Welcome to the family.
While violence forms a huge part of the game, killing isn't always the only option. Early in the game, Niko has to save Roman from a loan shark and instead of knifing him as I was told to, my punch threw him out of the window and into the river below. Was he dead? Did it matter? The mission was complete albeit laced with some moral ambiguity. The game also features a redesigned and more realistic looking Liberty City. Buldings, cars, structures and pedestrians are rendered with such detail, it acutally becomes easier to recognise roads and destination points while driving. The residents of Liberty City also bring so much life to the city, filling every nook and cranny that I found myself trying to avoid running them over, unlike in previous games. Try being the operative world of course, because what is GTA without some mindless violence? The game also adds in new modern elements, such as the use of a cellphone and the Internet to call for backup or stay in touch with friends, and even voice-enabled GPS navigation systems in fancier cars. Adding to the realism is the removal of game options such as secret packages and even health packs. If your life is running low, simply pop by a restaurant or hotdog stand to grab a bite. If you're bored, turn on the television. Yes, in-game entertainment has gone beyond the music-filled radio stations and Rockstar even got British comedian Ricky Gervais to contribute some skits. The two hours of in-game TV content include hilarious cartoons like the crazy Republican Space Rangers and commercials for shows like Waning With The Stars.
One key question most gamers would have is - should I get the PS3 or Xbox 360 version? Having played both versions, I can safely say there are only slight differences in each. The PS3 version requires installation onto the console, which cuts down load time considerably. Using the Six-axis controls to guide the motorcycle and boat was fun for a while, but doing the same for the helicopter was annoying and unnecessary. Graphics wise, the Xbox360 provides slightly more detail but the PS3 has better colors. In the end, the most important factor - aside from paying more for the PS3 version - is buying the same version as your friends, so you can all play online together. But is this game perfect? Having spent my college years with GTA3 and months playing its sequels, there is no denying that GTA4 is the new pride and joy of the family, providing new elements that enhance the game, but there are little changes that irk me. Despite having more songs, the radio stations are not as impressive without the classic tunes that filled previous outings, most noticeably GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas. The surprising thing for the game though is the lack of violence. Yes, you can start pummelling innocents and ramming into cars, but there is little to differentiate the amount of violence from many other shooting or action games in the market to support the idea that GTA4 is bloodier or more profanity-ladden. It is simply about the choices players make and this game offers that aplenty.