I know, I know...I said the review would be up by Saturday. But, it turned out I underestimated just how much one can do in Liberty City. Well, without further ado, I give you my review of Grand Theft Auto IV: Liberty City.
When the game first starts, we get to see our protagonist Niko Bellic, lovable Eastern European guy with a chip on his shoulder, coming to US(Liberty City to be precise) on a cargo ship. Although his background is unclear; we know that, he used to be in the Army of a made-up Eastern European country that was ravaged by war, and his squad got ambushed because of an inside job, and now he is in the U.S., to find the guy who sold them out. Within the hour of his arrival Niko realizes, his cousin Roman, who picked him up from the port, isn't really living the good life as he made Niko believe. Roman, also is part of a Russian mafia ring, but he is at the very bottom of the chain because of his cowardliness. But unlike Roman, Niko is a take no crap kind of guy, and soon enough he begins ranking high in the mafia business ultimately to the top.
There is so much in the City this time around...Rockstar gave us anything a player could hope find in a game. If you are bored, just call your cousin or your girlfriend(that's right you will socialize with the ladies) to go shoot some pool, go clubbing, drink up and drive drunk, throw some darts, bowl, go to a strip club, watch a play, etc... Short on cash? Well, your cousin has a taxi cab company, just do some fares for him. Or some of your acquaintances will have some drug delivery job or something of that nature.
From a free-roaming lover dream stand point, the game falls short of San Andreas; which is not necessarily a bad thing. Because, GTA:SA sort of felt over-stuffed than anything. I personally could do without the jet-pack, among other things. Also, in comparison, this game feels a lot like living a chapter in Niko Bellic's life, instead of going door to door to get mission after mission(for those who play the game to beat it as fast as possible), there is more time in between missions also, most of them come via using cellphone rather than visiting people personally. In everything he does, Niko has a worn out and apologetic look about him. He doesn't enjoy killing, nor does he like stealing cars or running people over, as he apologizes after every time he hits or almost hits a pedestrian.But enough about the story and introductions, after all, all GTAs deliver when it comes to story telling.
On a graphical stand point, this game looks absolutely gorgeous, great lighting, awesome facial impressions, almost never repeating NPCs, great looking shiny cars with realistic damage models(you hear that GT5?) and the best move ever, the implementation of Euphoria. As Peter's uncle Ben would say; "With Great physics, comes great big laughs".It is hilarious to watch people drag on the road hanging on the car's door handles, holding on to their dear lives, as I'm stealing their car. And best of all, frame rate is as smooth as it gets.
Audio...One of the best voice work I have seen, ever. Matched by the sounds of a living breathing city and a soundtrack that will take you anywhere from late 90's to today.
Gameplay still needs some getting used to, but it is the easiest GTA game to control. Addition of Gears of War or more like the Getaway style cover system is probably the most welcome thing for a GTA player like myself, who used to get killed because it is so darn hard to fight with 10-15 guys when there is nothing to hide behind. Driving mechanics have seen some improvement as well, using Euphoria engine really makes cars react to everything on the road,feel like they have some weight to them. Also, how such a small thing like a cell can change the gameplay is amazing. I mean that sucker connects players with anything game has to offer. Including Multiplayer. Payers can call each other to play online with their buddies. And create 10 times the chaos. Probably the most fun online experience, since Halo 3 and Call of Duty4 or Warhawk.
Graphics: 10
When playing the game for the first time, you will look like a Japanese tourist in the middle of Times Square. The entire Liberty City feels alive.
Audio: 10
With an huge list of songs on the soundtrack, which by the way still plays even when you get out of your car, and you will be able to hear music muffled, since windows are up. You can actually stop and listen to NPCs have a full conversation. Voice work is second to none.
Gameplay: 9.5
Still could use some improvement...but it is the best GTA in controls hands down.
Tilt / Fun Factor: 10.5 / 10 LOL!
That, just goes to say how much I love this game.
Overall: 10
GTA IV has to be the most complete game ever created. Liberty City deserves every bit of praise it gets. A Perfect Ten. I am actually greatful to have started my blog career, the same year GTA IV came out, so my first perfect 10 does not go wasted.
GO OUT AND BUY THIS GAME NOW!!!!
