Game of the Year?Absolutely. Game of the Decade? Most likely. A thrilling, emotional, suspenseful, intense masterpiece.
Grand Theft Auto 4 is an interactive, high intensity thriller that trumps just about everything of its kind that came before it.
Graphically, the game is top notch, especially considering the sheer size and detail of Liberty City. Make no mistake, The game world is huge. It has a rightful place among the most massive gaming worlds ever created. And unlike San Andreas, which had 3 smaller cities, most of the world isn't simply covered in barren wilderness. Different parts of the city have their own distinct character, and are brought to life by incredible detail. From the gleam of the streets after a rainstorm to the breath that rises from Niko's mouth in the cold, to pedestrians holding objects over their heads and scurrying for cover when rain falls to doomsday prophets shouting on the street corners, you can feel the vitality of the city.
Gameplay: The best new aspect of gameplay is the enhanced gunplay. Namely in the form of the new cover system. It adds a whole new dimension to firefights. Instead of runnign in the open and shooting one target after another, shootouts are now much more intense and dynamic, as you run to better cover, and quickly huddle behind it as bullets whiz past you. The game also utilizes Niko's cell phone, on which he can call friends to go out, schedule appointments, take pictures, and so on.
Niko is one of the most memorable characters of this gaming generation. He is clearly a ruthless killer, but for someone who makes a living as a hired killer, Niko is remarkably human. As the storyline progresses, you really begin to feel empathy for Niko.
The humor of previous games remains intact, which provide both a tension-breaking laugh and an interesting insight into American culture from the eyes of an immigrant. Niko is ensnared in an emotionless world of obsessive materialism, in stark contrast to what he's used to, and his remarks throughout the game illuminate this.
I cannot possibly stress this enough: Regardless of console or system preference, regardless of age, creed, or whether you're even that devout of a gamer, Grand Theft Auto 4 is a must. It is a game that truly captures our era. This is the game you'll be talking about years from now. It is truly ahead of its time and represents a brilliant new dimension in gaming. If Grand Theft Auto 4 is any indication of things to come, then I am excited to see video gaming's future. This is what gaming should be.