Grand Theft Auto IV Review (PS3): Tired Concept, Game

Grand Theft Auto IV is an Action/Adventure Third Person Shooter video game released for the Playstation 3 and developed by Rockstar North. Honestly, if you're into gaming at all you've at least heard the title of this game and things about it. The game received a lot of hype leading up to it's release, but did it live up to it? Let's take a look.

Story : Well, the basis of this story is that you're a foreigner who has to resort to living a seedy life to make ends meet and other various reasons. Cliche? Yes. Does it matter? Not really, because despite what people say Grand Theft Auto has never had a riveting story or anything like that and this game doesn't need to live up to that. The massive buzz of Grand Theft Auto is never about the story, so that should tell you all you need to know.

Graphics : The game's graphics are great. For Playstation 2. This is yet another case of Rockstar North being a bit too timid with changes. Grand Theft Auto has been selling like hot cakes for a long time, so it's no surprise they skimped where they thought they could get away with. Unfortunately the graphics are one of the causalities of this skimping. Basically, the graphics are passable but not much else.

Sound : The sound, likewise, is just the same old stuff you've heard a million times before. Not challenging to your ear and ambient in the worst possible way. The music, sound effects, all of it is just mediocre or cliche or a cringe worthy degree. There's absolutely nothing here you haven't experienced in another game, sound wise.

Game play : Well you must know what to expect here. All the glorified violence that was in the previous game is here as well. You go around doing assorted acts of villainy to progress through the game. The real problem with this game is it's pretty much exactly like the previous installments. Well, that's not entire true but the new elements in this game are totally unnecessary and usually just not much fun. Probably the most notable thing about this game is it's really hilarious. That aspect can't be ignored and I'll be the first to admit it. Unfortunately the rest of the game just isn't as pleasant and is quite dull and repetitive overall.

Re playability : If you have a limited IQ, you may be able to play this one a lot. Otherwise, stay away.

Overall : 2/10. A tired concept, a tired game. I'll give it a single point for effort.