Grand Theft Auto IV

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5146 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,707 out of 5146
  2. Mixed: 810 out of 5146
  3. Negative: 629 out of 5146
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  1. Spartan111
    Nov 10, 2010
    5
    This game is the most overrated ever, the gun sounds sound fake, they swear all the time, the game seems a bit goofy, you can hardly enter any buildings and there just isnt much to do. What a bore
  2. Dahonk
    Feb 9, 2014
    5
    Great graphics and soundtrack but the driving aspect of the game is average to say the least and the less said the better about 3rd person shooter and melee side. I wouldn't have this down as the greatest game of all time and i think the professional reviewers just get taken over by the hype.
  3. kowalski
    Dec 31, 2012
    5
    GTA4 has too many issues, too many repetitive missions, and too many downfalls to be considered anything else than over-hyped. The story could have been more addictive, and the missions are either too easy or way-too-hard. There are so few true innovations, and overall it feels like a step backwards, which is a huge disappointment, especially for such masters as Rockstar.
  4. Zilcell
    Nov 9, 2012
    5
    The biggest problem with the game is the controls. Could they have made driving not feel like a chore? And because they put the cheat system in the phone, its very difficult to access. San Andreas is better because it had more weapons, better controls, and better cheats. San Andreas has a jetpack and flying cars cheats and other great ones. Does GTA 4 have any of this? No.
  5. PKslime
    Nov 8, 2011
    5
    I like me some GTA. And this is like... next gen GTA. But that's where the fun stops. I dislike this game the more I play it. Niko is unlikeable. He's too shy, never wants to talk about the plot. Someone will say "Hey, Niko! Why did you come to America?" And he'll respond something like, "I don't want to talk about it." Well, **** Now I'm curious. So the story sucks, theI like me some GTA. And this is like... next gen GTA. But that's where the fun stops. I dislike this game the more I play it. Niko is unlikeable. He's too shy, never wants to talk about the plot. Someone will say "Hey, Niko! Why did you come to America?" And he'll respond something like, "I don't want to talk about it." Well, **** Now I'm curious. So the story sucks, the characters are entirely annoying. My favorite was the in-your-face bro, because at least i expected him to be annoying. The NPCs are always bothering you, calling you, talking about stupid stuff. They want to go play mini-games that aren't fun. I don't understand. The gameplay seems to have gone downhill as well. Like, there's a little green line that shows you where to go on the mini-map. It's really helpful if you're, you know, stupid or lazy. I guess people like this one because it has "modern graphics" but I'm not even sure it looks so hot. Motion blur sucks, that's not an opinion. It has a weird grainy quality to it, not a film grain, more like a blurry this-is-the-best-we-could-do quality. Niko leans when he turns, this was the deal breaker for me. Do people tilt back and forth when they walk around corners? I never noticed it before. Seems minor, but you literally have to look at this animation constantly while playing. I'm tired of thinking about this game.… Expand
  6. ClassicGamer89
    Aug 9, 2012
    5
    This game is far from perfect, there is nothing innovative, the characters are not likable, the story is unoriginal, and the game just consist of stealing cars, killing innocent people,. and boring side quests. This game is not anywhere near as good as some of these people say. I liked GTA 3 better, and i don't like GTA that much period.
  7. SebUK
    Oct 23, 2012
    5
    Nothing to do apart from drive around and kill people. Fighting system is completely 100% awful, controls / game play / movement on foot is clunky, unresponsive and slow. No activities to take part in, for example muggings, robberies, burgulary, import / export, arena sports etc. They stripped the game bare and made it boring as ****
  8. leo020992
    Jan 5, 2013
    5
    Uhh,really?This is the amazing sequence of the **** awesome game that was San Andreas,srsly,GTA is not a simulator,it's 100% arcade,jump from planes using a parachute falling in a car, destroy it and run with a boxer underwear over here...GTA IV makes you have to make annoying meeting with friends to have a good relationship,is difficult as **** hell and they DIDN'T PUT CHECKPOINTS!!!IUhh,really?This is the amazing sequence of the **** awesome game that was San Andreas,srsly,GTA is not a simulator,it's 100% arcade,jump from planes using a parachute falling in a car, destroy it and run with a boxer underwear over here...GTA IV makes you have to make annoying meeting with friends to have a good relationship,is difficult as **** hell and they DIDN'T PUT CHECKPOINTS!!!I have to retry (and when i say retry i say walk half town,ps - scenarios are **** is not a pretty city,i want rural,casinos,and this kind of things) everytime i lose in a difficult mission,30 hours to beat the game approximately,15 of walking half town.
    But i have to say,taking off the no checkpoints thing,GTA IV would be a great game,if it wasn't GTA,because it completely lose the focus fromthe others.
    And the story?4 parts it have:
    1/4 - You meet Roman,know he talked lies and **** him from Vlad and the mafias.
    2/4 - Get mixed in the mafia with faustin and dimitri,this part is ****
    3/4 - WORST ****G PART,occupates half of the storyline,you meet a bunch of characters that you make 3 or 4 missions with them,making you forget EVERY-DAMN-THING about the main story,and there are so many characters,that you don't even know what the **** are you doing for the guy you're makin a mission for
    4/4 - End of the game,PS - ****ty ending    … Expand
  9. gamer2013
    Jan 9, 2013
    5
    most overrated game of all time san andreas is much better overall

    GOOD:graphics r very nice and realistic andd detailed bad: the driving, the map is small, the missions, the characters

    so if only they made the game with different missions and expanded the map this game couldve been the best ever still have ery high hopes for GTA V!
  10. xScooda
    Mar 26, 2013
    5
    The story was boring. Gameplay was boring. However it did have significantly better graphics, just a step down in everything else after gta san andreas. I 'm so glad the next gta isn't in NY.
  11. ratchet23
    Feb 14, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After playing the outstanding PS2 GTAs I thought that on the PS3, the game would be fantastic.
    When I started the game, I thought it was pretty good, but soon after, I found it wasn't as fun as I had hoped.
    Graphically, the game is great, seeing as it was released in 2008.
    Liberty City is a great setting, the city has great detail and has some cool easter eggs. However, compared to the huge San Andreas, this feels really small and I found myself driving from the airport to the other side in no time.
    The characters are kind of a mixed back, I feel alienated by Nikos views on violence. Many a time would I hear things like "Blah blah I did terrible things at the war, cousin, blah blah." Right after he shot an employer (of sorts) in the head for having an affair with his cousins girlfriend. I do enjoy his random quotes after getting hit by cars or failing a mission.
    The other main characters are ok for the most part. Except for cousin Roman. He is the most annoying
    person in any video game ever. Brucie is kind of annoying but kind of funny. I like Jacob for some reason.

    I can't stand the tone of the game. On the internet, you find news stories that may be related to your actions in the storyline, they're funny but you may not even see them. Mostly the game is all dull and dreary, with a grey feel to everything.

    The gameplay is decent, I love the car control sometimes, but in missions when chasing people (as you will be with the very few unique missions in the game, mostly you just have to hunt someone, chase someone or intercept a drug deal) it gets so annoying. Cars control like a man in dress shoes on an ice rink. Shooting is quite alright.
    The pastimes are so tedious though, quite often you get a call from Roman or one of your other friends asking if you want to go bowling, I think you can disable these but if you do go bowling or whatever, its quite boring and tedious.

    This game had alot of good features and alot of bad ones, neither outweigh eachother.    … Expand
  12. iamDTS
    Sep 16, 2013
    5
    I guess for its time it was good but when other, better Rockstar Games release and they don't have a score close to this, you are going to have a problem. I don't really understand how this boring game got rated so high, games like Red Dead Redemption should have had this score. The DLC made this game 100 times better
  13. Fedelca
    Sep 29, 2013
    5
    No me maten, pero en mi opinión personal hubiera podido ser infinitamente mejor, pero cuando digo "infinitamente" significa que obviamente y conociendo a Rockstar hubieran podido hacer algo excesivamente mejor. Un mapa muy pequeño, gráficos que dejan mucho que desear, la jugabilidad es mala, no puedes hacer tanta variedad de cosas como en las anteriores entregas. Pero me diviertoNo me maten, pero en mi opinión personal hubiera podido ser infinitamente mejor, pero cuando digo "infinitamente" significa que obviamente y conociendo a Rockstar hubieran podido hacer algo excesivamente mejor. Un mapa muy pequeño, gráficos que dejan mucho que desear, la jugabilidad es mala, no puedes hacer tanta variedad de cosas como en las anteriores entregas. Pero me divierto atropellando peatones y tirándome desde los techos, pero me hace quedar como idiota, espero que se esfuercen con "Grand Theft Auto V".… Expand
  14. nonbiased
    Nov 1, 2013
    5
    I regret to say I was swept up in the moment. Jumped on the bandwagon. Became a sheep to the games industry... and I regret it. Looking back now I realise just how austere GTA IV was. Once you had completed the game there was nothing more to do but tedious side missions. the campaign was only just better but the ending was a let down. This game was a large step back from its predecessorI regret to say I was swept up in the moment. Jumped on the bandwagon. Became a sheep to the games industry... and I regret it. Looking back now I realise just how austere GTA IV was. Once you had completed the game there was nothing more to do but tedious side missions. the campaign was only just better but the ending was a let down. This game was a large step back from its predecessor and dare I say it............................... Overrated. I do hate that word.)

    Perhaps I am being to harsh, after all it was an old game on a brand new console back then. No one had played a game like it before on an Xbox or Ps3. however as games got better, you start to realise the flaws in a game you once thought the world of.
    To start of with the story is a bit cliché. some missions are a bit hit and miss. the cover mechanics are clunky and un-polished but the shooting is much like the others so no problems there. Driving is quite a nuisance because all the vehicles are massively heavy and cannot swerve without crashing. Speaking of crashing though, the explosions looked amazing back then and still hold up now. Despite the name of the game you wont want to commit any crimes though. The police apparently see everything and know exactly where you are when hiding. this angers me as it pretty much messes up an iconic part of GTA. exploring the city can be fun at times but I would take a helicopter.( the cheat is 359-555-0100 on Nikos phone).

    But I could forgive that all if it wasn't for your cousin ringing you up every fifteen minutes to do dull activities with him. If you don't then his bond declines with you. Its punishment either way. At least let us say no.
    At the end of the game you have all your money so what do you spend it on... all. There is only a few things you can spend money on. Weapons which you will find anyway and clothes which there is very little choice of.

    My verdict is that this game is not as good as the gleaming glistening reviews it got. But I understand why they gave it those perfect reviews and that's because we all did. Everyone who bought the game at one point, loved it. But time rots everything and surely enough when you want to replay years from now... you will sigh a breath of boredom when dear old cousin rings you up    … Expand
  15. Blod
    Feb 9, 2016
    5
    GTA4 is nice game for xbox360 and ps3.
    Because pc version have gfwl and pc potting is awful.
    I can't save the game because focking gfwl.
    I played GTA4 with R9 270x, average frame is 55
    So,if you want to play GTA series, do another series
  16. SteveO
    Jul 3, 2008
    4
    This is a good game for about a week since you have pretty much played this game before. Its the same thing if not less than the other GTA's. The thing is i hear critics raving about the story but the truth is you have heard this story in thousands of other places. You can pretty much predict the ending and you get lost into doing missions you don't give a crap about. The This is a good game for about a week since you have pretty much played this game before. Its the same thing if not less than the other GTA's. The thing is i hear critics raving about the story but the truth is you have heard this story in thousands of other places. You can pretty much predict the ending and you get lost into doing missions you don't give a crap about. The missions are also almost the same in every way. The only thing spectacular about this game is well the voice acting. So unless your a die hard voice acting fan there is absolutaly no reason to pay anything over 30$ for this game. Rockstar please gives a game we havent played before.… Expand
  17. AnonymousMC
    Mar 11, 2009
    4
    this game totally sucks compared to other GTA's. the only thing better about it was the graphics. there's absolutely nothing to do before or after you finish the game, missions are boring and repetitive, and it has the worst story ever. They pretty much took out everything from san andreas that was fun and replaced it with some boring crap like internet or taking friends out.this game totally sucks compared to other GTA's. the only thing better about it was the graphics. there's absolutely nothing to do before or after you finish the game, missions are boring and repetitive, and it has the worst story ever. They pretty much took out everything from san andreas that was fun and replaced it with some boring crap like internet or taking friends out. there's no more planes (one of the biggest problems) which meens no more parachuting, no more tattoos or haircuts, no more gang turf fights, no more jet packs, 4 wheelers, hovercrafts, or bicycles. i was also really dissapointed at how small liberty city feels compared to vast deserts and forests of SA, the only thing that made liberty city seem big were the tons of streets crammed into a little island. on top of everything else, (goes back to bad story) where the big finale at the end. where's my big mansion with a helipad and the feeling that i am in control of the entire city. GTA 4 pretty much just ends, with nothing that you didn't have at the beginning of the game except a measly 4 safehouses and a ton of worthless money. if rockstar plans on making all of the GTA's like this from now on then ill save my 60 bucks and go buy a game thats worth it.… Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. AmigaGuruT.
    Jul 9, 2008
    4
    How this game got so many 10's are beyond my imagination, seriously this is the worst GTA in years amd still it scores better than all of them??????? Biased reviews? , why did rockstar go for the realistic approach when that means there ain't anything to do?... also it was the unrealistic stuff that made the other GTA games fun.
  21. AndresFernando
    Sep 7, 2009
    4
    I dont believe the way they destroyed this awesome franchise. Eventough the realism and superb graphics; it has nothing on GTA San Andreas. The story is way tooo repetitive, only go and shoot some guy. The submissions are enough to throw the game away; not like in predecessors where u could do a million different things.
    If San Andreas never had existed, GTA 4 would be a wonderful game;    I dont believe the way they destroyed this awesome franchise. Eventough the realism and superb graphics; it has nothing on GTA San Andreas. The story is way tooo repetitive, only go and shoot some guy. The submissions are enough to throw the game away; not like in predecessors where u could do a million different things.
    If San Andreas never had existed, GTA 4 would be a wonderful game; but they have to live up to the franchise and this game was a huuuuuge disappointment.

    [Apologies 4 my english... Good luck from Argentina]    … Expand
  22. AndyC.
    Nov 23, 2008
    4
    The most overrated game I've ever seen. Although this game is entertaining every professional review has covered the good parts, so I'm going to dwell on the negatives. It seems like a case of more is less. Liberty City is just too big, while the local environment is too small. When you turn your back, cars are suddenly appearing from behind you that weren't there a second The most overrated game I've ever seen. Although this game is entertaining every professional review has covered the good parts, so I'm going to dwell on the negatives. It seems like a case of more is less. Liberty City is just too big, while the local environment is too small. When you turn your back, cars are suddenly appearing from behind you that weren't there a second ago. And on missions you're often told to go to the other side of the city, which takes too long. Most annoyingly, the controls during gunfights are abysmal. The camera is too slow to find someone shooting from behind before you're killed. As a result, the missions too frequently involve looking at the position of the enemy as you fall down dead, and then the retry is ridiculously easy. Also when I wanted to run from fights, I've found myself unable to hop into a car. My phone has rung and the fire button has answered the phone instead of firing. In the quest for gritty realism, the silly fun bits from GTA 3 have gone or been integrated more closely into the environment. I'm already surrounded by gritty realism - I want a game to be fun.… Expand
  23. JoelR.
    Apr 28, 2008
    4
    Story/Direction: well an amazing accomplishment the game could have been so much more... the ability to play as a good guy for once would be appreciated - a cop maybe with achievement/accomplishments related to doing good while facing down a menace like Niko. Graphics: a much improved graphics quality would have been appreciated as well. It definitely is better than last gen but it Story/Direction: well an amazing accomplishment the game could have been so much more... the ability to play as a good guy for once would be appreciated - a cop maybe with achievement/accomplishments related to doing good while facing down a menace like Niko. Graphics: a much improved graphics quality would have been appreciated as well. It definitely is better than last gen but it doesn't seem to reach the highs of next gen architecture. Sound is excellent Technical Achievement/Quality: amazingly low for such a anticipated game better AA issues and popin and framerate glitchs and moderate loading issues the game is not as engaging as it probably could be.… Expand
  24. WolfMan
    May 19, 2008
    4
    Overhyped, Vice City is still the best one. Yes the graphics were pretty, but the storyline lacked depth and believability. I found it difficult to attach to Niko's character as I did with Tommy Vercetti. The language was overdone too, I'm not talking about speaking Ukrainian, I mean every other word is a colorful metaphor, f this, f that, overdone and gratuitous. No decent Overhyped, Vice City is still the best one. Yes the graphics were pretty, but the storyline lacked depth and believability. I found it difficult to attach to Niko's character as I did with Tommy Vercetti. The language was overdone too, I'm not talking about speaking Ukrainian, I mean every other word is a colorful metaphor, f this, f that, overdone and gratuitous. No decent radio tunes either, seriously I was bored with the radio. Not interested in multiplayer. Would suggest for GTA V a move of country, go to Italy or France. So far the lesser of the series.… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. GrantZ
    Aug 23, 2009
    4
    The first few hours of this game are likely to be the best in your life. Then it all goes downhill, repetitive missions, bland visuals, and there is NO customisation. None at all, i don't count, buying clothes as customisation, not much variation in missions, weapons or characters, and there are too many collectables. It's a letdown, going out with friends is CRAP. Mini-games The first few hours of this game are likely to be the best in your life. Then it all goes downhill, repetitive missions, bland visuals, and there is NO customisation. None at all, i don't count, buying clothes as customisation, not much variation in missions, weapons or characters, and there are too many collectables. It's a letdown, going out with friends is CRAP. Mini-games have the worst physics ever. All-in-all Rokcstar has to improve, as i'm never buying another of their games again.… Expand
  27. ChappyStick
    Sep 17, 2011
    4
    compared to the other GTA games this is boring, dull, depressing, and just plain stupid. knowing that rockstar can make amazing games like LA noire, san andreass, and GTA 3 but they have hit rock bottom with this stinker. Rockstar, you dissapoint me.
  28. dancinhomer
    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
  29. Agrivar
    Feb 10, 2012
    4
    A sad disappointment in the franchise, after the sheer brilliance of Vice City and thorough playability of San Andreas GTA IV is a bland, grey affair. The main character is as dull as the palette of the game which begs for the neon of Vice City or the rich colours of San Andreas. The attempts to make the driving more realistic sucks the fun out roaring round Liberty City (which lookedA sad disappointment in the franchise, after the sheer brilliance of Vice City and thorough playability of San Andreas GTA IV is a bland, grey affair. The main character is as dull as the palette of the game which begs for the neon of Vice City or the rich colours of San Andreas. The attempts to make the driving more realistic sucks the fun out roaring round Liberty City (which looked better in the original PS2 game) and the pointless online addition brings nothing to the game. Thanks heavens Saints Row picked up the mantle and ran with it… Expand
  30. cryosleep
    May 27, 2013
    4
    So, another boring turd wrapped in pretty graphics. Gone are the fun, arcady driving mechanics, replaced by cars that handle like horizontal freezers on wheels. Gone are the mini-games that provides hours of fun distractions. The fun content in previous incarnations has been replaced by a boring dating sim, and predominately boring shooting missions. The characters are flat outSo, another boring turd wrapped in pretty graphics. Gone are the fun, arcady driving mechanics, replaced by cars that handle like horizontal freezers on wheels. Gone are the mini-games that provides hours of fun distractions. The fun content in previous incarnations has been replaced by a boring dating sim, and predominately boring shooting missions. The characters are flat out obnoxious in my opinion. Tommy Vercetti was friggin' cool, Bellic is a pansy by comparison.
    It's great as a tech demo. I can't fault Rockstar for getting the detail of the city down, but it just feels there's less to do. It's a crazily detailed city, but hell you can't even Vigilante in this one.
    I hope GTA V isn't just another tech demo like this one was.    … Expand
  31. EggManStudio
    Feb 16, 2014
    4
    I cannot understand how this game is universally acclaimed. For starters, it has way too many flaws. The story is good, but that's the point - the game's all story and no gameplay, to the point that you have to create the gameplay yourself by going and smashing stuff up, diverging from the plot. And as a story gamer, that is something I simply can't do - Early in the game it destroysI cannot understand how this game is universally acclaimed. For starters, it has way too many flaws. The story is good, but that's the point - the game's all story and no gameplay, to the point that you have to create the gameplay yourself by going and smashing stuff up, diverging from the plot. And as a story gamer, that is something I simply can't do - Early in the game it destroys Nico's character. In addition, the car controls are awful - it feels like I'm driving on a black-ice rink. The missions are boring too - it's just "go drive somewhere and wach a cutscene" or ""take this girl out on a date". In a game like GTA, I want ACTION, not boring stuff like this. I bought this game, expecting something amazing. But what I got was something very, very boring. Grand Theft Auto IV is thoroughly boring and hideously overrated. I might as well play Saints Row, it's the same gamee but done right!… Expand
  32. TheBlackGreg
    Feb 25, 2014
    4
    This the most over rated game to recent memory. I couldn't even finish the damn game it was so **** boring. I mean seriously wtf happened San Andreas and Vice City were so epic funny and awesome. Lets start with the Posatives. the world feels alive and realistic probably the most acurate adaptation of New York City. Plus it has that good American Dream story. Negatives. The Graphics areThis the most over rated game to recent memory. I couldn't even finish the damn game it was so **** boring. I mean seriously wtf happened San Andreas and Vice City were so epic funny and awesome. Lets start with the Posatives. the world feels alive and realistic probably the most acurate adaptation of New York City. Plus it has that good American Dream story. Negatives. The Graphics are awful Resident Evil 4 had better graphics and that was on the PS2. Niko is so **** boring Johnny Gat is a way more interesting and fun character. It has a terrible cover system and a god awful shooting mechanic. And last but not least these radio stations suck complete ass I mean wtf happened SA and VC had way better stations. Saints Row 2 has better stations too. As i began with this review this is the most over rated game to date.… Expand
  33. lukevandam
    Oct 28, 2014
    4
    while there is nothing really wrong with the game from a technical point and its fun to shoot things and drive around it doesn't stop the 30 hour campaign from being absolutely boring and this has to be the blandest looking game i have seen for a while its definitely the blandest gta ever i would highly recommend the Ballard of gay tony over this or gta v of course because both of thosewhile there is nothing really wrong with the game from a technical point and its fun to shoot things and drive around it doesn't stop the 30 hour campaign from being absolutely boring and this has to be the blandest looking game i have seen for a while its definitely the blandest gta ever i would highly recommend the Ballard of gay tony over this or gta v of course because both of those provide a pretty good story with humor with gta IV has non of.… Expand
  34. Infamous-Rivera
    Nov 20, 2015
    4
    Twice i Have tried to play through this game and both times i have never finished it.
    This is one of those games that is just highly overrated and did not really leave me with much feelings besides negative towards it!
    The story was pretty well as far as i played but almost every other aspect to the game was just so uncaptivating messy and needed improvement. Driving - was murky and    Twice i Have tried to play through this game and both times i have never finished it.
    This is one of those games that is just highly overrated and did not really leave me with much feelings besides negative towards it!

    The story was pretty well as far as i played but almost every other aspect to the game was just so uncaptivating messy and needed improvement.

    Driving - was murky and shallow really not as fun as most open world driving games.

    Shooting - One of the biggest problems in the game aim was terrible the aim assist was always either good or extremely bad i mean its soo hard to free aim if you wanted to.

    Customization - Besides cars and clothing theres not really too much or at least anything really worth considering customizable

    Gameplay - I found missions to be mostly boring and a little too difficult (because of aiming) to be really enjoyable.

    My recommendation is if you have a ps3 still just get GTA V you dont need to suffer through GTA IV to play V    … Expand
  35. Kaasworst
    Jun 30, 2020
    4
    The worst game ever developed by Rockstar. I really hope that they will never ever go back to Liberty City
  36. Destroynkill34
    Feb 25, 2020
    4
    The game is decent at best this game definitely doesn't deserve to be considered the 3rd greasy game of all time and is judged out of pure nostalgia. the driving is ridiculously awful when it's supposed to be the keystone of the game. The story was dissopointing and the gameplay is sloppy and not fun.
  37. Harwex213
    Sep 11, 2021
    4
    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.
  38. aaronnmp96
    Jan 31, 2023
    4
    Boring, the gameplay sucks and lacks charisma, the story is the darkest but not the best
  39. greentolar
    Jun 20, 2023
    4
    This score and some reviews are just ridiculous. First time when I started a game because I was overhyped so I didnt even watched gameplay videos I say to myself:Wtf is this? Aiming is bad. Enemies who are close to you arent important to game mechanics but enemies who are far away are so that should result into your misery. Sometimes you dont know if enemy is dead or he wakes up and startThis score and some reviews are just ridiculous. First time when I started a game because I was overhyped so I didnt even watched gameplay videos I say to myself:Wtf is this? Aiming is bad. Enemies who are close to you arent important to game mechanics but enemies who are far away are so that should result into your misery. Sometimes you dont know if enemy is dead or he wakes up and start blasting again.Moving gun sight is also annoying and if you are shot in the arm you drop the gun... Riding a cars.. You must be very careful because any higher speed driving turn car into crazy rolling thing.These mechanics make game more realistic but less GTA and less fun. Story in nutshell is you owe money to gangsters,try to live better life,survive and all ends bad. I feel like this game instead of telling you story want to teach you some morale lesson. I dont play games for that. Most of characters are annoying or not interesting.Roman is example for them all.Only two and thats Vlad and Jacob are characters that represents good GTA game. Activities like dancing,truck driving,some rampage missions etc. arent there. You cant also buy a property to feel like a real thug who owns city like another review said.Vehicles you can drive are strictly limited. Bikes,cars,helicopter and maybe some quad. Thats all. Compared to another GTA games is poor choice. Reduced game. What I enjoyed is mood of the city. Pleasant scenery with dark backround...People should do more things but city feels alive. Side missions when you met strange people on streets and get involved into their lifes are really interesting. More interesting than main story. Throwing stuff you pick up like bricks and cups are funny and get game more immersive feeling into game. Also be a passenger in helicopter rides or taxi.Computer and ingame internet is interesting idea.Ragdoll physics are sometimes funny but thats all. Im mostly console player and defender of them but game works bad on PS3 while you drive fast world is slowly rendering sometimes even if you walk and you can see cube like glitches. So game isnt well optimalized either. 3 years took me to complete the game because story is some kind of morale teaching,missions are repetitive in bad way and end of story is not worthy of this all. 4 points just for some city mood.… Expand
  40. MRDUERUEM
    Sep 6, 2023
    4
    Es war kein San Andreas mehr und wurde von GTA5 in den Boden gestampft. Ich kann mir die guten Bewertungen nicht erklären. Sorry Mister Belic
  41. StephenM
    Jan 25, 2009
    3
    As soon as you load the tape into the Ps3, you know you have probably stumbled across the finest RPG since that Chinese dudes game:- Zone of Enders! The color, shadow arrays and costumes have to be seen to believed, words can't describe the emotional attatchmnent you will encouter with Zenny, the games main female protaganist. The only slight niggle I had with Killzone 2 (or THAT As soon as you load the tape into the Ps3, you know you have probably stumbled across the finest RPG since that Chinese dudes game:- Zone of Enders! The color, shadow arrays and costumes have to be seen to believed, words can't describe the emotional attatchmnent you will encouter with Zenny, the games main female protaganist. The only slight niggle I had with Killzone 2 (or THAT GAME as myself and my wife have come to call it) is its lack of fish, you never get to see any fish. I don't know if this is a deliberate choice made by the developers or an oversight. But be warned if you are looking for fish, you ain't gonna' find them here. All said and done - fantastic game, well done devs (developers).… Expand
  42. 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
  43. AnonymousMC
    Mar 9, 2009
    3
    i,ve never been more dissapointed with a game in my life! rockstar took out everything that i loved about gta san andreas. no more buying property, no more jet packs or 4 wheelers or PLANES! all of the missions are boring and from point A to point B and then back to point A. niko bellic is the worst character ever with no likeability at all and to top it off, wheres the mansion at the endi,ve never been more dissapointed with a game in my life! rockstar took out everything that i loved about gta san andreas. no more buying property, no more jet packs or 4 wheelers or PLANES! all of the missions are boring and from point A to point B and then back to point A. niko bellic is the worst character ever with no likeability at all and to top it off, wheres the mansion at the end with the helipad? wheres the great ending where you are in control of the city, or any ending at all. it just simply ends. theres no good side missions and absolutely nothing to do once you beat the game. DO NOT WASTE THE MONEY ON THIS GAME! your better off buying a ps2 and getting gta san andreas. rockstar has completly ruined the gta series, mainly by making it too realistic, and i think they have lost a life long fan of grand theft auto.… Expand
  44. 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.
  45. UUSKA
    Sep 14, 2010
    3
    So um... where should i start. Oh yes Graphs are pretty decent with full hd screen.
    and....... that was probably all the good stuff. OH YES you can drive over people that's fun :D
    OK where should i start. 1. story was not that good you come in and when you think this is the middle of the game BANG the game ends. 2. controls. I know they wanted to make a realistic game but they failed at    So um... where should i start. Oh yes Graphs are pretty decent with full hd screen.
    and....... that was probably all the good stuff. OH YES you can drive over people that's fun :D
    OK where should i start. 1. story was not that good you come in and when you think this is the middle of the game BANG the game ends. 2. controls. I know they wanted to make a realistic game but they failed at it. running is irritating as **** driving sucks now days and you wont die. like you wont die in 300 Km/h you crash to the wall and.... nothing happens. and that is probably all the main here.... OH YES There is yet another good reason to play GTA 4 after all. When you play it for 20 minutes, you just want to play more and more and more of the older gta games :D    … Expand
  46. ElectricPhase
    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.
  47. frijolero408
    Mar 6, 2012
    3
    A boring game-as-art experience. It's an accomplishment to create such a giant city, but a shame not to build a functioning game. All forms of gameplay are poor and clunky, inferior to the champions of each genre. Driving doesn't feel as good as a racing game, bowling doesn't feel as good as a bowling game, etc. Every experience offered in GTA IV can be found elsewhere, and in FUN form.A boring game-as-art experience. It's an accomplishment to create such a giant city, but a shame not to build a functioning game. All forms of gameplay are poor and clunky, inferior to the champions of each genre. Driving doesn't feel as good as a racing game, bowling doesn't feel as good as a bowling game, etc. Every experience offered in GTA IV can be found elsewhere, and in FUN form. Strip it down and it's a compilation of half-ass mini-games separated by a gigantic, but hollow, hub world.… Expand
  48. pookie
    Jun 28, 2012
    3
    I don't understand how this game is so high on gamerankings.com. Sure it's impressive visually and its got online modes. However, those are the only two good factors. This game is overrated. It feels like a beta. The controls a clunky and the character moves sluggishly. The storyline is decent and the voice acting is GTA quality. This isn't my favorite GTA. I have a feeling GTA5 willI don't understand how this game is so high on gamerankings.com. Sure it's impressive visually and its got online modes. However, those are the only two good factors. This game is overrated. It feels like a beta. The controls a clunky and the character moves sluggishly. The storyline is decent and the voice acting is GTA quality. This isn't my favorite GTA. I have a feeling GTA5 will improve a lot!… Expand
  49. AlessandroCali
    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
  50. odahima
    Feb 8, 2014
    3
    I can not actually write a proper review addressing the game content because I could not reach the mission destination due to the terribly awful driving system of the game
  51. cmkarthik
    Mar 21, 2014
    3
    This game has the worst controls. I was terribly disappointed with the vehicle dynamics and controls. If any mission involves a vehicle chase, i just keep cursing the game controls and show a lot of misplaced anger towards my controller. Missions with bike chases are even more dreadful. I have given a 'three' rating for the exciting game-world with a lot happening around. The randomThis game has the worst controls. I was terribly disappointed with the vehicle dynamics and controls. If any mission involves a vehicle chase, i just keep cursing the game controls and show a lot of misplaced anger towards my controller. Missions with bike chases are even more dreadful. I have given a 'three' rating for the exciting game-world with a lot happening around. The random characters and side-missions are pretty good, even though i miss the taxi/ambulance/firefighting missions. The story-line is pretty bland and so are most of the characters. The nature of missions are also somewhat boring, repetitive and monotonous. This in no way comes close to the quality and excitement of vice city and san andreas missions. The 'Friendship' and 'Dating' activities were interesting at the start but became too irritating as we get more indulged with the missions.… Expand
  52. Jiano74
    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.
  53. MadPax5000
    May 9, 2017
    3
    I played the game recently in 2017 and was surprised at the rating of the game so far. While it has some good missions overall, the game mechanics is poor. Even when comparing this game to some others released in and around the same period, the game has some serious issues.

    The graphics for the game is good and enjoyable, the missions are good too. The annoyance comes in when you fail a    I played the game recently in 2017 and was surprised at the rating of the game so far. While it has some good missions overall, the game mechanics is poor. Even when comparing this game to some others released in and around the same period, the game has some serious issues.

    The graphics for the game is good and enjoyable, the missions are good too. The annoyance comes in when you fail a mission and then you need to drive all the way up to the mission start point. Very frustrating for some missions. Does not add to difficulty, but just waste of time.

    The controls act very poorly, selecting the right weapon, throwing a grenade, riding the chopper all get tricky just because your played does not move properly. This after me having played several games with a higher difficulty quotient.

    Very disappointed with this version of GTA.    … Expand
  54. Retro_indepecat
    Sep 6, 2017
    3
    Gràficament està molt bé, les animacions, la música, tot, tot molt bé... però amb aquesta merda d'historia, missions que la meitat no tenen ni cap ni peus, cinematica de 20 minuts amb converses de merda... no em va agradar gens, va ser acabar-lo i tornar-li al meu germà.
  55. Sahhid
    Nov 19, 2019
    3
    Overrated mindless games. GTA games always get positive reviews but I find them repetitive. Games like sleeping dogs were better than this.
  56. dunuch
    Aug 31, 2023
    3
    Over hyped. A plain game pagued with framerate issues and bad gore effects. Ohh.
  57. nickc
    Jun 4, 2009
    2
    What a useless piece of crap...was enjoyable for about 5missions! you can't by properties, vehicles are fairly limited over all and they mostly feel like you're driving the same thing.Graphics were crap.Sounds were crap. San Andreas was way better. Dont know why the critics thought it was so awesome.something tells me i won't be believing the "critics" anymore.
  58. Grid
    May 1, 2008
    2
    Online on PS3? Nope...haven't been able to get online since the release and my game keeps crashing. Why do PS3 games always screw up when they are first released. I am so annoyed i want to trade this thing in for a 360 or wii...
  59. TomE.
    May 3, 2008
    2
    I am an avid gamer, 37K gamerscore.... But I can't roll with a game that revolves around cop killing and prostitution.
  60. 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.
  61. MattS
    Feb 11, 2010
    2
    I actually liked the driving. It's cool how the old junk cars (i.e. Roman's Taxi) can't handle worth a damn and the wheels lock up when you brake traveling at high speeds and the fancier cars (i.e. Coquette, Comet, Infernus) handle like a dream and seem to have ABS. I also liked how varied the buildings are. If you take the time to look at them there aren't very many I actually liked the driving. It's cool how the old junk cars (i.e. Roman's Taxi) can't handle worth a damn and the wheels lock up when you brake traveling at high speeds and the fancier cars (i.e. Coquette, Comet, Infernus) handle like a dream and seem to have ABS. I also liked how varied the buildings are. If you take the time to look at them there aren't very many that are identical, and little things like graffiti add to the atmosphere. But where is the comedy? Where are the properties? With such a massive variety of buildings, why can't I enter the vast majority of them? Where is the sprawling landscape? Where is the national guard? Where is the mission variety (you can either "drive here" or "drive here and kill this guy" or MAYBE "follow this guy then kill him and his friends")? Why are there clothes stores from San Andreas that I'm not allowed to enter? Why do these stores have online shops I can't buy things from? Why don't I get unlimited ammo after I beat the game (I mean, 8 rockets, seriously)? What's with the ending? Did I put up with all that monotony just to lose? Why can't I take over Pegorino's house after he dies, with the two garages and and a house with a helipad right around the corner? Why do I have to spend time taking my 6 friends to one of 7 or 8 generic tasks just so they'll like me enough to help me out (if Rockstar was shooting for realism, saving Roman's ass probably would have been enough reason for him to give you free taxis, same with Little Jacob for the cheap guns)? In San Andreas, there were 3 unique cities with a massive country landscape to fly over/drive through in between. In GTA 3 and Vice City, you were confined to a city but the atmosphere was so light and fun that you felt like you could do anything. GTA 4 restricts you to three identical-feeling islands, covered in high-rises and skyscrapers, and once you get over how fun the ragdoll effect of running over people is, you begin to feel absolutely limited to what you can do. I waited the entire game to get an option of something to do other than the safehouse, a date, or a mission. I never got it. If you've never played a GTA game before this title will absolutely blow your mind, but anyone who has played either third-person game in the franchise will be left feeling ripped off and disappointed due to the complete lack of new features (or even old features for that matter). Long story short: if you have a backwards compatible ps3, get the GTA trilogy. If you don't, get a used ps2 and get the GTA trilogy. Each title in this set offers hundreds more hours of enjoyment than GTA 4.… Expand
  62. 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
  63. SamL.
    Aug 12, 2008
    2
    Over hyped. A plain game pagued with framerate issues and bad gore effects. Ohh.
  64. cravix28
    Jan 21, 2012
    2
    Are you guys kidding me saying this is one of the best games ever for one the game is wayyyyy too dark and yes i have adjusted the settings I do not understand why everyone wants open world all the time yes i enjoy some open world games but this one blew i enjoyed saints row and dead island a thousand times more
  65. brad0103triplex
    Jun 13, 2013
    2
    I don't find this entertaining and fun. I don't mind the ability to steal cars and stuff but I don't know why it got 98/100 that is just ridiculous. But a game to keep in mind is....................WATCH DOGS!!! you can steal cars and hack and control literally anything! The game isn't out yet but it is definantly going to be better than this!
  66. IBlackyI
    Jul 27, 2013
    2
    +first few missions are fun +its fun to drive, even with the horrible vehiclecontrol -Horrible Vehiclecontrol -Horrible Shootingmechanics -Bad graphics, even for 2008 -Boring Story -Only Hacker/Cheater in Multiplayer -Multiplayer is very bad designed. You need like 10 minutes to get in a game -Bad Police/Crimesystem: Police will come after you, even if they never saw you doing the crime+first few missions are fun +its fun to drive, even with the horrible vehiclecontrol -Horrible Vehiclecontrol -Horrible Shootingmechanics -Bad graphics, even for 2008 -Boring Story -Only Hacker/Cheater in Multiplayer -Multiplayer is very bad designed. You need like 10 minutes to get in a game -Bad Police/Crimesystem: Police will come after you, even if they never saw you doing the crime
    -No other environment than the City.

    2/10

    Sorry, but 98 is just ridicolous. Im a huge GTA fan, but this GTA is not good in my opinion    … Expand
  67. kev_i_n
    Jul 10, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Here is a summary for those who don’t want to read the whole review (the review contains spoilers).
    +Very Strong Opening
    + (At the time it was released) Good Graphics, but that is not worth shouting about as graphics quickly become out of date.
    +Mini games (e.g. bowling) are well pulled off.
    -Very repetitive missions, with next to no variety making the game boring, as you go to a location kill someone/or collect something, 50 times.
    -Virtually no customisation, which makes your character feel no different from start to finish, reducing the level of fun.
    -Very annoying aspects like terrible driving.
    -Boring combat
    -Very average story, with limited variety.

    In short buy Saints Row 2, Sleeping Dogs or even Gta San Andreas, these games are far superior, and are more fun. Gta 4 is worth a rental at most.

    Full Review
    The start of the game is very strong, as you become immersed in wanting to find out about Niko Bellic and how he struggles to find the “American Dream”. The graphics (at the time it was released) were of good quality, giving the game the look of a next generation grand theft auto game.

    However you quickly realise that the game falls flat on nearly every level.

    One of the annoyances of the game you will notice very quickly is the driving, which while fun at first, proves to be a dump on your front door step. This is because all vehicles feel very similar and under steer like or if you apply too much throttle over steer like they were on ice. The use of toll gates and crashing every five seconds resulting in you falling out the windscreen, only serve as the bits of sweet corn in the dump on your door step. Such a terrible driving system, further serves as a reminder of how much Rockstar have removed from San Andreas, because the driving in that was insane and FUN.

    Another annoyance is how there is nothing to spend your money making it pointless. Unlike in previous games where you could buy property and businesses making you feel like a bad ass overlord, in Gta 4, you can buy clothes, a few guns (less than you could get in Gta San Andreas) and food. This is something you will notice as it adds to the lack of depth in Niko, as his primary motive is money, yet he can’t spend it on anything so what is the point, in him risking his arse every 5 seconds.

    Another of the many annoyances is the character interaction. Your uncle (Roman) is one the most annoying characters in gaming history, constantly being a little Jacob is a walking, talking serotype as is Packie, (and his whole family). However the worst character (unfortunately) is the one you play as (Niko). He is basically a black stale, and while Rockstar tried to add depth to his character by revealing his story of being a former army solider gradually, ultimately it amounts to nothing of interest, demonstrating a lack of depth to his character.

    With regards to the story, there is nothing ground breaking here, as it is your standard revenge story, nothing as gripping as Sleeping Dogs which was predictable was still enjoyable. The only really noticeable moment of the story is the choice at the end (Spoiler alert) where you get to choice if Roman dies or Kate dies by undergoing one of two missions prior to the event. However it falls flat, as you want to kill off Roman, but if you do Kate disappeared, making it better to keep the annoying prick (Roman) alive over the only decent character in the story (Kate). Furthermore the choice has no impact on the actually ending, making it rather pointless. I can see where they were going, trying to make it a dark and quite depressing story, but honestly with all the annoyances of Niko, I couldn’t care less about what happens to him. This ultimately means that the story, like the game on the whole, falls flat.

    However possible the main problem with the game is how there is NO variety in anything. This can be seen by how in the following areas GTA 4, has limited variety, Missions (in Gta4 you virtual go from location to location killing people, with minimal challenge as the Enemy A.I have a tendency to just peek out of cover exposing their heads making for easy head shots or suicide charge; and no build up. In San Andreas there while Enemy A.I is retarded the variety of missions make up for it), Customisation (in San Andreas and Saints Row 2 you could get tattoos, haircuts, and tons of clothes; in Gta4 you can only buy a limited number of clothes), Vehicles (in San Andreas and Saints Row 2 you had tons of vehicles and planes, in Gta4 there is only like 3 helis and no planes). This lack of variety makes it so it feels that Rockstar removed all of what made San Andreas so great, and replaced it with mediocrity dullness.

    All these mind-numbing elements ultimately make the game annoying without enough irritations to make you turn it off. This, from a studio that gave us games like Max Payne 3, Bully etc., amounts to a great disappointment.    … Expand
  68. ZerotakerZX
    Nov 1, 2016
    2
    Overhyped junk.
    You see:
    Plot is dull and vague
    Missions are repetetive and unoriginal.
    Downfall of R* started here, with this lousy game.

    graphx is good, so youngsters maybe be pleased, but that's it.
  69. FredC.
    Apr 27, 2008
    1
    This game has poor graphics for a PS3 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  70. SandraB.
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    Filth! Filth! Filth! Nothing but a filthy game for heathens! Anyone that plays this game will go hell and burn for eternity. Let Jesus Christ into your lives while there is still time. Shame on you for buying this game and shame on the people that made it... It is this kind of smut that is leading to the downfall of humanity. Repent now before it is too late.
  71. ChetT.
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    Too violent. Bad graphics
  72. 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.
  73. DiscoStu
    Sep 13, 2008
    1
    The firsat hour or so is a ten out of ten. But after playing for a while you realise how many things are wrong with this game. Awful shooting--- they said it would be like uncharted or Gears of War, what we got was clumsy controls and mediocre gunplay. Repetitive--- Drive here, shoot this guy, drive back repeat x 50 ti win the game Frustrating--- Some missions were quite lenghty, having The firsat hour or so is a ten out of ten. But after playing for a while you realise how many things are wrong with this game. Awful shooting--- they said it would be like uncharted or Gears of War, what we got was clumsy controls and mediocre gunplay. Repetitive--- Drive here, shoot this guy, drive back repeat x 50 ti win the game Frustrating--- Some missions were quite lenghty, having many objectives and spanning avross multiple locations, however if you were to fail a mission halfway through or right near the end, you get no checkpionts, you have to start all over again, making this game dangerously unplayable… Expand
  74. 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.
  75. MatthewB.
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    it's a shame this is getting such good reviews. it's gta3 with very slightly better graphics. it doesn't look next-gen and it doesn't feel next-gen. with so much development time the city looks ok but people look like legos. this can't be the best game ever. all these "exclusive" reviews are doing it making people think it's good and even after they play it it's a shame this is getting such good reviews. it's gta3 with very slightly better graphics. it doesn't look next-gen and it doesn't feel next-gen. with so much development time the city looks ok but people look like legos. this can't be the best game ever. all these "exclusive" reviews are doing it making people think it's good and even after they play it they think it is b/c someone told them it was. it doesn't bring anything new to the table. steal a car, go here and kill this guy, go there and steal this and kill that guy. rockstar simply gave the people what they wanted... and it worked. it's the same reason madden sells every year. give it a new roster and fresh coat of paint and call it next-gen! stupid people will buy stupid games. go out and buy something good instead like okami, the world ends with you or lost odyssey.… Expand
  76. RyanH.
    May 2, 2008
    1
    Real poor graphics as the other guys said for the ps3 and also it would be better if they continued the san andreas story like Cj's step brother would be good if the graphics were in san andreas, would be a great game.
  77. 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
  78. FredC.
    May 24, 2008
    1
    This game has poor graphics for a PS3 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  79. AlexH.
    Sep 14, 2008
    1
    It's pretty fun to run around and run people over. Then when you realize that's the only fun part of the game, you probably with you had waited until Saints Row 2. This game is a shell. There is none of the variety of the previous GTA games. The story is really, really bad (I even prefer my PSP's GTA: Vice City Stories this one). The missions are awful (every mission is "go It's pretty fun to run around and run people over. Then when you realize that's the only fun part of the game, you probably with you had waited until Saints Row 2. This game is a shell. There is none of the variety of the previous GTA games. The story is really, really bad (I even prefer my PSP's GTA: Vice City Stories this one). The missions are awful (every mission is "go kill this guy. You killed him? Ok, now go kill this guy". Remember that hilarious dialogue and characters the previous GTA's had? Well kiss them goodbye, because this game has worse dialogue than a bad porno. I have never wanted to nuke everyone from "Eastern Europe" more in my life. Niko's annoying Russian accent (as well as all of his annoying Russian friends) make you realize why the US doesn't like Russia. Only buy this game if you plan on running over pedestrians for 100 hours. Otherwise, save your money for Saints Row 2.… Expand
  80. billruller
    Mar 27, 2011
    1
    At first, the game is fun and the story gets pretty simple. But when you get further, it gets boring, the characters get annoying, and the story is so difficult. When you lose and have to start over everytime, you'll be hitting your head against the wall, turn it off, and break it in half. The driving controlls suck, it feels like it has a mind of it own that I will be flying out of theAt first, the game is fun and the story gets pretty simple. But when you get further, it gets boring, the characters get annoying, and the story is so difficult. When you lose and have to start over everytime, you'll be hitting your head against the wall, turn it off, and break it in half. The driving controlls suck, it feels like it has a mind of it own that I will be flying out of the windshield again and again. I really hate the characters, they think their cool and badass, but MY GOD their so annoying I mute the TV. The multiplayer is boring, I turn it off and play "Uncharted 2". I have know idea why so many people love this game so much, they say "Its so amazing, its Grand Theft Auto!" I now know why they love and defnd it. They defend it because it has "Grand Theft Auto" written on the cover, and they think any game that is titled "Grand Theft Auto" means its a great game. Its a horrible game and I want my money back!… Expand
  81. NvizoN
    Mar 11, 2017
    1
    Where to start. Let me preface this by saying that I'm a fan of the GTA series. I started with GTA 3 when I was 10 and it had just come out. But this game...I hate this game with every fiber of my being. I loathe this game. It is the second worst game I have ever played (Call of Juarez: The Cartel being number 1.)

    The characters - This is the only game I've ever played where I wanted    Where to start. Let me preface this by saying that I'm a fan of the GTA series. I started with GTA 3 when I was 10 and it had just come out. But this game...I hate this game with every fiber of my being. I loathe this game. It is the second worst game I have ever played (Call of Juarez: The Cartel being number 1.)

    The characters - This is the only game I've ever played where I wanted every single character to die at the end. I was hoping some catastrophic event would happen that would wipe them all out. Niko is a bland, boring, irritating lead character. A stereotype of Baltic crime. Roman was always calling and irritating me. He was one of the worst characters from any GTA title. Brucie was always yelling, constantly talking about being the alpha male, and while I understand he was meant to be an over the top take of steroid users and "manly men," he didn't come across that way. He came across as just downright annoying. And then all of the supporting characters are forgettable in every way.

    The gameplay - The driving was like driving a boat that someone had stuck training wheels on and then made you drive through both molasses AND ice. Somehow that happened. It doesn't even make sense, but GTA IV managed to do it. The shooting and fighting was slow and clunky.

    The revamp of Liberty City wasn't bad. I liked bits and pieces of it even though I'm partial to the original design from 3. That's the only reason this game gets a 1 and not a 0.

    I just...my hatred for this game borders on unnatural.    … Expand
  82. cidgrad01
    Aug 28, 2013
    1
    Rockstar has been making the exact same game ever since GTA3 came out on PS2. Why are people acting like GTA4 is something different? It’s not, except for two things: it’s on a new generation of consoles and is actually worse than GTA3.

    First off: anyone praising the graphics is blind or has never played a video game before this one. Textures are muddled, colors are drab, environments    Rockstar has been making the exact same game ever since GTA3 came out on PS2. Why are people acting like GTA4 is something different? It’s not, except for two things: it’s on a new generation of consoles and is actually worse than GTA3.

    First off: anyone praising the graphics is blind or has never played a video game before this one. Textures are muddled, colors are drab, environments are bland, all of which combines to make it difficult to see where you are and where you’re going.

    Second: they jacked up the driving physics of the game so now it feels like everything is moving underwater. Turns that used to be simple now send you sliding into walls, which gets frustrating given the large number of slow, crappy cars you seem to be forced to drive in this game.

    Third: the stale mission-structured gameplay is exactly the same as it was over 10 years ago. It’s so tedious now. You get a mission giver, you have to drive across town to start the mission, then you have to drive to your mission destination, then back to your house if you want to keep your car. Fail the mission and you have to start the commute again. They have even added in “features” like toll booths now, which create traffic on bridges that honestly make you feel like you are commuting to work because if you charge through them you get an automatic wanted rating.

    Oh, and did I mention something about keeping a car you want available? Well, in this game they decided to do away with garages for some reason. You know: the places you used to be able to store vehicles. Now your various pads with have one or two parallel parking spaces out in the middle of the AI-trafficked street and if you park a car there *perfectly* it will be saved. However, if it’s a big car or if the AI traffic knocks it slightly out of place, it will be gone when you reload.

    Possibly the most annoying new “feature” of this series is the dating mini-games. You can hang out with certain people to increase their affection toward you, which reaps you certain benefits, but then ALL of them CONSTANTLY call you to hang out, even if you’re in the middle of a mission getting chased by the cops, or in the middle of commuting to do your next mission, or commuting home from your last mission. Whatever. And if you tell them no, even if it’s your own cousin asking you to go bowling again, though you just went bowling with him two days ago, he will get upset and you’ll lose affection. You can’t tell them no.

    Also, Liberty City is big but incredibly empty. You will not be rewarded for exploring b/c there is simply not much out there. Instead of secret packages to collect, this time around you have to kill special pigeons, which are very frustrating to find even with the help of a guide. I got to about 20 or so before I asked myself why the hell I was doing it, because I wasn’t having any fun.

    Finally, the “story” I keep seeing so many positive reviews refer to is stupid & nonsensical. You’re an illegal alien who begins a career as a professional criminal as soon as you step off the boat. Not much different from any other GTA protagonist aside from not already being a US citizen, right? Except now you’re Borat. AMAZING! There IS NO story! You’re a criminal who makes friends with other criminals throughout the game and then commits criminal acts. *spoiler*

    Furthermore, while there may well be 20 hours’ worth of cutscenes (which tend to go on forever) & dialogue (which also never ends during your mission commutes with NPCs), it seems like it was all written by a 10-year old boy. Penis & fart jokes, characters needlessly dropping f-bombs twice a sentence to be “edgy” (I guess), and all-around lame humor in general that makes you roll your eyes and want to skip through every cutscene you come across. Unless you are a 10-year old boy, in which case I guess you’d be in heaven. Maybe that’s the targeted demographic now?

    But Rockstar will keep making the same game as long as sheep keep buying it. Anyone who wants to see what an improvement in this genre looks like, I’d direct you toward Saints Row the Third. Not the best game ever, but one that is actually, you know, “fun” to play. Something Rockstar left out of GTA4.    … Expand
  83. drapermovies
    Oct 11, 2013
    1
    This game is completely and utterly terrible. Its boring and repetitive and ridiculously frustrating. The only thing I liked was the city. Liberty City breathes and feels real, That's the only thing I like about this game, other then that, it's simply terrible and a waste of money. Even the textures are terrible for its time.
  84. UlfrkStormcloak
    Aug 8, 2014
    1
    Worst game in the Franchises history. I was having fun for about the first 12 hours and then I got bored. I had to force myself to pick it back up just to beat it. NOTHING to do after the story mode, ZERO replay value.
  85. vhatever
    Jan 20, 2015
    1
    I cannot believe the 98 meta score. Ridiculous. Probably the worst GTA there is. Boring repetitive missions, boring characters except maybe for brucie. Driving and getting around just feels tedious. Gameplay = clunky and unintutitive. might not be a bad game if all you want to do is run around shooting random people and crashing cars ignoring the characters, plot, missions etc. Even thenI cannot believe the 98 meta score. Ridiculous. Probably the worst GTA there is. Boring repetitive missions, boring characters except maybe for brucie. Driving and getting around just feels tedious. Gameplay = clunky and unintutitive. might not be a bad game if all you want to do is run around shooting random people and crashing cars ignoring the characters, plot, missions etc. Even then it's only mediocre and not much different than previous GTAs. Bad game, horribly overrated.… Expand
  86. Zingoed
    Aug 21, 2021
    1
    i like it and hate it

    the first hour was good but then they give us obnoxious characters which give us obnoxious missions notably elizabeta and brucie kibbutz the writers who thought they were good choices to add to this game is beyond my understanding also if you die on a mission there are no checkpoints no health regeneration if you die you have to restart from the    i like it and hate it

    the first hour was good

    but then they give us obnoxious characters which give us obnoxious missions

    notably elizabeta and brucie kibbutz

    the writers who thought they were good choices to add to this game is beyond my understanding

    also if you die on a mission there are no checkpoints no health regeneration if you die you have to restart from the beginning man rockstar added some horrible gameplay mechanics in this one even sonic the hedgehog (1991) had checkpoints this game is game companies going back to horrid gameplay mechanics just to rush making a game so they can make millions and rockstar didnt even pay the actor of niko bellic he is the reason the game was popular but no they paid themselves millions and didnt pay him enough for his great contributions to this game. they did that with young maylay too the actor of cj from gta san andreas. this game was ruined by rockstar but the actors did great jobs.

    a gta game that i can stand is gta v which actually has checkpoints and health regeneration and it lets you skip a level if its too hard

    that is my review    … Expand
  87. Gibrail
    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
  88. Achilles997
    Aug 17, 2023
    1
    Boring repetitive and over all a classic game experience nothing new. The fact that it is so high is troublesome. It's not worth it's purchase price.
  89. FredC.
    May 4, 2008
    0
    This game has poor graphics for a PS3 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  90. AnonymousMC
    May 20, 2009
    0
    This overated piece of crap isn't worth you're money or your time. It doesn't deserve to be the highest rated game this generation (that spot should be reserved for Mario Galaxy!) and it definetely doesn't deserve a 98.

    IT IS NOT THE BEST THING SINCE OCARINA OF TIME!!! Don't listen to some reviewers who say it is. If you want a good sandbox game on the PS3 get    This overated piece of crap isn't worth you're money or your time. It doesn't deserve to be the highest rated game this generation (that spot should be reserved for Mario Galaxy!) and it definetely doesn't deserve a 98.

    IT IS NOT THE BEST THING SINCE OCARINA OF TIME!!! Don't listen to some reviewers who say it is. If you want a good sandbox game on the PS3 get inFamous. If you want a good sandbox on the 360 get...ummm...just get Halo 3. And if you REALLY want to play a GTA game, then get a PS2 and buy Vice City,    … Expand
  91. AdamS
    Feb 26, 2010
    0
    A Really really REALLY OVERRATED Why not make yourself pick were you live and play the way you want but you cant you play as Niko Belic a VERY very sad man with a lot of problems making his dream in the USA WHY!?! the Game is made by Rockstar North a UK developer this game is NOT the best game on the PS3/360 its a OK game but its got nothing new! its just the same as all the other A Really really REALLY OVERRATED Why not make yourself pick were you live and play the way you want but you cant you play as Niko Belic a VERY very sad man with a lot of problems making his dream in the USA WHY!?! the Game is made by Rockstar North a UK developer this game is NOT the best game on the PS3/360 its a OK game but its got nothing new! its just the same as all the other GTA's and in most ways not as good tbh! Anything with GTA on it all ways gets 10/10 WHY!!!… Expand
  92. 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.
  93. JamesM.
    Apr 30, 2008
    0
    It's a joke that people have rated this when it only came out yesterday. Unless you've completed the game u really don't have any place to rate it. (hypocrisy noted)
  94. JohnB.
    Apr 30, 2008
    0
    come get me stalkers!
  95. 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.
  96. NickH.
    Oct 3, 2009
    0
    Don't count my vote. It was there to mimimize the 10s. Anyway my real score for this game is 7. The graphics are good, the music is medium quality but the problem is the gameplay. The missions are the same thing over and over. Go , kill. The first time you play the game you don't realize this but when you play it for the second time you clearly see it. It gets a bit boring. But Don't count my vote. It was there to mimimize the 10s. Anyway my real score for this game is 7. The graphics are good, the music is medium quality but the problem is the gameplay. The missions are the same thing over and over. Go , kill. The first time you play the game you don't realize this but when you play it for the second time you clearly see it. It gets a bit boring. But another bad thing about the game is that its TOO realistic and not fun like San andreas. You don't feel free in this game. While in san andreas you where riding your motorbike in woods, hearing to music and relaxing, here you always go to missions because you want to get over with the game and because you can't do what i told you before. The critics where either bribed or where to exhilirated by the new minigames , cellphone options e.t.c . Still my point is : It's a good game worth buying but doesn't deserve all these 10s and it isn't in the top list of the gta series.… Expand
  97. 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.
  98. ZerpyBoy
    Feb 17, 2010
    0
    Just another offsetting the 10's. This game does nothing but bow down to the majority of the human race, that being braindead violence hungry war mongers. There is such a game without guns. Those that say RPG's are stale are just naive biased gun crazed so and so's. This game is just as stale, if not more than all the other games out there. Same stories, same missions same Just another offsetting the 10's. This game does nothing but bow down to the majority of the human race, that being braindead violence hungry war mongers. There is such a game without guns. Those that say RPG's are stale are just naive biased gun crazed so and so's. This game is just as stale, if not more than all the other games out there. Same stories, same missions same simple game play. Nothing new here. I was a fan of the series until the franchise went hyper popular and gained nothing but simple minded followers that wanted guns violence, sex and more guns. Poor form everyone.… Expand
  99. JoshS.
    Oct 4, 2008
    0
    Firstly, a warning: Many of the engine sounds contained within this game are unrealistic and downright exaggerated. As a car enthusiast, I have to be able to recognise a car by the tone and distinctive pitch emitted by each engine. However, in GTA, this was not possible, due to the dreadful engine sounds. Many members of my family were upset by this game, including my sister, Evie. All in Firstly, a warning: Many of the engine sounds contained within this game are unrealistic and downright exaggerated. As a car enthusiast, I have to be able to recognise a car by the tone and distinctive pitch emitted by each engine. However, in GTA, this was not possible, due to the dreadful engine sounds. Many members of my family were upset by this game, including my sister, Evie. All in all, a great game. 8 out of 10.… Expand
  100. KoriR.
    May 22, 2008
    0
    Best game ever.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS3 Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    100
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Gameplayer
    100
    But GTA IV will never get old, or start repeating itself. It will always offer anyone who turns it on an experience to savour.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »