My GTA IV review :>

Saturos

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Graphics: By far the most "improved" aspect of the series. First thing I noticed obviously was the awesome graphics. To some of you, they probably weren't no big deal because most of you who've been in the 360/PS3 scene for quite some time probably seem games on the 360 that look twice as good, but I was stunned at the attention to detail with the autos. The specular, the incredible textures, the lighting, damage detail, *cremes pants*. The environmental details and textures are awesome too, but still some some signs of past GTA blandness. Particularly when very close up or far away. Plus, some minor texture and object pop-ups hear and there and vehicles and people seem to disappear from the map rather quickly, but it's nothing major compared to the improvements.

AI: Good, but not great. However, still impressive for a GTA game. In one scene while walking down a sidewalk with a shotgun for instance, passerbys in vehicles will make comments, particulary if there are passengers, they may say something to the driver if he stops to look at Niko like, "Is you retarded?! Drive!" :> Plus some other minor tweaks too, like people smoking cigarettes or whipping out a cell phone, or sipping coffee. It was really a far cry from previous GTA games, which seemed like nobody had nothing better to do but wonder around the streets aimlessly. Though this is a major improvement to the series as well, some minor bugs plague the AI system. For example, sometimes you can walk up behind someone, kick them, and they pretend nothing happened at all. wtf?

Physics: Another vastly improved aspect indeed. "Physics" in previous GTAs was, for the most part, laughable. No longer does the player or NPCS feel like robots with sticks jammed up their asses, they actually have lifelike physics. :O Also, vehicle physics have improved as well. Learning to effectivly drive differently weighted cars at high speeds has proved to be somewhat of a challenge as I expected, "GTA SA vehicle physics". The only part where the physics seemed to faulter was during the pool game, where sometimes the cue ball didn't behave correctly, sticking to the side walls rather than bouncing like they should. This is really just a peanut turd in a vast, pristine ocean however, as the ragdoll effects from bumping into people on foot, to vehicular homocide is absolutely exquisite.

Gameplay: Being that I'm not normally a 360 player, I was still amazed by the intuitive controls for GTA IV and how comfortable it is to control Niko during a gunfight. The vehicle controls are good, and the action is incredibly addictive, thanks to the newly revamped all-around physics and graphical effects. However fun it may be, it's not over-the-top like past GTA's. No WW3 national guard shit yet, and I've tried my darnest to get a six-star wanted rating.

Scope: The only thing about this iteration of the series that somewhat dissapointed me. Being how I was used to Vice City's and San Andrea's insane scope of things, GTA IV feels more like a superb re-make of GTA 3 tbh. That may have been a good thing for some poeple though, as they may not feel "over-whelmed", and in return, just simply focus more on the action and story.

Story:...Speaking of which, I haven't gotten around to doing yet. I've just been having so much fun f**king around I don't even yet know who Niko is, other than he's some cool Russian immigrant guy with a bad temper. :>

Sound: Effects aren't that astounding, and to me seemed typical of a GTA title, but it's the soundtrack everyone's been talking about. Well, tbh I have yet to hear a single track from any band I know, though it all sounds good. Isn't this stuff mostly Rockstar's special homebrew soundtracks like in GTA3? The satire is absolutely hilarious, and the talk shows are generally my favorite stations on any GTA title. Especially the new "TV stations" that have been added. (I'm Rich!, Men's Room, Republican Space Commandos)

Last Thoughts: Awesome game. More of an "evolution" of the series than a "revolution", but definately worth what little time I have left as a civilian fs. Despite it's common GTA shortcomings and some news bugs here and there, I can't complain about this title like I have been at so many other's during this generation. I've just had way too much fun with it so far. Still looking for new satire, easter eggs, and STILL haven't gotten around to the story yet. (I've been playing my cousin's completed save) Oh, the ice cream truck had me rolling in tears from laughter. The jingle speeding up and slowing down, distorting when crashing. The most I've laughed in years. (Actually, my mum, sister, and nephew were all rolling over with laughter watching me drive that ice creme truck) Jesus, did my life really suck that much in the past three years? :> Thank you Rockstar for reviving my gaming spirit and saving me from a world of sucky games. :thumbs:


GTA IV 8.75/10
 
Maybe you should finish the game before reviewing? Maybe? Also you forgot the MP.
 
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