Grand Theft Auto IV Video Game Review

By far, Grand Theft Auto IV is the best installment in the series. It has been four years since the last major release (GTA San Andreas), and fans have been itching their skin off to play the new game. Ever since it was announced, there was limitless hype surrounding the product, such as the storyline and gameplay changes. GTA IV has most definitely changed for the better, and there is only one word to describe the transformation: Breathtaking.

The most noticeable change is the graphics and realism. The scenery and people look almost real, and there is more personality in every object you come across. In addition, Liberty City (the region in which the game takes place) is almost an exact replica of New York City. The landscape holds many noticeable and famous buildings, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. It even has the Statue of Liberty, except it is called the Statue of Happiness, and it is holding a beer instead of a torch.

The gameplay has also reached a new level of realism. When you break into parked cars, instead of just simply opening the door and driving away like there's a key already in the ignition, you break the window and hotwire the vehicle. During driving, it is easier to spin out or crash if you are going too fast, and health can decreased from strong collisions (unlike the previous games). The fighting system has improved drastically. When you kill someone on the street, everybody around you runs away, much faster than ever before. The police also pose much more of a threat. First, they actually look like real officers, and they fight intelligently, utilizing the game's cover system (which the player can use as well). You can escape from them by hiding behind infrastructure or physical items, such as trash cans. Previously, if you had "stars", police would come out of nowhere and attack you; now, they actually have to see you.

GTA IV seamlessly combines its increased functionality with that classic Grand Theft Auto feel. You can still annihilate massive amounts of civilians and police and get away with it. You can still easily steal cars and rob stores. Every possible action just feels more fluid and better than in any previous installment.

If you have never played Grand Theft Auto before, or just thought about passing over this installment, think again. This may very well be one of the most entertaining video games you have ever played in your life!