Review: Grand Theft Auto: IV
By: Hassan Sheikh | Associate Reviewer; XboxNowOnline
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 10/10
Storyline: 8/10
Online Play: 9.0/10
Fun Factor: 8.5/10
Controls: 8/10
Grand Theft Auto: IV recieves a 9.5 out of 10.
Game Information
| System: | Xbox 360, PS3 |
| Publisher: | Rockstar Games |
| Developer: | Rockstar North |
| Release Date: | 4/29/2008 |
| Players: | 1-16 |
| Features: | HDD Support, 1080p Support, |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure/Shooter ; Rated M for Mature |
| Online: | - Headset, Xbox LIVE |
| Official Website | http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/ |
Let’s face it kids, if you haven’t heard about the hype that GTA IV has generated over the last several weeks, it’s a good chance you were stuck in a basement somewhere unlocking the last trophies for Super Smash Brothers: Brawl (I’ve got three left!). Opinions range on this one, as few consumers really believe that the game deserves the perfect rating that it’s been awarded by many renown gaming websites. We here at XboxNowOnline have yet to receive our large check in the mail from Rockstar however, so let’s take a closer look at this thing, shall we?
Graphics: As expected, most of the graphics for this game are beautiful. The environment almost breaths with life as you immerse yourself into this exquisitely rendered 3-D world. There are numerous models used for people, you could walk around town for at least five minutes without seeing the same character reused in a different suit. The town itself looks lively, and models New York City exceptionally. The reviewers noted however, that some of the cut scenes were lacking in detail, and made the protagonist of the game look flat and dull. Furthermore, although it’s hard to notice unless you really nitpick, the game tends to take a lot of shortcuts on its animations.
For example, when attempting to open doors, there are few times where theprotagonist’s hand actually touches the door, the game just recognizes that the player is trying to enter and so, opens the door. Again, unless you obsess about small things like that, you’ll be absolutely fine.Sound: One of the supreme highlights of this game. Any car you steal will allow you to switch to different radio stations, each with their own unique flavor. After playing the game for a few hours, you’ll find yourself actually stopping by the side of the road and switching to your favorite radio station, depending on the event you are currently completing. The voice acting is excellent, there’s just enough accent in the characters for you to realize that yes, it’s not just some computer generated voice reading off words, but not enough so that the game is incomprehensible. *CoughATLASFROMBIOSHOCKCough*
Storyline: Seen the godfather? Yeah? Welcome to GTA IV. Haven’t seen the godfather and are underage? Wait a few years and read the wiki on it until you are.. Are of age? Why haven’t you seen it yet?
This lack of originality on behalf of the part of the developers irked the reviewers, but the game did tend to develop more on the negative effects of living a life of constant crime. The past several GTA games tended to make people think, “Stealing this car and killing this guy was so easy and fun!”. We guarantee you by the end of this game however, you won’t have the same elation at having to kill. Potential spoiler there, FYI.
Fun Factor: This is where the game cause a split amongst our reviewers. A lot of those who had already played GTA II, or III felt like the game was merely repeating the same type of missions presented in those two games. Find a car, break into it, go kill some guy, make everyone happy (of course the guy that died, of course.). On the other hand, you had those of us who didn’t have as much experience with GTA, and found the thrill of breaking into any vehicle to fulfill a particular mission to be exhilarating. Case in point: One of the missions had you steal a motorcycle to chase down the leader of a gang. Once you corner him in the park, he invites his cronies and its up to you to take them all out. Now, you could pull out your gun and attempt to mow them down, but with six of them, you’ll often find yourself dead. The answer? I ran back out of the park, stole a truck and drove back down at full force, ramming two of them with the truck, and then jumped out. The momentum of the truck carried it into a third guy, as well as giving me cover enough to kill the other three.
If that doesn’t sound fun for you, then you might have to consider whether or not you want to purchase this game. Let’s give it our final verdict though, shall we?
Final Word: Although overall this is a great game it does not deserve the perfect score it’s been getting from many websites. While this does many things right, it does not introduce anything new. Many of the flaws found in previous GTAs have been erased, and instead replaced with a fairly beautiful game. That being said, it does nothing that is going to change the face of the industry. It does not carry the same wait that Super Mario 64, or The legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time did when they first came out. Get this game, but don’t expect to be the end all to gaming by any means.
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Posted by Hamza Dar | Editor in Chief H-ZONE Media Staff on 13 May : 22:47
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