Grand Theft Auto IV (360)
Rockstar Games
Rated: M for Mature Audiences
Also Available On: Playstation 3
Features: Online multiplayer, HD(720p), System Link, Downloadable Content (360 exclusive)
James' Score: 90%

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Grand Theft Auto 4 looks amazing and will provide you with countless hours of fun. Now that's said let me elaborate by saying that most media outlets have given this game a perfect score; while it is a technical marvel and is extremely fun to play (over and over) it is far from perfect and is plagued by minor annoyances that can hinder the overall enjoyment of the game. The single player mode focuses on Nico Bellic who just got off the boat and is staying with his cousin Roman who has lived in Liberty City for a while. You quickly find out the cousin you're with (Roman) is in quite a bit of debt and constantly has loan sharks harassing him. The story unfolds quickly and Nico is thrown into the craziness and takes a few of his cousins matters into his own hands, which stirs things up quite a bit. You do missions in this game (like previous installments) which push the story along. Later it is revealed that Nico is really in Liberty City to find someone who fled here from his home country, but the main focus of the game is really on Romans situation but with Nico basically handling all of his problems.

The story overall is pretty interesting; more interesting than the others but it does seem a little short. Its easy to look past that though because there is so much to do in Liberty City! There are strip clubs (with real lap dances), bars(watch the screen sway), cabaret, comedy clubs(real comedy acts), and even an internet cafe (with fake websites). There are tons of weapons, and cars to choose from so you'll definitely have fun doing a drive by in the middle of Times Square, or throwing a grenade out at a stop light and watching all the cars blow up at once. Its uber violent, and addictive! Multiplayer was added finally! There are plenty of modes to choose from, whether you want to race around Liberty City or play a quick game of turf wars, there will always be something for you to do. I really don't know what else to say because there simply is just so much to do in Liberty City. The graphics have definitely improved and on a high definition television it looks amazing. I personally love driving into Times Square at night in a Super GT it looks amazing.

What holds GTA4 back from a perfect score is its inconsistent frame rate. The game runs pretty choppy throughout the entire game and the more action going on screen the more unbearable it becomes. But thats always plagued the GTA series so fans wont notice as much but it may make some first timers a little dizzy at times. Other than that GTA4 is a masterpiece on every level, the story may fall a bit short but it is rewarding and even after you complete the story you can still call your friends and play games, go drinking, ect. GTA4 is a must buy I thoroughly enjoyed it.


-James