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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MasJ.
    Jun 28, 2008
    0
    This game has poor graphics for a XBOX360 game and poor taste. It appeals to little teenagers though.
  2. JasonBT
    Jun 26, 2008
    9
    Highly overrated game. Don't get me wrong, i extremely enjoyed this game, definitely one of the best on the 360, but the reviews are EXTREMELY overrated. First off, the gameplay is fun, but incredibly repetitive. Basically, every mission has you calling a guy, or getting summoned to your "employers" home/base to watch a short but always entertaining cutscene that explains your Highly overrated game. Don't get me wrong, i extremely enjoyed this game, definitely one of the best on the 360, but the reviews are EXTREMELY overrated. First off, the gameplay is fun, but incredibly repetitive. Basically, every mission has you calling a guy, or getting summoned to your "employers" home/base to watch a short but always entertaining cutscene that explains your mission. then you drive to your destination and complete your task. Steal a car, assassinate someone, deliver drugs, etc. After you are done, you get your pay. While it is fun, it gets old doing it literally dozens of times. Because that is all the game has you doing over and over. Now before GTA fanatics flame me, i know there are many other things you can do. Exploring the city by just driving is great on its own, plus doing many other side stories, dating, going out with friends, whatever. But the gameplay is what matters most, and for me, its too redundant. There are the occasional missions with little innovative twists to the game (hopping on the back of a truck, getting ambushed by gangs/cops, deciding on who to kill when both people hired you to kill each other) but they are not enough to make the game feel fresh. that's my only problem with the game preventing me, like most other usual critics, from giving GTAIV a perfect score. No doubt a great game, but when the game play is that repetitive with very little changes, i can't possibly consider it to be one of the best of all time. Definitely worth playing or even buying, but even more so, definitely overrated.… Expand
  3. DavidO.
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    GTA IV creates a whole new feel the the series with the detail and complexity overall. True it may feel odd but in the end it is a wonderful, violent and fulfilling experience which deserves the score it receives. One thing to everyone out there, stop looking for too much it games Rockstar worked their hardest to please you and all you want to do is complain. Please respect the people who GTA IV creates a whole new feel the the series with the detail and complexity overall. True it may feel odd but in the end it is a wonderful, violent and fulfilling experience which deserves the score it receives. One thing to everyone out there, stop looking for too much it games Rockstar worked their hardest to please you and all you want to do is complain. Please respect the people who work night and day so you can relax and enjoy gaming to its fullest. I'm not saying everything deserves a 10 but GTA IV has pushed the bar and many only try to find its faults.… Expand
  4. WeirdN.
    Jun 25, 2008
    8
    This is a great game but like all the GTA's it has it's flaws. There seems to be more quality control this time round though. There's none of the grind that you find in GTA:SA and the sub missions and tasks seem better thought out and pitched to be fun not a chore. The plot and character acting is simply stunning, I can't think of a game that has immersed me more. You This is a great game but like all the GTA's it has it's flaws. There seems to be more quality control this time round though. There's none of the grind that you find in GTA:SA and the sub missions and tasks seem better thought out and pitched to be fun not a chore. The plot and character acting is simply stunning, I can't think of a game that has immersed me more. You really feel for Niko, and find yourself empathizing with him and his problems even though he's not a very sympathetic character. Things like the internet and mobile phone are well thought out and have the usual GTA depth to them. My main criticism are that the missions are a bit "seen it all before", the aiming and cover mechanics could be more refined and it feels too easy. I haven't needed more that two attempts at any mission yet and I'm 90% of the way through the story. But these don't spoil the fact that this is one of the most polished and ambitions titles I've ever played and I have to say I prefer it to GTA:SA as it is more gritty and adult. I've been playing GTA since the first game on PC, and I hope the series continues to show these levels of ambition and detail. Not perfect, but a triumph anyway.… Expand
  5. BillA
    Jun 25, 2008
    8
    Its a shame to see hype play the deciding factor in a games overall score. Many of these review websites are owned and operated based on profit. If a game is advertised well, it receives near perfect scores. Not very truthful. GTA does deliver as promised, however, the gameplay and complexity is almost a step-down from GTA:SA. No game can match the size and quality shown in GTA therefore Its a shame to see hype play the deciding factor in a games overall score. Many of these review websites are owned and operated based on profit. If a game is advertised well, it receives near perfect scores. Not very truthful. GTA does deliver as promised, however, the gameplay and complexity is almost a step-down from GTA:SA. No game can match the size and quality shown in GTA therefore it does deserve a good score. But foes it deserve a perfect score? in my opinion, not yet.… Expand
  6. ApocalypseBrown
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    Anybody who compares this game to MGS4, is frankly a fool! MGS4 is a linear sneak fest, with dodgy controls and a incoherent story line, and ultimately is a TOTALLY different genre to GTA! Second anyone is believes MGS4 should have got a higher score is very mentally unstable. Where MGS4 is the same game is it always has been just with better graphics and longer cut-scenes, GTA4 has shown Anybody who compares this game to MGS4, is frankly a fool! MGS4 is a linear sneak fest, with dodgy controls and a incoherent story line, and ultimately is a TOTALLY different genre to GTA! Second anyone is believes MGS4 should have got a higher score is very mentally unstable. Where MGS4 is the same game is it always has been just with better graphics and longer cut-scenes, GTA4 has shown the world games can rival movies! I won't got too deep into why this is a excellent game, but it is totally engrossing and simply a joy to behold. But there are several faults to it, something which MGS fanatics would never admit to. Firstly the night time contrast is too dark, way too dark. Second the missions are very similar to GTA3, infact I almost believed this was GTA3 for a short while at least. Lastly the auto targeting is still a pain and you can't fly a plane, which is very disappointing. But those things are easily sweep aside as it is gaming Nirvana for the gamer mases. Read it and weep MGS sicko's!… Expand
  7. PhilipM.
    Jun 24, 2008
    8
    Though the city looks amazing and the story feels like an episode of The Sopranos: Eastern Block, the missions feel exactly the same as all the old GTAs. I feel like I've played this game over and over again.
  8. RobertW.
    Jun 22, 2008
    10
    I have just recently completed GTA4 and i think it is the best game I have ever played. I was continuously going round and finding new things that interested me such as the helicopter tour for example. One thing i would say though is that the missions are very similar but then again where can you go with a game like this. I strongly disagree with people who have given this game a low I have just recently completed GTA4 and i think it is the best game I have ever played. I was continuously going round and finding new things that interested me such as the helicopter tour for example. One thing i would say though is that the missions are very similar but then again where can you go with a game like this. I strongly disagree with people who have given this game a low score as it does not do this game justice.… Expand
  9. DorianJ.
    Jun 21, 2008
    0
    In actuality, I rate this game higher than a zero, but it was such a disappointment to me, that I wouldn't feel right about even giving it an above-zero score.
  10. BrandonP.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    Best game ever hands down.
  11. ShannonO
    Jun 20, 2008
    5
    I was weary to try the game based on a youtube video montage of Nikko going to strip clubs, getting busy with hookers and then killing them in various ways afterwards. However, you don't have to do that sort of thing so I thought I'd rent it after the ridiculous hype. I'm not uptight, some things were bothersome, like the fact that most of women in this game are little more I was weary to try the game based on a youtube video montage of Nikko going to strip clubs, getting busy with hookers and then killing them in various ways afterwards. However, you don't have to do that sort of thing so I thought I'd rent it after the ridiculous hype. I'm not uptight, some things were bothersome, like the fact that most of women in this game are little more than giggling airheads primarily there for male entertainment or flirtation. But, surprisingly the sexual content didn't bother me nearly as much as the boring repetitiveness of the game. Trying to keep all these characters happy picking them up, driving to spots that become boring after a few visits feels like work after awhile. The FPS parts just don't come close to a proper FPS like CoD4. If you die, you have to drive, run-around, get ammo - menial tasks like this to get back to the short-lived action. I can't believe the reviews on this, the game is frustratingly boring! The reviews are unbelievable but I see that as more people have played the game for more than an hour, they are offering similar reviews, and are wising up about these B.S. reviews by "critics". Must have been paid. Otherwise I can't understand it.… Expand
  12. ManoelQ.
    Jun 20, 2008
    3
    Americans may like this thing, but definitely, when you live in a country where violence is always near, you never enjoy this game. Besides, there's no fun about killing people that are walking around and I don't understand why people like this. Rockstar must review its concepts and ethic principles before launching titles such as "Grand Theft Auto" or "Bully". It's not Americans may like this thing, but definitely, when you live in a country where violence is always near, you never enjoy this game. Besides, there's no fun about killing people that are walking around and I don't understand why people like this. Rockstar must review its concepts and ethic principles before launching titles such as "Grand Theft Auto" or "Bully". It's not good at all.… Expand
  13. JonasL.
    Jun 19, 2008
    8
    A great game in many ways and worth buying, but the critics are over the line giving it 98%. There are a lot of bugs with the AI, and the story is a bit thin. Graphics are impressive considering the size of the city, and the amount of content Rockstar has managed to put into this game is amazing.
  14. TonL.
    Jun 18, 2008
    0
    Worst game ever. I cant believe Eurogamer, Edge and Gamedaily gave this piece of crap a 10 while they gave a much superior game in MGS4 a "8" . Goes to show how much microsoft paid these reviewers. the Ps3 version is slightly better with a 1
  15. Cathal
    Jun 18, 2008
    5
    its good but theres alot wrong with the game! if this is definitely not the best game ever or even this year! they didn't even add the effect that wen you beep your horn cars move out of the way! Where's the rampages??? where's the normal vigilante missions?? paramedic missions?? and the flying rats are really hard to find nd so boring finding them anyway! theres not many its good but theres alot wrong with the game! if this is definitely not the best game ever or even this year! they didn't even add the effect that wen you beep your horn cars move out of the way! Where's the rampages??? where's the normal vigilante missions?? paramedic missions?? and the flying rats are really hard to find nd so boring finding them anyway! theres not many clothes to buy! you cant even keep vehicles in your safehouse or have weapons or health at the safehouse|!… Expand
  16. FatBaz
    Jun 18, 2008
    9
    I'd really give a 9.4 but this is the closest i could get. The story is very immersing and the graphics are top notch. The cover system works great and the way that the cars become damaged is unparalleled. The online mode of GTA IV is probably the best out of all the games. The only things that could be changed is that there is no aeroplanes that you can fly, no parachutes and you I'd really give a 9.4 but this is the closest i could get. The story is very immersing and the graphics are top notch. The cover system works great and the way that the cars become damaged is unparalleled. The online mode of GTA IV is probably the best out of all the games. The only things that could be changed is that there is no aeroplanes that you can fly, no parachutes and you only get to climb on top of the car in 2 missions, and you cannot use a sniper rfle out of a heli.… Expand
  17. SVV.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    If you rate this game anything below a 9, you are an idiot.
  18. ShaneH.
    Jun 17, 2008
    8
    It a good game but doesn't deserve a perfect score. I agree with the other people when they say this game is overrated by the critiques. I really wonder how it got 98 on metacritique. Sure the story was decent but i think it lacks where it should shine, open sandbox blow shit up, type gameplay that all the other GTAs had. I don't seem to pick up the game as much to rampage, in It a good game but doesn't deserve a perfect score. I agree with the other people when they say this game is overrated by the critiques. I really wonder how it got 98 on metacritique. Sure the story was decent but i think it lacks where it should shine, open sandbox blow shit up, type gameplay that all the other GTAs had. I don't seem to pick up the game as much to rampage, in fact rampaging gets pretty boring in GTA4. I am disappointed, The game is still fun just not perfect.… Expand
  19. Tony
    Jun 16, 2008
    9
    I really gave this game 8.5. I really love gta franchise especially gta:vice city.the problem with this game is that i bought my Xbox lately and thought great ill be able to play games with brilliant graphics and with these graphics it will unlock things never imagined.things that are on the next level.So my expectations were like i am rating this game not on par with the last generation I really gave this game 8.5. I really love gta franchise especially gta:vice city.the problem with this game is that i bought my Xbox lately and thought great ill be able to play games with brilliant graphics and with these graphics it will unlock things never imagined.things that are on the next level.So my expectations were like i am rating this game not on par with the last generation console games but on a next level.I thought that what the next generation console allowed these games the game delivered but they forgot about what makes games great and that is playing the story. I didn't really love niko I didn't find him loveable maybe its cause hes eastern European.. i would have much preferred a spanish/south American or even Indian! but Niko just seemed cold. but I understand why they did it :provide variety and mabye open new markets. the missions lacked real imagination and like in the missions someone like phil would say he hopes nothings gonna happen but ITS A MISSION AND THERE IS GONNA BE KILLING!!!!!!! gods sake! do they think that we are fools or something .alot of the missions lacked creativity and variety.And then youd pass these magnificent buildings and you cant even go into them like what the hell you cant even go into some of the monuments.Thats most of the bad points...the good points have already been pointed out before in other comments.… Expand
  20. JoeS.
    Jun 15, 2008
    8
    This game is not the by any means the best game ever made. It is interesting, and very well developed. However, if I had to give this a score it would never deserve the praise it is recieving. I'm not saying this game is bad, but it sure as hell to me doesn't reach the "Perfect/Innovational" standards, there are games out there that are far more original that deserve this This game is not the by any means the best game ever made. It is interesting, and very well developed. However, if I had to give this a score it would never deserve the praise it is recieving. I'm not saying this game is bad, but it sure as hell to me doesn't reach the "Perfect/Innovational" standards, there are games out there that are far more original that deserve this credit. I honestly believe that this game got the reviews it did because everyone will buy it regardless, it is just one of those games that gets a lot of attention, and thus these bullshit reviewers wanted to cash in on the money train, and yes we have seen it before, Gamespot does it as well as IGN got an exclusive review of it, I wonder what that means...all in all gamewise, it is a solid game, great characters, great graphics, great story, but i've seen it all before, and it doesn't really change the way its played by anymeans.… Expand
  21. GodzillaG.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    When you first play this game everything is great. There is something to like playing a new game and looking at all the stuff the game creators have created, and this had the same sort of feeling. It surprised me how many missions there were in the main story line, each one has a decent cut scene, some grander than others. For example, a mission titled three leafed clover about halfway When you first play this game everything is great. There is something to like playing a new game and looking at all the stuff the game creators have created, and this had the same sort of feeling. It surprised me how many missions there were in the main story line, each one has a decent cut scene, some grander than others. For example, a mission titled three leafed clover about halfway throught the game, had the most cinema blockbuster feel, this mission particular sticks in my head. If your wanting GTA4 to be a unique to it past games it is, and is easily the best one in the series. However if i had one complaint about anything, it would be the the sandbox aspect of the game. Playing it, just by blowing things up is very fun but its troubled by the fact, we have seen crazy things in videogames for ages now. I would imagine using a PC (if ever released) could address this problem, by giving players a more powerful platform, and letting mods etc. Instead, enjoying the open world for me came from finding strange things and running about going places i didn't go before. The multiplayer experience is crap. Once in a game its ok but finding a game is a 1/10 chance, or make a game and wait for ages. If you don't agree with this and had a different experience then don't complain because i gave the game 10 anyway.… Expand
  22. CharlieC.
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    One of the all time great games. Period. Anybody who thinks any different simply lacks taste.
  23. ArthurP.
    Jun 8, 2008
    9
    Not a revolution, but rather a delivered promise of a refined formula that reveals detail like no other game has. GTA 4 is not without its flaws, but none of them are able to take the spotlight away from the experience as a whole. Special attention goes to the context of the narrative and gameplay that have sobered up since the series' latest title.
  24. DruD.
    Jun 8, 2008
    1
    Good story and graphics. But i can not use the poor third person car view why the camera doesn't stay behind the car? They forgot the fundamentals of any good game playability! i have to use the first person view when driving but I preferred third person in the previous installments. a big mistake by Rockstar I hope they fix it next time if it ain't I wont be buying!
  25. DanielT.
    Jun 8, 2008
    10
    it is definitely not the best gta game, but thats kind of because it is nothing like the other GTA games. To me this really just played as an excellent shooter that just happened to have some form of non linearity, not the huge sandbox of San Andreas or anything but still, as an action/shooting/driving game it does everything right, way better than gears of war, as a sandbox game it is it is definitely not the best gta game, but thats kind of because it is nothing like the other GTA games. To me this really just played as an excellent shooter that just happened to have some form of non linearity, not the huge sandbox of San Andreas or anything but still, as an action/shooting/driving game it does everything right, way better than gears of war, as a sandbox game it is kind of a step backwards, but ultimately it is one of the best games i have ever played.… Expand
  26. JV
    Jun 8, 2008
    8
    Visually, the preceding GTA's are sick jokes compared to GTA IV, but the missions are almost exactly the same with a few deviations. The side missions are dull this time around, and there are lots of annoying changes made to the GTA formula, such as limited cars, limited safehouses, limited weapon roster, and probably most annoyingly is the limit to how much ammo you can carry. The Visually, the preceding GTA's are sick jokes compared to GTA IV, but the missions are almost exactly the same with a few deviations. The side missions are dull this time around, and there are lots of annoying changes made to the GTA formula, such as limited cars, limited safehouses, limited weapon roster, and probably most annoyingly is the limit to how much ammo you can carry. The most unrewarding part of this game is that after you complete it to 100% you're rewarded with nothing except that the ammo cap is removed, and with NOTHING to do after completion, who wants to waste their money on ammo? Of course the physics are awe-inspiring and the subtle details in every inch of scenery and movement are incredible. The gameplay is a little better as well. But all of the customization that made GTA San Andreas (clothes, cars, body type) has been stripped in this title as well. I think that Rockstar held back on this one; they gave us enough to please the professional critics, but are saving all the best features for future installments.… Expand
  27. AnonymousMC
    Jun 6, 2008
    6
    This isn't a bad game but it definately isn't the holy grail of gaming that all the critics are making it out to be. How can you give a game 100% when there are serious camera issues, control issues (especially during combat) and repetiiveness issues. The problem is GTA4 doesnt have the same impact that GTA3 had all that time ago when it was something new and not done before.This isn't a bad game but it definately isn't the holy grail of gaming that all the critics are making it out to be. How can you give a game 100% when there are serious camera issues, control issues (especially during combat) and repetiiveness issues. The problem is GTA4 doesnt have the same impact that GTA3 had all that time ago when it was something new and not done before. Here it just feels the same old same old with better graphics. Also Liberty City is way less interactive and interesting than some are making it out to be. This has made me rethink my buying choices based on critics reviews - if a game gets numerous 100% I expect it to be perfect - quite simply - this isn't.… Expand
  28. JabboS.
    Jun 6, 2008
    0
    I thought halo 3 was over hyped but gta 4 redefines the concept. There is no way this game deserves the landslide of perfect scores it has recieved, and the only reasonable conclusion is that the reviewers were paid off. The gameplay is the same as ever and it gets very repetative and dull. drive to point a. shoot some dude. drive to point b. ad nauseum. The story is a complete joke where I thought halo 3 was over hyped but gta 4 redefines the concept. There is no way this game deserves the landslide of perfect scores it has recieved, and the only reasonable conclusion is that the reviewers were paid off. The gameplay is the same as ever and it gets very repetative and dull. drive to point a. shoot some dude. drive to point b. ad nauseum. The story is a complete joke where they throw in every gangster cliche and sterteotype in the book. Nico Bellic has the personality of a cardboard box, save yourself the trouble and watch scarface instead. And the graphics are seriously sub-par. The characters are super blocky and look like something from the original xbox or ps2, textures are bland, and overall its pretty unimpressive. Unless you have a thing for the demoiselles d'avignon you are not going to find the strippers here attractive. dont be fooled by the press. save your cash.… Expand
  29. ChrisC.
    Jun 6, 2008
    6
    It's not great. It's not awful. Just repetetive and boring like Assassin's Creed- I was excited but then when I lost my game save it seemed like a chore to play so I stopped. I'd say that any game that says it offers so much yet only a small percentage of people who play it actually experience it, then I'd say it's not worth full price. I'm confused why It's not great. It's not awful. Just repetetive and boring like Assassin's Creed- I was excited but then when I lost my game save it seemed like a chore to play so I stopped. I'd say that any game that says it offers so much yet only a small percentage of people who play it actually experience it, then I'd say it's not worth full price. I'm confused why anyone makes excuses for this game. Do they own stock in the company? One more thing, I have in the past been hired to 'fill' user reviews on here and yahoo with a team so don't trust any reviews that are 10's on public forums. It's an industry practice that falls under marketing/pr. to fill in gaps so that a game doesn't track poorly. Remember, people get paid on how well a game or movie's scores are on here.… Expand
  30. JoeK.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    GREAT GAME!
Page:

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

All reviews »
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]
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »