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. chris007
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    I played this game after I had already beaten GTA V and I have to say that I was not disappointed. GTA IV had a great story (better than 5 in my opinion), and great gameplay and missions. Though I thought the graphics weren't the best, if I had played the game when it originally came out in 2008, I would have been very impressed. I only had a couple of issues with the game. One being thatI played this game after I had already beaten GTA V and I have to say that I was not disappointed. GTA IV had a great story (better than 5 in my opinion), and great gameplay and missions. Though I thought the graphics weren't the best, if I had played the game when it originally came out in 2008, I would have been very impressed. I only had a couple of issues with the game. One being that it was very dark in some missions and even when I adjusted the brightness, it was still hard to see what to do or where to go. Also, there were some glitches and bugs, but none of these issues took away from my overall experience with the game. I spent about 26 hours to beat the game and I would advise that anyone who likes open world, hilariously written, violent and vulgar games, should get this game. It is a masterpiece.… Expand
  2. SythusRATINGS
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    What does the American Dream mean today? For Niko Belic, fresh off the boat from Europe. It's the hope he can escape his past. For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity. As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover thatWhat does the American Dream mean today? For Niko Belic, fresh off the boat from Europe. It's the hope he can escape his past. For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity. As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them an a living nightmare for those who don't.… Expand
  3. LatinCritic13
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Grand Theft Auto IV is described as an important piece of gaming literature that needs to be replayed over 4 times and it is magnificent. Niko Bellic’s traumatic story is an excellent key point that starts the GTA HD universe. Set in modern day Liberty City, everything feels natural and unique compared to real life, and there is no doubt that the tone that Rockstar went for turns out to beGrand Theft Auto IV is described as an important piece of gaming literature that needs to be replayed over 4 times and it is magnificent. Niko Bellic’s traumatic story is an excellent key point that starts the GTA HD universe. Set in modern day Liberty City, everything feels natural and unique compared to real life, and there is no doubt that the tone that Rockstar went for turns out to be something truly spectacular.… Expand
  4. KLoD_GTA3
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    I can't find the words to say how Grand Theft Auto IV is a great game. Brilliantly and beautifully.

    "We're all looking for that special someone." (Niko Bellic)
  5. tsakiym
    May 11, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A game that I played for many years. Masterpiece.great story.great characters. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.… Expand
  6. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  7. Trainzfan333
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    This is by no doubt the best game ever made. GTA IV is holding up so well, there are few games that are as good or will ever be as good.

    It is by no doubt it is one of the highest rated games of ALL TIME.
  8. Desi101don
    Jul 11, 2015
    10
    This game is so awesome. The gameplay has progressed so much. And the story is so thrilling and interesting with some comedy which touches different people in society but touches on their negative side with a range of moral decisions to make. I was more interested in the story than the gameplay itself as the story is about a Russian who comes to liberty city for revenge and is influencedThis game is so awesome. The gameplay has progressed so much. And the story is so thrilling and interesting with some comedy which touches different people in society but touches on their negative side with a range of moral decisions to make. I was more interested in the story than the gameplay itself as the story is about a Russian who comes to liberty city for revenge and is influenced by the American dream and finds out its just propaganda as he dives into the criminal ranks. Since his cousin has to pay debt to very dangerous people.… Expand
  9. kyle20ellis
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Warning: Spoilers
    Usually when "Grand Theft Auto" comes out, it takes a good week or two for the initial "WOW!" factor to wear off. I purposely put off reviewing this until I had completed the entire game, because by then I knew I'd have some time to take it all in and form a more objective opinion.
    First of all, early criticisms included accusations that the game was "too short." Yes,    Warning: Spoilers
    Usually when "Grand Theft Auto" comes out, it takes a good week or two for the initial "WOW!" factor to wear off. I purposely put off reviewing this until I had completed the entire game, because by then I knew I'd have some time to take it all in and form a more objective opinion.

    First of all, early criticisms included accusations that the game was "too short." Yes, perhaps - if you rush through it over the course of a caffeine-enhanced weekend. For those of us with modest social lives and jobs who can't devote 12 hours a day to a video game, it'll take a while. I played about 35 hours before beating the "basic" single player missions - and I say "basic" because there's a lot more to do in the game once you've completed the main structure. I can still get in a cop car and chase down criminals if I want to, or perform assassinations, or find all the stunt jumps, or street race cars. It's quite limitless.

    But anyway, like I said - it took about 35 hours to beat the main structure of gameplay, which translated into a solid two weeks. It may be a tad bit shorter than "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" but I had so much fun I wasn't counting.

    The pros of the game are: better graphics, more realistic graphics engine and physics, better on-foot fighting/gunplay controls, more attention paid to the storyline and characters, and an overall more expansive universe.

    The downsides are: even though the controls for fighting are better, they still need drastic improvement; the whole "duck/dodge" thing is quite lame and doesn't work half the time. If you lock onto someone and try to lock onto somebody else instead, it doesn't work correctly - or fast enough. Sometimes during missions I'd try to lock onto the villain and end up locking onto a pedestrian further away. The "free aim" pressure sensitivity is also confusing.

    I do think there's a bit of contrivance towards the end of the game as well. I won't put any spoilers in, but suffice to say you're playing a fairly ruthless thug who has a heart compared to past GTA characters but nonetheless has no qualms with kidnapping a girl and referring to her in derogatory terms, or killing countless people, but is then expected to show more depth towards the end for a female character that is underdeveloped to begin with. I can understand what they were TRYING to do and I admire that, but they should have expanded the relationship between Nico and Kate before attempting to pull that off. Nico ends up coming across as something of a self-absorbed person at the end, because you have to wonder if the motivation for revenge is really because he cared about this other person or whether it's just because he wants to prove to himself that he has room to care about someone.

    Really, though, that's the only fault. The overall mechanics of the plot and the expansiveness of it all is cinematic and deeper than any other GTA game.

    The physics are far better than previous games which has caused some people to complain because they can't flip their cars a hundred times and keep driving, but I liked it. Liberty City is totally revamped and looks and feels like a real, living city - it's amazing. The attention to detail is quite impressive - non-characters walking down the street just start smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee. Sometimes as you pass by someone too fast they'll drop their bag of groceries or stumble over. I can't wait to see what a GTA game will look like in ten years' time.

    Too much has already been said about this game for me to add anything new or insightful, really, but I will end this by saying I disagree that it's "by far" the best game of the series. I love it about as much as I loved "Vice City," which was probably my favourite. It's hard to compare them because each has their strengths. I didn't like San Andreas quite as much as Vice City but even "San Andreas" had the benefit of planes and skydiving and bicycles which have been removed from GTA IV. But basically I think this fits in well with the others; it has enough advancements to be truly "fresh" while still providing the same dark humour and basic gameplay attributes of previous games. It's a solid addition to an already excellent franchise and just a lot of fun.    … Expand
  10. Videogamelov3r
    Jul 31, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok, multiplayer is not the best in the world, but the argument of the game is freaking amazing and so cool
    so I give this game a 10 just for the satisfaction of killing Dimitri    … Expand
  11. saltcomb
    Oct 12, 2015
    10
    The best grand theft auto game and the story is priceless. There is nothing that I would change its fun and makes you feel emotional for the people in the game.
  12. cedric93
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    From the first moment i saw this game until the 13th time i finished it i just loved every second of it. I've been gaming for 22 years now and i have finished thousands of games but GTA IV will always be the best game of all time for me. A True Masterpiece!
  13. Abhaygamin2002
    Dec 29, 2015
    10
    This was the most amazing gta after gta V.But i remember how bad was driving mechanics I always had to call taxi.I still love this game but its getting its age and no longer interests me.
  14. RETROBOTER
    May 22, 2016
    10
    Graphic: 8/10
    Sound: 10/10
    + great story, awesome characters, big soundtrack, big open world, good multiplayer, tons to discover, +100 vehicles - blurry graphic/textures, spongy control of characters Conclusion: As a big fan of the GTA games I can say this is a great masterpiece of a game. The game shows how the eastern immigrants life and have to fight to survive, in a America    Graphic: 8/10
    Sound: 10/10

    + great story, awesome characters, big soundtrack, big open world, good multiplayer, tons to discover, +100 vehicles

    - blurry graphic/textures, spongy control of characters

    Conclusion: As a big fan of the GTA games I can say this is a great masterpiece of a game. The game shows how the eastern immigrants life and have to fight to survive, in a America far away from the pleasant life you see in TV. The main character Nico and his cousin and all characters in this masterpiece are well done, the voice actors does it good, the soundtrack with hours of good music is also a big point in this game, especially the east European bands and your pop music is nice to hear. At long last, GTA 4 is a worthy successor with typical strong points of the series and a weak graphic (consoles) compared with a strong PC.    … Expand
  15. eigis2
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't care about negative comments. I have my opinion. In this game you feel like in criminal life. And I played GTA 5 which was great but something was missing. And I remembered that GTA 5 lacks good story. And until this day I am a big fan of GTA 4, because of atmosphere in this game.… Expand
  16. BreakingAwesome
    Aug 14, 2016
    10
    Лучшая игра на PS3 (после GTA 5)! Несмотря на сложную архитектуру PlayStation 3 и нераскрытый потенциал консоли - игра получилась достаточно красивой, с долей мрачности и серости Либерти-Сити. Единственный минус - апскейл до HD. Но стоит учитывать, то что игра вышла в начале поколения и все тонкости железа не знали. На этот раз игра стала серьезной, она повзрослела. Теперь сюжет стал болееЛучшая игра на PS3 (после GTA 5)! Несмотря на сложную архитектуру PlayStation 3 и нераскрытый потенциал консоли - игра получилась достаточно красивой, с долей мрачности и серости Либерти-Сити. Единственный минус - апскейл до HD. Но стоит учитывать, то что игра вышла в начале поколения и все тонкости железа не знали. На этот раз игра стала серьезной, она повзрослела. Теперь сюжет стал более драматичным и интересным. И игра действительно показывает, что связавшись с криминалом - ты будешь многое терять. И на этот раз Нико Беллик хотел начать новую жизнь, но всё пошло к черту. Теперь ему предстоит пройти сложный путь со своим кузеном Романом. Ещё интересно, что игра связана с Россией. Много персонажей из русской мафии Либерти-Сити, который срисован с Нью-Йорка. Ещё стиль игры и сюжет очень похож на фильм "Брат-2". Шедеврально.… Expand
  17. COOLQUINN17
    Jul 12, 2016
    10
    Grand Theft Auto 4 is the best in the series in my opinion and the reason for this is because it's more realistic, it's open world like the other games is great, it has a great story, it has more weapons and it has more vehicles that you can drive in. I just love going around and shooting and running over people (don't worry, i won't do that in real life).
  18. OldSchoolReview
    Aug 31, 2016
    10
    This game describes how the crisis of 2008 maked the life of some americans fall down, because all in this game is based on that historical moment, i really enjoyed to play as Niko Bellic, a serbian guy whch comes becuase war destroyed his life, and he arrives a travel to liberty city, the worst city to live in america.
  19. langelm
    Oct 7, 2017
    10
    лучшая часть гта на данный момент. Великолепная история, достойная хорошего фильма. Погружаешься в либерти-сити моментально и не покидаешь его, пока не проходишь игру до самого конца. История Нико действительно заставляет переживать и хочется узнать, что же с ним случиться в конце концов. Самая серьезная игра серии, ставящая перед игроком серьезные, порой даже философские вопросы, что, клучшая часть гта на данный момент. Великолепная история, достойная хорошего фильма. Погружаешься в либерти-сити моментально и не покидаешь его, пока не проходишь игру до самого конца. История Нико действительно заставляет переживать и хочется узнать, что же с ним случиться в конце концов. Самая серьезная игра серии, ставящая перед игроком серьезные, порой даже философские вопросы, что, к сожалению, большая часть игроков привыкшей к фану в гта оценить не смогло. Я играл в IV несколько дней подряд с перерывами на сон, а после прохождения остался осадок, история заставляет задуматься. Единственная игра серии, где ГГ развивается по ходу игры. Да, в игре не так много околосюжетного контента, как в гта СА или 5, но эта часть не создавалась как фановая песочница-стрелялка, а как история, рассказывающая, насколько это ужасная ноша иметь чужую кровь на своих руках. Одна из лучших историй рассказанных в видеоиграх… Expand
  20. PedroBellic
    Mar 12, 2017
    10
    One of the best games ever made, it deserves the second place, it have it all, good gameplay, amazing history, good physics, man.. this game and rdr are the master pieces of rockstar. Congrats
  21. KarpKing
    Feb 24, 2021
    10
    This game is still a 10 in 2021, aged like fine wine.

    Still has amazing physics, pretty decent graphics, greeaat story line, great side missions, amazing dlc's.

    A seriously amazing game for its time, and in my opinion, vastly underrated by the community.
  22. Classical42015
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Possibly the best open world experience ive had in a video game, full with things to do, characters to meet and a realistic touch (sometimes) to it. Liberty City is big and the story of Niko Bellic is very interesting. You go from one bad boss from another, doing a lot of good missions in an immersive setting where it really feels like your own sandbox.
  23. TheSnitchfather
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    10/10, easily
    It has the best story in the franchise. It was very refreshing playing as a "foreigner" for once.
    The graphics were good, but not amazing SR2 was better in my opinion, graphics wise. The movements could sometimes get a little awkward, which led to quite a few deaths, but not such a big deal. The crash damage was also the best of the series, it was better than in GTA V,    10/10, easily
    It has the best story in the franchise. It was very refreshing playing as a "foreigner" for once.
    The graphics were good, but not amazing SR2 was better in my opinion, graphics wise.
    The movements could sometimes get a little awkward, which led to quite a few deaths, but not such a big deal. The crash damage was also the best of the series, it was better than in GTA V, everybody knows that. The combat melee fighting style was also great. The game is a lot of fun to play and over a decade later I would still recommend everyone to buy it, it was and still is an amazing game.    … Expand
  24. gustavorosa77
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    GTA 4 é um daqueles jogos que simplesmente ficarão para a historia dos games, poucos nessa geração se comparam ao seu tamanho e sua importância, novas mecânicas de física, gráficos absurdos para a época e tudo mais, uma historia envolvente demais, a franquia GTA consegue manter um padrão de qualidade muito acima da media, um dos mais vendidos da geração e com méritos, GTA4 é quase um jogoGTA 4 é um daqueles jogos que simplesmente ficarão para a historia dos games, poucos nessa geração se comparam ao seu tamanho e sua importância, novas mecânicas de física, gráficos absurdos para a época e tudo mais, uma historia envolvente demais, a franquia GTA consegue manter um padrão de qualidade muito acima da media, um dos mais vendidos da geração e com méritos, GTA4 é quase um jogo perfeito, claro que tem seus defeitos mas são mínimos, e diferente de muitos jogos, gta4 é um convite a ser jogado de tempos em tempos, sentar e dedicar tempo a esse jogo é maravilhoso mesmo que ja tenha se passado uma geração e tenhamos o GTA5 em mãos.… Expand
  25. brupito
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    GTA IV is a so underrated game.. The evolution of graphics and physics after Gta San Andreas was incredible. This is the game that brings me more nostalgia. When the gta V came out, I was super enthusiastic and impressed, but now with more maturity, I feel that this game was and is much better. This is a game for adults while GTA V (not taking the merit) is a game made to amuse childishGTA IV is a so underrated game.. The evolution of graphics and physics after Gta San Andreas was incredible. This is the game that brings me more nostalgia. When the gta V came out, I was super enthusiastic and impressed, but now with more maturity, I feel that this game was and is much better. This is a game for adults while GTA V (not taking the merit) is a game made to amuse childish children and to enrich the rockstar / playstation with all that online stuff.… Expand
  26. Efesys
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    "Why eat cabbage when you have potatoes?"
    "Why eat cabbage when you have potatoes?"
  27. Sakaa
    Feb 5, 2019
    10
    One of the best games ever made. A great story, fun and realistic driving and one the best gameplay of all time. Its a must play!
  28. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    A Masterpiece, loved everything about this game, it is definitely a must play!
  29. Herman0405
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best gta ever maded! Physics is amazing! Gameplay is amazing! Story is amazing!… Expand
  30. NWStarightEdge
    Dec 20, 2018
    10
    My favourite GTA game out of the series, played it on PS3 and on PC. The setting, the main character, the antagonists, the story - all matches for me although game play wise nothing can compare with GTA V. A little but important thing is the game play in GTA IV which let to countless restarts of missions, a problem GTA V usually did not had.

    Out of my encounters with the GTA series    My favourite GTA game out of the series, played it on PS3 and on PC. The setting, the main character, the antagonists, the story - all matches for me although game play wise nothing can compare with GTA V. A little but important thing is the game play in GTA IV which let to countless restarts of missions, a problem GTA V usually did not had.

    Out of my encounters with the GTA series ranks GTA IV first, GTA V second, GTA: San Andreas third and GTA: Vice City on fourth    … Expand
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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 »