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. Tubie
    Oct 2, 2010
    10
    After playing GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas it was hard to imagine being swept away again by another GTA game but man does this game deliver. The story, the characters, the setting and the game world are so well crafted and put together it's nice to see some developers still take time to prepare their works and not just milk a franchise with yearly releases.
  2. Chandley54
    May 12, 2011
    6
    What happened?!? How did this go so wrong??? I was so unbelievably excited about this game, and I thought for the first 5 minutes that it would be as great as I had always hoped... and then it just wasn't. I can't particularly put my finger on an exact reason why... I'm going to blame GTA san andreas, which just set my hopes so high. Sure GTAIV has a great story line, interestingWhat happened?!? How did this go so wrong??? I was so unbelievably excited about this game, and I thought for the first 5 minutes that it would be as great as I had always hoped... and then it just wasn't. I can't particularly put my finger on an exact reason why... I'm going to blame GTA san andreas, which just set my hopes so high. Sure GTAIV has a great story line, interesting characters (If a little stereotypical and annoying) and sometimes fun gameplay... but I've seen it all before and I didn't get sucked into the world in the same way I have in previous iterations. No customisation, a bland city with such a small amount of variety....... How did it go downhill so much from SA??? Overall I think this is a fun game, but one of the most over-rated of all time.… Expand
  3. SamL.
    Aug 12, 2008
    2
    Over hyped. A plain game pagued with framerate issues and bad gore effects. Ohh.
  4. 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.
  5. R3GIST3R
    May 24, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. GAMEPLAY:

    Grand Theft Auto is renowned for having a sandbox, complete with a plethora of distractions like socializing and dating, going to clubs, bars, strip-clubs and just having a good time in game. You will definitely find a hard time getting bored in Liberty City, which is a whole different story. The city itself is huge, and at any glance no matter what burrow looks like Rockstar’s imagining of NYC but in their own GTA world.
    Combat at first glance may seem to be tricky but eventually you will get a handle on the combat system. The melee system consists of several different attacks that when used in different combinations can prove to be effective against the opponent. Gunfights can be a little boring but when in a large skirmish with the cops or online against waves of enemies will make lasting memories.

    Perhaps the finest points of combat in the game though is in the cars. There is nothing in the game that compares to doing a drive-by shooting or firing at the cops during a high-speed chase. Vehicular combat was fine-tuned perfectly that allows the player(s) to engage in awesome shoot outs on the road, no matter what the vehicle is... from a moped to an armored truck.
    Driving is easy, with basic controls for ALL vehicles though it may be hard to grasp the comfort of driving boats and aircraft. Perhaps the hardest vehicle to drive though are the motorcycles, they have a very high speed, horrible handling, and will pretty much launch you if you hit ANYTHING at a high velocity. Just another taste of reality but don’t expect to be a pro motorcyclist or pilot right off.

    SOUND/MUSIC:

    The game’s radio soundtrack is very unique and a lot of the songs fit well in not just the game but the story. Players can choose from an array of music like rock, hip-hop, rap, techno, and even talk shows. The citizens of liberty city all have very different personalities, and voices, Rockstar did a good job making the non-essential NPC’s seem unique.
    Other than the radio stations in the cars in the game, the game doesn’t have an “epic score” or an everlasting soundtrack that will have you streaming the web to listen to. But overall the sound quality of the guns, the people, the cars, and even the ambience really polish this game up and show how Rockstar games tried to make this game as realistic as possible.

    STORY:
    You play as Niko Bellic an eastern-european (it is never really made clear where Nikos is from) who just moved from his homeland to Liberty City. The game takes off with you joining your cousin Roman who has made himself a nice little taxi business that he calls the beginning of the “american dream”. Over the course of the game Niko has to fight bikers, russians, gangsters, and cops... when suddenly his past catches up with him.
    The plot spans from Niko going “from the streets of Liberty City to the skyline of wealth”. As the player helps different factions and crime lords, Niko himself finds out that America is no different than the very war and the troubling past he has suffered.

    ENGINE:

    Grand Theft Auto 4’s engine isn’t special by “today’s standards”. There are few bugs, but even the ones in game can turn out to be quite funny or amusing. Online gameplay is really great, and unique. Until Grand Theft Auto 5 comes out, Grand Theft Auto 4’s engine alongside Red Dead Redemption HAVE TO BE Rockstar’s finest works.    … Expand
  6. George69
    Jul 19, 2011
    9
    This game is one of the best sandbox games ever. Not the best, but one of the best. Grand Theft Auto IV is fun. Just fun. Pure fun. Though sometimes you may get bored, there still is a billion things to do. The city is so alive and the graphics are great, the car damage is one of the best in any sandbox video game. The handling of the cars, I admit, is not so great. They're just so hard toThis game is one of the best sandbox games ever. Not the best, but one of the best. Grand Theft Auto IV is fun. Just fun. Pure fun. Though sometimes you may get bored, there still is a billion things to do. The city is so alive and the graphics are great, the car damage is one of the best in any sandbox video game. The handling of the cars, I admit, is not so great. They're just so hard to control, they sway left and right and it sometimes it's incredibly frustrating. The other vehicles besides motorbikes are fine, the main problem is the cars and bikes. The characters and kooky and the is a lot of vulgar language but the story and characters are very interesting. The game is flawed, it isn't perfect but there is tonnes of fun to be had in Liberty City.… Expand
  7. Syriamn
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    GTA IV is more than a game. It's an experience that goes way beyond button bashing your controller. The story is magnificent but no surprises here. Everyone knows that Rockstar usually nails in this department. Technically the game is flawless for the common gamer (if there's any glitch didn't see it). Not a fan of the Multiplayer though. Other than this GTA IV will remain in gamersGTA IV is more than a game. It's an experience that goes way beyond button bashing your controller. The story is magnificent but no surprises here. Everyone knows that Rockstar usually nails in this department. Technically the game is flawless for the common gamer (if there's any glitch didn't see it). Not a fan of the Multiplayer though. Other than this GTA IV will remain in gamers memory as a reference and it will be benchmarked by everyone.… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. DiabloGT
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    Good grafics, great story-telling, great characters, nice drivng physics and the gratest game-city Liberty City, Baby! Negative: drive-by shooting a bit difficult, car-brakes, missions are a bit monoton. All in all for me as an big gta fan, it's one of the best GTA Games. 9/10
  11. ENOUGH!!
    Jan 16, 2009
    10
    It's GTA with shiny new graphics, hilarious ragdoll physics (Crash your car at sixty miles per hour on the free way towards oncoming traffic; priceless), and a gripping new storyline filled with the usual GTA nutjobs and ingenious voice acting. That, and the radio stations are as sarcastic and satirical as ever. Go buy it; it has tons of mileage for your money.
  12. halofreak2553
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    Rockstar has done it again. This is the best GTA ive played. Also, give Rockstar some credit at least for creating Liberty City. It may not be as big as San Andreas but its big enough.
  13. moimieoonti
    Oct 10, 2011
    10
    In my opinion this is a masterpiece of a game and is still running in my ps3 thanks to the multiplayer and great gameplay.This game was one of my reasons why I even bought the ps3. Sure the other GTA:s (like Vice City and San Andreas) had more stuff in them but this is the first gta in this generation, so it makes it like GTA 3, which was the first gta of the previous generation (and lovedIn my opinion this is a masterpiece of a game and is still running in my ps3 thanks to the multiplayer and great gameplay.This game was one of my reasons why I even bought the ps3. Sure the other GTA:s (like Vice City and San Andreas) had more stuff in them but this is the first gta in this generation, so it makes it like GTA 3, which was the first gta of the previous generation (and loved it too). Cant wait for the next GTA. [HATERS GONNA HATE]… Expand
  14. onewarmslime
    May 4, 2014
    10
    No game is perfect but this game is as close as it gets. At the same time this game is not without flaws. Gameplay: no checkpoints during missions whatsoever. Sound: in-car dialogues are kinda inaudible (good thing there are subtitles), also most radio stations are uninteresting. Graphics: low framerate, and actually one issue of this game is that it's literally too dark. Navigating atNo game is perfect but this game is as close as it gets. At the same time this game is not without flaws. Gameplay: no checkpoints during missions whatsoever. Sound: in-car dialogues are kinda inaudible (good thing there are subtitles), also most radio stations are uninteresting. Graphics: low framerate, and actually one issue of this game is that it's literally too dark. Navigating at night is pretty hard sometimes even at the highest brightness setting. Yet this game is the best PS3 game I've ever played (if not the best game overall) and is much superior to GTA V. Don't believe the negative reviews on this site. Unless your favourite game is Crazy Taxi you're gonna love driving in GTA IV compared to driving in GTA 5. This game is probably the best game I've ever played and it's well worth its fame.… Expand
  15. joaopontesvaz
    Oct 31, 2016
    10
    Graphics: 9.6 Sound: 9.7 Gameplay: 9.5 Fun/Story: 9.8

    What a great game, storytelling, graphics, characters, plot and contemporary problems it reports. One more time, Rockstar has burst all done before.
  16. BGSRockstar
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    This game was and is far ahead of its time, it requires subtlety, patience and an attention to detail unlike any other game. First of all, I've put in well over 1500 hours into gta 4 and its two dlc's, so there are few if any gamers with as much experience in Liberty City as me. It's the first game that I played that the mature rating on the back dident just represent that there was bloodThis game was and is far ahead of its time, it requires subtlety, patience and an attention to detail unlike any other game. First of all, I've put in well over 1500 hours into gta 4 and its two dlc's, so there are few if any gamers with as much experience in Liberty City as me. It's the first game that I played that the mature rating on the back dident just represent that there was blood and fowl language, but rather that this form of media is best appriciated by mature individuals. Clearly a large number of you were not ready for a true mature experience based on the 7.5 user score, rather they wanted a San Andreas sequel. If you wanted a San Andreas sequel, PLAY SAINTS ROW, OR SLEEPING DOGS, they were created to occupy the cavity that San Andreas left in the gaming market! Sigh...
    Im a huge driving sim fan, and this is easily my favorite game to drive a car or moterbike in, the driving physics are impeccable. Ive owned every GT(Gran Turismo) and Forza game to date, so I have some experience. WAY too many people complain about the driving physics, saying its "too hard" or "too much body roll", if you drove your car at 100mph in oncoming traffic or around a hairpin turn in real life, you would most likely crash, so WHY should it be any different in a game thats attempting to simulate life as realistically as possible? Try driving at a reasonable speed, if you dont want to because thats "boring" then you should know that your attention span does not meet the required limit of this game, and that should tell you something about yourself, not this game.
    So after complaint after complaint after complaint , Rockstar felt they needed to cut almost every thing that differentiated GTA4 from San Andreas, Sleeping Dogs, and Saints Row. In GTA 5 The driving physics were completely scrapped for an arcade style that you can master in less than a day, catching any air in any vehicle is beyond comical, I literly laughed out loud when I saw that there is a moon gravity cheat, maybe my game is just stuck on moon gravity. The fighting Physics are GONE, ive never experienced a more unenjoyable fighting element in any game, (you square up, then throw right hand haymakers that glitch across 10 feet of open ground and KO the peson in 1 to 2 hits...and the AI can throw the same scripted punch that can glitch across 10 feet). They called it GTA 5(which I beleve it should have been callled San Andreas 2 because GTA 3 brought a major change in the form of 3d graphics, GTA 4 brought a major change in that it was the first on PS3, Xbox 360, and greatly stepped up the graphics from San Andreas. What exactly was the major change GTA5 brought? An ability to switch between 3 protagonists? Graphically speaking it looks great, but the jump from San Andreas to GTA4 was far greater. It seems like Rockstar was saving the numbers for truly ground breaking titles, then got lazy, and now im sure the next GTA will me named GTA 6). I remember arguing with my parent about the negative perception of the grand theft auto games, GTA 4 was the first time I felt I had a valid argument that GTA wasent only about sex, drugs, and ultra violence. You could enjoy the many physics systems interacting with eachother in perfect harmony(at least I could). I can no longer defend the GTA series, because now it seems like the game includes profanity and violence just for the sake of profanity and violence, I mean Niko was an interesting, deep character, while Trevor is just a psycopath who rapes any and everything that moves. My favorite thing about GTA 5 is that its motto or message is "the pursuit of the almighty dollar" its the ultimate joke at the consumes expence, its Rockstar who is pursuing your money, get it?
    In conclusion GTA 4 is the greatst media I have ever experienced, and was so great that I was convinced GTA 5 was going to be the greatest thing ever, I WAS WRONG.
    ps- I GLADLY welcome somebody with opposing beliefs to challenge any of the points I made, (as long as you coherently state your points in a non confrontational manner).    … Expand
  17. 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
  18. MileHighBob
    Dec 8, 2016
    7
    I am actually surprised this game is so high. It was a good game and I played through the campaign and The Lost and The Damned DLC, enjoying it for the most part. Like all GTA games, V being better, there is too much damn driving and flying around, back and forth like a real life. I would love some more skip options on that stuff. I also thought the controls were too heavy and awkward onI am actually surprised this game is so high. It was a good game and I played through the campaign and The Lost and The Damned DLC, enjoying it for the most part. Like all GTA games, V being better, there is too much damn driving and flying around, back and forth like a real life. I would love some more skip options on that stuff. I also thought the controls were too heavy and awkward on this game. I do love how dark and gritty the game looks and feels, but the shortcomings make it one of my least favorite GTA games.… Expand
  19. PresidentTrump
    May 25, 2018
    8
    Unlike the previous GTA installments, that relied more on crazy fun and action, Grand Theft Auto 4 spends more time on developing interesting characters, a thrilling story, and a gritty atmosphere that sucks you in and doesn't let go. From the realism of driving, the gritty environment of the city, the memorable characters, and they all make this game fantastic.

    While it takes on a more    Unlike the previous GTA installments, that relied more on crazy fun and action, Grand Theft Auto 4 spends more time on developing interesting characters, a thrilling story, and a gritty atmosphere that sucks you in and doesn't let go. From the realism of driving, the gritty environment of the city, the memorable characters, and they all make this game fantastic.

    While it takes on a more serious tone, that doesn't mean that this game is no fun. There is plenty of great times to be had in this game. The shootouts feel more satisfying than the previous installments and the car physics are such a blast.

    While sometimes the realism removes some of the replayability because you can't just hop on the game and start a rampage like you could in the older ones. While you can still have some fun with it, the batsh*t insanity of Vice City and San Andreas rampages. Also, the story *really* drags out towards the middle when you're doing hit missions for the mafia and guys like that.

    Aside from that, the pure care and affection that was put into this game's story and realism really make it a classic.    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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!
  24. 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
  25. Daraghk22
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    Grand Theft Auto IV is a game like no other,A Dark corrupted criminal underworld in a city full of gangsters and immigrants proves that a serious tone can make an exceptional game.Grand Theft Auto IV is a masterpiece.
  26. blin
    Dec 30, 2019
    10
    This game ist awsome.The Story gamplay graphics online mods and you can Play it on pc ps3 xbox360
  27. luki172
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Maybe the world, it could have more activities, but the overall quality of this game as of 2008 is overwhelming. To this day, I like to come back to it, the story is great
  28. psmoon21
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    It is true that after coming from gta san andreas it may seem lacking in content, but it feels so different and at the same time so good that I am not surprised that it has a 98 in metacritic, the best I have played in my life

    The history of the game is told with mastery, its narrative, the secondary characters are as casrismatic as the main ones, with small decisions in important    It is true that after coming from gta san andreas it may seem lacking in content, but it feels so different and at the same time so good that I am not surprised that it has a 98 in metacritic, the best I have played in my life

    The history of the game is told with mastery, its narrative, the secondary characters are as casrismatic as the main ones, with small decisions in important moments, niko is the best character in gta, it makes you care about his history and that of his people

    The story about the mafia, diamonds, drugs and how they pass from one hand to another creating mini-stories that create the main story is masterful, a masterpiece this game

    The online didn't have much content but it managed to be a lot of fun with just a few missions, races, deathmatches and a free world at the airport

    Details as incredible as that niko improves his English over time or if you fail the mission will have new dialogues, internet, physics, driving, the a.i. and many more details that to this day continue to surprise me.

    The b.s.o. It is good with its main theme and stations like the journey, the gunplay improved a lot compared to other gta as being able to aim manually or automatically depending on the pressure of the trigger or cover yourself even rolling to a cover

    Every time I play it again I discover or remember some detail that seems incredible to me that it was in 2.008

    Over time this game is getting more respect and more and more players know how to see what this game did in its day. Thanks rockstar    … Expand
  29. ROMANCHETTO
    May 17, 2021
    10
    My favourite GTA. Because of interesting and serious story,good physics,and funny online.
  30. 8tonystark8
    May 26, 2021
    10
    Yeah. One of the best games ever created. Will remain a timeless classic and must-play for generations to come.
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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 »