WHAT??? some people are acctually giving this game BAD reviews??? They need to sell their consoles because if.....
Ok my review...
First impressions were a bit overwhelming(as with all GTA games, especially San Andreas), This is a good thing by the way. I dont mean it's too much to take in and thrown together badly. I mean that you don't know where to start.
The general ambiance of Liberty city is un-rivaled in ANY game, next-gen or otherwise. This time around the inhabitants of the city seem to have a wide variety of rich personalities. They dont just walk round spouting out random coments at nobody "My mama's mah sister!!!"-GTA III pedestrian lol. Whilst, in previous games the NPCs were often entertainingly quirky, they simply seemed to be backround props as opposed to GTA IV's population. They get in the way, they create un-wanted attention, they attack you, they get drunk, they fall over, they fight between themselves and basically they simply seem alive.
Ok the map. As you play through the game, advancing through the different stages and districts of Liberty City you will notice the wide variety of atmospheres. For example you can take a cab ride between broker and algonquin. You will notice how the gritty, steamy streets, run by small time buisneses will turn into urban blocks of flats, surrounded by basketball courts and the 'Ghetto' style populous and then you pass over the bridge into a bustling, comercial buisiness and entertainment district.
The story is more inticing than in any other GTA title. Niko Belic is a very likable criminol with a darkly enigmatic past.
I am am not going to elaborate on the plot of the game any more because you can find out for yourself what it involves. The gameplay is different to the previous title's, all of these differences being improvments. For example, the targeting system is more usable now as you can target specific parts of your target's body whilst still being locked on to them in a similar fashion to Crackdown. The helicopter is awsome fun. This GTA is more fun, with so much to do and tonnes of personality. An awsome game in every way. Don't listen to the idiots that give this game a bad rating. It's hard to leave the game alone. Pure brilliance. I have missed out on lots because it's such a huge game but you should find out for yourselves. Go buy this game. Nobody should be without it. :) ..... OH and the multiplayer!!!! AWSOME 16 player free roaming around the city, doing what ever you want with up to 15 other players... there are also lots of other modes as well as free mode. BUY THIS GAME!!!!!