User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5146 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. SamL.
    Aug 12, 2008
    2
    Over hyped. A plain game pagued with framerate issues and bad gore effects. Ohh.
  2. Haroldoldman
    Oct 17, 2008
    1
    If you enjoyed previous GTAs, avoid this game at all costs. Its the complete OPPOSITE of previous GTAs, good graphics, boring storyline, dull characters, no variety in the gameplay,ect.

    I am extremely dissapointed with rockstar, the only reason it scored so high with the critics was because it happened to be the first next-gen sandbox game on the market, GTA4 has failed miserably.
  3. VictorD.
    May 5, 2008
    2
    It's a good game, but the media reviews are totally over blown, it has plenty of flaws, and the aiming mechanics are sloppy. Funnier still is how everyone points this out yet still gives it a perfect score, it's pathetic.
  4. JohnS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    Graphics could be better. Appeals to children with the need for porn and violence. Appeals to teenagers with the need for porn, violence and cars. Appeals to adults with the need for porn and violence. Grow up.
  5. CarlosV.
    Oct 2, 2008
    4
    This game does not deserve a 10/10 and shame on the critics who have done so. This game is not revolutionary, original, or even attractive visually to me in the LEAST! I
  6. KorwynC.
    Jun 21, 2008
    2
    I'm surprised of how people think of this game. Such a piece of trash. The worst in game driving I've ever played. If it was a game that driving is just a tiny part of it, that would be kinda forgivable. But driving in this game is a big part. The most stupid AI for this gen system I've ever seen. I run the red light in front of a cop and nothing happens. But if I park on a I'm surprised of how people think of this game. Such a piece of trash. The worst in game driving I've ever played. If it was a game that driving is just a tiny part of it, that would be kinda forgivable. But driving in this game is a big part. The most stupid AI for this gen system I've ever seen. I run the red light in front of a cop and nothing happens. But if I park on a side walk the cop will run out and start shooting at me. other drivers drive like they should not pass the driving test at the DMV. Some story line makes no sense at all, people don't forget how to speak their language for living in the US for only 10 years. In fact it's impossible to forget their native language when they still have an accent that strong speaking English. I wish this game was XboX exclusive really, coz this game really fit with their exclusive trash collections. Expand
  7. Ryencoke
    Jul 8, 2008
    0
    Over-rated garbage. The game was appealing for about a week. The game is very linear, and lack extra activities. This is the worst GTA in the series. Also, Seth R. You're a damn moron for your comments.
  8. johnbarros
    Jul 12, 2009
    0
    the MOST OVERHYPED OBJECT EVER ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET. I cant believe all the reviews, im starting to think rockstar paid off every critic. My fave game of all time is gta vice followed by san andreas so you can only imagine my dissapointment after playing this piece of shit. Way too realistic which ruins the all the fun, no real side missions, repetive missions, retarded dating,the MOST OVERHYPED OBJECT EVER ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET. I cant believe all the reviews, im starting to think rockstar paid off every critic. My fave game of all time is gta vice followed by san andreas so you can only imagine my dissapointment after playing this piece of shit. Way too realistic which ruins the all the fun, no real side missions, repetive missions, retarded dating, boring storyline, uninteresting main charachter, nothing to unlock, no goals to reach, no properties to buy and the list goes on. If the future gta series are like this then theyve lost a fan. its too bad cuz they could have made this game amazing had they not spent 98% of their time on the graphics Expand
  9. FredC.
    May 24, 2008
    1
    This game has poor graphics for a PS3 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  10. AndrewS
    May 1, 2008
    0
    Textures much rougher than in 360 version, and with the lighting everything looks somewhat yellow, unlike 360 where it looks more natural. Not the version to get.
  11. D.B.
    May 7, 2008
    4
    More of the same, except many things about San A. that were fun were taken out of this build. All sorts of glitches which make this game far from perfect. And honestly, if you've played the other versions of GTA, it's the same old same old with very little changed other than graphics... which have framerate dips. I know 4 is harsh, but i feel like I have to make it that low to More of the same, except many things about San A. that were fun were taken out of this build. All sorts of glitches which make this game far from perfect. And honestly, if you've played the other versions of GTA, it's the same old same old with very little changed other than graphics... which have framerate dips. I know 4 is harsh, but i feel like I have to make it that low to show these reviewers that gamers are smarter than this to give this game a solid 10. If you are one of those guys who says "360 is the best system eva!" while only owning about 3 games for it, then yes, this is the "best game eva" for you. But anyone who's honestly played games their whole life can think of dozens of games that were more entertaining and more diverse than GTA IV if you are honest with yourself. Expand
  12. PrinceofNessus
    Jun 2, 2008
    1
    The most underwhelming game of the year. Graphically superior to it's predecessors, but in every other category a step backwards. The main storyline is awkwardly shoehorned into the game with spotty voice acting. The phone is a constant annoyance, as it rings at least every 5 minutes. The city is monotonous and boring. The relationship aspect of the game is a time consuming The most underwhelming game of the year. Graphically superior to it's predecessors, but in every other category a step backwards. The main storyline is awkwardly shoehorned into the game with spotty voice acting. The phone is a constant annoyance, as it rings at least every 5 minutes. The city is monotonous and boring. The relationship aspect of the game is a time consuming rewardless waste of time reminescient of a sisyphian task. The combat system is flawed, locking on to targets halfway across the building while ignoring the shotgun toting bad guy who is shooting you in the head. Lastly all the fun and quirky minigames have been taken out. Do you want to collect packages for rewards, buy property or maybe go on a paramedic mission? Too bad 'cause Rockstar decided they have no place in GTA IV. Expand
  13. HGaroldP.
    Aug 12, 2008
    4
    Nothing special with a dissapointing lack of fun features. They tried to make the storyline gritty and it kinda didn't work. Still, at least the critics are pleased.
  14. SalvadorR.
    Feb 16, 2009
    0
    This game is terrible dont let the media confuse you into believing it is that good u will be disappointed when i 1st got this game i was 2 exited that i didn't relize that i wasn't haveing that much fun. I had a way better time playing gta san andraes. once i finished the game i play the crap multiplayer and traded it in for only $15 they said " we have plenty of these used" This game is terrible dont let the media confuse you into believing it is that good u will be disappointed when i 1st got this game i was 2 exited that i didn't relize that i wasn't haveing that much fun. I had a way better time playing gta san andraes. once i finished the game i play the crap multiplayer and traded it in for only $15 they said " we have plenty of these used" and I traded it only a month after it came out alot of people know the TRUTH.! Expand
  15. Jan 31, 2023
    4
    Boring, the gameplay sucks and lacks charisma, the story is the darkest but not the best
  16. Apr 23, 2023
    1
    Vraiment nul, les graphismes la modélisation mais surtout le gameplay. Je met un point car le moteur physique euphoria est sympa lors du ragdoll
  17. MattD.
    Jun 1, 2008
    3
    The mission structure and game mechanics are far too flawed for this to be enjoyable on any level. It's sooo monotonous.
  18. SteveM
    Jul 22, 2009
    0
    This game is too repetitive. You go and talk with one man, he want to kill someone. You kill the guy, and ok it's done. The game is always this. Graphics aren't the best, playstation have better graphics to offer. Some crashes around the game made me put this game away, I sold it 5$. Really bad game.
  19. oranges
    Oct 1, 2008
    0
    How can the critics give a 10 to a game like this? the shooting is a joke, u might as well throw rocks at the enemys - all it is driving around your gay cousin or somthing so he doesnt get killed - complete wast of money and time for this game.
  20. MaximusA.
    Jan 26, 2009
    3
    This game is simply not fun. In fact i'd go so far as to say it's disgrace to the GTA series. I am a massive GTA fan and I was beyond disappointed to find out they traded in all the quirky, fun aspects of the previous games for realism. Personally, I much enjoyed being able to hop on a car and snipe people while the driver drove around in a panicked frenzy. But now as soon as This game is simply not fun. In fact i'd go so far as to say it's disgrace to the GTA series. I am a massive GTA fan and I was beyond disappointed to find out they traded in all the quirky, fun aspects of the previous games for realism. Personally, I much enjoyed being able to hop on a car and snipe people while the driver drove around in a panicked frenzy. But now as soon as the car starts moving, Niko falls off, as he most likely would in the real world, and I sigh as another one of my once numerous tiny joys in the GTA world dies. By applying realistic driving physics Rockstar has taken away one of the best aspects of the game, the unrealistic but insanely awesome driving. No more property to buy means the money you earn is essentially useless. Buying property was one of the best aspects of Vice City and San Andreas because you felt like you were taking over the city. Once upon a time our characters wanted to do something with their lives, become something, take over. Instead we're given nihilistic Niko, who we have absolutely no attachment to to begin with. In fact his history is purposely presented as a mystery, leaving us with this sarcastic ghost of a character. The missions are menotenous and boring. The relationships are the worst thing to ever happen to the GTA series. It is NOT fun having to go on stupid dates with your cousin, especially after the 5th or 6th time. It's like this. I get home from work and I want to escape to an awesome world of freedom and adventure. Instead I have an annoying cast of fools badgering me to go to a cabaret show and if I don't feel like going they get offended, and take away their taxi service. Not fun. At all. Expand
  21. JoeR.
    Aug 16, 2008
    0
    Horrendously boring.
  22. Apr 3, 2011
    3
    Overrated. Annoying characters, clunky gameplay (did the developers ever try driving a real car?!), did I say annoying characters? So glad I got it second hand and cheap--still a waste of money.
  23. Nov 30, 2011
    0
    This is the most over rated game ever. REALLY 98? User score tells more about this game... This is like every other GTA, boring after few days. Rockstar has paid for those 100 metascore givers.
  24. Apr 6, 2013
    3
    This game is too over rated.
    98? No... This game, as a GTA, is disappointing. And very much. This game is basic. Yeah, it may have be liked by critics because it was sandbox, but, yeah, nothing more. It has a good amount of bugs and lags, and all the things you can do are bugged. At least on PS3 and PC. I don't know on XBOX360.
    I'm sorry... but as I love GTA:SA, I hate GTA:IV. It is
    This game is too over rated.
    98? No... This game, as a GTA, is disappointing. And very much. This game is basic. Yeah, it may have be liked by critics because it was sandbox, but, yeah, nothing more. It has a good amount of bugs and lags, and all the things you can do are bugged. At least on PS3 and PC. I don't know on XBOX360.

    I'm sorry... but as I love GTA:SA, I hate GTA:IV. It is not GTA. Do we want to talk about the story? It is definitely one of the most boring and lame stories in videogames history. IMO.

    Well, I think that I'm generous giving it a 3.
    Expand
  25. FredC.
    Apr 27, 2008
    1
    This game has poor graphics for a PS3 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  26. Aug 15, 2013
    4
    One of the few PS3 games I just couldn't finish. The storyline didn't grab me at all, and the characters were as dull as dishwater. But the *real* problem I had with this game, ironically enough, is that it was TOO realistic. Travelling from one mission to the next was a time-consuming chore, and one I had to repeat way too often if I failed a mission. Then the minutia of things likeOne of the few PS3 games I just couldn't finish. The storyline didn't grab me at all, and the characters were as dull as dishwater. But the *real* problem I had with this game, ironically enough, is that it was TOO realistic. Travelling from one mission to the next was a time-consuming chore, and one I had to repeat way too often if I failed a mission. Then the minutia of things like dating had me restless. I tried, thinking that it would eventually click for me, but while the environment was technically impressive, I found that the game wasn't the kind of escapist entertainment I play video games for. I even tried the DLC to see if those picked up the pace, and I just flat wasn't having fun.

    I know some folks love it, and that's great. It just wasn't the right game for me.
    Expand
  27. Aug 27, 2011
    0
    Completely overrated. I stopped playing after two hours because every mission was a variation of "follow me while i talk to and then kill some people I don't like". Also, the game mechanics are crap, because every time I want to shoot someone, the crosshair is automatically pointed at and locked on the nearest person's torso, making headshots and other things impossible to make. InCompletely overrated. I stopped playing after two hours because every mission was a variation of "follow me while i talk to and then kill some people I don't like". Also, the game mechanics are crap, because every time I want to shoot someone, the crosshair is automatically pointed at and locked on the nearest person's torso, making headshots and other things impossible to make. In addition, the story is never fleshed out. Niko is here to find some person, but that is never pursued, and he seems to be trying to be legit, but that never happens. GTA 4 is imbalanced and boring, and is easily one of the worst games I have every played. Expand
  28. Sep 10, 2012
    0
    (Translate from Portuguese into English) Primeiramente quero deixar claro que sou um grande admirador dessa franquia,uma das melhores que existe,esta no meu top 5 franquias,mas esse jogo é decepcionante,não quero dizer que seja ruim,porque não é,mas esperava muito mais desse jogo e vou explicar o porque,para começar com as missões,muito(Translate from Portuguese into English) Primeiramente quero deixar claro que sou um grande admirador dessa franquia,uma das melhores que existe,esta no meu top 5 franquias,mas esse jogo é decepcionante,não quero dizer que seja ruim,porque não é,mas esperava muito mais desse jogo e vou explicar o porque,para começar com as missões,muito repetitivas,todos GTAs lançados até hoje começam com missões simples e fáceis com o tempo vão ficando mais elaboradas e difíceis,mas em GTA 4 é totalmente diferente,missões muito fáceis do começo ao fim,muito simples e repetitivas ao extremo,você vai se cançar de tantas missões que só se resumem a pegar um carro ir a um ponto determinado e matar o alvo,só isso,isso sem falar de algumas que são absurdas de tão fáceis,todos GTAs tem como ultima missão o ápice,a mais elaborada e muitas vezes a mais difícil,quem não lembra da ultima em GTA SA?a ultima do GTA VC?só pra citar alguns exemplos,mas em GTA 4 nem isso surpreende,você zera o jogo e fica pensando "era só isso?". Quando vejo o Metascore quase perfeito de 98 não acredito,a Rockstar só pode ter comprado as análises da crítica,se GTA SA não existisse GTA 4 não seria decepcionante,é incrível como ele é muito mais limitado que GTA SA. Claro que há evoluções naturais e tecnicas já que é o primeiro GTA da 7° geração,mas de resto ouve um retrocesso absurdo,existem adções bem vindas e legais,como ficar bebado depois de encher a cara,ser arremessado do carro ou moto após uma forte colisão,usar capacete de moto,possibilidade de escolher o programa das prostituras,arrombar carros estacionados,novo sistema de cobertura,adições como boliche,dardos e outros que poderiam nem existir,como seus amigos ligando toda hora são irritantes,são poucas adições se comparadas as que já existiam em jogos anteriores e não existe mais em GTA 4 como: Comprar propriedades e carros,modificar carros,aprender golpes de artes marciais,nem mesmo existe academia,não existe auto escolas,missões secundárias de bombeiros/ambulância,corridas somente de motos,Niko não ganha experiência como em GTA SA que Carl Johnson melhora suas habilidades de tiro e manuseio de armas,aumentar o fôlego,sex appeal,respeito,enfim eram tantos em GTA SA que não lembro de todos,não tem aparência física alterada pelo estilo de vida assim como CJ poderia ser magro,gordo ou musculoso,não existe baladas,não existe exportação de veículos,cortar o cabelo,fazer tatuagens,multiplayer local,Niko nem mesmo sabe mergulhar,são tantas coisas que foram deixadas de lado que com certeza esqueci de algumas.A pior trilha sonora da franquia,músicas muito ruins,enredo muito fraco,personagens chatos que não são cativantes,jogabilidade horrível na configuração normal,mas na configuração clássica é muito boa,não tão boa quanto nos outros jogos mas muito melhor que a normal,sem falar que em um jogo como GTA que passa muito tempo dirigindo,GTA 4 tem uma condução horrível! Gráficos não tenho do que reclamar,acho até que ninguém deveria reclamar já que se trata de um jogo de 2008 e gráfico nunca foi o forte de GTA,só acho que as pessoas poderiam estar melhores,mas acredito que a Rockstar se preocupou tanto em montar um ambiente que lembrasse NY que deixou de lado o mais importante,o que sempre foi o ponto forte da franquia,a liberdade,com ela a diversão,pouquissimas missões secundárias,o jogo praticamente te prende as primárias,jogue e zere GTA SA depois jogue e zere GTA 4 e tenho certeza que concordará que GTA 4 foi uma decepção,quem diz que GTA4 é o melhor jogo já feito ou é louco ou nunca jogou um jogo de verdade (nem mesmo os outros GTAs).Vendo a crítica esperava o melhor GTA já lançado,mas fui enganado,é o pior GTA que já joguei.Mesmo após tantas criticas não acho um jogo ruim,apenas muito abaixo do esperado e principalmente do que a crítica diz ser,esse é sem dúvidas um dos jogos mais superestimados que existe,Metascore de 98?Nunca ¬¬" Expand
  29. Apr 6, 2013
    0
    GTA IV is such an utter disappointment i was just sad as a long time fan of GTA since PS2 days the series is really messed up now just like Metal Gear Solid the only way to fix these problems is to stop making games first of all im really shocked about how it got so many 10/10's for such a sh**ty game rockstar must have bribed these greedy a*****es for these reviews
  30. Jan 27, 2016
    3
    How did this get a higher critic score than GTA V? The story was bland and boring compared to GTA V which was really enjoyable this was nothing the characters were highly irritating their Serbian accents (I believe) were truly annoying as if it wasn't for the subtitles I wouldn't know what they were saying.
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. Grand Theft Auto IV is not a perfect game, but it is fantastic through and through, from start to finish and beyond. It is so massive, vast and impressive that it is almost mind-boggling to imagine how much work must have gone into the game to come up with so much detail.
  2. But GTA IV will never get old, or start repeating itself. It will always offer anyone who turns it on an experience to savour.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    100
    GTA4 is a traditional crime story through and through, with a script that rarely strays from its purpose, a pitch-perfect supporting cast, and an expert combination of in-game storytelling and crafted cut-scenes. [June 2008, p.80]