Grand Theft Auto IV Review (Playstation 3)

"Welcome to America"-Niko Bellic

The American Dream. What does the American dream mean today? This is what Niko Bellic (protagonist) first thought about when he arrived to Liberty City (based on New York City). The Grand Theft Auto series,in my opinion, is one of the best! They redefined the sand-box genre or in other words Open World gameplay. The third chronological title, Grand Theft Auto III, was widely acclaimed as it brought the series to a 3D setting and more better experience, and is considered a landmark title that has subsequently influenced many other open world action games and lead to the label "Grand Theft Auto clone" on similar games. Games like Mafia,Saint's Row, Driver series, etc. are considered as a "GTA clone". The series gives you so much freedom, it got lots of controversy. The character you control can kill,steal , and rob. The series is very influential. There has been many cases of teenagers trying to imitate the character in the series. However, even though the series received many controversies, the series has been a major success, both critically and financially. Grand Theft Auto IV is the biggest game ever in the series.


The game is set yet again to Liberty City(Liberty City first appeared in the first Grand Theft Auto and second in Grand Theft Auto III).

The Grand Theft Auto IV rendition of Liberty City features a more striking resemblance to New York City.
City's Motto: "Worst Place in America."


This time the game stars Niko Bellic. He moved to Liberty City to forget his past and pursue the "American Dream". He was persuaded to move by his cousin Roman. During his stay in Liberty City, he was exposed to the city's criminal underground.
Niko Bellic

He started working for the Russian Mafia, Jimmy Pegorino (a mobster), corrupt deputy commissioner, drug dealers, Dimitri Rascalov (Game's antagonist) and the like. The good thing about Niko is that he is very down-to-business person, and is very protective when it comes to his family and loved ones, especially Roman. He even said during the game that if someone messes with Roman, he will be there to protect him. The game has two endings. The first ending is where Niko's girlfriend, Kate McReary, was killed Pegorino because of Niko's "Betrayal" to him. This made Niko furious. As the result, Niko killed Pegorino in Happiness Island. The second ending shows the death of Roman by the hands of Dimitri. Similar to Pegorino's, Niko killed Dimitri in Happiness Island.
Happiness Island: The game's version of real-life Liberty Island


The Verdict:
Rating: 6/5
Why 6/5? The game is truly outstanding! There is no other game like this. You have the freedom to do anything.

+ Good Story
+ Awesome Characters
+ Gameplay is similar to previous games but better
+ GAME OF THE YEAR!
+ Must Have or Must Buy!


Reviews
by G4TV:
Video Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcxcLld5cAV
Complete Review:
http://www.g4tv.com/games/ps3/35421/grand-theft-auto-iv/review/

by IGN:
Video Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNYVh0lVeoE
Complete Review:
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/869/869541p1.html