GTA IV: It's Magically Delicious

[Bond]

http://xbox360hacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/box-art-gta-iv.jpg

This is the place to talk about your first impressions of GTA IV.

[The Germanator]

Luckily one of the Spintos just got a 360 and is picking it up tomorrow...I shall be playing it during lunch break at practice!

[GameMaster]

I watched my friend play it today. I was impressed with the fluidity of the animation.

[Typhoid]

I don't even own it yet, and I've already soiled myself.

[Aladuf]

Damn it's an awesome game. I played for 2 hours tonight and I'm loving it so far, it looks amazing and the controls are perfect.

Now I can't wait for tomorrow to play some more.

[Bube]

I think I'm interested in this game because of the perfect scores it's been getting. Shame on me.

[KillerGremlin]

I can't believe IGN gave it a 10.

[GameMaster]

I can't believe IGN gave it a 10.

Isn't this the first game to ever achieve a perfect 10 from IGN? If so, it is a pretty applaudable feat.

[Angrist]

I know that at least Ocarina of Time got a 10.

[Dyne]

JESUS CHRIST AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I fucking love this game.

I can't believe it. They've done it. They've created the perfect video game.

I knew it was true love almost right away - specifically, when I found the TV in Roman's room at the beginning. I changed the channel and saw a familiar face - and holy fucking shit it was BAS FUCKING RUTTEN. I fucking love that guy. For those who don't know who he is offhand, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3K-mrlYG7Y

Jesus fucking christ. Rockstar are the fucking masters. How did they know I would love them for giving Bas his own talkshow in their video game? They KNEW it. They fucking knew it.

That, and the game is fantastic so far. I tried out the sixaxis controls and they're not terrible, but for cars I think I'll stick to analog.

Seriously BUY THIS GAME. It's raising bars I didn't even know could be raised. Every minute there's something new to be amazed by.

[Perfect Stu]

I played for 5 hours last night, with more schedule later today. Unbelievably awesome...I knew right away the game was amazing. Little things help, like picking a fight with a stranger, him legitimately fighting back (NYC!), chasing me over to the car i was in the midst of stealing, pulling me out of it to continue our fight, me pushing him away, jumping back in the car and driving away WHILE HE WAS STILL HANGING ONTO THE DOOR HANDLE!. Then this girl I picked up for a date told me she liked me better when I had my sunglasses on that I recently purchsed because they suited me.

Legendary game folks.

[KillerGremlin]

How much of a genuine progression from the last installment do you guys think the game is? I always criticize Nintendo for remaking the same Zelda or Mario game, with some subtle differences. So, it only seems natural to ask how Grand Theft Auto has progressed.

Personally, I felt Grand Theft Auto III was the progression last generation. Vice City and San Andreas where epic improvements, but the core element that made Grand Theft Auto what it is remained pretty much untouched.

[Dyne]

I'd say it's definitely a revolution. It might not be as big as 2D -> 3D but there's so much quality that's been poured into it. It's really astounding.

[Typhoid]

What people who haven't played it won't understand, is it's not really a GTA game.

You're playing someone's life. It just happens that he does shifty things at times.
You can go bowling, go on dates, text people, call people, watch TV, or the old-fashioned stabbing hookers.


The fighting style in this (melee fighting) is really well-done, I think. Not perfect, but miles above the other ones, without a doubt.

The game LOOKS stunning when you play it. I haven't even played it on my 46'' TV yet, but it still looks amazing on a 30''.

I found the "secret package" of this game: Shooting pigeons. There are 200 of them. I've shot 1.

What I also love about this game, is it judges what the characters say, based on what's happening. I was on my way to a date, and Roman called, I answered and said I was busy. Instead of having to help him fight, I had to pick him up from the Hospital. It still made me do the "Help him" mission, but the character was all "Thanks for not being busy with a girl this time, eh" and stuff like that. I thought that was pretty cool.

I love the no-load times. I love the fluid gameplay. I love the realism in driving, although braking without flying 5 blocks past your turn before doing a 360 into a lightpole and hitting a pedestrian while trying to get back on course, will be hard. I have no complaints.

The sixaxis controls for driving are really well done. Not too touchy, not too clingy. The only hard thing with them, is flying the helicopters. That shit is fucking hard with sixaxis.

Anyways, buy the goddamn game.
Buy it now.

Edit: "Girls like it when you do things unexpectedly. One minute you're walking down the street, the next minute BAM! IM SMASHING YOUR HEAD, INTO THIS FREAKING LIGHTPOST. UNH, UNH, UNH!"

[Zen]

ordered the asian version for this since this game isnt region free (its in english), my xbox 360 is japanese (yes i know, long story) I should have it here in about a week's time.

[BreakABone]

Well made my choice.
And went with Mario Kart first.
GTA when I get paid on Friday and really didn't want to hunt this thing down.
Went to buy during a short break line was like 15 mins long.

[Typhoid]

Well made my choice.
And went with Mario Kart first.
GTA when I get paid on Friday and really didn't want to hunt this thing down.
Went to buy during a short break line was like 15 mins long.


Want to know why the line is 15 minutes long?
It's fucking amazing.

[Aladuf]

Want to know why the line is 15 minutes long?
It's fucking amazing.

Oh god it's true. I can't stop playing this game... I've been playing for most of today and I finally just decided to take a break for a little bit.

[manasecret]

Hey guyz! So when does this come out for PC?

[Jason1]

Family Video didnt have it yet, of course. Maybe I'll try again in a few days.

[Dyne]

Well made my choice.
And went with Mario Kart first.
GTA when I get paid on Friday and really didn't want to hunt this thing down.
Went to buy during a short break line was like 15 mins long.

What the hell BaB.

Well, Mario Kart IS pretty good. But GTAIV is like the perfect game. There's no competition.

[BreakABone]

What the hell BaB.

Well, Mario Kart IS pretty good. But GTAIV is like the perfect game. There's no competition.

There was a multitude of reason.

But the biggest being there is some funny business going on with my bank account right now. So I played it safe and got the cheaper of the two games.

I was ready to get them both today.

[Typhoid]

Come on BaB, I risked not being able to pay rent for May by buying this.
I'm from the streets, y'all.


As long as you get the game, and as long as you get it relatively soon.

Although Wiikart does look pretty good.
And any time you can race a monkey and a dinosaur against eachother in teeny-tiny little cars, that's pretty fantawesome.

[Dyne]

Come on BaB, I risked not being able to pay rent for May by buying this.
I'm from the streets, y'all.


As long as you get the game, and as long as you get it relatively soon.

Although Wiikart does look pretty good.
And any time you can race a monkey and a dinosaur against eachother in teeny-tiny little cars, that's pretty fantawesome.

Don't forget past AND present versions of at least 4 characters at the same time. Blows my mind, man.

[Bond]

Fuck you finals and my inability to play this game until May 14th.

[Aladuf]

Fuck you finals and my inability to play this game until May 14th.

That sucks ass, I got lucky because my finals finished yesterday so I'm free to play as much GTA as I want (except for when I have to work).

Also, this game doesn't stop being fucking amazing! I'm having the best damn time playing it.

[bobcat]

well bought it last night and it's damn good. I was watching tv for like 15 minutes and they had the standup comedy and Bas Rutten for that Mens Room thingo. I thought it was gonna be a gay porn flick

Controls are much tighter, especially the fighting. Visuals are amazing. There is way too much to do, i dunno where to start. Anyways I haven't felt this good since mario galaxy, so finally a game I can enjoy.

As for Mario Kart....i'll be putting that on hold for a while, I can only play one game at a time.

[Dylflon]

What I also love about this game, is it judges what the characters say, based on what's happening. I was on my way to a date, and Roman called, I answered and said I was busy. Instead of having to help him fight, I had to pick him up from the Hospital. It still made me do the "Help him" mission, but the character was all "Thanks for not being busy with a girl this time, eh" and stuff like that. I thought that was pretty cool.

I did it the other way. I had literally just pulled up to Michelle's door when I get the call from Roman, so I ditch the date unannounced and go bail him out. Right after I got for the date and the chick is all like "Why couldn't you come last time?"

And Niko is all "Roman, uh...got eento some trobble"




The big step from the last games to this is that this game so closely emulates real life that it borders on insane. It's all in the details, I tell ya.


I found myself on a five minute police chase today which started as innocently as me hucking a cup of coffee at an innocent pedestrian. Little did I know a cop was very near. He gets me to put my hands behind my head and as soon as he's about to make a grab for me I bolt across the street, dodging bullets, into a local amusement park. I hop two fences and end up on an on-ramp with to police cars in hot pursuit. I run for my life as the gain on me in their cars. Then another cop car pulls in from the other side, cornering me completely. With nowhere else to go, I hop over the edge of the on-ramp, praying the drop isn't too far. Luckily, subway tracks were ready to greet me not so far between where I jumped off and the ground.I land on the tracks and begin running as policemen yell at me from the on-ramp. I eventually lose my wanted stars and jump of the tracks a good 20-30 to the ground below. After I land, a pedestrian stops, points at me and yells something to the effect of "Holy crap, dude!".

It was then I realized that I had the biggest figurative boner ever.

[The Germanator]

I watched a friend play it for about 10 minutes today and I was just laughing and in awe of everything that was happening...It was pretty amazing and I didn't even touch the controller! I wish I had a next-gen, but I don't know if I can fork over the dough right now.

[Jason1]

So are some of you ready to hail this as the greatest game ever made?

[Fox 6]

Yes, is this infact the greatest game youve ever played, ever?

EDIT: How can you afford GTA IV Dylan? I know how much is on your bank account!

[Bond]

Since it seems like a substantial number of us will be in possession of GTA IV over the summer, we'll have to organize some multiplayer nights.

[BreakABone]

Since it seems like a substantial number of us will be in possession of GTA IV over the summer, we'll have to organize some multiplayer nights.

Well we first need to make sure there is a clear division so that we can poke and prod at which version is superior.

Though think most everyone in this thread so far owns it for Ps3.

[Fox 6]

Since it seems like a substantial number of us will be in possession of GTA IV over the summer, we'll have to organize some multiplayer nights.

I didnt really read abouy the game at all just out of not caring a whole lot. What does the multiplayer consist of?

[Typhoid]

Yes, is this infact the greatest game youve ever played, ever?

EDIT: How can you afford GTA IV Dylan? I know how much is on your bank account!


He used Taylor's debit.


THE SECRET IS OUT.

[Dyne]

So are some of you ready to hail this as the greatest game ever made?

By far. The level of detail has probably surpassed MGS games. I'm very impressed.

[Jonbo298]

I love the game so far. My only complaint is the vehicles are mostly TERRIBLE to get around in. Friend summed it up best "Most drive like boats". But other then that, it's very fun.

I got bored and started clicking on the random advertisements on the 'internet' in game. I'm surprised at how much detail Rockstar put into this game. Though friend of mine got me the "Remove 4 star wanted status" achievement by accident pretty much last night.

He was just going around popping cop's because well, new GTA, you gotta do the stuff. Then he decides to try and run away from then in a car. Somehow manages to escape and ding, 50 free achievement points :D

Another time, and I hate to say it like this since it sounds 10,000x worse, but we enabled some cheats and well, I want on a 'Hospital Massacre'. (Commentor's note, I do not applaud real life violence). Just shooting anything that moved. At one point, while in rampage mode basically, and using the Level 2 Shotgun, I spun around, and this poor nurse was running towards the exit. But what happened was, was that right as I spun, I shot and she just 'ran fell' in front of me.

We busted up laughing. Morbid, yes. But it was how it happened in game that made it funny. I don't play much in the way of violent games, but GTA is just an exception. Animations among other things I've never really seen in games.

Another awesome moment was friend got arrested by cops, but as it went ot the black and white, this pedestrian car comes flying into him and well, thus a good amount of jokes came from that had transpired.

[Dylflon]

He used Taylor's debit.


THE SECRET IS OUT.

I paid him back today. Woo!

[Professor S]

I will be purchasing this game soon, and it will be for the 360.

[Aladuf]

So are some of you ready to hail this as the greatest game ever made?

Yeah, It's possible. First thing, the game looks AMAZING, the amount of detail that went into the city is unbelievable. The first time I drove over a bridge at night and saw the Algonquin (Manhattan) skyline all lit up I was blown away. And also, I've yet to even unlock the two other cities, I'm still in the beginning city "Broker", the world is massive.

Second, there is basically unlimited things to do in GTA4. The game stats say that I've played for 7 hours and 15 minutes and I'm only 12% done with it and I've stuck mainly just to doing storyline missions that whole time with a little exploring. And the small things are great, the tv and internet are awesome, yesterday I took a break to eat dinner and when I did, I actually put the tv on in GTA and watched the shows on there while I ate, they're fucking hilarious.

[Professor S]

So with the creative success of GTA4, does this debunk the people who think that the industry's concentration on existing franchises stifles creativity? Its an interesting question...

Does throwing money and intellectual manpower behind existing products stifle creativity, or does it allow game creators more license because the "moneymen" are safe because the brand will sell despite of gameplay advancements they would normally be wary of?

[Dyne]

So with the creative success of GTA4, does this debunk the people who think that the industry's concentration on existing franchises stifles creativity? Its an interesting question...

Does throwing money and intellectual manpower behind existing products stifle creativity, or does it allow game creators more license because the "moneymen" are safe because the brand will sell despite of gameplay advancements they would normally be wary of?

As for the franchise question, it really depends. GTA FEELS like a Grand Theft Auto. Reinventing something like, say, Halo, is harder, because of the limiting factors of the FPS. I think that's why Turok got negative press - it wasn't supposed to be the most amazing game ever, it was a stepping stone for Propaganda to reboot a franchise and have a new studio get some street cred.

As I've seen it, the more money that goes into a project, the more LIKELY it will turn out great, but there's never a promise or a guarantee. I mean, I loved Shenmue, but I won't disagree that it wasn't finished. It was definitely a polished effort, though, and I really enjoyed it.

[DeathsHand]

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qWvOHT0zfXY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed>

Those are my GTAIV impressions so far...
I bought it today only to discover that the game is insanely sensitive to my slightly messed up controller (which I noticed in other games on rare occasions that were never severe enough to hinder gameplay)...

I did the first two simple missions, messed around a bit with driving and beating people up, then got tired of my car always drifting to the left, and Niko walking to the left whenever I let go of the analog stick...

So I have to wait another day and spend another $50 on a new controller U.U

[The Germanator]

I finally played my friend's game for a while today and I had a blast...I did a bunch of the basic GTA standard asshole things like beating up random people and getting into gun fights with cops and had a great time. It's been a while since I've laughed so much playing a game. There's just something hilarious about how demented you can be in this game...I got on some old guy's porch and just started wailing on him and then got into a fight with a lady who came to his aid, then a random dude started beating her up and then I shot him, and the whole situation was just so absurd and fucked up that I couldn't stop laughing....I probably sound like some insane kid who would go all GTA in the real world, but I just think the game is funny because, well, it is a game.

[Jonbo298]

So I have to wait another day and spend another $50 on a new controller U.U

Craigslist! ;) Make sure to test controller first if you go that route to not get a dud like your's has become.

[Bond]

And here we go again...

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[Professor S]

... and it will just create more controversy, sell more games, and in the end accomplish the exact opposite of what they idiots are trying to do.

[Fox 6]

Anyone else find the driving a tad touchy. I played it last night and the driving was the only thing that bugged me. Its not like the other GTA games. Maybe i just need to play it more.

[Dyne]

Anyone else find the driving a yad touchy. I played it last night and the driving was the only thing that bugged me. Its not like the other GTA games. Maybe i just need to play it more.

It depends on the car you use, I find. Just like real life.

Also - did you play the other GTAs on PS2 and this one on 360? Just a thought.

[Fox 6]

It depends on the car you use, I find. Just like real life.

Also - did you play the other GTAs on PS2 and this one on 360? Just a thought.

Played it on the 360 at Dylflons house. I also hate that Brucie guy. Such a weiner.

[DeathsHand]

Anyone else find the driving a yad touchy. I played it last night and the driving was the only thing that bugged me. Its not like the other GTA games. Maybe i just need to play it more.

For a game that's currently sitting as the best reviewed game of all time, the gameplay in general just felt kind of sluggish to me... I'm not going to judge it until I get a 100% working controller, but one major gripe I have is that I can't seem to find an "auto-jog" option... As in, no matter how far you move the analog stick, he won't jog unless you press A...
I haven't played them in awhile, but i could have sworn last-gen GTAs had analog-sensitive walk/jog on the analog stick itself...

And here we go again...

At least they let some people with a little sense have their say at the very end...

My favorite was the lady who said "I think kids these days lose a lot of social interaction yada yada"... The guy was 27...

Hell, I'm one of the most socially isolated folks you'll come across who doesn't suffer from Asperger syndrome, I've been playing violent games since age 10, and I happen to be one honest, laid-back, non-violent muhfuckah.

[GameMaster]

For a game that's currently sitting as the best reviewed game of all time, the gameplay in general just felt kind of sluggish to me... I'm not going to judge it until I get a 100% working controller, but one major gripe I have is that I can't seem to find an "auto-jog" option... As in, no matter how far you move the analog stick, he won't jog unless you press A...
I haven't played them in awhile, but i could have sworn last-gen GTAs had analog-sensitive walk/jog on the analog stick itself...


That's one of the first things I noticed last night when I play it at my friend's house again. It's pretty annoying because I vividly remember in past GTAs walking speed correlating directly to the degree and force to which one moved the analog stick. So... yeah, that could be considered a flaw.

Anyone else find the driving a yad touchy. I played it last night and the driving was the only thing that bugged me. Its not like the other GTA games. Maybe i just need to play it more.

Here's the deal with driving. If you obey speed limits and drive as one would in the real world, the cars are fine. I tested that last night. But we all know no one drives like that in GTA because it would be boring. Everyone drives at least ~50 miles everywhere and at those speeds in city streets, it's going to feel like a boat or hovercraft.

[Bond]

GTA IV on npr (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90102764). Sixteen minute segment with Adam Sessler vs. John "Jack" Thompson seven minutes into the clip. Rather reminiscent of Geoff Keighley on Fox News.

[Jason1]

I rented it today. Unfortanuatley I cant play it until tomorrow.

[GameMaster]

Little easter egg that pokes fun at Apple. Can be seen on the internet on one of the computers in the café.

http://i25.tinypic.com/f4o65s.png

Source:

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/01/flickr-find-grand-theft-auto-hides-apple-and-iphone-parody/

[Fox 6]

So I caved today and I bought it. I have a commie hat!

[Bond]

GTA IV on Conan:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0kgo0VXGixk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0kgo0VXGixk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Dyne]

Hahaha. I...... LOVE....... SPRINGTIME!

[BreakABone]

Well I finally bought it.

And of course have no time to play so it shall remain in shrink wrap until back from work.

[Renwood]

Well I finally bought it.

And of course have no time to play so it shall remain in shrink wrap until back from work.

Let's play Carnival Games co-op.

I also hate that Brucie guy. Such a weiner.

Best character, ever.

[Dyne]

Hahahaha, Typhoid was telling me about Brucie last night and I met him. He IS a good character, hahaha.

[Typhoid]

Hahahaha, Typhoid was telling me about Brucie last night and I met him. He IS a good character, hahaha.

See!
I told you!
hahahaha.

[Aladuf]

. I also hate that Brucie guy. Such a weiner.

Are you serious?

... why did I ask that, it's obvious you're just kidding. Because we all know that Brucie is fucking amazing.

[BreakABone]

Day 2
And GTA remains in its shrink wrap.
Maybe I should have held off buying it until Sunday. :p

[gekko]

Day 2
And GTA remains in its shrink wrap.
Maybe I should have held off buying it until Sunday. :p

At least you still have your sanity.

I'll play it when they release a demo. I only enjoy running around stealing cars and killing people, which gets old after about 30 minutes. Not a fan of the missions.

[Renwood]

I'll play it when they release a demo.

So never.

Right on, bro.

[gekko]

So never.

I'm not worried.

[Fox 6]

Bruice is on the radio too. God dammit.

[Renwood]

I'm not worried.

I like to go against the grain sometimes too but I can't find those pants atm

[bobcat]

Bruice is on the radio too. God dammit.


Brucie is hot :)

[Perfect Stu]

I think I'm about halfway through the game now...fantastic. My friends are addicted too, two of them that don't have either PS3 or 360 have been over most days since it was released.

I'm not worried.

Cool.

[Professor S]

Well after a day playing this game, I can definitely say they have upped the ante when it comes to story and mission play. That was always my main problem with the series. The story was seemingly unimportant and the missions were redundant and didn;t feel important... just ways to get cash.

GTA IV have done a great job of improving greatly on these faults, and polishing up what has alkways worked for them. The combat is MUCH better too, but still lags behind most other 3rd person games.

The city is AMAZING to witness, and feels alive and CROWDED, which it should.

So far: 8.5 out of 10 but rising as I play. My only complaint is that it hasn't seemed to create anything too innovative in the gameplay or themes beyond those of the previous GTA games. Other than that, they are simply perfecting their specific niche of gaming.

[BreakABone]

Well, I am till getting into this game.
But so far the car and character controls feel weird.
But the multiplayer is damn fine. :p

[Fox 6]

Multiplayer is fun just for the helicopters and running over the other players :P DAMN YOU MAGIC DOODLE!

[Renwood]

Shakedown Nineteen Seven Nine

[Jason1]

Okay after playing this fairly extensivley, I'll admit its very impressive, but no way its perfect. First off I will say outside of toying around at friends houses before, this is actually the first GTA game I have played. The main thing that suddenly drew me to this version was how accuratley they created NYC. To me thats the most impressive thing about it, how detailed and alive the city is. It actually feels like a real city. I know I heard a few of you complain about the driving controls, I thought they were fine. The handbrake is too touchy, but thats an extremely minor complaint. My main complaints that knock this game down, and keep it from perfection, is mainly the repetativeness. The missions can get boring at times. I cant say im really into the story or the characters, its just not that interesting. The first day or 2 I had it I'll admit I couldnt put it down. But now after I have explored most of the City and done quite a few missions, I find myself wanting to play it less and less. Kinda seems like the same thing over and over again. Its a great game, but its no 10.0

[Bube]

That was the problem I had with the older games as well. Even though I never owned a GTA game (I played at my cousin's or friends'), from what little I played I found it repetitive. And seeing all these reviews, I thought they'd somehow managed to make it different. I guess not.

[Aladuf]

I'll admit its very impressive, but no way its perfect.

Yeah it's not perfect, no game is perfect. Don't be tricked into thinking that a 10 score means perfection, it just means the game is amazing or whatever.

But yeah the game does have its flaws. People say the driving is a mess but I have no huge issues with it except that it's a bit hard to do when you're driving a real shitty car. Driving with motorcycles is a bitch to do also. And the chase scenes are easily my least favorite part of the game due to it being tricky to drive your car so fast and have to constantly keep up with a person, you can tell that in this game you're not meant to drive that fast because of how the controls are for the cars.

[Professor S]

I've heard complaints about the driving, but I LOVE it. It makes you think and learn the layout of the streets and roads. There are all KINDS of hidden shortcuts in this game, where you can bust throughfences and 50 gallon drums to T-bone the person you're chasing.

Its realistic, which kind of fits this iteration of GTA. While GTA4 is still soaked in satire, it tends to keep the peripheral in many cases, rather than disassociating you from the experience.

And if you can't drive cause you're in a shotty car, GET A NEW ONE. My first act before I start every mission is to either 1) Make sure I have a great car and if not 2) Go get one.

This is a much more cerebral type of GTA than we've known before, and I'm loving it.

[Perfect Stu]

I don't have problems with the driving either...it's different at first, but when you get used to it it seems fair and balanced. You shouldn't be able to make sharp 90 degree turns going 70mph. This isn't Mario Kart. Some of the chase missions can be tough, but you shouldn't be able to pass every mission on the first attempt anyway. If anything, I'd say the game is a bit on the easy side. No complaints though, I'm loving it.

[Swan]

I've noticed that my favorite parts about this game are the little things. The way glass shatters. How explosions look. Things like that.


My favorite moment happened yesterday when I was playing. I was chasing some guy in a car shooting at him from my car. He swerved around a moving van and I accidently shot out the vans tires. The van swerves and its back opens and barrels fly out towards me, causing me to swerve to avoid them.


It was amazing

[Dyne]

I've noticed that my favorite parts about this game are the little things. The way glass shatters. How explosions look. Things like that.


My favorite moment happened yesterday when I was playing. I was chasing some guy in a car shooting at him from my car. He swerved around a moving van and I accidently shot out the vans tires. The van swerves and its back opens and barrels fly out towards me, causing me to swerve to avoid them.


It was amazing

That's another amazing thing. Every time someone tells me something cool about GTAIV that's happened to them, it's usually something I haven't encountered myself. God I love this game.

[Jonbo298]

I don't think I posted this, but the first night friends were playing, he went and started to steal a black van (not the typical gov't van). He kicked the guy out of the car,and then got in.

All of a sudden, the back window gets shot out and we busted out laughing because well, it was kind of a poor neighborhood, so we thought maybe a family member saw us stealing his brother's van or something :lol:

[Fox 6]

I've noticed that my favorite parts about this game are the little things. The way glass shatters. How explosions look. Things like that.


My favorite moment happened yesterday when I was playing. I was chasing some guy in a car shooting at him from my car. He swerved around a moving van and I accidently shot out the vans tires. The van swerves and its back opens and barrels fly out towards me, causing me to swerve to avoid them.


It was amazing

That part is scripted :P happens everytime. Its the mission where Brucie wants you to find the guy on the cop computer than kill him :P

[Swan]

That part is scripted :P happens everytime. Its the mission where Brucie wants you to find the guy on the cop computer than kill him :P

....Don't ruin it for me!


I thought it was random:(

[Fox 6]

....Don't ruin it for me!


I thought it was random:(

Haha, take that.

[Dylflon]

Cam, tell them about the game we came up with yesterday.

[Fox 6]

Well, basically we were just rampaging and we got to teh point where we used a cheat to spawn a helicopter. I then got he bright idea to see if we could fly up and towards the Chrystler building, but then bail out right before and try to sent NB crashing into the needle that sits atop the building. Its was really hard and we came close, so close that our shadow would appear on the needle and we sailed past. Finally after many trys i managed to hit it dead on, so worth it.

[Bond]

GTA IV took the #1 spot on Xbox Live activity the very week it came out. Ahead of CoD4 and Halo 3.

[Swan]

No surprise there. Everytime I went on Live about 80% of my friends were playing it

[KillerGremlin]

I still think IGN prematurely blew their wad by giving GTA IV a 10/10. But, considering that I probably spent a solid 3-4 years playing Grand Theft Auto 3/Vice City/San Andreas on and off, the GTA series definitely gets a 10/10 for replay value and addicting gameplay. I'm conflicted, I really want to play GTA IV, but I don't want a PS3 or a 360 :p.

I'm hoping that they announce that it is coming out for PC at some point...

...otherwise I might just break down and buy a 360. But I kind of want a Wii.

[BreakABone]

I still think IGN prematurely blew their wad by giving GTA IV a 10/10. But, considering that I probably spent a solid 3-4 years playing Grand Theft Auto 3/Vice City/San Andreas on and off, the GTA series definitely gets a 10/10 for replay value and addicting gameplay. I'm conflicted, I really want to play GTA IV, but I don't want a PS3 or a 360 :p.

I'm hoping that they announce that it is coming out for PC at some point...

...otherwise I might just break down and buy a 360. But I kind of want a Wii.

Wii60 all the way!
Though I thought I saw rumblings of a PC version of this game.
To the BaB cave!

[Professor S]

I'm updating my score to a 9.4. The game is just progressing so nicely, and finally GTA has a main character worth playing and not just another mindless stereotype. You can really see Nico turning back to his old ways as the story moves forward.

Also, now that I've had morte time to play, I find the combat controls much more satisfying... with guns. Fist fighting is still a bit of a mess staggering from responsive controls to "are you ever going to throw that punch?", but at least you get to curb stomp :D

But what has truly shocked and awed me is the rediculous detail in this game. Just getting a cab ride and looking out the window is amazing and driving on the highway system can be breathtaking. It feels and looks real. But much of that "realness" dosn't come from beauty, but detail of ugliness... the garbage, the stripped cars and rusted drums, the well placed graffiti, and the people:

I was taking a cab ride and suddenly we stopped. The reason? Two NPC's got in a fender bender ahead of us and were in a fist fight. Normally I would just hit the "A" button and fast forward, but I found it entertaining. Eventually the cops arrived and chased them both away and we started moving again, but I couldn't believe how well this environment was designed.

I doubt my rating will ever go higher simply because the flaws I've found will not reveal themselves to be better than they are, namely the hand to had combat and main character models that really could have been much better. They honesltly look very last-gen which is a shame because they can be such a contrast when compared to the amazing accomplishment which is Liberty City, and it hurts the game for me because the cutscenes look worse that the gameplay and is breaks my suspension of disbelief. But those are minor compaints overall.

And yes, Brucie is awesome.

[Dyne]

Really? The characters are a HUGE improvement over last gen. I skipped every single cut scene in previous GTAs because they made my eyes bleed. These ones are decent and I'm going out of my way to watch them now.

[Professor S]

Really? The characters are a HUGE improvement over last gen. I skipped every single cut scene in previous GTAs because they made my eyes bleed. These ones are decent and I'm going out of my way to watch them now.


I can see your point when compared to past GTA games, but when compared to games like GOW or Mass Effect? GTA4's character models are lightyears behind them. And I'm not saying every character needs that level of design, but if your a character that makes a cutscene, the effort should have been put in.

[Jason1]

Yeah it's not perfect, no game is perfect. Don't be tricked into thinking that a 10 score means perfection, it just means the game is amazing or whatever.




Eh, I see your point, but IGN also gave Ocarina of Time a 10 and it was so groundbreaking for its time, I had no problem with that. It was basically perfect. I just dont think GTAIV is a 10, perfect or not.

[Dyne]

I can see your point when compared to past GTA games, but when compared to games like GOW or Mass Effect? GTA4's character models are lightyears behind them. And I'm not saying every character needs that level of design, but if your a character that makes a cutscene, the effort should have been put in.

They must have sacrificed that level of quality when they decided to do no load times, I guess.

[Professor S]

They must have sacrificed that level of quality when they decided to do no load times, I guess.

Whatchoo talkin' bout Willis? Does the PS3 demand a download of some content for the game to eliminate load times? 360 gots the load times (short, but present).

[Aladuf]

Eh, I see your point, but IGN also gave Ocarina of Time a 10 and it was so groundbreaking for its time, I had no problem with that. It was basically perfect. I just dont think GTAIV is a 10, perfect or not.

Actually, I agree with you... after playing some more I can say that it doesn't deserve a 10. I'll say that this is probably the best sandbox game out there but it's not deserving a 10 in my book.

I'm 16 hours into the game and it's getting a bit too repetitive "go here kill this guy, or go there and chase that guy", etc. I don't know... I mean, I'll end up finishing the game, but now I'm not itching to play it by any means. The past few days I've just gone back to playing Gears and some Guitar Hero 3 again.

[Aladuf]

Wii60 all the way!

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gif

lol, you misspelled PS360 silly! :P

[BreakABone]

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gifhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd122/RatedRKO_23/gaflol.gif

lol, you misspelled PS360 silly! :P

I don't think this is the place for it, but really if had to have a combination of consoles this gen, I think ps3/360 would be the worst IMO.

Anyhow, GTA is the ultimate jack of all trade games. It does a lot of stuff but none of it better than another games IMO.

I mean even for its genre, I think Saints Row does elements better than GTA does.

But it is a really fun game and Brucie reminds me too much of a friend of mine. Even though to the hyperness during his juicing phases.

[Aladuf]

I don't think this is the place for it, but really if had to have a combination of consoles this gen, I think ps3/360 would be the worst IMO.

Anyhow, GTA is the ultimate jack of all trade games. It does a lot of stuff but none of it better than another games IMO.

I mean even for its genre, I think Saints Row does elements better than GTA does.

But it is a really fun game and Brucie reminds me too much of a friend of mine. Even though to the hyperness during his juicing phases.

Each console has far many exclusives to not have both systems this gen IMO. I'm not saying the Wii doesn't have good exclusives but as you know they are mostly all passable for me. BUT as you said, this isn't the place for this discussion.

You mentioned Saints Row, but I was thinking too that Crackdown did many things better too like the fact that by getting the orbs and power ups you are encouraged to explore all around the city by jumping on the buildings and finding those orbs. Like for me, I know every nook and cranny in Crackdown because of those orbs. Since GTA is focused on driving by means of transportation then I don't explore the city too much at all which is a shame.

[Dyne]

Whatchoo talkin' bout Willis? Does the PS3 demand a download of some content for the game to eliminate load times? 360 gots the load times (short, but present).

Really? That sucks. Yeah, it installs about 4 gigs on the PS3 and I haven't seen one single loading time.

[Fox 6]

Republican Space Rangers in the best freaking show on TV in GTA!

[bobcat]

I'm playing more and more of GTAIV and loving it. I highly disagree with a 10 rating from IGN, and Gamespot, seriously don't know how both sites gave it a 10, but man it's so fun and I'm enjoying all aspects of it. I'd give it a 9.7/10 so far....

[Dylflon]

My brother hooked up the online while I was gone yesterday.

So we can all be friends! Add me! (username: Dylflon)

[BreakABone]

My brother hooked up the online while I was gone yesterday.

So we can all be friends! Add me! (username: Dylflon)

Do you know how he did it?
Other than ripping off a ton of free trials. :p

[Dyne]

To those who don't think the game deserves a "10": what games do you consider to have a greater amount of detail and immersion? I can't remember the last time I've played a game where 2 hours literally felt like 10 minutes. I have to be careful when I'm playing, now.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't base it on how it "feels". Honestly, this game FEELS like 1000 people have worked on it. The detail is amazing.

[bobcat]

To those who don't think the game deserves a "10": what games do you consider to have a greater amount of detail and immersion? I can't remember the last time I've played a game where 2 hours literally felt like 10 minutes. I have to be careful when I'm playing, now.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't base it on how it "feels". Honestly, this game FEELS like 1000 people have worked on it. The detail is amazing.

IMO from the last grand theft auto, there is not a whole lot different, except of course the multiplayer online. I mean yes it's very immersive, and the details put in this game are top notch, the story is very interesting and easy to follow. I dunno, I guess feeling matters a lot as it's how I feel about a game, and that's how I feel about it. I love it to death, but just don't agree it deserves a 10/10

Th

[Fox 6]

Guns are way cheaper when buying them From Little Jacob, so good.

Just unlocked the ability to call for a chopper anytime from Bruice :P

[GameMaster]

http://i32.tinypic.com/1427nh1.jpg

[Swan]

So I am having a bit of a problem.

Not sure what the hell it is but I can't seem to connect to multiplayer games with people on my friends list. It just says unable to connect to session.

I can still play online though so I am at a loss

[Angrist]

"Rocketlauncher... Bah!"

My friend couldn't stop saying it when we were playing soccer.

[BreakABone]

So I am having a bit of a problem.

Not sure what the hell it is but I can't seem to connect to multiplayer games with people on my friends list. It just says unable to connect to session.

I can still play online though so I am at a loss

Have you remedied your problem yet?
Have you tried seeing if your friends could join a game you host?
Maybe some issue with one friend and the game. Happens often with Halo. too often.:p

Also, the multiplayer in this game is pretty sweet. But two questions

1)Does anyone know if there is a way for your party to join another party without it being random?
2) How do you start free mode with just your friends?

[Swan]

No I don't believe friends are able to connect to mine. BUt I have not tried since yesterday so we shall see

[Dyne]

Fuck Brucie is so awesome. I kept getting the cars he requested through email just to see what he would say. I think my favourite saying was "genetically superior", hahahahah.

[Typhoid]

I told you, Brucie is awesome.

Dwayne says some hilarious things when he's drunk.
My favourite is "Man, i think I'm seeing triple. Fuck, either I'm...really drunk...or I have a lot of fingers that I did not know about."

[Dyne]

Ice cold baby! ICE COLD!!!!

[Fox 6]

Spoliers*



IF you kill Dwayne you get $25000

Spoilers*

[Dyne]

That's what I wondered.. can you kill people you know? Like the chick at Cluckin' Bell or Little Jacob? Or is that just the hidden serial killer in me getting loose?

[Fox 6]

That's what I wondered.. can you kill people you know? Like the chick at Cluckin' Bell or Little Jacob? Or is that just the hidden serial killer in me getting loose?

*spoilers

That part is scripted, dunno about killing poeple randomly though.

Youre given a choice to kill either X or Dwayne


I killed Dwayne. Hahaha went in his house with the combat shot gun up and ready and pumped his face full of lead :P



*spoilers

[Perfect Stu]

*spoilers*



i killed playboy...the guy was getting too demanding, so i took him out and got his ridiculously nice apartment.

[Fox 6]

*spoilers*



i killed playboy...the guy was getting too demanding, so i took him out and got his ridiculously nice apartment.


Is that it? I was torn about which to do. But if all you get is another save point im glad i went with the money.

[Typhoid]

Is that it? I was torn about which to do. But if all you get is another save point im glad i went with the money.

The apartment is easy access to roof-hopping abilities, and is the only save point in that location.
Plus, Dwayne is a comical friend to have.
He's so needy.

[Fox 6]

.
He's so needy.

Count me out. Funnier to shoot his face to kingdom come.

[Aladuf]

God, I had the biggest loss of interest in this game. I got about 16 hours in and I completely dropped it... I guess I did all I wanted to do and am done with it. I'm a fan of the shorter games.. 6-8 hours is the perfect length for me when it comes to a game now.

Oh well, maybe I'll pop it into the PS3 sometime again and play a little more.

[Jason1]

I like very long games, as long as they have the story and varied gameplay to keep my interest. GTA 4 just didnt do that.

[Aladuf]

Yep, all I ever felt I was doing in GTA was one of two things: chase "X" guy, or go here and kill "Y" guy. No variation at all.

[Typhoid]

Yep, all I ever felt I was doing in GTA was one of two things: chase "X" guy, or go here and kill "Y" guy. No variation at all.


Look at it from the standpoint of "You're a person, and get hired to do bad things from time to time."


Now, let's run down a list of what a hired killer/carjacker will do:

1: Kill
2: Transport goods and/or bodies
3: Steal cars
4: Rob people
5: Intimidate people

There is no "Alright, Go Kill this Russian mobster, and be sure to pet three puppies on the way" clause in real life.

[Aladuf]

I understand that, but why do I have to do these things repetitively for 25-35 hours? The game is so god damn long, I can't continue to do those things for any lengthy amount of time.

Though, I feel that my real issue with GTA is that I'm not encouraged to explore, there is constantly something you're being nagged to do, whether its go do a mission, go hang out with someone or whatever. The cell phone is always ringing, and if I ignore it then I'm punished for it because now that I didn't go play darts with Roman he doesn't like me as much anymore.

I enjoy and prefer Crackdown SO much more than GTA because you can go kill a boss, or you can jump around the city looking for orbs, climbing buildings and jumping down, etc. Crackdown makes you explore, I get the feeling from GTA that I always have to continue doing missions and drive from one place to another.

[DeathsHand]

The cell phone is always ringing, and if I ignore it then I'm punished for it because now that I didn't go play darts with Roman he doesn't like me as much anymore.

I believe you can turn your cell phone off and it halts all story progression/nagging until you feel like progressing/being nagged again...

[Aladuf]

I believe you can turn your cell phone off and it halts all story progression/nagging until you feel like progressing/being nagged again...

I need to look into that, if that's the case then I'm all for that. Thanks for letting me know.

[Fox 6]

Just did the flying under bridges thing. Theres one bridge thats so hard to get!!!!!!!!!!! took me 3 or 4 tries to do that one.

[birdman]

I enjoy and prefer Crackdown SO much more than GTA because you can go kill a boss, or you can jump around the city looking for orbs, climbing buildings and jumping down, etc. Crackdown makes you explore, I get the feeling from GTA that I always have to continue doing missions and drive from one place to another.


I keep telling you there are reasons to make you explore. With the stunt jumps and pigeons and whatnot. I really think the difference between Crackdown and GTA for you is that you aren't confined to normal exploring, because you get all the kick ass powers like jumping really high and picking up cars. In GTA you're just a regular guy, and can't go rooftop to rooftop with such ease.

[Professor S]

Anyone having technical issues with the game? I've read a lot about them, but I have not had a single lock up or issue.

[Typhoid]

Anyone having technical issues with the game? I've read a lot about them, but I have not had a single lock up or issue.

Nope. Not a single thing.

I did experience my first ounce of lag the other day though.
But in my PS3's defence, I had 6 stars, 18 cops chasing me, and 5 cars were exploding in the distance due to rampant grenade-out-the-window throwing.


But other than that split-second of choppyness, I haven't had anything wrong with it. No glitches, no screw-ups, nothing.

[Fox 6]

Not any tech problems, had a bit of an odd thing occur though. Went drinking with Brucie and i walked out of the bar ahead of him and i gues he kept falling down or something and then he died.



EDIT: SPOILERS*







Remember that guy who Vlad says is stealing from your brother and you can let him live or die? IF you let him live he comes back as one of those strangers you can meet on the street and do a small job for.










SPOILERS*

[Typhoid]

Cam, all the options for live or die have had that so far - for me.
I let someone else live, and they were on a corner and I did a little side-mission for them.

[Dyne]

Ohh, that's what those side-missions are. That makes sense.

Also - silky smooth performance for me, too.

[Swan]

Only problem I have encountered so far was the lack of being able to get into multiplayer games. I figured out what my problem was, Dylflons connection.

[GameMaster]

http://i25.tinypic.com/xd5x7n.jpg

[GameMaster]

The Escapist's review:

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[Bond]

Is anyone close to / already finished the main storyline?

[Aladuf]

Bah! no :(

I really keep meaning to get back into the game but I never do.

[Fox 6]

I dont know how close I am yet. NO spoilers plz ;) but I think im pretty close

[Dyne]

Probably not. I just met Playbox X's friend, I think his name is Damian. That's about as far as I am.

[Fox 6]

Probably not. I just met Playbox X's friend, I think his name is Damian. That's about as far as I am.

Dwayne?

[Dyne]

Dwayne?

Yeah, that must be it.

[Dylflon]

I beat it with one of the endings. Still have to go back to do the other ending.

[Aladuf]

http://i25.tinypic.com/xd5x7n.jpg

OH SNAP!

Where is this from?! because it says it was posted by Keyser Soze, he's over on GAF. We always used to have fun times in the Wrasslin' thread.