User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5146 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. 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.
  2. DaleL
    Sep 26, 2008
    6
    Most overrated game ever, proably not as good as the previous GTA titles, feels like a chore playing through the missions and gets very repetitive.
  3. NickS
    Jan 17, 2009
    5
    One of the worst GTA games ever made which pretty much equates to another sub par action game. Boring, repetitive missions and god awful controls. It doesn't help that this game has been way over hyped. Worth a rent at the most.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. IanG
    Feb 2, 2009
    8
    An accurate rating for this game would be between the intervals of 80 - 90%. This is for several basic and complex reasons. The graphics represent reality well. Actions and simulated actions such as driving follow more realistic coding which allows for accurate motions and sensitivity applications during game play. Moreover, the story and sub-stories in this epic mid-genre action An accurate rating for this game would be between the intervals of 80 - 90%. This is for several basic and complex reasons. The graphics represent reality well. Actions and simulated actions such as driving follow more realistic coding which allows for accurate motions and sensitivity applications during game play. Moreover, the story and sub-stories in this epic mid-genre action first-person become critical in the game's score and level of sophistication. Overall, smooth design and online capabilities...far superior to any other GTA titles?! Excellent and fun to abuse title with endless potential for dirty imaginations. Expand
  7. AndrewH.
    Feb 9, 2009
    5
    This game is average at best. The graphics are amazing but everything else isnt. In there massive detailed city there are only a handful of buildings that can be entered, the friend "missions" are the most boring side quests ever devised, you get annoying tutorials on every second misson, and it is not a sand box game. It is a linear story which takes place in a sand box world. The This game is average at best. The graphics are amazing but everything else isnt. In there massive detailed city there are only a handful of buildings that can be entered, the friend "missions" are the most boring side quests ever devised, you get annoying tutorials on every second misson, and it is not a sand box game. It is a linear story which takes place in a sand box world. The missions where you can choose the outcome are pethetic as your choice has no consequences. This is probably the most disappointing game i,ve ever played. Expand
  8. narp
    May 2, 2009
    5
    Having played through the previous installments of the series I gave GTA4 a go a few months back. Wasn't very impressed back then, but after spotting it on sale I decided to buy it . Big mistake. The game just isn't fun anymore. Playing this game feels like work. Don't believe the reviews, try it out if you can. To sum the game up: it's brown, slow and boring. Go play Having played through the previous installments of the series I gave GTA4 a go a few months back. Wasn't very impressed back then, but after spotting it on sale I decided to buy it . Big mistake. The game just isn't fun anymore. Playing this game feels like work. Don't believe the reviews, try it out if you can. To sum the game up: it's brown, slow and boring. Go play Vice City instead. Expand
  9. SuleimanM.
    Jun 24, 2009
    8
    While not nearly as superior as it is acclaimed to be, GTA IV is a solid title nonetheless. If you go into it forgetting the hype, you'll emerge from the experience quite satisfied. With a riveting storyline, an enjoyable single player campaign, and a multiplayer mode to lean back on once the single player portion is complete, you can't go wrong with GTA IV. Also, I While not nearly as superior as it is acclaimed to be, GTA IV is a solid title nonetheless. If you go into it forgetting the hype, you'll emerge from the experience quite satisfied. With a riveting storyline, an enjoyable single player campaign, and a multiplayer mode to lean back on once the single player portion is complete, you can't go wrong with GTA IV. Also, I couldn't ignore the comment below me. Sean, if you're going to voice your opinion on certain aspects of the game, attempt to maintain a spoiler free review. Upon reading his poor review, I noticed an important aspect to the alternate ending in the game. Moreover, a 0? Absolutely retarded. Expand
  10. BrentA.
    Aug 13, 2009
    8
    This game IS good but it does NOT deserve all of these 100's. These reviews were based off of hype. The game is very fun, but it lacks the replayability of other GTA's. It seems like you do the same missions over and over. You go to a blip on the map, talk to a drug dealer, drive to another blip, kill a few people, get the cops off of you, rinse, and repeat. The multiplayer was This game IS good but it does NOT deserve all of these 100's. These reviews were based off of hype. The game is very fun, but it lacks the replayability of other GTA's. It seems like you do the same missions over and over. You go to a blip on the map, talk to a drug dealer, drive to another blip, kill a few people, get the cops off of you, rinse, and repeat. The multiplayer was the worst part for me though. Free play with friends is really fun but every other game mode is bad IMO. Go do yourself a favor and buy inFamous. Expand
  11. EoinF.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Gripping Story, fantastic realistic gameplay and a living environment really does make GTA IV the best free world game out there. Now to those people who say its bad because it's not like the old GTAs, I'm sorry but we're not all 10 year olds who want boom boom kapowy games, we want a game that, in my opinion, IS the video game equivelant of The Godfather, it's just Gripping Story, fantastic realistic gameplay and a living environment really does make GTA IV the best free world game out there. Now to those people who say its bad because it's not like the old GTAs, I'm sorry but we're not all 10 year olds who want boom boom kapowy games, we want a game that, in my opinion, IS the video game equivelant of The Godfather, it's just pure video game excellence. Expand
  12. JakT
    Nov 15, 2008
    7
    GTA 4 was the game that clearly proved that there is something very rotten inside the game review industry. I, by no means support the notion that no game deserve a round 100, but the huge 100 tidal wave is simply ridiculous. The game is basically an improved version of 3, while ignoring the large majority of additions its sequels provided. I have to wonder since when highly repetitive GTA 4 was the game that clearly proved that there is something very rotten inside the game review industry. I, by no means support the notion that no game deserve a round 100, but the huge 100 tidal wave is simply ridiculous. The game is basically an improved version of 3, while ignoring the large majority of additions its sequels provided. I have to wonder since when highly repetitive missions, horrible framerate and bad controls (driving a car in GTA used to be fun). Answering the whims and chores of your cousin and contacts is not an interesting feature in any way. The game is overall fun in small doses but it doesn't match with the previous titles. The only redeeming factor was the online gameplay which is quick, versatile, and while not perfect, it's very fun. looking at the scores given by professional sites is simply annoying and disappointing, these sites should help the gamer, not the game. GTA IV gets a nice average 7. Game reviews website gets a 3. Expand
  13. LiamH.
    Nov 21, 2008
    9
    If I was able to give a percentage for this game, it would be around 92%. Not wanting to repeat common threads of debate i.e. most overrate/best game of all time? I want to submit some points of observation and possible debate: - Firstly, many reviewers (edge in particular) talk about 10 being a summation of a game being of revolutionary status. They highlight how it is the basis from If I was able to give a percentage for this game, it would be around 92%. Not wanting to repeat common threads of debate i.e. most overrate/best game of all time? I want to submit some points of observation and possible debate: - Firstly, many reviewers (edge in particular) talk about 10 being a summation of a game being of revolutionary status. They highlight how it is the basis from which other titles of its genre or type are compared, or a point at which a new direction or scope of possibility is achieived. Personally, GTA III is when this mark was reached, not GTA IV. Secondly- Whilst GTA IV offers a world of pure magical realism, geniune brilliance and relentless sophistication in its scope you cannot deny it's limitations. In terms of gameplay, the repetitive mission structure makes it difficult to sit down and do more than 4- 5 missions at any one time. The missions themselves generally fit the same basic structure. Go to point A, drive to point B and kill someone, drive to point C, collect cash. The side missions are not incorporated but instead become a hindrence and general thumbs down annoyance (sorry packie!) after the first carbaret or game of pool. A game bound by a mission based story development like GTA IV must account for it as an essential part of it's overall rating. It should not be dismissed simply because of the vastness of the world we are given to experience. For example, Oblivion achieves this is a much better way for me. GTA IV is without question a phenomenal game and I praise Rockstar for such an ambitious and daring achievement. But I hope it doesn't win game of the year. That prise has to go to Little Big Planet. Cheers now. Expand
  14. MichaelGuccione
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    When I first started playing this game, I was overwhelmed by how great the gameplay was and the story line. I was hooked. The graphics are in no way the best in a game, but destructions, explosions, and bullet holes make this game that much more intense. What makes this game truly shine is the story. The voice acting is some of the best I have ever heard in a game, ever. The online mode,When I first started playing this game, I was overwhelmed by how great the gameplay was and the story line. I was hooked. The graphics are in no way the best in a game, but destructions, explosions, and bullet holes make this game that much more intense. What makes this game truly shine is the story. The voice acting is some of the best I have ever heard in a game, ever. The online mode, although not the best, is great addition to an already great game. After I beat the game and had played the online mode numerous times, I felt as if there was something missing in this game compared to San Andreas. It was the lack of variety in guns, aircraft, and things to do. It kind of felt a little repetitive and it seemed like there wasn't that much to do after you realize the story is over. For that reason alone, I gave this game a 9. I still consider this to be a great game, one of the best of this generation, but I still thing it was a little overrated. Expand
  15. MarkD
    Dec 3, 2008
    6
    Good to see i'm not the only one who doesn't go uttterly loopy over these games! The raving reviews would have you believe GTA is the greatest thing since sliced bread. However there are flaws with the controlls and while the go anywhere do anything gameplay is a great premise the reality is a game that has long periods of boredom with little excitement to be had. Getting you Good to see i'm not the only one who doesn't go uttterly loopy over these games! The raving reviews would have you believe GTA is the greatest thing since sliced bread. However there are flaws with the controlls and while the go anywhere do anything gameplay is a great premise the reality is a game that has long periods of boredom with little excitement to be had. Getting you car washed or your hair cut hardly sends the pulse racing does it? Not a bad game but horribly overrated. Expand
  16. AndyP.
    Oct 31, 2008
    9
    The engine and physics are great. Banter between the characters is fun, even changing the next time you play the mission. The story is strong and if you fail to laugh at some part of this game then I
  17. MattA.
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    Overall, the game is just about the closest thing I've yet experienced to a 'perfectly' virtual reality. I have some minor gripes with some of the controls, but they seem to be a staple of the way Rockstar produces the GTA games. In all, this is totally a win for the video game fan; the game ups the ante of what can and should be expected for adults on their next-gen consoles.
  18. [Anonymous]
    Apr 29, 2008
    8
    This is and example of how flawed Humanity is: Reviewers, throwing away 10/10'slike they were 5 cent coins (AUD) and because Rockstar advitised so thoroughly the Lead Developer personally gave head to each reviewer. AlsoFollowing in Halo 3's footsteps, all the reviews are full of Bias*. NO game is 100% NO GAME. Perfection is only a concept. 100/100 is a prime example of how the This is and example of how flawed Humanity is: Reviewers, throwing away 10/10'slike they were 5 cent coins (AUD) and because Rockstar advitised so thoroughly the Lead Developer personally gave head to each reviewer. AlsoFollowing in Halo 3's footsteps, all the reviews are full of Bias*. NO game is 100% NO GAME. Perfection is only a concept. 100/100 is a prime example of how the bandwagon rules and the bias it spews forth. However this game is definately one of the best, But it is not perfect and until everyone grows to realise that maybe reviews with balance will show themselves. *Admittely, not all of the reviews are biased, just anything over a 85 is. Halo 3 brought nothing to anything, it may have good multiplayer but its definately not as great as its made out to be. Expand
  19. TravisB.
    May 11, 2008
    7
    No gang wars, no airplanes, no buying property, no jet pack, other than multiplayer nothing new was added that wasnt in san andreas. A great game, but also dissapointing, im not sure why rockstar wouldnt have made it better.
  20. MichaelF.
    May 12, 2008
    9
    9.89 Score from me. One of the best games I've ever played. However, some issues with npc AI especially when in vehicles could be more precise (ie cars too often rear ending each other at stop lights and intersections.) Overall amazing story graphics and gameplay.
  21. A.Nonymous
    May 12, 2008
    6
    Another rehash of the GTA franchise, with a few extra gimmicks, a lick of paint and liberal withdrawals. Major dissapointment.
  22. JonahN.
    May 13, 2008
    10
    Excellent game. LC is a spot on representation of NYC. The streets are alive and bustling with people. It is very immersing. The gameplay works much better than in past GTAs, as targeting now isn't a hassle. Love the storyline. Great game, worth every penny.
  23. PJ
    May 17, 2008
    7
    very much over-hyped, and not nearly as good as I thought it would be...It's a great game but theres so much disappointment. You should have to not have to unlock freeroaming, cops should not be so easy to escape, and some missions are a bit too lame. The multiplayer is awsome, but other than that the game feels like it could have been better. I think I had more fun playing Vice City very much over-hyped, and not nearly as good as I thought it would be...It's a great game but theres so much disappointment. You should have to not have to unlock freeroaming, cops should not be so easy to escape, and some missions are a bit too lame. The multiplayer is awsome, but other than that the game feels like it could have been better. I think I had more fun playing Vice City when it first came out.... Expand
  24. TheWatcher
    May 17, 2008
    7
    Shallow, repetitive, poor frame rates, bad controls, and virtual girlfriends - it's a spotty teenager's dream.
  25. Vidman
    May 26, 2008
    7
    Other than better graphics and a slightly better story, GTA4 is inferior to San Andreas. You spend 30+ hours of doing the same thing we've been doing for the last 3 GTAs. Absolutely nothing new to speak of.
  26. MrMyagi
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    I think I got suckered into the hype media machine. Apart from an upgrade in graphics it's the same old stuff as 1, 2 & 3. Which means if you're willing to take a call at place A and then move to place B, grab a vehicle, run people over, escape a cop, again and again then it's great. Personally the monotony set in. It's good but I still haven't completed, unlike I think I got suckered into the hype media machine. Apart from an upgrade in graphics it's the same old stuff as 1, 2 & 3. Which means if you're willing to take a call at place A and then move to place B, grab a vehicle, run people over, escape a cop, again and again then it's great. Personally the monotony set in. It's good but I still haven't completed, unlike COD4, Uncharted, Gears of War, etc. No game deserves 100% unless a majority of people are willing to complete a game. Expand
  27. AlanZ.
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    Good story, graphics, and gameplay. Definitely worth buying.
  28. DeonM.
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    This is a great game and will keep everybody busy for quite a while, but with the ps3`s power and potential they could've done a lot more. A lot of the mini games and customization that we had in San Andreas was also taken away which was a letdown. Brilliant nonetheless
  29. Korne
    Jun 24, 2008
    7
    This game has an excellent WOW factor, but the effect does not last much longer than a week. Beyond the bad shooting mechanics, weak story development, and a million things to distract you from what you are playing, is a very, very average GTA game that misses out on what made the series fun. No longer is the game a cartoony joke of mafias and gangs. The realistic physics is amazing, but This game has an excellent WOW factor, but the effect does not last much longer than a week. Beyond the bad shooting mechanics, weak story development, and a million things to distract you from what you are playing, is a very, very average GTA game that misses out on what made the series fun. No longer is the game a cartoony joke of mafias and gangs. The realistic physics is amazing, but the realistic world is a bore. Expand
  30. BrettH.
    Jun 25, 2008
    6
    This game is an amazing visual upgrade from all the other GTA games in the series, however it lacks something needed to make a great game. The missions are very repetitive if you hadn't noticed before opening up the 2nd island. The online play is horrible with a mixture of most users using auto-aim to irrelevant game types such as TDM. GTA is not a game to go around shooting each This game is an amazing visual upgrade from all the other GTA games in the series, however it lacks something needed to make a great game. The missions are very repetitive if you hadn't noticed before opening up the 2nd island. The online play is horrible with a mixture of most users using auto-aim to irrelevant game types such as TDM. GTA is not a game to go around shooting each other in a huge city, it's a game that you go around shooting the city itself. The integration of choppers and other things is awesome however the actual game itself just lacks a good story line, motive and variety. I give this game a 6 simply because of the fact that it got so boring I quit playing it after I opened the 3rd island. Expand
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 64 Critic Reviews

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