Review: Grand Theft Auto IV
From Friday’s The Oklahoman:
By Matthew Price
Assistant Features Editor
“Grand Theft Auto IV” already has plenty of tongues wagging for its violent and sexual content — but how does it stack up as a game?
The mature-rated “Grand Theft Auto IV” features Niko Bellic, an eastern European lured to Liberty City by the promises of his cousin. When his cousin’s promises ring hollow, Niko must find his own path to the American dream of success.
Niko must complete various missions for the game to move forward, but there’s plenty of room to veer — Niko can watch in-game television, surf the in-game Internet, and go on dates.
There are a multitude of choices to be made, some which affect the overall course of the game, and some that don’t. The storyline is engaging and may keep some gamers away from endlessly wandering, which was popular in previous “GTA” installments. But for gamers who choose to wander, there’s plenty to see.
The visuals of the game really show the potential of the next-generation systems. Boroughs designed to resemble the actual New York boroughs. Still, the game isn’t afraid to veer from strict adhesion to the real-world Manhattan when a few changes would make for a better game.
Sunlight and shadows accurately move as time progresses in the game, and improved physics that ground the entire enterprise in a realistic world. The nonplayer characters interact with one another regardless of Niko’s presence or influence, adding another layer of verisimilitude.
“Grand Theft Auto IV” adds an online multiplayer option to this edition; while it’s not as interesting as the single-player game, it’s a nice option to add.
Like most “Grand Theft Auto” games, many of Niko’s activities are illicit or at best ill-considered for law-abiding citizens. But for fans of crime dramas like “The Sopranos” and “Scarface,” “Grand Theft Auto IV” is compelling entertainment that appeals to the same sensibilities. The game is intended for mature audiences age 17 and older.
“GTA IV” sales strong despite criticism
Mothers Against Drunk Driving and vocal video game critics have come out against the game, but sales and critical reviews for “Grand Theft Auto IV” are both through the roof.
The mature-rated game allows gamers to take the role of Niko Bellic, an eastern European lured to
“Drunk driving is not a game, and it is not a joke,” MADD said in a statement released Tuesday to the Associated Press. “Drunk driving is a choice, a violent crime and it is also 100 percent preventable.”
Meanwhile, critics are praising the graphics and depth of the game.
““I would rather have fewer video games throughout the year, and more games like this,” G4’s Adam Sessler said in his “Soapbox” segment on the network.
Reuters UK is reporting that “Grand Theft Auto IV” broke single-day sales records in Great Britain, with sales of 609,000 copies.
Adam Sessler loves “GTA IV”
G4’s Adam Sessler: “I would rather have fewer video games throughout the year, and more games like this.”
Arcade talks “GTA IV”
In the “War Room” segment, the gamers of Arcade (and a puppet) discuss “Grand Theft Auto IV.”
More British violence over “GTA”
According to the Lancashire Evening Post, a teen had his jaw broken and his copy of “Grand Theft Auto IV” stolen in Leyland, in the U.K.
According to the report:
Two thugs shattered a teenager’s jaw and nose before snatching the year’s must-have computer game – Grand Theft Auto IV.
The 18-year-old and his friend were approached at the junction of Northbrook Road and Golden Hill Lane in Leyland just 30 minutes after buying the £40 video game, which was released at midnight.
The two offenders, white men aged between 18 and 20, overtook the man and his friend as they walked home and emerged from behind a hedge in front of them.
More on “GTA” vs. “Iron Man”
As Nerdage covered last week, there continues to be talk on “GTA IV” having an impact on the box office for “Iron Man.”
GamePro is still sticking with the idea that it will negatively impact “Iron Man” ticket sales. I saw “Iron Man” this weekend, and while I can’t provide any kind of review until Friday, I do believe that people will want to see this movie, even if it takes two hours away from their “Grand Theft Auto” quest.
As Libe Goad of Game Daily said in her interview with The Oklahoman, taking two hours out to go see a movie isn’t that much of a hardship:
“I did hear some stories where analysts predicting that it will affect (the movie) ‘Iron Man,’” Goad said. “The funny thing about ‘Iron Man’ is, ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and ‘Iron Man’ appeal to very similar audiences, so maybe they’ll buy ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ play that, take a break to go see ‘Iron Man,’ then go back and play ‘Grand Theft Auto.’”
Either way — Free Comic Book Day, Iron Man, Grand Theft Auto IV — isn’t about the best week ever to be part of the comics/video games culture?
– Matt Price
‘GTA’ selling well; early violence in Britain
Little bit of a link roundup for how “Grand Theft Auto” is doing on day of release:
From the Washington Business Journal:
“There is no question this is a huge product on the Xbox and PlayStation 3,” said Matt Wallace, assistant manager at GameStop in Tysons Corner Center. “We’ve had a lot of buzz and excitement beforehand, and having seen what the first 15 hours were like, I anticipate that it’s going to be very big this week. I’d say this is the biggest title of the year to date and nothing bigger is on the horizon. I’ve had customers saying they’ve reserved their copy since June of last year.”
Four-hour lines in San Franscisco, according to Forbes:
Daniel Jongeward … waited in line for over 4 hours to get his hands on GTA IV. He and his friends actually showed up at 5 p.m., but a queue hadn’t formed yet. They went to the movies and returned at 8 p.m. “Everyone expected there to be a line,” he said. Jongeward said he would probably wind up playing all night, since he has Tuesday off. “I planned [my] vacation around ‘Grand Theft Auto.’”
Some moron stabbed a man walking by the “GTA” line in Britain, which will probably provide fuel for all the GTA haters:
LONDON (AFP) — British police were Tuesday hunting the attacker of a man stabbed as he walked by shoppers queuing to buy the latest edition of the notoriously violent computer game “Grand Theft Auto IV.”
Around 100 people waiting for the game to go on sale at midnight Monday saw a hooded man jump out of the queue outside a shop in Croydon, south London, and repeatedly stab the 23-year-old passer-by, police said.
The victim required treatment to several stab wounds but later left hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.
NYT loves GTA
The world surely has changed. As noted at the Beat, who would have expected a glowing front-page article about Grand Theft Auto from the New York Times back in the “old days”?
Published by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto IV is a violent, intelligent, profane, endearing, obnoxious, sly, richly textured and thoroughly compelling work of cultural satire disguised as fun. It calls to mind a rollicking R-rated version of Mad magazine featuring Dave Chappelle and Quentin Tarantino, and sets a new standard for what is possible in interactive arts. It is by far the best game of the series, which made its debut in 1997 and has since sold more than 70 million copies. Grand Theft Auto IV will retail for $60.
GTA IV: Getaway
Getaway footage, courtesy of G4, from the mature-rated “Grand Theft Auto IV.”
(I assume I don’t have to tell Nerdage readers – don’t try any of this in real life.)
GTA IV: Police chase
Outrun the police. “Grand Theft Auto” footage courtesy G4.
