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. ShawnF.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    Great physics and story. The RAGE engine is beautiful and the city is well designed. However, the gameplay lacked some key GTA elements, such as buying safehouses or businesses. The multiplayer wasn't implemented very well and the removal of ambulance & fire truck missions was very disappointing.
  2. Elwenil
    Oct 7, 2009
    9
    While I do not think this is the best game in the series, it is a very good game with an engaging storyline and memorable characters. The radio stations could use a lot of work as they lack a lot of the variety of San Andreas. As a matter of fact, the game lacks many aspects of San Andreas such as the large open world and variety of air vehicles. I found it strange that helicopters play a While I do not think this is the best game in the series, it is a very good game with an engaging storyline and memorable characters. The radio stations could use a lot of work as they lack a lot of the variety of San Andreas. As a matter of fact, the game lacks many aspects of San Andreas such as the large open world and variety of air vehicles. I found it strange that helicopters play a very small role in this game when flight was such an obsession with players in the last few games. Overall the game is very good and a must have for just about any gamer.… Expand
  3. JoelS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    The game is amazing...Initially I was just playing it story wise until my friend got over to my place. He just likes jacking cars and running down people and getting into fights with the police. Did find some cool stuff out about the game from the three hours he did that. Cars take realistic damage when you hit things. When I say realistic I mean it and it is specific to the area hit. Not The game is amazing...Initially I was just playing it story wise until my friend got over to my place. He just likes jacking cars and running down people and getting into fights with the police. Did find some cool stuff out about the game from the three hours he did that. Cars take realistic damage when you hit things. When I say realistic I mean it and it is specific to the area hit. Not just something that says "you got into an accident and the front end of the car was damaged so lets make the front end damaged." I mean more like if you hit a stationary post it will crease the car right where you hit it. Another cool thing is bullet holes stay where bullet holes are made and say you are driving the car and get shot, there will be a blood splatter pattern made on the inside of the windshield. The city is more "alive" than any other game I have ever played. More people walking the streets. More people having random conversations. Once my friend took off finally at 10 I got a good three hours of story mode in. Cinematics and voice acting are top notch. Story keeps you wanting to play the missions. There's only been one downside to the game and I've only experienced it when driving around killing people and running from the cops. Every so often you will get the game to "hang" for a few seconds. I don't know if it is a loading issue or a too many artifacts on the screen and the processor is having a hard time keeping up issue. I do know from what I have heard that the PS3 version of the game runs a lot smoother than the XBox 360 version. Apparently that version has frame rate drops and the whole nine yards. This was noted by video game magazine and online site reviews by actual reviewers and not just fanboys of the PS3. Might be the reason that Microsoft spent 50 some odd million getting it so the 360 version was the only one with downloadable content for a year or so...I'm sure eventually the downloadable content will reach the PS3 version. There was a rumor started by who I am guessing is a PS3 fanboy that said something different though. That the only reason the 360 version had downloadable content was because they couldn't fit all of the game onto one disc like they could for the PS3 thanks to the blu-ray discs having more storage space. Like I said though, probably started by some fanboy for the PS3...Seems like there are always going to be people that choose one system over the other. If I had the extra money laying around I'd probably pick up a 360 but I have better things to put my money towards. Oh, forgot to mention that one of the new features with Grand Theft Auto 4 that I don't really care for is the GPS in the game. Kinda takes away the fun when all you have to do is go to the map and place a marker where you want to go and and all you have to do after that is follow the green line on the little circular map on the screen to get to your destination. I do like the addition of the cell phone except for the fact that you will sometimes pop it up when you're trying to switch weapons but I am guessing that will go away once I learn all of the functions of the controller and where everything is located. And just like with the other Grand Theft Auto games you can only access certain areas and if you try to go over a bridge that takes you to a new part of the city you will come across a line of cop cars and cops with their guns pulled ready to fire on you. They at least gave it a better reason why this time around. They went with the more recent war on terror aspect. Something we all know. The area is blocked thanks to a terror alert. They did incorporate the six axis controller into the game fairly effectively but frustratingly as well. Using the six axis to reload weapons, drive motorcycles, drive boats...That's all good and dandy but just wait until you try controlling a helicopter with the six axis controller. Talk about a pain in the behind. After playing the game for awhile you unlock the Six Axis Tutorial which you can access from your cell phone. I tried it like four or five times and when it gets to the point where you're supposed to land the helicopter I fail miserably. I'm sure with a few more tries I'll be able to get it down but if you want to try it out you better have a steady hand. I'm going to be stubborn with this one as well and keep the six axis ability turned on. Of course you can do all the things the six axis does using just the analog sticks but I want to get the six axis function down better so it helps in other games. Overall I would like to be able to give this game a 10 because it's as close to perfection as they come but thanks to the game freezing a few times (it does recover after a few seconds) I can only give it a 9. Graphics = 10 Gameplay = 9 Sound = 10 Cinematics = 10 Over-all fun factor = 10.… Expand
  4. B.T.R.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    I think a 100 score is a bit over-zealous and an effort to push the GTA series into the limelight. Bottom line, all of this has been done before, just not in such a large, living city such as Liberty City. The storyline so far (3.5 hours in) is great. There's great action, the AI is right on, the sound is great, but ultimately it's nothing all that ground-breaking to warrant a I think a 100 score is a bit over-zealous and an effort to push the GTA series into the limelight. Bottom line, all of this has been done before, just not in such a large, living city such as Liberty City. The storyline so far (3.5 hours in) is great. There's great action, the AI is right on, the sound is great, but ultimately it's nothing all that ground-breaking to warrant a 100 score. For crying out loud they don't even give Zelda for Wii a 100 and it broke all kinds of ground.… Expand
  5. MattS.
    May 23, 2008
    9
    Great game, only a few things that bug me, one being the ragdoll effect when you fly out of a car, but everything else is awesome, online is fun, though it can be laggy.
  6. LimanimaLima
    May 26, 2008
    9
    I give 8.8 to this game. The environment is awsome it makes me think: "wow, how did they manage to build an entire city with so much details?". But the game loses in gameplay. It's way too repetitive. "Go from point A to point B, get your mission, go from point B to point C, kill dude". I'ev played 40% of the game and I'm already tired of it.
  7. RobertV.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    I was extremely excited about this game, only to be slightly disappointed. I've played about two hours up till now and I like it, but I can't say I love it as much as VC or SA. Maybe I've just played GTA too much and gotten bored of it...anyways, graphics are a 10. I am not playing in HD right now and it still looks great; models in general look fantastic, damage looks I was extremely excited about this game, only to be slightly disappointed. I've played about two hours up till now and I like it, but I can't say I love it as much as VC or SA. Maybe I've just played GTA too much and gotten bored of it...anyways, graphics are a 10. I am not playing in HD right now and it still looks great; models in general look fantastic, damage looks great, environment also looks good. Gameplay so far is an 8; like I said, the concept is great, I might've just played the series too much and it seems a bit repetitive. Later on, I'll probably start getting into it more as the story gets more intense and more gameplay is explained; i.e. how the in-game internet works, how to access database in cop cars, etc. For everybody else, please pick this up as it is a fantastic game! Well worth the money.… Expand
  8. MarkH.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    Very good, slight graphical glitches at times, nothing serious, but still considerably better than the 360 version (which I owned before taking it abck and swapping it).
  9. SC.
    May 6, 2008
    9
    GTA IV is a good game, sure, but who gives it 100% or 10 out of 10, really? Any game, for that matter. I'll give it a 9, yeah, but it's far from perfect. There are numerous stability issues and the aiming and shooting sequences (in particular) control like a dog.
  10. TaylorP.
    Feb 4, 2009
    9
    This game is awesome. The storyline was amazing. Over 50 hours of side missions and has pretty much anything in it. They should have added a few more things though like paying rent or actually using a bank. But who cares about that, games are ment to be fun. So everyone stop complaining if its not realistic enough. All games are ment to be fun!!!
  11. NikeshPatel
    Jul 18, 2009
    9
    The main story is fun but the side missions are too hard to start. But overall this game will give you about 40+ hours of gameplay (if you messed around the world). Niko actually has depth which the protagonist of san andreas didn't have. Overall a game that is better than the other gtas.
  12. HeathB.
    Aug 14, 2009
    9
    Not as jawdropping as I expected but still a 10 because the story reminds me of my favorite crime movies like Heat. The sheer scope of Liberty City is most welcome as it clearly tells you that indeed, the whole city is a one living and breathing giant playground of anarchy and carnage. Siund is a bit of a problem sometimes as it's hard to hear dialogue in cutscenes. The new combat Not as jawdropping as I expected but still a 10 because the story reminds me of my favorite crime movies like Heat. The sheer scope of Liberty City is most welcome as it clearly tells you that indeed, the whole city is a one living and breathing giant playground of anarchy and carnage. Siund is a bit of a problem sometimes as it's hard to hear dialogue in cutscenes. The new combat system sets an example that future Gears of War-like games should follow as well as for the action genre itself. Wish the hand to hand combat levels with Niko's badass standard though.… Expand
  13. JoHunter
    Oct 21, 2008
    9
    I love the visuals and the sound effects. I followed and played every 3-D GTA game ever made, Gta3 blew my mind, Vice city blew Gta 3 away and San andreas changed gaming forever. GTA 4 is a great game but the DRIVING MECHANICS ARE REALLY FRUSTRATING, its too realistic. The cars, trucks and bikes spin outta control 2 easy it reminds me of that old British game "The Getaway" when it comes toI love the visuals and the sound effects. I followed and played every 3-D GTA game ever made, Gta3 blew my mind, Vice city blew Gta 3 away and San andreas changed gaming forever. GTA 4 is a great game but the DRIVING MECHANICS ARE REALLY FRUSTRATING, its too realistic. The cars, trucks and bikes spin outta control 2 easy it reminds me of that old British game "The Getaway" when it comes to driving. the missions get a little monotonous, now don't get me wrong I'll probably never get tired of chasing people down and smoking them, but if in almost every mission u have to engage in a high speed chase and kill your target, they could made the vehicles a little easier to maneuver that's my only beef. The targeting still isn't perfect but it got a lot better
    as far as sandbox style games GO Gta4 is 2nd none. love the story and the feel. it'll be a while before another title tops this one (maybe Godfather 2 ? we'll see) Great Game worth playin all day.    … Expand
  14. TomppaW.
    Apr 28, 2008
    9
    One of the best GTA games to date, if not the best. Also definitely the best videogame of this generation!
  15. FrankS.
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    Great game with only a few minor flaws.
  16. MattB
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Rampant anti-aliasing issues. Someone, I have no idea who, said the PS3 edition suffered less aliasing than the Xbox360 edition. I'd have to play XB edition, because if it's true the game must be borderline unplayable. The HDR levels need severe tweaking, it runs somewhere between "difficult" and "impossible" to navigate dark areas of the city during real life daylight hours. Rampant anti-aliasing issues. Someone, I have no idea who, said the PS3 edition suffered less aliasing than the Xbox360 edition. I'd have to play XB edition, because if it's true the game must be borderline unplayable. The HDR levels need severe tweaking, it runs somewhere between "difficult" and "impossible" to navigate dark areas of the city during real life daylight hours. The screen is simply pitch black, even with the brightness turned up all the way. Gritty? Yes. More realisitic? Yes. Practical? No. The blur effects of anything beyond about 200' from the character make navigation at high speed on the roads a nightmare. It looks like you're playing the entire game [sans cut scenes] through a pair of coke-bottle-bottomed glasses. I would like to note on the positive side that they did a great job with the cut scenes and pulling you into the roll and life of Nikko. The faces during the cut scenes are very emotive and help convey the story line as well as the "humanity" of the characters involved masterfully. Oh yeah, you have to be *RIGHT ON TOP OF THE TV* to read *ANYTHING* that is displayed on your *TINY* dark-grey text on dark-grey background phone. Prepare to become myopic if you play this game for long periods of time. Whoever let that one slide, also: fired. FPS ranging from 15-30, usually in the low 20s I'd guess... The game needed another several months of polishing.… Expand
  17. ThomasH.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Nice game with a lot of opportunities. but, but, but.... it got framrate drops, and the graphics are not amazing. Then 10/10 can´t e reached, but 9/10 is also a high rating.
  18. AlexM.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    Good game, but not perfect. This game is the GTA3 for the next gen console, and i cant wait for the next one to improve on this already great formula. San Andreas was a fantastic game, and i believe that in some aspects, is better than GTA4. In some ways, this game feels like a step backwards when compared to previous titles in the same series. Overall, a still great game.
  19. AlexM.
    May 16, 2008
    9
    One of the best games of the genre, it really manages to improve on many issues that plagued the series for quite some time. The story and characters are compelling and interesting, the graphics are very good (but not perfect) and the sound effects and soundtrack are top notch. The new gunplay mechanic works well to make gunfights more interesting and less of a chore, while the realisticOne of the best games of the genre, it really manages to improve on many issues that plagued the series for quite some time. The story and characters are compelling and interesting, the graphics are very good (but not perfect) and the sound effects and soundtrack are top notch. The new gunplay mechanic works well to make gunfights more interesting and less of a chore, while the realistic physics and the phenomenal Euphoria engine give a new like to vehicles and pedestrians alike. The city is probably the best thing about this game, full of details and amazing environmental effects - it truly is the best virtual world ever created for a videogame. GTA IV still has the satire and hilarity that are trademarks of this series, but it tries to get rid of some of the more "arcadey" elements of the past, giving us a grittier story and even eliciting some emotional response from the player. It is not perfect, but it is the best game of this generation so far.… Expand
  20. ArthurP.
    May 21, 2008
    9
    Not a revolution, but rather a delivered promise of a refined formula that reveals detail like no other game has. GTA 4 is not without its flaws, but none of them are able to take the spotlight away from the experience as a whole. Special attention goes to the context of the narrative and gameplay that have sobered up since the series' latest title.
  21. NateD.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    Fun, good graphics, great soundtrack, I love how much is going on around you, Like the city is alive.
  22. KitF.
    May 4, 2008
    9
    It's nice to see how the series has finally matured a bit. The camera could be a little higher whilst driving, there could be a few more weapons, and their's a few load issues, otherwise, I have yet to find fault with the game. I'm not a Grand Theft Auto fan in the least, but this story held me captivated, and the online multiplayer kept me having fun. Definitely a must-buy It's nice to see how the series has finally matured a bit. The camera could be a little higher whilst driving, there could be a few more weapons, and their's a few load issues, otherwise, I have yet to find fault with the game. I'm not a Grand Theft Auto fan in the least, but this story held me captivated, and the online multiplayer kept me having fun. Definitely a must-buy for anyone who liked the previous- For that matter, I'd recommend this to anyone who liked the Sopranos as well.… Expand
  23. ChrisO.
    Jun 21, 2008
    9
    It doesn't seem like that big of a leap over the other GTAs, but why reinvent the wheel?
  24. AlanK.
    Jun 26, 2008
    9
    I would give this game 9.5 This game is great after completing it once and then getting halfway through it again (MGS4 had to be played) I will go back and complete this again, this time around altering my decisions where you let people live or die. Totally makes you want to go back and either kill them again or let them live. I am glad they got rid of the stuff like the gym and the I would give this game 9.5 This game is great after completing it once and then getting halfway through it again (MGS4 had to be played) I will go back and complete this again, this time around altering my decisions where you let people live or die. Totally makes you want to go back and either kill them again or let them live. I am glad they got rid of the stuff like the gym and the swimming, who wants to spend 90 minutes of gameplaying time to build up your underwater swimming abilities. Graphically it is great, the audio once again is a great choice. Driving the cars takes some time getting used to it but it has been made more realistic. The fighting felt to me a bit loose but who buys this game to get into fistfights ? Once again Rockstar have proven themselves to be at the top of the pile. Already looking forward to the next installment wherever or whenever it may be set.… Expand
  25. JoeS.
    Jul 19, 2008
    9
    This game is so realistic and life-like. Great work
  26. JonathanL.
    Jul 7, 2008
    9
    A gripping experience and the most immersive of the series, but lacks long-term replay value. One of the highest value games on the market with a terrific storyline which puts you in the seat of a gangster in a movie-like experience. The removal of many options that were introduced in previous games of the series holds this game back, and the sketchy multi-player hurts the experience in A gripping experience and the most immersive of the series, but lacks long-term replay value. One of the highest value games on the market with a terrific storyline which puts you in the seat of a gangster in a movie-like experience. The removal of many options that were introduced in previous games of the series holds this game back, and the sketchy multi-player hurts the experience in the long run. A marvelous game with only a short lifespan.… Expand
  27. schlittmehr
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    Solid game, definately the deepest and most entertaining of all the gta series, the increase in graphics to the ps3 level understandably helps, but the gameplay is very good overall, and several of the new features are awesome.
  28. ThorL
    Dec 22, 2009
    9
    Brilliant story, great characters, good looks and did I mention the story? Well, it's not perfect though(who is?) the multi player is a down, the physics some times goes on vacation, and the police could be trying a bit harder(which criminal that have murdered 150 cops would get away with it?). besides those downs though, GTA IV dose deliver and for those of us(at least me) who Brilliant story, great characters, good looks and did I mention the story? Well, it's not perfect though(who is?) the multi player is a down, the physics some times goes on vacation, and the police could be trying a bit harder(which criminal that have murdered 150 cops would get away with it?). besides those downs though, GTA IV dose deliver and for those of us(at least me) who played GTA 3, will remember many of the spots around Liberty City. I personally liked the story because it was very involving, and dose have some nice touches that makes one think that the story could be real(though we all know it isn't, right?). One thing I do miss from the previous GTAs are the ability to fly, yes I know LC is small, but seriously, even GTA 3 had the Dodo! on the pc version graphics is also a little down, the shadows are all dithered, which is annoying and it looks bad, and there is a bit of over-use of shaders here and there. I'd say this game is high up on some of the best games of all times, but it haves it issues, but they don't ruin the game, they are just a tiny bit annoying… Expand
  29. DavidA
    Oct 22, 2009
    9
    A fantastic game that delivers on every level. The amount of replay value is amazing. This game should belong in any PS3 ownerls library. A true must own.
  30. Ostaf
    Oct 8, 2009
    9
    This is quite possibly the best game ever made. But I don't really like it so it gets a 9 out of 10 The story is AMAZING the physics engine is AMAZING graphics are really nice, good replay value, online etc. But they took a lot out. The previous games always added a new feature this game took them all away and replaced it with a cool physics engine. One thing that really bugged me is This is quite possibly the best game ever made. But I don't really like it so it gets a 9 out of 10 The story is AMAZING the physics engine is AMAZING graphics are really nice, good replay value, online etc. But they took a lot out. The previous games always added a new feature this game took them all away and replaced it with a cool physics engine. One thing that really bugged me is how Niko always wanted money (I will only kill because I need the money) but you can have millions of dollars and he still does it. You can spend money on everything every time you pass it and still beat the game with a million dollars. Oh and everyone says this game is just the same thing over and over, well duh, all GTA games are.… 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

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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 »