User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3784 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Dec 12, 2020
    10
    GTA 4 is absolute masterpiece that was so ahead of time that even over decade later it still beats overhyped trash like Cyberpunk 2077.
  2. Dec 21, 2010
    10
    Wow. I really loved this game. It in every way blew me away. A captivating, epic, and deep storyline keeps you into it the entire way through. Me trying to find at least one thing to complain about. Nothing. This game really deserves GOTY. And I really have to say Niko Bellic is the only character in the GTA series that you can truly connect with. Understanding his difficult life andWow. I really loved this game. It in every way blew me away. A captivating, epic, and deep storyline keeps you into it the entire way through. Me trying to find at least one thing to complain about. Nothing. This game really deserves GOTY. And I really have to say Niko Bellic is the only character in the GTA series that you can truly connect with. Understanding his difficult life and mis-adventures you can really feel his emotions. And for a free-roaming game they really knocked me out. The free roaming really is amazing. Its awesome how they can have such a nice, luminous city and still have amazing and almost flawless graphics. As for the multi-player, I didn't really play it that much but i love the fact that you can roam around Liberty City causing as much mayhem as you want. The ranked matches are good too, with death-match (etc...) it was pretty cool to see that in a GTA game. Surely I can truly say that you have not experienced free-roam/sandbox games until you have played GTA IV. Expand
  3. Oct 10, 2013
    10
    GTA IV is a game that I love to call "a masterpiece". My journey with Niko Bellic is one of the most memorable experiences I've ever been at in my life. Exploring Liberty City (one of the most impressive, realistic, visually stunning worlds I've ever explored) for almost 6 months has been so awesome, that I want to play it again, experience it again, and LIVE it again. Despite on all theGTA IV is a game that I love to call "a masterpiece". My journey with Niko Bellic is one of the most memorable experiences I've ever been at in my life. Exploring Liberty City (one of the most impressive, realistic, visually stunning worlds I've ever explored) for almost 6 months has been so awesome, that I want to play it again, experience it again, and LIVE it again. Despite on all the controversy that surrounds it, its elements (stunning action pieces, well-structured storyline, relationships with friends, shocking plot twists/turns, cast of characters, and many activities to do) are flawless and it couldn't stop getting any better. This is, unexpectedly, one of my favorite games ever, and in every bit of respect I love to give it, it would be enormous for everyone to see. After I finished over 100 hours of campaign mode, I come to feel for Niko, who is flawed and desperate to "climb out the hole he trip in" (a underworld full of psychopaths, thieves, loan sharks, crooked people, and gang-bangers). Rockstar has told one of the greatest stories ever told in gaming. It deserves to be the greatest game of the current generation of gaming, but also hold a shadow, along with GTA V, over the next generation, making it look bad. I love to recommend this game to ALL of you to experience. The multiplayer does help with its success, but most of it comes from its single-player mode, which is one of the most memorable experiences I've also ever played, as well. So, I'm gonna make this short: If any of you want to "understand" on what I am saying, now is the chance to PLAY this game, NOW. Expand
  4. Jan 18, 2014
    10
    It wasn't till the release of GTAV that I stopped playing GTAIV, literally the day before I was driving down the sidewalk of times square and throwing bodies everywhere with the hood of my car or punching a bum then hiding behind a business man so the bum hits him by mistake and then watch the following fight. This is a game I kept finding myself returning to because it is darkly fun whichIt wasn't till the release of GTAV that I stopped playing GTAIV, literally the day before I was driving down the sidewalk of times square and throwing bodies everywhere with the hood of my car or punching a bum then hiding behind a business man so the bum hits him by mistake and then watch the following fight. This is a game I kept finding myself returning to because it is darkly fun which is the tone of the whole series compared to San Andreas, the fun is darker, the art style is darker and so is the story. Niko Bellic is a top notch character and all the people you meet in Liberty City are also colourful and there is plenty of content to keep you busy for years and this is one of the few games where the DLC is actually meaty and worthwhile. This is not a perfect game, I nearly stopped playing it until I discovered the swing that throws you across the map, a lot of people complain that the driving is hard but I found it fun once you got used to it, my problem on the driving front was that New York does not have the best roads for fun cars. What makes GTAIV miss out on game of the year is the companion missions where you have to take one of the characters for a game of darts or something gay like that. Overall this game is jam packed with quality, I recommend thrashing this game till you have seen everything, especially the funny cartoons that can be found on the TV, the map isn't the best that Rockstar has produced but it is so full of content that a 10 is the only score I can give it. Expand
  5. Dec 6, 2018
    10
    There is almost no valid criticism of this game, at least not in the way the trolls in the user score section are giving. They need to get more creative, because what they list as reasons to underrate this game are pathetic and laughable. I understand that rocks will be thrown at the throne, but never forget, this game is #3 of all time on metacritic. Open world masterpiece with a greatThere is almost no valid criticism of this game, at least not in the way the trolls in the user score section are giving. They need to get more creative, because what they list as reasons to underrate this game are pathetic and laughable. I understand that rocks will be thrown at the throne, but never forget, this game is #3 of all time on metacritic. Open world masterpiece with a great story and a solid multiplayer experience for its time. And AWESOME dlc that no one has been able to replicate in greatness. Single player DLC never got so good. Expand
  6. free187s
    May 5, 2008
    10
    To simplify the reason for a 10/10: DETAIL No game in history has as much detail to graphics, storyline, dialog, and gameplay as gta4 has. By all means this game deserves a perfect score.
  7. RudyS.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Believe the hype. This is as good as everyone says it is.
  8. Dean
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Just brilliant. They really took it to another level with the experience created in Liberty City. The detail is astounding, and you'd swear it was a real place. More realistic driving physics, interesting characters, and an engrossing story line keep you wanting more.
  9. DillonH.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    This is the best and funniest game I have EVER played.. I do still like COD4 and Halo3 but where else can you get the freemdom to do whatever you want... The game is not perfect but who cares we all play for fun not for perfect.. I am already almost half waythough and all I can find wrong with it is that things such as trees, signs, and etc pop up when you are driving fast.. And the only This is the best and funniest game I have EVER played.. I do still like COD4 and Halo3 but where else can you get the freemdom to do whatever you want... The game is not perfect but who cares we all play for fun not for perfect.. I am already almost half waythough and all I can find wrong with it is that things such as trees, signs, and etc pop up when you are driving fast.. And the only other thing is the COPS.. The cops are a lillte to hard and not so realistic. They pop up everywhere.. The cops I know never respond that quickly.. But it is very easy to lose them... But that is the only two flaws... So why are people giving them low scores... Beats me.. It's GREAT. Expand
  10. CorbinB.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Surely a master piece of a game. While this game is not considered a perfect game to some,the world Rockstar has created engulfs you from the moment you step off the boat of Niko's unnamed Eastern European country. The world feels as if it can't run without you being there, and if it would if you died. With a fix on controls and car handling this title can be a pick up and play Surely a master piece of a game. While this game is not considered a perfect game to some,the world Rockstar has created engulfs you from the moment you step off the boat of Niko's unnamed Eastern European country. The world feels as if it can't run without you being there, and if it would if you died. With a fix on controls and car handling this title can be a pick up and play to a new comer and a complete 40 hours worth so those who would play through. GTA IV is sure to please any gamer, as it is one of the best games to come. Expand
  11. ColbyK.
    Jul 1, 2008
    8
    What makes this game great is not that it is the greatest, because it isn't, but that it is great at so many different things. On gameplay alone this game deserves a 9.5, what really brings it down is the poor direction, and voice acting. Well they do a great job at creating a persona, the don't deliver any punch at moments should be highly charged, and it mostly revolves around What makes this game great is not that it is the greatest, because it isn't, but that it is great at so many different things. On gameplay alone this game deserves a 9.5, what really brings it down is the poor direction, and voice acting. Well they do a great job at creating a persona, the don't deliver any punch at moments should be highly charged, and it mostly revolves around people yelling and swearing with various accents. the game all together lacks a cohesive emotional story ark. Your consitinly introduced to new people only to have them killed of or leave an hour later, he doesn't forge a significant believable relationship with anyone he meets, because they are all simply to short lived. Expand
  12. RafaelC.
    Dec 23, 2008
    10
    Grand Theft Auto IV is a must play game, best than any others of the GTA series. This game is way better than San Andreas, because of the graphics, the cellphone, history, voice acting, vehicles, and the whole athmosfere that the game put you in. The carachters in GTA IV are great, and you will be involved with then, you care about then, that's a great point because other games Grand Theft Auto IV is a must play game, best than any others of the GTA series. This game is way better than San Andreas, because of the graphics, the cellphone, history, voice acting, vehicles, and the whole athmosfere that the game put you in. The carachters in GTA IV are great, and you will be involved with then, you care about then, that's a great point because other games don't give you this immersion. Well, in the game city you can do wherever you want, go for a drink, eat junk food, pick up your friend and go to a strip club, take a helicopter tour, that's all part of the amazing world of GTA IV Expand
  13. AnonymousMC
    Feb 25, 2009
    9
    George F, you have no credibility whatsoever. "Subpar graphics"? When were you born? 2112, maybe, when graphics are more realistic than real life itself? Don't mind that an ENTIRE CITY is crammed into a game with very minimal load time. Don't mind that people react realistically depending on what part of the body you shoot. Don't mind the realistic crash physics. TheGeorge F, you have no credibility whatsoever. "Subpar graphics"? When were you born? 2112, maybe, when graphics are more realistic than real life itself? Don't mind that an ENTIRE CITY is crammed into a game with very minimal load time. Don't mind that people react realistically depending on what part of the body you shoot. Don't mind the realistic crash physics. The storyline is quite good, but you may think otherwise because you were born in a rich neighborhood that were ignorant of the social depravities and injustices occurring only a few blocks down. The gameplay is incredible, due to the exact OPPOSITE reason you provide. The missions are NOT repetitive, and the driving system is spectacular. Watch as the environment blurs as you put your foot to the pedal and watch it realistically crumple as you crash into another car. And since the game is shooting up "the same 10 fake people every three hours" and is for "passive-aggressive thugs," you gave it to your brother. Good job, troll, and trust me, there are other games that actually deserve zeroes.
    The only problem with this game is it's mission setup. When you fail, it takes you back from the beginning with less money and lost weapons depending on how you failed the quest. Another small flaw that I didn't really mind was the radio. It got smaller compared to the previous GTA. The GPS system was a very nice addition to the game. This game was definitely better than GTA3: Vice City and San Andreas where you were literally hearing the world "n*gger" twice every sentence. This game is one of the deepest games out there in terms of storyline and gameplay and it blows the current "competition" out of the park (Halo, Gears, Fable, I'm looking at you!).
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  14. Jun 5, 2013
    10
    This is an amazing game. Epic single player, epic multiplayer. Seriously, i don't know what these negative reviews are saying or thinking, but take it from me, its AMAZING
  15. Dec 17, 2014
    10
    An epic gangster fable on a grandiose scale, Grand Theft Auto IV is undoubtedly one of the greatest games ever played, mixing tough-as-nails characters, a fully-realised story (in the vein of The Godfather) and a fantastic free-roaming ability. This here, is an odyssey and a gratifying adventure. This is an experience!,
  16. Dec 11, 2018
    10
    Easily the best GTA game as well as the best game made by Rockstar! It might be the best video game of all time! I love the diverse New York City atmosphere as well as the VAST majority of the characters! The storyline is absolutely fantastic! It is a true classic which was ahead of its time when it came out in 2008. I would strongly recommend this masterpiece to a friend. In short, it isEasily the best GTA game as well as the best game made by Rockstar! It might be the best video game of all time! I love the diverse New York City atmosphere as well as the VAST majority of the characters! The storyline is absolutely fantastic! It is a true classic which was ahead of its time when it came out in 2008. I would strongly recommend this masterpiece to a friend. In short, it is basically The Jungle Book or Beowulf of video games, because it is just as good of a video game as those The Jungle Book and Beowulf are books. Expand
  17. Jul 20, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think it is one of the best games of the Grand Theft Auto saga since it can wrap us with its very dark history and at the same time with its two endings in which your cousin or your girlfriend can die, characters that you have taken Pretty sweetheart and which you will see die, and that will break you will break your heart Expand
  18. Jun 2, 2021
    10
    GTA 4 never gets old. Never ever. It's something you can play in 2030 and still discover some new stuff you didn't know about.
  19. Aug 12, 2022
    10
    To me, it's the best GTA game. The story is good and the characters memorable but the engine is what makes it really fun.
  20. MatthewBarnard
    May 6, 2008
    9
    This absolutely is a great game, though I'm not sure it's as great as it's been made out to be. It looks SPECTACULAR. They have the feel of New York down to a T. Everything functions well, too.

    If it's missing anything, it's the little things from the other GTA games, which I miss: fun side games, parachuettes, the ability to purchase buildings, etc. I think
    This absolutely is a great game, though I'm not sure it's as great as it's been made out to be. It looks SPECTACULAR. They have the feel of New York down to a T. Everything functions well, too.

    If it's missing anything, it's the little things from the other GTA games, which I miss: fun side games, parachuettes, the ability to purchase buildings, etc. I think it's missing a few of the little things that made the old GTA games so enjoyable. That being said, this definitely is the most finally polished of the games and the plot is definitely the best developed.
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  21. PucklesW.
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    Pros: next gen graphics, improved physics, slightly better combat systems, unparalled scope, better storyline and character development, and new gameplay functions like online. Getting to easily replay missions when you fail is a nice upgrade too. Cons: this game really doesn't feel much different than the prior 3 GTAs which all eventually got frustrating to play as you've Pros: next gen graphics, improved physics, slightly better combat systems, unparalled scope, better storyline and character development, and new gameplay functions like online. Getting to easily replay missions when you fail is a nice upgrade too. Cons: this game really doesn't feel much different than the prior 3 GTAs which all eventually got frustrating to play as you've combined a mediocre driver, poor shooter, etc. Movement and control are just not great and while the GTA universe is amazing it makes you notice how often controlling Nikko is downright frustrating. Like prior games this one also has glitches, framerate issues, etc. Finally, the character development and storyline is improved but Mass Effect really raised the bar by introducing choice as a key to the storyline. I feel myself wanting the same control over Nikko's decisions and it's just not there. GTA V will probably do the job. All and all it is a great sandbox with some nice enhancements over prior GTAs but it is still plagued by some of the problems that annoyed me about prior iterations. If you loved the others you'll love this more. Me, I still feel it's not quite there. Expand
  22. Jun 10, 2014
    10
    The best game ever made on the xbox 360. Great story. Amazing open world with endless exploring. This game was well designed and a lot of thought was put into it's creation.
  23. RobC
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Quite simply. This is as good as however you make it. If you are creative within your gameplay you can love the way you make this game look, let alone the gamplay itself. For the people who critisize things like the car camera angles and the way you cant climb up one ladder simply havent been creative enough. This game is genuis and for people who are creative with games will apreciateQuite simply. This is as good as however you make it. If you are creative within your gameplay you can love the way you make this game look, let alone the gamplay itself. For the people who critisize things like the car camera angles and the way you cant climb up one ladder simply havent been creative enough. This game is genuis and for people who are creative with games will apreciate this to death. But hey, an opinion is an opinion. And compared to the previous GTA titles, this really brings out the lethal gangster feel, and i'm with you Benjamin, such a great movie like storyline. A winner for me Expand
  24. KevinC
    May 16, 2008
    10
    This game is incredible. Every aspect. For the people who gave it below 8.... what are you thinking. All your complaints are silly. You can control the camera angle and the several different angles should provide something for everyone....Long drives for missions??? Wave a taxi down or call up Roman....skip the scene and voila, your there!! (or stop sucking ;) and beat it first time)This game is incredible. Every aspect. For the people who gave it below 8.... what are you thinking. All your complaints are silly. You can control the camera angle and the several different angles should provide something for everyone....Long drives for missions??? Wave a taxi down or call up Roman....skip the scene and voila, your there!! (or stop sucking ;) and beat it first time) Repetition.... Assassins Creed yes... GTA4 well maybe but name me a game that isn't after putting 40 hours into it....getting bored.. punch in some cheats or go online...the options are ridiculous Expand
  25. ChristopherGassman
    May 6, 2008
    10
    This version of Liberty City is more lifelike than any of the cities in any of the previous titles. I miss going to the gyms of San Andreas. I miss blazing through the deserts and climbing that gigantic mountain east of Los Santos. I'm only just a few hours into GTA4, so I'm sure that there will be plenty of equivalent wonders as I continue to unlock various areas.
  26. Andrew
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Since I've bought it I cannot put it down. Whereas other GTA games grow tiresome after a couple hours of play, this one keeps you interested and entertained for multiple hours on end. And that's just doing the missions. Theres also free roaming around, side missions, relationships to tend, and the awesome multiplayer.
    The story and graphics are also excellent.

    10/10
  27. mobius
    May 7, 2008
    10
    I agree with all the mags, but after seeing that the 360 version has sharper graphics a higher HD resoulution and far less pop up buildings when in the helicopers aswell as the easy to use multiplayer game access and I had to return my PS3 version and get the 360 version instead. and as i am lucky to have the two consols i have to say that the 360 is the better version. i understand thatI agree with all the mags, but after seeing that the 360 version has sharper graphics a higher HD resoulution and far less pop up buildings when in the helicopers aswell as the easy to use multiplayer game access and I had to return my PS3 version and get the 360 version instead. and as i am lucky to have the two consols i have to say that the 360 is the better version. i understand that the PS3 version is the port of the 360 version anyway. Expand
  28. NikoBellic
    Jul 15, 2008
    10
    hey ANTHONY M. i am one of the Rockstar developers you talked about and yes i do smoke cockroach repelent on the job. giving the cops god powers was my idea. not to cover up the ai (it is fantastic), but because smoking all that cockroach repelent makes me feel like i have god powers. there was going to be an exterminator mission in the game but my idea got rejected. so then i suggestedhey ANTHONY M. i am one of the Rockstar developers you talked about and yes i do smoke cockroach repelent on the job. giving the cops god powers was my idea. not to cover up the ai (it is fantastic), but because smoking all that cockroach repelent makes me feel like i have god powers. there was going to be an exterminator mission in the game but my idea got rejected. so then i suggested that there be 200 cockroaches randomly placed in liberty city that could be killed with cockroach repelent. in san andreas there was spray paint to leave your gang sign, so i thought that cockroach repelent spray paint could be a great way to kill the rodent and leave your mark. that was accepted but then later replaced with pigeons and there was no cockroach repelent spray paint. but yes since i will get fired if i say something bad about this, this piece of crap game is the best game in the entire star wars galaxy. Expand
  29. Apr 7, 2011
    8
    Instant classic, tons of missions, fun gun play and great car chases. The story is great and this game is brutal in a classic rock star way. A few let downs about this game, no garages to store more than two cars, no gym to change appearance, and a few other things that were left out that I liked in the other gta series. But its still a great game overall.
  30. StephenL.
    May 5, 2008
    8
    This is a good game for all types of gamers but it wasn't a big enough improvement on the last game to get an 9 or 10. Moving around on foot is clunky and most of the buildings are like cardboard cut outs, people dont die as satisfyingly as in the previous games, the feds are on your case in the airport and you cant blow up planes. The is plenty of good tho, the soundtrack, the This is a good game for all types of gamers but it wasn't a big enough improvement on the last game to get an 9 or 10. Moving around on foot is clunky and most of the buildings are like cardboard cut outs, people dont die as satisfyingly as in the previous games, the feds are on your case in the airport and you cant blow up planes. The is plenty of good tho, the soundtrack, the characters and the drinking missions. Gameplay wise its just as good as the previous games but I was hoping for more. Expand
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 86
  3. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. It's got a world you believe in, a cast you care about and a script stuffed with brilliant moments... Utterly stunning in every resepct. [May 2008, p.79]
  2. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    98
    Rockstar have surpassed themselves, delivering unquestionably the definitive GTA and perhaps the greatest videogame of all time. [June 2008]
  3. 100
    I could go on and on about why Grand Theft Auto IV is one of the best games we've ever seen and why even folks who are easily offended should play it, but that would be pointless. The only thing you need to know is that you have to play this game. Period.