really bond with him and can predict how he will act given certain situations. The storyline itself is great and will have you enthralled.
Graphics : One word, Spectacular. The level of detail in this game is amazing. But not just looking at it, it's the details you only notice after a few hours behind the controller. When turning, the occupants are thrown to and fro according to where they are sitting. Debris on the ground collects and moves accordingly. This game is rife with such details and I commend it so. However, there were quite a few things that disappointed me. In the game, there are a plethora of buildings which you can go in and explore. However, on the buildings you can't the textures for windows and other interior views are terrible. However, the doors are all seamless, meaning if there is a building with no windows, you may run into 10 dead ends while trying to ditch the cops through a housing structure. Overall though, the graphics are just as good as everyone rants and go with the games mood very well.
Gameplay. I really enjoy the feel of this game. Of course the driving is done with shoulder buttons, which I appreciate a lot. The combat system is great, however it comes with a drawback. In most of the missions there are WAY too many enemies. I have seen FPS games with less spawned hellions preventing you from reaching point B. After a while, this can wear you down and refuse to continue playing when you die for the fifth time on a mission because some police car mowed you down going 100 mph and you have to kills the hoards of LCPD officers determined to fill your face with lead. I haven't played the multiplayer though, so I cannot comment on it.
Overall : I'd give this game a go buy it right now and don't come out until people call the police assuming you have died. I purchased a Limited Edition for my PS3 and love the little details of the swag it comes with. For instance, there's a little weld on the Rockstar keychain preventing it from falling from the ring. I throughly enjoy this game when I want a serious mission, some sandbox fun, or to kick it with friends.
