![]() The problem is, if you happen to fail a mission, you have the option to retry it using Niko’s cell phone - but you have to begin at the last autosave…which is almost always on the other side of Liberty City. Considering the city’s massive scale, this is no small feat, and it gives players plenty of time to listen to the well-done in-game radio. The game’s structure and checkpoint system don’t exactly help in that regard, as each mission involves driving (or taking a cab) from just about one corner of Liberty City to another. The characters themselves are all compelling and add to the plot, but the actual gameplay, the thing that makes games stand out from movies, gets to feel a little - dare I say it? - boring. One can only do so many driving, drug-dealing and assassination missions before they start to feel like the same event with differently skinned characters. But the way in which Rockstar achieved this length is troubling, as the gameplay feels recycled about one-third of the way in. Clocking in at 36-plus hours is seldom something we complain about, because it seems like more and more gamers clamor for long games. ![]() The biggest stumbling block is the length of the game. But, considering how much the plot and overall depth of the game world have evolved, the “same old” gameplay leaves a little something to be desired. The open-world GTA formula has never failed, and in fact it’s responsible for the pre-release fever over GTA IV, so we can’t really fault Rockstar for that. GTA IV tackles the age-old questions of “what exactly is the American Dream, and is it truly attainable?” and “can we really ever escape from our past?” We’ll leave it to you to judge the irony of a European studio tackling that first question, but regardless of your finding, there’s no denying the excellence and presentation of the story.īut while the plot may be excellent, Rockstar relies heavily on the tried-and-true GTA formula to carry the now-heavyweight narrative, with a few tweaks (much-improved gunplay and a serviceable cover system). The addition of a fleshed-out main character was a nice enough addition, but to see Niko Bellic have actual depth is great, and to see Roman, Brucie and the numerous other characters all hold their own like Hollywood’s best supporting actors is remarkable. The plot, character development and characters themselves are second to none, as Rockstar North has gone above and beyond when it comes to narrative, script and voice acting. As a single-player experience, though GTA IV is a bit disappointing. ![]() The Grand Theft Auto series had previously been a single-player-only affair, so incorporating the fun co-op and versus online multiplayer modes is a serious boon to the game’s longevity and appeal. But we’re awarding GTA IV a 9/10 in large part because its multiplayer components tip the scale. Before you get up in arms over that statement, look at our review score below: nine out of 10.
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