Simply Outstanding,This is what we all been waiting for, The First TRUE next gen experience is here!
Although there were some gameplay elements that were cut, GTA IV tacks on more than you would like, The core concepts of the game are still intact, its just its so much more polished that its basicly evolved and it may be too much that I can't possibly explain it all. The game is much more larger in terms of playablity, the controls have been reworked, and so has the camera. The melee actions are still activated with the B button but the fighting is much more complex, which I will explain later.and Sprint is still A, tapping A gives you a boost of speed just like San Andreas, but its much realistic than catching up with cars. pulling off Grand theft autos are still y and the game has several ways of doing it, for instance if you have a weapon in hand Niko will use it to open the door or use it on the driver, while vehicles are parked, you use your elbows to smash the window so you can enter the car, instead of just magicly opening it up, and you have to hotwire it too. There is now a cover system that is similar to Gears of war, and to fire you weapons you use the R trigger. The cell phone which is a crucial part of the gameplay is one the most realistic items that you'll ever see in a videogame. You can get Ringtones, Wallpaper and take photos, its also your way to communicate with all the people that you meet throughout Liberty city, you can see if they have work for you, or you can just call to see if they want to hang out. The internet is also used in the game, located in cafes called TW@t,(mentioned in GTA 3) the web has 100 fictional sites to go to, you even get emails and so on, Both of these elements are used in the story and its great to see something this innovative, Driving has changed drasticly too, not only do you have to brake when you turn,(you'll spin out if you don't) you also have to battle several road conditons such as rain, and the surface you ride on, you also get a gps system, which some cars give you a voice commands and the waypoints are marked by yellow lines.you can still hop fences and swim, and you can eat and go to strips clubs, bars, comedy clubs and interact with a crapload of minigames, there are no more territories to take over,(thank god!) and the game still gives you the option to "dress" your character. The Camera is zoomed in on Niko to give a much more up close and personal atmosphere, giving you a good look at the gorgeus city. The wanted level system has been changed too, there are still stars but to escape you have to leave the radius on your map, much like the game scarface.
The fighting and shooting mechanics have always been dubbed with horrible critics, but this time its much more different and is way good. Shooting in the game is a mixture of classic GTA and saints row, holding down the left trigger is auto targeting,but slightly pressing it lets you free aim(aiming down the sight) you can zoom in by clicking the Right trigger, and quick switch to differnt enemies by flicking it to there direction while holding L. While moving the stick up, enables you to perform headshots and moving it down lets you cripple enemies by shooting them in there jewels or legs. Some instances, there is a gameplay option to exterminate your enemies by holding the R trigger, the game is much more gory,and blood even splats onto your screen. The cover system is in harmony with shooting as they both work together. The fighting system which is one of my favorites, were usually clunky looking in previous titles, this time it is much more refined making it actually fun. the now have three attacks, B is punches, X is kicks, and Y is combination of both. You can pull off some deadly strikes but the real highlight here is the counters, kinda like assassin's creed you press the A button as soon as your opponet strikes, Niko will dodge it and then you can perform some badass comboes, these are ultra cool looking and you will always say wow.
Liberty city has always been my favorite out of the three games, just because its were it all started, it may not be as big or land variated as San Andreas, but it has so many memories and I'm glad I'm reacurring. Some gamers know this city better than their hometowns, but the the setting is 10 yrs after the events in GTA 3 that its massively different. Liberty city isnt bigger than San Andreas but is very close, the major difference between this and San Andreas is that this world is much more detailed, (graphics,which I will dig deeper into later.) The city is so alive that it feels like its a real place, the pedestrians don't just walk about the city. They have their own agendas and plans for the day. The game also features some real-life replicas of key sites in New York, such BOABO, times square, central park, and the statue of Liberty. You also can venture into New Jersey,(known as Alderney.) which is a very different experinence than the heavy ghettoes and lush metropolis of Liberty City. You can get around by cars, motorbikes, and trains but the taxis are the highlight, not only are they numerous in ratio but you can use them to transport you to any location. The city is filled with a whole bunch of venues such as bars, clubs, and food stops. It is just so alive, and its the realist city ever in a videogame, hands down. its not just big, its interactive and accesible too.
As for the story its a changed aspect as well. This time around, the tale is much more darker that past GTAs', but it still has its humor. You are Niko Bellic, an immigrant from russia trying to escape a troubled past. The story isn't a rags to riches story and Niko isn't a hotshot trying to get it all,its just a man trying to live a normal life with his cousin Roman, make friends along the way, fall in love, have kids,work,and die. In real life, when **** happens, its tough. GTA IV does a good job of portraying this, you have to deal with it. You just don't own a city and be a multimillionnaire, you have to face struggles to get where you want to be, GTA IV shows this, but Niko just wants a middle-class life, and I think that being serious is much better than the over-the-top style of past GTA. Yes the game still has the badass moments and mafia atmosphere, with everything between. But its more serious and teachs us valuable lessons, its touching, its moving, its everything we asked for. Niko is the best protaginst in GTA as a whole, he is farcry from CJ and Tommy Vercitti, just because he is sympathic, he does look tough. He is basicly you, he has human emotions and he don't take crap from no one, the game doesnt have a visible plot, but its just that its so good that it is seems transparent. The missions come in variety just like past titles, but is much more exotic.
As for the techincal aspect of the game, it may be the best on next gen. The graphics are collosally better that San Andreas, and puts most games today to shame. It isn't like Gears of War, but sure is close. The only major factor that makes it better is than the world is far more bigger,which is a good excuse. Everything is so real looking with HD lighting, the animations are uncanny, and the physics are mind blowing. Niko reacts to everything in his Enviroment. the sound effects and track are great, but the voiceacting is where the game shines the most. Everything you see in the game will be different and is a once in a lifetime experience.
In conclusion, GTA IV may be the best game ever. It is pushing the industry further and is one a hell of a game, it is a must play for all gamers regardlees of their tastes, as for flaws and issues, the game has none other than a few nitpicky things that aren't really problems at all. I might as well be wrong when I said no game is perfect, Because GTA IV is the closest thing we ever will get to it. It is Diamond in the rough, the king of all games, and is the best game out on the market right now. The only reasons that you won't like the game is if you are highly sensitive or simply, you are allergic to fun. GTA is Legendary