IGDB rating86 / 100
Main story27h
Released2008
PlatformsPC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 3

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Grand Theft Auto IV follows the story of Niko Bellic, a veteran of an unnamed war in Eastern Europe, who is haunted by the betrayal of his 15 man army unit. Ten years later, after a smuggling run goes bad due to a betrayal from a partner, Niko leaves Eastern Europe to escape the anger of his employer, Ray Bulgarin. After six months in the merchant navy (serving aboard the cargo ship the Platypus), and believing the stories of his cousin Roman, Niko comes to Liberty City to pursue the American Dream as well as searching for the traitor of his unit. After his arrival, however, Niko quickly learns that Roman's tales of riches and luxury were lies concealing struggles with gambling debts and loansharks, and that Roman lives in a dirty apartment rather than a mansion.

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CheckpointDB Spotlight

Spotlight on Grand Theft Auto IV

exploration-firststory-forwardcomfort replaysystems-heavyBleakLonelyTense

A historic, grit-realistic open-world masterpiece. Grand Theft Auto IV couples groundbreaking Euphoria body physics and heavy vehicle suspension with an exceptionally written, mature immigrant story.

Grand Theft Auto IV is a historic, highly acclaimed open-world action-adventure that redefined the series with a dark, realistic tone and groundbreaking physics. You play as Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant pursuing the American Dream in a gritty Liberty City. The game's primary mechanical hallmark is its advanced Euphoria physics engine, which models organic muscle and body responses: characters stagger realistically, vehicles possess heavy body-roll suspension and tire traction parameters, and gunshot impacts react systemically to specific limbs. The combat features a refined cover system and free-aim targeting. Players navigate Liberty City, completing missions for criminal syndicates, managing relationships using Niko's in-game mobile phone, and escaping dynamic police searches that utilize visual circular radars on the mini-map.

Strengths

  • Revolutionary Euphoria physics engine modeling realistic body reactions and staggers
  • Masterful, dark immigrant narrative story and exceptional voice performances
  • Highly realistic and satisfying vehicle handling with heavy body roll and weight

Caveats

  • The in-game mobile phone system triggers repetitive, annoying friend hang-out requests
  • Lacks the colorful visual variety and wacky vehicles of its predecessors

Context

Developed by Rockstar North and released in 2008 to colossal critical acclaim, breaking global industry sales records. Celebrated by critics for its mature writing, impressive physical technology, and detailed depiction of Liberty City, it stands as a landmark release in open-world history.

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Core fitAction-Adventure › Cinematic Action-Adventure
Commitment27h main path · HLTB
Series contextGrand Theft Auto · Entry 9

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