Grand Theft Auto 4 Review
Rockstar North’s newest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto series takes a much more serious approach than the previous versions. The game attempts to blend the open world aspects the game is known for with a gripping narrative that is new to long time fans. Herein lies the main flaw with Grand Theft Auto, the freedom that players enjoy can sometimes directly oppose what is happening in the narrative. For instance when on a date, a new feature, a player can attack someone at the bowling alley while your date calmly asks whether or not you have been involved in any criminal activity. To be fair the time required to make any game act realistically to all of the possible actions a player can do would take immense time and effort which would not be a cost effective way of allocating resources.
Despite these pronounced flaws, they don’t detract too much from your attachment to the characters. When unfortunate events befall them you feel genuinely sad and in some cases regret or guilt when it is your actions that lead to these fates. Niko Bellic, the main character, is perhaps the most interesting. At the games start, you don’t know much at all about Niko. As the game unfolds however you learn more about his shady past and his reasons for joining his cousin in Liberty City. Unfortunately as you progress further in the story you begin to see inconsistencies in his character. Niko has a sense of values, willing to kill some but basing his decisions on loyalty. This very nature of his character somewhat pressures you to follow the rules of Liberty City, not aimlessly running over civilians on the way to your next objective as was common place in previous GTA games. As you progress through the mission structure however the character of Niko becomes less loyal, in some cases even killing previous employers as long as the money is good. This change draws into question the sanity of Niko and you seem no longer to be breaking character when going on a shooting spree through town.
Despite its flaws Grand Theft Auto IV is an excellent game, and what you would expect from a sequel to the series. Liberty City is diverse and interesting enough that you are willing to spend the upwards of 30 hours there that it will take to finish the game. Multiplayer modes are varied and entertaining and very fun with a group of friends. I would recommend GTA to any fans of the previous games as long as expectations are not too high.
8/10
