Grand Theft Auto IV

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3784 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,755 out of 3784
  2. Mixed: 569 out of 3784
  3. Negative: 460 out of 3784
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  1. Jarbas6
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    The best game that I've ever played. You won't spend less than 30 hours in the amazing campaign, and there's plenty to do in Liberty City and in the well-added multiplayer. Graphics are not Crysis, but are perfectly okay. Car driving is easy and awesome as in other GTA games. I have more pleasure to play this game than any other, and while I was playing this, time flew. MUST BUY.
  2. aisaac6
    Sep 15, 2011
    10
    This is one of the best, beautiful, immerse, deep, and most importantly fun games i have ever played. Almost every aspect of this game is fantastic. You star as Niko Bellic, a immigrant from eastern europe who has come to the Liberty City to live the "American Dream" along with his cousin Roman. The story is one of the areas where GTA4 shines most. You will grow to love the cousins andThis is one of the best, beautiful, immerse, deep, and most importantly fun games i have ever played. Almost every aspect of this game is fantastic. You star as Niko Bellic, a immigrant from eastern europe who has come to the Liberty City to live the "American Dream" along with his cousin Roman. The story is one of the areas where GTA4 shines most. You will grow to love the cousins and their story of triumph and tragedy as they try to make in in America. Speaking of characters, GTA4 has some of the best characters you will ever find in a video game. From the crazy roid using Brucie to the Jamaican drug dealer little Jacob you will care for each character in your own way. One of the games best characters is not a person. It is the city itself. Liberty City is just like the city it was modeled after NYC. It is a living, breathing character itself with so much activity constantly happening even when you are doing something else. The gameplay has gotten enormously better with a cover system available which comes really handy in firefights with enemies. The driving mechanics have gotten a complete overhaul as well. Now it is more difficult to drive a car. You will have to use the break like a real car and watch the damage the car receives as well. Add on a complete fun multiplayer experience and you get not only the game of the year but one of the best games to grace the new generations of consoles you will find anywhere… Expand
  3. dpila33
    Aug 19, 2011
    4
    Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, and San Andreas were all ok... This game is just a polished up version of those games though in my opinion. It has the same awful control scheme, the same repetitive "chase this guy and beat him up" missions... I'm done with the series.
  4. yota234
    Aug 18, 2011
    6
    The graphics are good, voice acting is bad (I mean Russian accents), cutscenes look bad, no checkpoints in missions, fun to explore the city. Basically, this is just above average open world game, Just Cause 2 is better.
  5. tylwrdem
    Aug 1, 2011
    0
    Stupid, over rated and no good. Piece of **** This has no story meaning and nothing of attraction, just guns hookers and a lot of cars. How people like crap like this is unknown. Critics always seem to like useless and unattractive stuff such as GTA4. $9.00 on game market is still too much for this game. They should pay you to take it. This was a let down and basically a huge waste ofStupid, over rated and no good. Piece of **** This has no story meaning and nothing of attraction, just guns hookers and a lot of cars. How people like crap like this is unknown. Critics always seem to like useless and unattractive stuff such as GTA4. $9.00 on game market is still too much for this game. They should pay you to take it. This was a let down and basically a huge waste of my time.… Expand
  6. assman123
    Jul 26, 2011
    0
    Many in the franchise is missing in this game. The "Busted and Wasted" is removed. Cool weapons like flamethrower and chainsaws are missing.

    But what makes it fall flat face on the ground is that the walking thing sucks. You have to press A in the Xbox 360 console to make the protagonist sprint. The cheat machine suck as well, making the game kinda boring based on the destruction you can make.
  7. RetroBlake
    Jul 8, 2011
    10
    Wow this is the first GTA game I played and I feel great for it. Soo It was such a great start for me, thought I never would play a mature game this one came over me and didn't feel that mature as I played it.
  8. Pascual
    Jun 27, 2011
    10
    Un juego fantástico, un mundo inmenso lleno de posibilidades, excelente jugabilidad y muchas muchas horas para llevarlo al 100%. El tamaño de la ciudad es impresionante, la cantidad de elementos interactivos es también de admirarse.
  9. raghav123
    Jun 23, 2011
    10
    I can understand why some people do not like this game. It is filled with flaws, which to some are disappointing, but the main reason it is such a great game because it rises above its problems to deliver such an incredible gaming experience that no other game at the time of this game's release could match.Even after 3 years in the market,this is the game to buy,even more so as you can getI can understand why some people do not like this game. It is filled with flaws, which to some are disappointing, but the main reason it is such a great game because it rises above its problems to deliver such an incredible gaming experience that no other game at the time of this game's release could match.Even after 3 years in the market,this is the game to buy,even more so as you can get it now in under 10 bucks.… Expand
  10. BoabDreeps
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    GTA 4 has, since it's release, represented the high water mark in this current generation of console games.
    GTA 3 prompted me to purchase a PS2, and GTA4 did a similar job in prompting me to purchase an XBOX 360. 3 years on and everything I've played since has always been measured up to my GTA 4 experience and few have even come close.
    My friend has an 8 year old son who loves his XBOX.    GTA 4 has, since it's release, represented the high water mark in this current generation of console games.
    GTA 3 prompted me to purchase a PS2, and GTA4 did a similar job in prompting me to purchase an XBOX 360. 3 years on and everything I've played since has always been measured up to my GTA 4 experience and few have even come close.
    My friend has an 8 year old son who loves his XBOX. Due to the adult rating, he can't play GTA 4 (although take a trip to the multiplayer element of the game and you will find that a lot of parents choose to ignore this rating). My heart bleeds for him. If I was 8 now, I would lose the plot if I was forced to wait another 10 years to play the game.

    I can't fault this game. Kinda played it to death now, so desperate for GTA5    … Expand
  11. MightyMole
    Jun 1, 2011
    8
    This game really shines when you mess around in the open world and wreak havoc. Unfortunately, the 60 hour story is decent, but tends to be very boring a predictable. The driving mechanics have also taken a step back from San Andreas, but at its core, the game succeeds at what makes a Grand Theft Auto game great.
  12. riouky
    May 29, 2011
    10
    THIS IS THE BEST GAME OF ALL TIME. this game is the best game of all time if you are looking for a reason to buy this game.STOP wasting your time and GO GET THE GAME NOW! The story is one of the best stories in gaming history, you slowly get to know your cousin and start making friends for Niko. After some progression in the game you start to love the characters and their beautifullyTHIS IS THE BEST GAME OF ALL TIME. this game is the best game of all time if you are looking for a reason to buy this game.STOP wasting your time and GO GET THE GAME NOW! The story is one of the best stories in gaming history, you slowly get to know your cousin and start making friends for Niko. After some progression in the game you start to love the characters and their beautifully created dialogs, you will love every single mission in the game, you will love the little details at every place in liberty city, you will love the side missions, you will love the dating missions, you will love to explore liberty city and just see how the pedestrians walk and talk over the phone or the fat cops that run past you chasing a thief. This game is one of those games you must play if you consider yourself a GAMER.… Expand
  13. Yliannos
    May 21, 2011
    6
    I can understand the metascore of 92 if you've played the game for an hour. Seriously, though, the game is self-repeating and more boring than San Andreas ever was. Technically, this is just a graphic and physics improvement of GTA with the expense of nothing to do but to ignore the phone calls from your "friends". The multiplayer started to bore me after a couple of hours, but the singleI can understand the metascore of 92 if you've played the game for an hour. Seriously, though, the game is self-repeating and more boring than San Andreas ever was. Technically, this is just a graphic and physics improvement of GTA with the expense of nothing to do but to ignore the phone calls from your "friends". The multiplayer started to bore me after a couple of hours, but the single player - the real core of GTA - was playable. If you're looking for a sandbox, GTA gives you a postal-sort of fun for 5 minutes. After which you realize there is nothing to do, little to no use for the money you earn from missions and in-game bowling and other games are as dull as they sound like. I can not understand people giving a full-priced game which only contains better graphics and physics a full 10, or even 9. Truth be told, GTA IV was successful solely because of the Rockstar's mastery of hype and the thirst for another Grand Theft Auto. Nothing more. The story of Niko Bellic is generic and the game itself isn't even close to 9/10. Fanboys aside, you'll enjoy the first playthrough but in the end it leaves you 50 bucks poorer and a bad taste in your mouth because of the praise from critics and GTA disciples alike.… Expand
  14. WhatsAmovie
    May 14, 2011
    8
    I wish i culd give this an 8.5, but i can't. This game does NOT deserve a 98. But it does deserve a really high score. Its a great game, dont get me wrong, but far from perfect. As far as graphics go, they are good but not jawdropping. The gunshots look nice and the screen blurs when your speeding (i always enjoy that) the facial animation looks outdated but you really won't be gettingI wish i culd give this an 8.5, but i can't. This game does NOT deserve a 98. But it does deserve a really high score. Its a great game, dont get me wrong, but far from perfect. As far as graphics go, they are good but not jawdropping. The gunshots look nice and the screen blurs when your speeding (i always enjoy that) the facial animation looks outdated but you really won't be getting into peoples faces alot so that doesn't really matter. Gameplay wise this game is the ultimate third person shooter and sandbox game. The gunplay works great you can lock onto enemies for an easy kill or switch to manual aim if you want a lil more of a challenge. The cover system is a gears of war style system but is far less responsive and useful. Alot of times you will find your character getting on the wrong wall or not getting on it at all which can cause you to get killed, which all you gta fans know will force you to restart because thats right, no checkpoints. The campaign shuld take you around 20-25 hours to complete. thats worth it in my opinion. The multiplayer is the real place were gta 4 shines. 16 player free roam is beautiful and the other game modes make it some of the best online on xbox. You can choose from types such as race, gta race, team deathmatch, free roam, and many others. This game is fun, dont get me wrong, but like i said it's far from perfect. if you want to see a perfect game check out my review for Red Dead Redemption (it's alot shorter). - Zev Frazer.… Expand
  15. CursedKnight187
    Apr 29, 2011
    10
    I don't understand how anyone who is a fan of this particular style of genre, or anyone who enjoys gaming occasionally, cannot like Grand Theft Auto IV. It gives you the freedom to do absolutely anything you want, and gives you the tools to do it. The missions are fun and interesting, the array of guns and cars to choose from is amazing, and the sheer size of the map is something I haveI don't understand how anyone who is a fan of this particular style of genre, or anyone who enjoys gaming occasionally, cannot like Grand Theft Auto IV. It gives you the freedom to do absolutely anything you want, and gives you the tools to do it. The missions are fun and interesting, the array of guns and cars to choose from is amazing, and the sheer size of the map is something I have never seen before. I cannot wait for the next Grand Theft Auto to come out.… Expand
  16. Funbumb
    Apr 27, 2011
    7
    Story mode is boring, stopped 30minutes in. Basicly you are driving people around town and then shooting a couple dudes and repeating the same garbage over and over. Free roam and Online play is the only way I found any entertainment. Online is a bit glitchy but runs smooth enough to enjoy. Game is worth buying, only $19.99 now.
  17. starmario123
    Apr 26, 2011
    10
    10/10 = Masterpiece = Don't even get me started. I'll just leave it as . . . MY FAVORITE VIDEO GAME OF ALL-TIME!!
  18. jb369
    Apr 22, 2011
    10
    It puzzles me as to how some people have given this game any lower than a 10. This is undoubtedly the best game of this generation, and perhaps of all time.
    It took a tried and tested open world formula, applying a realistic story and creating one of the most detailed citys ever to appear in any game, let alone open world games. The characters are amazing, from the rastafarian Jacob, to    It puzzles me as to how some people have given this game any lower than a 10. This is undoubtedly the best game of this generation, and perhaps of all time.
    It took a tried and tested open world formula, applying a realistic story and creating one of the most detailed citys ever to appear in any game, let alone open world games. The characters are amazing, from the rastafarian Jacob, to the fumbling Roman.
    I'll agree that it was a risky move to break away from what made San Andreas so great, but it was a risk that payed off on so many levels.    … Expand
  19. MikeyDub
    Apr 19, 2011
    7
    Not as good as San Andreas. Being stuck in the one city is dullsville, and it lacks the epic scale of its predecessors (where were the epic car chases jumping over huge obstacles?).
  20. kemikalmbalanz
    Apr 18, 2011
    8
    This game is definitely a good one, but it is definitely not my favorite GTA for the Xbox 360. My personal favorite Grand Theft Auto game for Xbox 360 is The Ballad of Gay Tony. There are more interesting, and more fun things to do in t.b.o.g.t. In t.b.o.g.t. you have several missions that involve flying helicopters, and sky-diving. In GTA 4 there are only like maybe a couple missions thatThis game is definitely a good one, but it is definitely not my favorite GTA for the Xbox 360. My personal favorite Grand Theft Auto game for Xbox 360 is The Ballad of Gay Tony. There are more interesting, and more fun things to do in t.b.o.g.t. In t.b.o.g.t. you have several missions that involve flying helicopters, and sky-diving. In GTA 4 there are only like maybe a couple missions that involve a helicopter, and no sky-diving in the game. My point is that GTA 4 is good, but I personally got bored of the same thing missionn after mission which is just shooting and killing several men. It gets old if you don't mix it up enough with other fun stuff. The Metacritic score is 98 saying it is the best game on the Xbox 360, but I would give it more like a 85 out of 100. Still great, but not my favorite Grand Theft Auto.… Expand
  21. MJaques
    Apr 11, 2011
    10
    Grand Theft Auto IV is most likely the pinnacle of action sandboxers this console has seen. And it may even remain as one, as GTA III did before it. The story is brilliant - it has multiple endings, and whether or not you realize it, your in-game actions impact it. The main missions vary more than previous series entries, and the side-missions also are far more enjoyable. And if your notGrand Theft Auto IV is most likely the pinnacle of action sandboxers this console has seen. And it may even remain as one, as GTA III did before it. The story is brilliant - it has multiple endings, and whether or not you realize it, your in-game actions impact it. The main missions vary more than previous series entries, and the side-missions also are far more enjoyable. And if your not one for story, the sandbox world is one of a kind. You can load up, throw money to a tramp, get a new jacket, pay for a heli-tour, hijack said heli-tour, and stand atop a building with a sniper. Or one of the hundreds of other opportunities Rocktars beautifully re-booted and re-imaged Liberty City has to offer. And go online, with two or more friends, or on your own. That's another world of it's own.… Expand
  22. Slate
    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.
  23. xxAntag0nisTxx
    Apr 4, 2011
    2
    I have always been a fan of the GTA series, from back in the day when I played on PC with the birds eye view. This was a classic series that was so revolutionary during the times of GTAIII and Vice City. Needless to say, my expectations for this game were very high!

    One thing I really noticed when played this game is that Rockstar have really gone for a grand storyline- and in turn the    I have always been a fan of the GTA series, from back in the day when I played on PC with the birds eye view. This was a classic series that was so revolutionary during the times of GTAIII and Vice City. Needless to say, my expectations for this game were very high!

    One thing I really noticed when played this game is that Rockstar have really gone for a grand storyline- and in turn the gameplay has suffered. The best thing about GTA was the over the top fun you could have, running riot in a city as a criminal figure. This city to me, whilst expansive and scenic, just seemed so bland and lifeless at the same time. There was just not much to do compared to other GTA games, and I felt myself just wanting to get through the missions as soon as I could. In the past, i would have spent countless hours just running pedestrians over for fun, doing the little fun side missions (which seemed lacklustre this time), buying property, starting fights with rival gangs (ala GTAIIi) and just being a general pest in the world Rockstar had created for me. This time- I felt no compulsion or need to do these things, and i put this down to the world just feeling too realistic. Bring back the gangs so i can go shoot up their hood!

    Video games are supposed to be fun Rockstar- go back to your roots!

    Anyway, many people will enjoy this game but it may be a game you hire instead, or wait until it hits the bargain bins. My personal opinion is that this game is the first GTA that i would not recommend buying!    … Expand
  24. Mr7Goat
    Mar 25, 2011
    10
    A very good game. The story line is good, the physics are good, the characters are well planned out and have very good voice acting, and the AI is almost perfect except there are some bugs and some ways to trick them. The multiplayer is also somewhat fun, I played hours on end on multiplayer alone.

    The game is worth the money.
  25. SinisterVortex
    Mar 13, 2011
    4
    I have never encountered a game so over hyped on Metacritic before. Okay, so this game has lots of content, but the quality is **** Bad graphics (lighting is most problematic), terrible voice acting (woe betide Jamaicans, I can't understand a single thing they say in this game), poor design (start a mission-get shot-die-start over-cycle repeats). You get my drift. Just because a game hasI have never encountered a game so over hyped on Metacritic before. Okay, so this game has lots of content, but the quality is **** Bad graphics (lighting is most problematic), terrible voice acting (woe betide Jamaicans, I can't understand a single thing they say in this game), poor design (start a mission-get shot-die-start over-cycle repeats). You get my drift. Just because a game has prostitutes in it does not warrant it to automatically have high reviews!… Expand
  26. Sceptic
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    GTA IV is an excellent game with a great story and characters.It still retains much of its originality,but in a much more mature way.It does have plenty of shortcomings,but not many will care.
  27. xLeTudex
    Mar 4, 2011
    9
    Grand Theft Auto IV is a great game, but its not perfect like some people make it out to be. Firstly there are many games that have much better visuals and character animations than GTA. Seriously, the people run and walk as though their knees are in a fixed position. There are also some issues with the gameplay as in some situations you find Niko running around in circles rather thanGrand Theft Auto IV is a great game, but its not perfect like some people make it out to be. Firstly there are many games that have much better visuals and character animations than GTA. Seriously, the people run and walk as though their knees are in a fixed position. There are also some issues with the gameplay as in some situations you find Niko running around in circles rather than doing what you pressed on you're controller. Other than that id say this game is perfect, excellent storyline, good soundtrack, and all you would expect from a rockstar game. I recommend it.… Expand
  28. jonaszm
    Feb 5, 2011
    8
    Great, great game but not ideal. Next time please again for tuning, barber and other "Sims" things. Graphic is OK, too (on 2008 year, of course). But I love NY and I like this game.
  29. flamingRooster7
    Jan 26, 2011
    10
    OK, oh my god, some people are saying this game is bad????? How!? Dude if you like this one the least, out of the other GTAs, then you don't know what a good game is. Great story. Great action. Great free-roam, what more could you want?!
  30. danp
    Jan 24, 2011
    10
    I would have given this game a 10/10 if it were not for the story line ending and the rest of the game left to meaningless missions. I was disapointed when the game (story line) ended because the game stats said the game was only 60% complete, leading me to believe that there was much more to the game left...The story line part of the game however was 10/10, very addictive and fun. GreatI would have given this game a 10/10 if it were not for the story line ending and the rest of the game left to meaningless missions. I was disapointed when the game (story line) ended because the game stats said the game was only 60% complete, leading me to believe that there was much more to the game left...The story line part of the game however was 10/10, very addictive and fun. Great graphics. One of the more enjoyable games I have ever played on xbox 360.… Expand
  31. TheChiefOfCOD
    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
  32. Snipestrifer
    Dec 11, 2010
    10
    I've never played a GTA game before, but htis blew me away. A very meaningful and movign story, a great lead character with one hilarious cousin, tie in a love interest and it make for one great game. The driving feels very nice and realistic, and the piles of extra things to do in Liberty City means you'll never get bored, whether it's hanging out with your friends or going for gold in aI've never played a GTA game before, but htis blew me away. A very meaningful and movign story, a great lead character with one hilarious cousin, tie in a love interest and it make for one great game. The driving feels very nice and realistic, and the piles of extra things to do in Liberty City means you'll never get bored, whether it's hanging out with your friends or going for gold in a street race its just pure fun. The gun-play is solid and the chase sequences between you and the police (Or you chasing after someone else) is exilherating. Mulltiplayer is incredibly fun with Liberty City being your batleground was one kick-ass idea, and the wide spread of game modes is awesome, and free-mode is very fun. This is a Must-Buy in my book. Buy this now, and if you hate this game then your either a paranoid parent or a sad little chiild who can't get any kills in multiplayer.… Expand
  33. epicmaster4
    Dec 4, 2010
    10
    Best game I know very epic when it comes to stunts and tipping cars or boats with the rpg which is shown in gta iv stunts 4 and the epic car chases just make me pee myself
  34. jhereko
    Nov 26, 2010
    6
    average. not the best gta by quite some way. how this is the best reviewd x360 game on metacritic ever I don't know. Not a disaster, has its moments, but still a very average game
  35. claychastain
    Nov 25, 2010
    8
    This game has a great story and is very fun to play through once or twice or just mess around with codes on and blow things up. That said, after you beat it you'll probably only play through it once more and even then you may never touch it again. The multiplayer is there, but it feels really disconnected, and literally, you're often disconnected. It's a good game, worthy of the franchise,This game has a great story and is very fun to play through once or twice or just mess around with codes on and blow things up. That said, after you beat it you'll probably only play through it once more and even then you may never touch it again. The multiplayer is there, but it feels really disconnected, and literally, you're often disconnected. It's a good game, worthy of the franchise, but it's not the best game ever.… Expand
  36. andyking24
    Nov 20, 2010
    10
    There not too much to say than this, Grand Theft Auto IV is with out a shadow of a doubt the greatest game ever created, played and experienced. Rockstar you have outdone yourselves. Graphics aren't the best the XBOX 360 can offer but thats a small price to pay when you get into this masterpeice of a game. Warning, though this is an outstanding game, for some the content may disgust, soThere not too much to say than this, Grand Theft Auto IV is with out a shadow of a doubt the greatest game ever created, played and experienced. Rockstar you have outdone yourselves. Graphics aren't the best the XBOX 360 can offer but thats a small price to pay when you get into this masterpeice of a game. Warning, though this is an outstanding game, for some the content may disgust, so here is my BBFC content warning, CONTAINS VERY STRONG LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT, STRONG BRUTAL BLOODY VIOLENCE AND VERY STRONG ADULT THEMES, DRUG ABUSE AND VERY FREQUENT AMOUNTS OF LAW BREAKING (which note makes this game what is is, TRULY AWESOME).… Expand
  37. gom123
    Nov 13, 2010
    10
    This game is fantastic it is better than every other sandbox game and all gta games that came before.
    This game has a great single player and multiplayer and all in one game ypu have to buy this it is one of the best games ever released
  38. rhe
    Oct 25, 2010
    5
    While this game has an excellently realised and altogether human protagonist, a brilliant cast of characters, some cutting edge graphical achievements with one of the best physics engines in gaming today and some stellar voice actors. The only reason I would buy GTA 4 is the insane amount of stuff that you can do outside of the missions and this is where it falls short because the truth isWhile this game has an excellently realised and altogether human protagonist, a brilliant cast of characters, some cutting edge graphical achievements with one of the best physics engines in gaming today and some stellar voice actors. The only reason I would buy GTA 4 is the insane amount of stuff that you can do outside of the missions and this is where it falls short because the truth is that I wanted this game to be as good as GTA: San Andreas if not better and when I popped GTA 4 into my 360 I couldn't help but get bored because there just isn't enough in GTA 4 outside of the missions to keep you busy and while some may say don't compare it to GTA: SA you really can't help it because you expect it to be better than its predecessor but even GTA: SA had more stuff to keep you busy outside of missions.… Expand
  39. Frostbite
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    GTA IV has to be one of the best of the games. It delivers a story of Niko, an illegal immigrant with a dark past who arrives in Liberty City (An extremely-detailed recreation of New York.) at the bottom of the food chain and takes up work with his cousin, Roman, and the local mobs. At the start of the game you'll be doing tedious, boring missions that are usually along the lines ofGTA IV has to be one of the best of the games. It delivers a story of Niko, an illegal immigrant with a dark past who arrives in Liberty City (An extremely-detailed recreation of New York.) at the bottom of the food chain and takes up work with his cousin, Roman, and the local mobs. At the start of the game you'll be doing tedious, boring missions that are usually along the lines of transporting someone or beating up some guy. But eventually the game hands you a gun and tells you to shoot the living f**k out of enemies in certain places, or chase after enemies AND THEN shoot the f**k out of them. While that might sound like it would get boring, it never does. The aiming system is great, and the cover system is even better. Plus, the game unlocks new areas for you as you play through the story. If you don't feel like playing through the story, that's okay, because the game features the classic GTA free-roaming that the series is known for. Tired of doing missions? That's cool, go grab yourself a shotgun and go a on a killing spree. Feeling like getting away from the cops? Go over and steal yourself a helicopter and fly into a non-unlocked area, you get an instant five-star wanted level. No matter what you do, this game will provide entertainment. Play this game.… Expand
  40. Forza182
    Oct 2, 2010
    6
    It lacks everything that San Andreas was and whenever they make a new GTA of course it has to live up the expectations of the last game. I feel like it went a step backwards. The city is dull and forgettable, Niko is boring, barely customizable and every other character is painfully plain. The DLC titles however, are amazing, instead of GTAIV, i would suggest buying the The Lost and DamnedIt lacks everything that San Andreas was and whenever they make a new GTA of course it has to live up the expectations of the last game. I feel like it went a step backwards. The city is dull and forgettable, Niko is boring, barely customizable and every other character is painfully plain. The DLC titles however, are amazing, instead of GTAIV, i would suggest buying the The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, as they define what a GTA game should be.. unique and a hell of a lot of fun.… Expand
  41. ArkonBlade
    Sep 27, 2010
    6
    3 steps foward now 3 steps back . thats the best way i can describe GTA4 . the series since GTA 3 for the PS2 was ground breaking and with GTA VC and GTA SA it was pushing foward . although by the time i got to playing GTA SA i felt the series growing alittle stale in its story mode . so when i heard Rockstar was gona try and make GTA4 abit more fresh in it story mode i couldnt wait to see3 steps foward now 3 steps back . thats the best way i can describe GTA4 . the series since GTA 3 for the PS2 was ground breaking and with GTA VC and GTA SA it was pushing foward . although by the time i got to playing GTA SA i felt the series growing alittle stale in its story mode . so when i heard Rockstar was gona try and make GTA4 abit more fresh in it story mode i couldnt wait to see what they where gona try . when i got the game and played it for awhile i was amazed how much they removed from this game . it felt like they stripped it down . all the new guns they where adding in the series are now back to the same gun selection as GTA3 . you are in the same city as GTA 3 and story just feels the same . you are just some guy who is trying to take over the city . most of the missions feel recycled . you have less vehicles in prevous GTA games . they finnaly started adding more flying vehicles in this game in GTA VC and GTA SA but now in GTA 4 we are down to just a helicopter. why are the going backwards? the new stuff they did add just didnt feel like it worked or belonged. like you can now make friends and can hang out with them which if you wana keep them happy you have to do. which for being a cut throat russian who is tryin to take over a city why the hell would you be doing that? The games graphics i thought looked pretty good not ground breaking but did its job. the online mode was ok had ALOT of different game modes to choose from . none of the game modes i felt are any thing long lasting but kept me entertained for a week or so . the most fun i had was the free roaming co op me and friends had alot of fun starting a war with the cops and seeing how long we could survive. though it makes you wish they had a story mode co op how cool could this game coulda been if you and 4 buddys coulda played through the story mode like that? i woulda probubly given this game atleast a 8 if it had that. the game as is i felt was just ok felt to recycled in the end and nothing new and exciting was really added to it . for a next gen GTA game i was really hoping they would try and redifine GTA . i dont know how this beat out Fall out 3 for GOTY. i hope rockstar does a better job with GTA5.… Expand
  42. Treima
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    After nearly eleven years of ups and downs, Rockstar has nailed it. This is the ultimate Grand Theft Auto experience, a powerhouse performance that will leave you clamoring for more, long after you've completed its story.
  43. Human
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    My first Grand Theft Auto game and, with that being said, I liked it. I don't think it's the best game ever but pretty enjoyable and will keep you busy for a while. The good: the story is excellent, Liberty City is huge, great music, and voice acting is excellent as well. The bad: no reason to explore LC, driving takes a while to get used to, the penalty for failure is very high, combat isMy first Grand Theft Auto game and, with that being said, I liked it. I don't think it's the best game ever but pretty enjoyable and will keep you busy for a while. The good: the story is excellent, Liberty City is huge, great music, and voice acting is excellent as well. The bad: no reason to explore LC, driving takes a while to get used to, the penalty for failure is very high, combat is meh, and I could never get multiplayer to work. All in all, I recommend a purchase for this. These days it's pretty cheap and you get a lot of bang for your buck and the story is worth experiencing.… Expand
  44. VengeanceUK
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    i held out on playing this game when it came out as i was sick of gta, but found a cheap copy so figured i would give it a go and it was better than i expected, but it is far from perfect. The cars handle poorly at best, the traffic can just get plain annoying and the ai can be very poor at times. Yet the story kept me intrigued and although linear the vast amounts of ways to play throughi held out on playing this game when it came out as i was sick of gta, but found a cheap copy so figured i would give it a go and it was better than i expected, but it is far from perfect. The cars handle poorly at best, the traffic can just get plain annoying and the ai can be very poor at times. Yet the story kept me intrigued and although linear the vast amounts of ways to play through the game is astonishing. MP can be quite hit and miss, but if you party up with a few friends just to mess about it can be hilarious.… Expand
  45. BeanyBean
    Sep 20, 2010
    5
    So boring. Unless I'm in a room full of people who have absolutely no desire to have a turn, and are encouraging me to hit that old lady with my firetruck, then it's hard for me to play this game for more than ten minutes.
  46. Comasi
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    Sure the shooting controls aren't perfect but overall the story and the missions make the game awesome. It's a well-crafted game. I completely agree with score it got.
  47. caitlinrb
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    it was a good game. the missions are great with lots of action. the cutscenes were also very good. you can hang out with friends, and between the missions their are lots of stuff to do. this is one of the best gta games.
  48. CoDFather
    Aug 14, 2010
    9
    The game isn't perfect, nothing is, but this rating by the CoDFather himself is really 9.8. The cheats are really good, the phone feature, the weapons, the storyline, all as realistic as any game ever was! Betrayal, friendship, drugs, blood, sex, money, all in the big city! What can be more realistic?! A game of the year by many companies including Gameinformer! The endless things you canThe game isn't perfect, nothing is, but this rating by the CoDFather himself is really 9.8. The cheats are really good, the phone feature, the weapons, the storyline, all as realistic as any game ever was! Betrayal, friendship, drugs, blood, sex, money, all in the big city! What can be more realistic?! A game of the year by many companies including Gameinformer! The endless things you can do, the endless lists of combinations and things to do with fun and time- wasting events. A game of the century!… Expand
  49. EricR.
    Feb 1, 2010
    7
    At the end of the day the game did a good job of keeping me entertained until its closure, but nothing about it made me go "wow" or "that should be in other games." I guess most notably the soundtrack was my favorite aspect, otherwise I'd just rent it.
  50. DickS.
    Jan 31, 2010
    5
    The single player is not grand theft auto. It should be renamed Normal Boring Life. The multilayer however is so outrageously funny that it would get a ten if it were a stand alone application.
  51. FlavioM
    Jan 16, 2010
    8
    The game is disappointing on the narrative level; Niko's nemesis is not really that, being always in the background; he's not an overshadowing presence, or something lurking in the closet, is a sleeping character without spine. On the gameplay level it's enjoyable and an upgrade on every level on the previous installments. Liberty City is impressive, but less memorable (and The game is disappointing on the narrative level; Niko's nemesis is not really that, being always in the background; he's not an overshadowing presence, or something lurking in the closet, is a sleeping character without spine. On the gameplay level it's enjoyable and an upgrade on every level on the previous installments. Liberty City is impressive, but less memorable (and so navigable) than the previouses cities. It is annoying to always rely on the GPS.… Expand
  52. TomasS.
    Jan 11, 2010
    9
    Brilliant game!
  53. jonathank
    Jan 2, 2010
    9
    This game really has brought GTA to its finest. Although I would prefer San Andreas over this, GTA 4 is a ery good game as it is. THe graphics are very nice, as good as they can get. The driving has improved alot compared to the previous GTA gaes, and even though there might not be a lot to do in the game( ex. go to the gym, pimp your car), they made up for it by making the game feel very This game really has brought GTA to its finest. Although I would prefer San Andreas over this, GTA 4 is a ery good game as it is. THe graphics are very nice, as good as they can get. The driving has improved alot compared to the previous GTA gaes, and even though there might not be a lot to do in the game( ex. go to the gym, pimp your car), they made up for it by making the game feel very HQ. And to conclude my review, something for the people that are saying thre isnt anything to do in this game: quality over quantity. Overall, GTA 4 is really enjoyable, with all the cars and the multiplayer, although i think they could have removed some of the most unused things( the ATMs, other little things) to add one thing that everyone liked in san andreas: car pimping, baby!… Expand
  54. crg
    Jan 2, 2010
    7
    Great set piece & immersive world & incredible attention to detail. Excellent story telling & voice acting... but compared to SA its was not as much fun. The mission design was so repetitive, that I wasn't able to play more then a few missions within one session. Beside of that, the game was too easy. And the final mission(s) didn't feel final at all.. I thought Rockstar is Great set piece & immersive world & incredible attention to detail. Excellent story telling & voice acting... but compared to SA its was not as much fun. The mission design was so repetitive, that I wasn't able to play more then a few missions within one session. Beside of that, the game was too easy. And the final mission(s) didn't feel final at all.. I thought Rockstar is trying to fuck with me, when I saw the credits roll ... IMO overrated.… Expand
  55. RenisH
    Dec 31, 2009
    8
    While this game has some excelent graphics, a deeply involving story that makes the main protagonist feel truly human, a brilliant physics system and other main characters that sometimes feel more human than actual video game characters. I really did feel that they cut out too many things that were in GTA:SA and i came out sworly disappointed because the actual sandbox aspect of the game While this game has some excelent graphics, a deeply involving story that makes the main protagonist feel truly human, a brilliant physics system and other main characters that sometimes feel more human than actual video game characters. I really did feel that they cut out too many things that were in GTA:SA and i came out sworly disappointed because the actual sandbox aspect of the game actually began to become very tedious because of the wow factor that GTA:SA had and i basically came expecting the same from this game and its very unfortunate to find that it's been stripped down this much.… Expand
  56. RyanC
    Dec 28, 2009
    9
    A great game with a few technical issues that piss me off every now and then. It's not as over the top as previous GTA installments, but it took a more life like approach to the series.
  57. dingd
    Dec 27, 2009
    0
    The game is just downright terrible and doesn't deserve any praise from critics. The controls are clunky, driving a car feels like driving a log. Walking around should not be so clumsy and stiff. A story involving the city's top criminals would be great yes? Nope, it's surprisingly bland. There aren't as many funny scenes and parodies as in the previous games. The The game is just downright terrible and doesn't deserve any praise from critics. The controls are clunky, driving a car feels like driving a log. Walking around should not be so clumsy and stiff. A story involving the city's top criminals would be great yes? Nope, it's surprisingly bland. There aren't as many funny scenes and parodies as in the previous games. The missions don't have any checkpoints and it's easy to screw up for some stupid reason, like going through a wall thanks to a glitch or the stupid AI falling off a tall building and died. The game focuses more on trying to be gritty and realistic but instead turns out awkward and unenjoyable. It's really not a fine game. Heck I know many gamers like myself and they all think pretty much the same thing.… Expand
  58. JamesS
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    This was my first ever grand theft auto experience, so I did not know what to expect , and after finishing the game, I regret not picking up any of the eariler editions. This is the best experience I have ever had with a video game, period. Every mission feels fresh and new (thats saying a lot, considering there is about 100 of them), the interactions between the original and wacky This was my first ever grand theft auto experience, so I did not know what to expect , and after finishing the game, I regret not picking up any of the eariler editions. This is the best experience I have ever had with a video game, period. Every mission feels fresh and new (thats saying a lot, considering there is about 100 of them), the interactions between the original and wacky characters are timeless (even if they are vulgar), I found myself sad when one of the characters died, not because I was sympathetic to them, but because I would never see any of their hiliarious with niko ever again, the story is very well told, with a slow build-up, (but gets very rewarding when the pace picks up, which is only about a couple hours into the game), that ends with a satisfying conclusion, and plenty of unexpected plot twists in-between, the world of liberty city is a great satire of new york city, that feels very much alive, but at the same time, just put a smile on your face with the light mood rockstar had built around the city (for example, the statute of happiness is always a joy to visit), the combat is fun, which is helped by the variaty of the levels, the explosivness of the later levels, and the unrellenting but stupitdity of the cops. The vehicle mechanics are awsome because they are so arcady when the rest of the world seems to be in a driving simulator, it is a strange combo that works very well, as it is fun to run over people and use your car to smash into other cars, espcially during the fast and furious car chases, and I never lauged so hard when my brother got onto a bike and started crashing all over the places running from the cops. The graphics are gorgious, espcially seeing liberty city during the night when all the lights light up. There is also so much to do, while shooting all those pigons may only be for the seriously dedicated (although there is a site ingame that will tell you where those are), all the other things you can do in liberty city are just increadable, from going to see a show by the real life ricky gervais and katt williams, to going to strip clubs, to just shooting down cops, there is plenty to do other than the main quest, which is an astonishing 30-40 hours, which is nothing to sneeze at at all. Best of all, it comes together in such a complete package (with no bugs or glitches, unless the glitches make the game more fun, like the vehicle-swingset glitch, I might add), that it almost feels overwhelming. Without a doubt the most memorable and complete gaming experience I have ever had. I almost wanted to cry when it was over, and then I realised that the game had a rediculusly wacky and insane multiplayer :). Good job Rockstar! Keep up the good work, you deserved that 98, if not higher. I know what I want for christmas (the episodic pack, which I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me with the two expansions)… Expand
  59. StevenS
    Dec 10, 2009
    9
    It does everything a sandbox game should, and its got a great multiplayer. Don't listen to the people who give it low scores. Its one of the best sandbox games ever made.
  60. AndyK
    Nov 29, 2009
    10
    If I could give this game more than 10 I would. The best Grand Theft Auto ever made cut.
  61. RowanS
    Nov 28, 2009
    10
    I keep seeing people say that San Andreas is better then this game. All I have to say is "All you had to do was follow the damn train CJ!"
  62. MattE
    Nov 27, 2009
    2
    This game is redundant in the worst way. It's just a repeat of previous versions. It's incredibly repetitive and I completely lost interest 3 hours into the game. Absolutely doesn't deserve your money!
  63. SimonA
    Nov 25, 2009
    6
    It's a pretty good game but it's the most overrated game ever. The graphics are nice but the feel in the game aren't as good as it was in San Andreas or Vice City. I sometimes play San Andreas and just drive around having fun. I have no desire to do that after i'm finished with the story in Gta IV. The special effects and the story is good but it's nothing fun to It's a pretty good game but it's the most overrated game ever. The graphics are nice but the feel in the game aren't as good as it was in San Andreas or Vice City. I sometimes play San Andreas and just drive around having fun. I have no desire to do that after i'm finished with the story in Gta IV. The special effects and the story is good but it's nothing fun to do besides the story (Killing pigeons for the hell of it isn't my idea of fun).… Expand
  64. GregC
    Nov 21, 2009
    4
    I was very disappointed. I have played all the other GTA games and this was the worst. First when I installed it I had to create 3 accounts just to play the thing. Second the turn radius is poor the driving is totally unrealistic. Even if you get the worst car the turn radius should not be that bad. Unfortunately this is not just my opinion because a large number of us in the game lab all I was very disappointed. I have played all the other GTA games and this was the worst. First when I installed it I had to create 3 accounts just to play the thing. Second the turn radius is poor the driving is totally unrealistic. Even if you get the worst car the turn radius should not be that bad. Unfortunately this is not just my opinion because a large number of us in the game lab all had the same thoughts. Questing should be left to RPG type games. GTA is a drive down the sidewalk with the FBI chasing you game. Sorry it… Expand
  65. LukeD
    Nov 2, 2009
    7
    The game is great at first, in fact its amazing at first but then you discover you cant do some of the things you can do in San Andreas, which made me angry. you can't fly planes; do-up your cars; pump weights; get fat; get hair cut and more. I don;t know why they didnt include these so I'm giving it a fair 7, a vey fair 7
  66. NikoBellic
    Nov 1, 2009
    8
    I like Saints Row 2 better, but that aside, this is a phenominal game. The graphics rule. I think there are too many songs, so it's hard to decide what radio stations to play, so I just turn to a talk show station. I can't tell if the voice acting is good or bad because everyone has an accent. Online is fun, though it feels like a senseless game of gun-tag usually, but the rules I like Saints Row 2 better, but that aside, this is a phenominal game. The graphics rule. I think there are too many songs, so it's hard to decide what radio stations to play, so I just turn to a talk show station. I can't tell if the voice acting is good or bad because everyone has an accent. Online is fun, though it feels like a senseless game of gun-tag usually, but the rules are impressively flexible. All your clothes look boring and the story isn't deep. The missions are fun, but the game's biggest problem is that you have to be friendly with everyone. Ignore them enough and you would have to do jobs to steadily regain their love. For example, Brucie doesn't like me anymore, all because I just wanted to progress with the story, so now I have to do a bunch of races to win him back, and I SUCK at racing!! Cars steer as realistically as in Grand Turismo, so don't expect it to be easy. The diolaugue is overly profane, so I always have to mute the TV if grandma is in the house. Its second biggest flaw is that Liberty City is just too big. It talkes like half an hour to get to every mission. Dispite all my complaints, it's still a fun game. Check it out if its average score of 9.8 hasn't provoked you to do so yet.… Expand
  67. alexa
    Nov 1, 2009
    10
    this is the best game ive played for 2 years i would recon it for anyone because out of the entire series this one is the best by far the story the characters the vehicles and even the phone rockstar did very good on this game the diserve a round of applause
  68. TN
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    Best game ever ffs. Hate theese kids that are addicted to the Sims and WoW and can't appreciate a good game. "I like to fly around in Jetpacks" well come on! What the fuck!
    Does anyone remember GTA1? That rocked and now you want a tamagoochi?

    Get real, n00bs
  69. PhillipK.
    Oct 12, 2009
    10
    I can honestly write page after page of why GTA 4 is the best game every but let me save you the time and say that THIS IS THE BEST GAME TO HIT THE GAMING MARKET SINCE HALO 3 OR GEARS OF WAR! Without a doubt everybody(over the age of 17) should give this game a try. Many people say it sucks and its not worth playing... well they can go f*** themselves. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING READINGI can honestly write page after page of why GTA 4 is the best game every but let me save you the time and say that THIS IS THE BEST GAME TO HIT THE GAMING MARKET SINCE HALO 3 OR GEARS OF WAR! Without a doubt everybody(over the age of 17) should give this game a try. Many people say it sucks and its not worth playing... well they can go f*** themselves. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING READING THE REST OF MY REVIEW YOU SHOULD MOVE YOUR A** AND GET YOUR COPY OF GTA 4 RIGHT F***ING NOW!… Expand
  70. waxdeluxe
    Oct 11, 2009
    5
    The most overrated game in history. Yes the city is impressive, but that dont´t cut it for me. The story? No, I dont care about Nico, why should I? Actually the extra downloadable content is more interesting. To bad that PS3 owners wont get to play these.
    Its not a bad game, but it aint a must. Sorry.
  71. TheoT
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    Superb game. The story is magnificently put together and is a crime epic akin to a Scorsese classic. The story and setting are mature and sophisticated, with the undertone of R* humour and satire still very prevalent. These come together to make a wonderfully crafted game. So what if you can't do some of the inane things you could do in San Andreas or Saint's Row (1 & 2)? This Superb game. The story is magnificently put together and is a crime epic akin to a Scorsese classic. The story and setting are mature and sophisticated, with the undertone of R* humour and satire still very prevalent. These come together to make a wonderfully crafted game. So what if you can't do some of the inane things you could do in San Andreas or Saint's Row (1 & 2)? This game is for a gamer who wants to play an adult game with an adult mindset. Top notch. Contender for game of the decade.… Expand
  72. PatrickP
    Oct 3, 2009
    8
    Though I believe this game to be highly overrated, it's still a fantastic technological achievement by Rockstar. I feel that the game is diving a little too far into the deep end, with too many worthless mini games and diversions. A more streamlined experience would be more appreciated, honestly. The base gameplay is great: All the developers need to do is channel it.
  73. AdamB.
    Sep 2, 2009
    7
    I fail to understand how this game could score a perfect 10, much less a higher score than the much more enjoyable Saints Row 2. The graphics are bland, the characters are forgettable, there's not much customization, and the missions are the standard "pizza delivery" fare the series is known for. On the plus side the multiplayer is pretty fun.
  74. /b/rotherasdqwerty
    Aug 31, 2009
    0
    This game is really lame, the hotdog stands make the game unstandable, they really ruin the game in general. Also the cars look unrealistic because they have wheels. Real cars dont have wheels -_-

    This game is really bad because it lacks of many things as i stated above...

    So im giving it 0/10
  75. ChrisLudwick
    Aug 25, 2009
    2
    I had some fun playing it but its just not the same as the other ones,it doesnt feel like a GTA game.trust me im no GTA hater i loved san andreas and vice city but this one never really made me like have to beat it...hopefully the next one will be better
  76. StuY
    Aug 17, 2009
    3
    After hearing so much about the game, i decided to borrow it from a friend. I played through 10 or 20 mission before i was sick of listening to my cousin talk about nothing. "Hey want to go bowling". "Hey, drive me hear. Take me there." i like GTA 3 where you get the mission and nobody says anything.
  77. JacobM
    Aug 17, 2009
    9
    It's an entertaining game that can keep me occupied for a few hours. However, most of the missions are similar to one another, and to the missions in previous games. The camera is sometime hard to control and will give you a weird viewpoint, especially when driving. The graphics are not top notch either. Even though this game has some problems and is repetitive, it will keep youIt's an entertaining game that can keep me occupied for a few hours. However, most of the missions are similar to one another, and to the missions in previous games. The camera is sometime hard to control and will give you a weird viewpoint, especially when driving. The graphics are not top notch either. Even though this game has some problems and is repetitive, it will keep you playing for a while, because the story is pretty long.… Expand
  78. ChrisS
    Aug 6, 2009
    9
    A typical complaint about GTA4 is the lack of features that were present in San Andreas: haircuts, greater variety of clothes, more safehouses, car customization, and so on. But come on people, GTA was never supposed to be The Sims...this is an action game! Instead of a hollow (but funny) character like CJ who the player could "pimp out" through various means, Rockstar has filled its A typical complaint about GTA4 is the lack of features that were present in San Andreas: haircuts, greater variety of clothes, more safehouses, car customization, and so on. But come on people, GTA was never supposed to be The Sims...this is an action game! Instead of a hollow (but funny) character like CJ who the player could "pimp out" through various means, Rockstar has filled its beautiful gameworld with likable, believable characters. Sure there's no busting into Area 69 or blowing up a government cargo plane and then skydiving out...but there is still plenty of freedom and fun to be had in Liberty City's sandbox world. GTA has grown up. This was inevitably going to disappoint some gamers, but in my opinion it is a welcome change. The depth of the characters and world finds me going on fewer killing sprees and often running from police rather than slaying them, and to be honest, there's something awesomely revolutionary and superior about a GTA world full of characters I want to keep around. (Its still fun to push them in the water though).… Expand
  79. EricS
    Aug 2, 2009
    8
    This game was a very well done game. The driving was realistic which is probably why everyone hated it but thats life. The glitches were aplenty but no one could forget the swingset glitch or the skydiving glitch. The contols were sketchy and that costed this rating a whole point and the repetitive missions plus the fail-and-do-it-ALL-over-again also costed this rating a point but the This game was a very well done game. The driving was realistic which is probably why everyone hated it but thats life. The glitches were aplenty but no one could forget the swingset glitch or the skydiving glitch. The contols were sketchy and that costed this rating a whole point and the repetitive missions plus the fail-and-do-it-ALL-over-again also costed this rating a point but the graphics, funny characters, GREAT story, and diverse world with its internet and advertisments galore made the grand theft auto series what it is today.… Expand
  80. IIIIIIIIIIIIIssssss
    Jul 31, 2009
    7
    This game was good but nowhere near as fun as GTA San Andreas. The story and graphics were good but after the main missions are complete this game is borning. There are not enough rewards, not enogh variety in weaponairy or vehicles. Where is the Hunter(Military Helicopter) Rhino(Tank) or (Hydra) Fighter Jet. Where are gang wars or Hot Ring Racing. Too realistic reccommended only forThis game was good but nowhere near as fun as GTA San Andreas. The story and graphics were good but after the main missions are complete this game is borning. There are not enough rewards, not enogh variety in weaponairy or vehicles. Where is the Hunter(Military Helicopter) Rhino(Tank) or (Hydra) Fighter Jet. Where are gang wars or Hot Ring Racing. Too realistic reccommended only for rental. The critics have overrated the game.… Expand
  81. VicM
    Jul 26, 2009
    5
    GTA IV is a very well done game, some of the missions being excellent, others being repetitive (go there, kill some people and come back). The story is good, but not the best GTA story. Why so many features left out of the game? Why so many things that were expected, hinted, highly wanted and even written about in magazine articles not in? GTA IV is a game which could have been an GTA IV is a very well done game, some of the missions being excellent, others being repetitive (go there, kill some people and come back). The story is good, but not the best GTA story. Why so many features left out of the game? Why so many things that were expected, hinted, highly wanted and even written about in magazine articles not in? GTA IV is a game which could have been an absolute block buster, that had a real chance of being BEST GAME EVER, but it is a flawed game, which is undecided as to it's approach- realism or fun?… Expand
  82. PeteW
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    When I first played this game at a friends house, I hated it. The controls seemed different and nothing really stood out. Rather than buy it I borrowed it off said friend and I'm so glad I did. It's absolutely awesome. The graphics are much improved for the HD generation, especially the game's capacity to render large distances. The controls are much improved on When I first played this game at a friends house, I hated it. The controls seemed different and nothing really stood out. Rather than buy it I borrowed it off said friend and I'm so glad I did. It's absolutely awesome. The graphics are much improved for the HD generation, especially the game's capacity to render large distances. The controls are much improved on foot(finally, move and aim!) and after playing it for a few days the driving is by far superior, more responsive and more relative to the the type of car being driven. The only exception to this is the bike controls which not quite realistic and are too hard to control. The size of the map is perfect, as in my opinion San Andreas was just too big, and it could become very tedious just moving between missions in the latter stages. The replay feature and the taxi skip-to-destination feature are excellent additions for those of us who don't have 12 hours a day to play games. The story is the best since Vice City especially with the addition of "decisions" and I can't wait to download the add-on "The Lost and The Damned". Rockstar scores big And for those of you who are too blinded being "Gangsta" in the last instalment and giving this game a low score, you need to broaden your horizons.… Expand
  83. michaels
    Jul 11, 2009
    7
    I have read a few comments, from gamers who love this game and it sound like they are the ones who designed it, trying to justify it's brilliants! I have not got HD so maybe i have missed out on that side of it, but i loved the last couple on playstation2 and i loved it for the game play, the graphics have alweays been cool! I wanted to enjoy what vice city and san andreas gave me, I have read a few comments, from gamers who love this game and it sound like they are the ones who designed it, trying to justify it's brilliants! I have not got HD so maybe i have missed out on that side of it, but i loved the last couple on playstation2 and i loved it for the game play, the graphics have alweays been cool! I wanted to enjoy what vice city and san andreas gave me, FUN, but trying to open taxi doors getting a lift was painful, why have the same button too steal as to get to a destination, plenty of other buttons to choice from! Also no animals or kids, is it unethical to have them in the game, does killing only adults push the boundaries far enough, is it not fun escaping reality for a few hours here and there to kill what you can, please explain!!!! No casino's or betting places really ruined it for me, is was a good way to get easy money, but i guess why need money when you can't buy houses only limited clothing and food and hookers, need more! Why can't you rob a bank or steal armoured cars to get money, it would be fun! As much as i love blowing things up, i love building things, can't you have more buying of properties and buying things for the houses, and having more clothes to choose from! Not just safe houses, but places you can design mostly yourself and want to spend time there not just for changing clothes or saving, but to bring friends you meet or chicks who you score with back there to party or to swim, or to play pool, anything! I really do hope gta5 if there is going to be one, brings all the best things from all the gta games into it, not just pushing out a really unfinshed game with good graphics, because i would rather gameplay over graphics anyday! Gta 4 should have made san andreas look bad, but it was just unfinished, i think due to deadlines! I beg the designers to read what people want not just do there own creations because they didn't seem to work there magic this time as they did in Gta san andreas which was orgasmic gameplay! I really think gta 4 was rushed so the designer can get to gta 5, i hope so! If the designer read this and they need some fresh ideas, i have plenty, i will give my email and will work for free, i just want goood gameplay!… Expand
  84. RickyF
    Jul 5, 2009
    2
    What the hell are the critics thinking?!? This game is just terrible in comparison to San Andreas. The 2 is only for the graphics. The missions suck. The gameplay sucks. This game sucks. Hopefully the series will improve, otherwise GTA will sink as a franchise.
  85. SteveJ.
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    I'm not just ranting about how great this game is. I just wish that every person who loves the mindless violence of the others would stop posing those horrendous 0's. This game is definetly a classic experience. If the difficulty is too hard, you shouldn't be playing video games. What I loved about this game the most was the differing situations every time. If I failed a I'm not just ranting about how great this game is. I just wish that every person who loves the mindless violence of the others would stop posing those horrendous 0's. This game is definetly a classic experience. If the difficulty is too hard, you shouldn't be playing video games. What I loved about this game the most was the differing situations every time. If I failed a mission, I strategized and looked for say, an alleyway which I could sneak into if the combat got too intense. A different experience every time makes this game one of the most original of all time.… Expand
  86. Dalek
    Jun 17, 2009
    8
    (Ok, sorry about my bad review.) The game seems to be running better this time. Anyway, GTA 4 may run like a piece of sh** at first all laggy n' buggy and crashes etc. But it runs ok after a while. If it lags and you want it smooth then get everything lowest, the graphics aren't to bad on low. It's pretty fun and a whole bunch of missions to do, and also if you aren't (Ok, sorry about my bad review.) The game seems to be running better this time. Anyway, GTA 4 may run like a piece of sh** at first all laggy n' buggy and crashes etc. But it runs ok after a while. If it lags and you want it smooth then get everything lowest, the graphics aren't to bad on low. It's pretty fun and a whole bunch of missions to do, and also if you aren't doing so well on single player cause of bugs n' crashes, Then try multiplayer. It is VERY fun, you can do deathmatch, Race, Mafia Work, n' all sorts, You need an Msn account for Windows live which sucks! Its fun, the graphics are great, although this game needs a few more patches. Also every NPC has ragdoll physics and they made the game more physical and realistic.… Expand
  87. JoshuaF
    Jun 16, 2009
    5
    Everything about this game was good except for the constant running around looking for health and body armor, lack of weapons, vehicle variety, easy death. It's almost impossible to go from mission to mission without having to stop and buy body armor. And most missions will be nearly impossible to complete without it. It seems like they spent so much time trying to get the game to Everything about this game was good except for the constant running around looking for health and body armor, lack of weapons, vehicle variety, easy death. It's almost impossible to go from mission to mission without having to stop and buy body armor. And most missions will be nearly impossible to complete without it. It seems like they spent so much time trying to get the game to look pretty and forgot what GTA3 and San Andreas were like. I enjoyed Crackdown more then this game that's why I traded GTA4 in and kept Crackdown.… Expand
  88. Jon
    Jun 9, 2009
    6
    Excellent fun when just blowing stuff up; not so fun when your doing missions. Some of them (like "Three Leaf Clover") are excellent, but many of them are repeatative "go whack this guy" type stuff. Multiplayer over Live was an utter disappointment. It pretty much sucked. Overall, a good game but you may get board of it over the many hours you'll put into it.
  89. Johnandrew
    Jun 3, 2009
    10
    For those who liked san andreas better than this....well...they definitely need a brain upgrade or sumfin. it definitely is the best gta to date and graphics are great for the first time. thanks to the realism saints row 2 looked like a sucker in deciding to compete with gta.
  90. strebsb
    May 30, 2009
    4
    Style over substance methinks, missions become repetitive, not much else to do in the admittedly beautiful world. recommended for rental, i enjoyed saints row 2 more than this. what a disappointment, san andreas was awesome!
  91. AdamW
    May 21, 2009
    7
    The storyline was extremely fun to play (apart from the bike chase because of the rubbish control when driving a bike) but after I had completed the game I had no reason to play it again. The side missions are boring and repetitive and the multiplayer is very dull with no skill involved at all.
  92. Kim
    May 18, 2009
    6
    I wanted to love GTA IV, I did. The controls were a bit unfortunate, the friend system is the most annoying game feature since Otis the janitor in Dead Rising, and all of my favourite parts of the GTA series (especially San Andreas) have seemingly run away to elope with Saints Row 2.
  93. AaronS
    May 12, 2009
    7
    This is one of those games you can have fun just running around randomly. I love games that are still fun even if you aren't in the mood for getting into a "mission". This is thanks to the physics and animations that make the world really interactive. The missions aren't terribly frustrating, and the ability to easily restart the mission if it's failed is nice as well. I This is one of those games you can have fun just running around randomly. I love games that are still fun even if you aren't in the mood for getting into a "mission". This is thanks to the physics and animations that make the world really interactive. The missions aren't terribly frustrating, and the ability to easily restart the mission if it's failed is nice as well. I would have given it a higher score if it weren't for the frustrating Microsoft Live integration, that can cause your save games to be orphaned on a different account whenever you decide to switch from an offline account to an online account. It is also frustratingly difficult to get into an online game due to having to start a single player game before you can access the ingame "phone" to start multiplayer. Multiplayer can be quite fun, but I rarely am in the mood to deal with trying to get into it.… Expand
  94. TerrenceK
    May 2, 2009
    6
    If you have already played a 3d GTA game, you will probably agree with me that this game is more of a step backwards than a step forwards. In terms of what it adds to the series, there are better graphics and multilayer mode (finally!). However the new combat system takes away from the multiplayer aspect (not that the old system would have been better). Compared to games like the COD If you have already played a 3d GTA game, you will probably agree with me that this game is more of a step backwards than a step forwards. In terms of what it adds to the series, there are better graphics and multilayer mode (finally!). However the new combat system takes away from the multiplayer aspect (not that the old system would have been better). Compared to games like the COD series the controls are too awkward and low intensity for multiplayer to be very interesting. Even RE5 has better controls, and basically all it does is give you a laser sight to see where you are shooting. I have always believed that graphics are not a big deal and developers spend too much on something that is not really going to make the game more fun. This being said, one must consider all the things that were lost from GTA Sand Andreas. The selection of weapons has been greatly reduced. All the RPG elements were removed (like getting stronger by working out, getting more driving/shooting skill etc) The selection of vehicle types has been reduced (no RC bombers with real weapons, jetpacks, tanks etc) To me the game was just a huge disappointment. If youve never played GTA before you probably will be impressed. But if you have you will probably see this as a rehash of the first 3d grand theft auto with slightly better graphics.… Expand
  95. jreb
    Apr 29, 2009
    9
    From start to finish GTA IV is an absolutely beautiful and engaging game. Rockstar has once again done the seemingly impossible by creating a GTA game that lives up to all the hype. The one problem I have with the game is the lack of mission variety. Its a shame that most missions just come down to the same limited structure; which involves going somewhere and shooting a bunch of people down.
  96. MikeD
    Apr 25, 2009
    8
    This game is not even close to the best game on earth....it is very fun in the beginning and then it gets very, very bad. I've noticed that when I am online stuff is different for my buddies and it has horrible lag. My friends will float and sometimes cars will not be in the same spots for them. The multiplayer mode is by far one of the worse I have ever played. Other than that, theThis game is not even close to the best game on earth....it is very fun in the beginning and then it gets very, very bad. I've noticed that when I am online stuff is different for my buddies and it has horrible lag. My friends will float and sometimes cars will not be in the same spots for them. The multiplayer mode is by far one of the worse I have ever played. Other than that, the only other flaw is the physics, couldn't they have just used ragdolls? I can't have any fun when I stand on top of cars or anything cause you just fall! And your guy always stumbles around like a dunderhead. But, besides that the singleplayer campaign is amazing! The story is very well told and it couldn't get any better. The graphics are also eye bewildering, from the cars to the buildings and to the water it looks life-like. If you want a game with a good singleplayer and great graphics please buy this game. But if you want a fun combination of singleplayer and multiplayer with ok graphics, buy Saints Row 2.… Expand
  97. montedoucette
    Mar 26, 2009
    7
    Truthfully its a big upset to any one expecting to build a character like they had showed in Gta 4 good real voices it was interesting you should really have alot more custom things in games now a days this was way over rated and if you need help on the next one call me id be glad i know what truw gamers want
  98. Mike
    Mar 21, 2009
    2
    I was pretty disappointed with this game. Graphics are very nice, although the filter washes everything out to where I can't really appreciate them. Music was subpar compared to previous titles although that could be my disdain for modern music, but they should have at least had an oldies station. The new driving system didn't really bother me with it's added realistic I was pretty disappointed with this game. Graphics are very nice, although the filter washes everything out to where I can't really appreciate them. Music was subpar compared to previous titles although that could be my disdain for modern music, but they should have at least had an oldies station. The new driving system didn't really bother me with it's added realistic physics, it did require a greater degree of skill than previous titles but I found I was able to get it down after a while. The gun play was awkward with an inability to manually target enemies well, although I did like the cover system. I guess the bulk of my disappointment was with the story, which I found lackluster, and the actual "fun" of the game. Realism is something I don't want to see in GTA games, they have always been "arcadey" and campy. To take out all the fun little details that have made past games so engaging is the height of stupidity as I see it. I bought this game right after it came out and I got to the end of the game and lost my desire to even finish it, it sits on my shelf collecting dust. I give this game -200 pigeons.… Expand
  99. JohnH
    Mar 19, 2009
    4
    A tremendous disappointment, and a huge shame on all of the critics who bloviated so about this weak departure from what has been the wittiest and funnest video game series. Where's the wit and humor that vice city delivered on every radio station? WHere's the fun in the missions? All of the missions are chase somebody down and kill them. Period. All of the praise for this game A tremendous disappointment, and a huge shame on all of the critics who bloviated so about this weak departure from what has been the wittiest and funnest video game series. Where's the wit and humor that vice city delivered on every radio station? WHere's the fun in the missions? All of the missions are chase somebody down and kill them. Period. All of the praise for this game must be for it's improved realism, but that's where I'm sure rockstar has gone wrong. You've sacrificed all of the fun for a realistic NYC from the time of it's most blandest. Congratulations at boring me to tears for my $35. I would go back to San Andreas in a heart beat.… Expand
  100. SuleimanM.
    Mar 15, 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.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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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. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    100
    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]
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  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. IGN
    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.
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