Review - Grand Theft Auto 4

There is something different about this installment of GTA IV. In the past I would put in a bunch of codes to give myself insane weapon and a tank and just go on a killing spree before starting out. But for some reason, I can’t find wanton destruction as appealing as it used to be. Maybe it’s the realism of the characters, who I have found myself really caring about. Maybe it’s the scope of the city, which is so impressive in content I would just feel like a jerk if I took an RPG and blasted a traffic jam to kingdom come.

Before I say anything else, let’s get the basics out of the way. They game looks great and sounds great. This version of Liberty City, which takes a striking resemblance to New York City, is full of content and interesting people. The multiplayer is fantastic, which takes Liberty City’s large neighborhoods and pits you against other players in free-for-all deathmatch or team based battles. It has received top marks all around, and for good reason. It takes the sandbox formula GTA is known for, adds content such as an improved cover and aiming system and a ‘Friendship’ system (where major characters in the game will help you out depending on how friendly you are to them), and it keeps the GTA franchise fresh.

While GTA: San Andreas had a strong focus on personal development like fitness and fashion, GTA IV abandons much of that in favor of your relationships with people you meet. You play as Nico Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who comes to visit his cousin Roman who is living “the American Dream”. Roman introduces you to some of his acquaintances which you will get to know better as the game goes forward, like Little Jacob. But for the most part, you’re set to do what you want. You can call your friends to hand out, call your girlfriend for a date, or do a little work on the side for a friend. If your friends like you then you’ll be able to enjoy perks, like free taxi rides courtesy of Roman’s taxi service.

You will want to help out your friends because you will want to hang out with them, not because you are supposed to for the stories sake. You will want to help Roman with his gambling problems and you will want to get drunk with my favorite rasta Little Jacob (who seems to be becoming increasingly paranoid with his dealings with Badman). You will want to make sure to give your dates a good time on their dates. Your friendships give you some perks as I’ve explained earlier, but the greatest perk is getting to know more about the characters. You’ll feel like you are truly helping them out, as a friend.

I’ll end this review by saying that Nico Bellic will be remembered as one of the greatest protagonists in gaming for this generation. But the reason he is such a strong character is because of the people around him. They give him depth, and he gives them depth in return. The characters in this game cause you to like them even when you want to kill them… and that is what makes great characters.

Score: 9/10