GTA IV: Glorious Mayhem

 

Grand Theft Auto 4 has been released to major critical acclaim. All of the major gaming review outlets have praised the game as simply marvelous, heaping on it the first 10/10 ratings given in the last 10 years (interestingly enough, the last game to receive such high marks was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64). As a gamer and with a roommate who owns a PS3, we picked up a copy of the game the day that it came out. Having played through about 40% of the actual storyline to this point, I think I can sum it up and provide an accurate picture of just why this games has been so praised by reviewers and gamers alike.

Anyone who knows about video games has heard of the mountains of controversy surrounding the GTA franchise. Purported as a game that supports and even glorifies murder, mayhem, robbery, mobs, gangs, drugs, sex and a partridge in a pear tree, the game is subjected to hours of news coverage whenever it is released and subject to heavy criticism as it breaks every sales record ever established (first week sales totaled over $500 million, which is a certified world record for the largest entertainment launch in history). Why does such a horrid bane on our society sell so well? Why is it received so well critically? Has our society collapsed to the point where this is what people want?

After spending time with the game, I can fully understand the reviews and the criticisms levied for and against the game. Yes, it has more f bombs than any movie ever made. Yes, it is violent. Yes, you can kill civilians and cops. Yes, you work for the mob. Yes, you steal lots of cars. But the reality of the game is that so much care and thought has been put into every detail that it is impossible to hate the game. The first time I rode around listening to the radio, dialed up my cell phone to identify the song, careened through traffic at high speeds, shooting out the window and some thug who I was supposed to chase down, running from the cops with a three-star rating, I was hooked. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but let me sum it up.

Graphics: Impressive for a game of this scale. The game has a HUGE map, and plenty of areas to explore. You can climb to the tops of many buildings, set up vantage points, travel through the water or in the air. Call a cab and watch the city go by you. It's amazing. While there are texture issues, and some pop ins, the reality is that for a game designed with so much detail and on such a massive scale, it sure is beautiful.

Sound: The voice acting is terrific. The characters all have depth and emotion built into everything that they are talking about. The soundtrack, as per typical Rockstar style, is magnificent.

Controls: Car physics are loose. Very loose. It allows you to pull full 360's almost on command and spin out whenever and wherever you want. But EVERY car handles differently. I'm not kidding. Get in a "coquette" (GTA's Corvette) and you can fly around, speeding and taking turns with aplomb. Get in a Hummer-like vehicle, and the car is noticeably more sturdy and can take way more hits. It's still relatively quick, but won't keep up with a sports car in a race. The other buttons are well mapped and thoughtfully placed. I have no complaints, except for the half pull on the free aim. I tend to pull to far. :(

Gameplay: This game was designed with so much detail. Like I said, each car is different. You can surf the internet, have relationships with women and men, discover the "statue of happiness" and so many other aspects of the game. You can identify songs by a built-in system that you can call and it will text you the name and artist of the song. You can go to comedy clubs, cabaret shows, play pool, play darts, go drinking, and a myriad of other activities. It's incredible.

Morality: The game is, of course, of very questionable morality. But I've noticed some interesting things: Civilians and cops typically don't die when you shoot them. They fall, and get disarmed. But normally will stand back up and limp off the scene if you let them. You are encouraged to steal cars, heck, required to steal cars, but frequently listen to Niko (your character) apologize after doing it. It's this kind of action that condemns this game in many eyes. However, if playing a video game causes you to go out and commit these heinous acts, you need more help than you are letting on.

Overall, the game really is a masterpiece. Every set piece works together flawlessly, and the game really does draw you in. If you are a gamer, you really owe it to yourself to pick up this game. It is a fun time, and allows you to truly experience a video game, rather than just sit in front of it.

However, if you are offended by language and other questionable acts, I'd recommend foregoing it.

Comments on the game? That's what the "comments" section is for!