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. Andy
    May 3, 2008
    9
    It's really similar to the GTAs from III onwards. It has similar missions, and a similar story progression. The level of detail is astonishing in this new Liberty City. The cell phone feature adds a new level of depth and immersion. However, the same old gripes about GTA remain. Gunplay is unresponsive, and the targeting system rarely does what you want it to do. The mission replay It's really similar to the GTAs from III onwards. It has similar missions, and a similar story progression. The level of detail is astonishing in this new Liberty City. The cell phone feature adds a new level of depth and immersion. However, the same old gripes about GTA remain. Gunplay is unresponsive, and the targeting system rarely does what you want it to do. The mission replay system is vastly improved but still frustrating. You will spend more time driving to that fire-fight that consistently kills you as opposed to actually playing it. It's a good game, but does not make the giant leap this generation that GTA III the generation before it.… Expand
  2. DonM.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    Good game, especially if you're a GTA fan. But it's not a life changing experience. It's not just more powerful graphics that make it good, the combat system is so much better than in previous GTA'S. I really like the cover and aim system, much more efficient. I would say the graphics are pretty good but could be better. The driving is improved but overall, it's Good game, especially if you're a GTA fan. But it's not a life changing experience. It's not just more powerful graphics that make it good, the combat system is so much better than in previous GTA'S. I really like the cover and aim system, much more efficient. I would say the graphics are pretty good but could be better. The driving is improved but overall, it's more of the same with a few improvements which is a good thing if you're a GTA fan. But if you're not a fan of this game, then I wouldn't get it for the hype.… Expand
  3. DCMike
    May 3, 2008
    9
    GTAIV is a great game despite the hype. Of course no game can ever live up to epic hype but GTAIV delivered on the hype better than Assassin's and definetly better then Halo3. The game plays very similar to Vice City and San Andreas but they just hit everything spot on here. It has the classic comic book feel to the graphics and art, mission based story line and all kinds of other GTAIV is a great game despite the hype. Of course no game can ever live up to epic hype but GTAIV delivered on the hype better than Assassin's and definetly better then Halo3. The game plays very similar to Vice City and San Andreas but they just hit everything spot on here. It has the classic comic book feel to the graphics and art, mission based story line and all kinds of other fun stuff to do. (I played pool for an hour with a girl, then got drunk, got in a fight next to the bar, drove her home wasted, side swiped some cars, outran the cops all while listening to some reggae, then I got laid when I got home! That's just for fun not even part of any mission, HA) That aside the missions are fun so far but the story is the key here, just a great story and some cool characters. Games usually have such lame stories and cheesy talking. Not to mention Liberty City feels like my second home now! People who are arguing over frame rate and glitches and textures are the typical crazy technophiles, I mean when I'm driving balls-out downtown am I really looking in the distance for pop up? No! Just sit back and get sucked into the game for once people, and stop looking at distant textures and crap, this is one game to enjoy! ....back to Liberty City....… Expand
  4. AnonymousMC
    May 5, 2008
    9
    I was on the verge of retiring from my video game career until my buddy showed me this monster. After around two hours into the game, I bought it and the damn SYSTEM during the visit. I'll just say that GTA IV is worthy of it's near-perfect professional reviews. The only downside to this entertainment is the price of admission. The cost of the hardware and the game itselfI was on the verge of retiring from my video game career until my buddy showed me this monster. After around two hours into the game, I bought it and the damn SYSTEM during the visit. I'll just say that GTA IV is worthy of it's near-perfect professional reviews. The only downside to this entertainment is the price of admission. The cost of the hardware and the game itself could feed a small village in the third world for 6 months. If you're looking to buy this game, try it first. Hell, you might be one of the angry basement dwellers that could give this a 0.… Expand
  5. JosephD.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    Great game, best in series? Yes, but not by as much as everyone would like you to believe... In other words its a great game, but not even best game in past 12 months let alone of all time... I wouldn't even put it in top 10 of all time... but still, GREAT game, worthy of purchase... just not the greatest game in the history of the universe. Simply a great game like the many other Great game, best in series? Yes, but not by as much as everyone would like you to believe... In other words its a great game, but not even best game in past 12 months let alone of all time... I wouldn't even put it in top 10 of all time... but still, GREAT game, worthy of purchase... just not the greatest game in the history of the universe. Simply a great game like the many other great games lately, nothing more, noting less.… Expand
  6. RossC
    May 9, 2008
    9
    I have NOT finished this yet so I will not give a full review. Thus far the start of the game (the first few missions) are quite simple but once you begin to open the other areas the depth begins to reveal itself. The story is very very well written and Niko is a great anti-hero I really enjoy playing as him and want to see more of what he can do (Tha's some red army s*** right I have NOT finished this yet so I will not give a full review. Thus far the start of the game (the first few missions) are quite simple but once you begin to open the other areas the depth begins to reveal itself. The story is very very well written and Niko is a great anti-hero I really enjoy playing as him and want to see more of what he can do (Tha's some red army s*** right there!) Excellent. Graphics are extremely good. There is some pop up when travelling very fast, on bridges and the like. The blurring for far away buildings is effective and understandable. It means sun up, water glimmering, reflections look amazing but some side streets are a little blurred. Excellent also. The AI and the cover system are far better but not on a par with dedicated shooters perhaps. Very good. The physics are great, the cars handle very very well and the bodies really fly and the accidents look bone crunching. :) Always fun! The endless driving for ten minutes in San Andreas is gone, thankfully! The city is smaller than SA but there is a LOT more to do, internet, police computers are a nice touch also. The more you look the more you will find and you can become side tracked very easily if you enjoy messing ina sandbox. I cannot recommend this enough. It's GTA that's all you need to know really. The PS3 version does have a slight graphical edge and the loading is shorter but its fine on the XBOX and there will be online content too. Multiplayer is fun but my internet connection is frankly pants so I cannot review this just yet. Easy to connect, easy to join thus far though. PS3 online is far inferior in this regard. They have taken out the character building in the game which RPG fans may miss but ultimately it streamlined the game for me and let me concentrate on missions and fun! Buy this game. This and the elder scrolls oblivion are just marvellous. The audio is fantastic, guns and cars sound perfect. The radio (in MY opinion) is not as good. THere is not the 80s cheese of Vice City or the Freebird, Welcome to the Jungle of San Andreas. Frankly I don't recognise a lot of the music on this but maybe that's just my tastes. The humour is great and the TV shows are very very funny as you would expect. Hilarious as usual! 9.8 out of ten, pending finishing (which will mean the usual impossible last few mission I'd assume).… Expand
  7. 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
  8. DesO'F
    Jul 15, 2008
    9
    It's kind of overrated but what isn't these days (I'm looking at you Halo and MGS!)? GTA4 has its flaws like most other games. Unlike most other games though it manages to not let these issues ruin it and delivers an incredible experience from start to finish. Jam packed with features that really do add up to more than the sum of their parts, this is a game you really haveIt's kind of overrated but what isn't these days (I'm looking at you Halo and MGS!)? GTA4 has its flaws like most other games. Unlike most other games though it manages to not let these issues ruin it and delivers an incredible experience from start to finish. Jam packed with features that really do add up to more than the sum of their parts, this is a game you really have to experience for yourself - not hear about from your friends - to fully appreciate. 30 hours of incredible story and endless fun in a varied multiplayer component: whats not to like?… Expand
  9. PaulR.
    Jul 6, 2008
    9
    The game is a bit overrated, but if that's a problem for you then don't read reviews about it. The graphics are awsome I don't know what most of you are talking about. If you don't like blood and kiling then don't play the game. You knew that Grand Theft Auto was blood and killing so if that stuff "scares" you or you don't like it don't play the game. So The game is a bit overrated, but if that's a problem for you then don't read reviews about it. The graphics are awsome I don't know what most of you are talking about. If you don't like blood and kiling then don't play the game. You knew that Grand Theft Auto was blood and killing so if that stuff "scares" you or you don't like it don't play the game. So what if it doesn't have planes the only one that ever did was san andraes. Remember how in vice city when you first got a helicoppter it was "Sooooo Kick Ass"? Now you're all bitching that it only has helicoppters? It's not the games fult for not getting to play a multiplayer game as soon as you log on it's other players. It's also not the games fult that if in multiplayer you have to look for a gun or a car. Overall this game is great so all the people that gave it a bad rating are realllllllly huge morons.… Expand
  10. maninhobaring
    Aug 1, 2008
    9
    ii luved the stry as alwys in gta, i wasnt lking forward to multiplyer but was impressed, only reason it suks is becus of the gay hosts and noone wanting to ply gta how its meant to be plyed, (jus cre about ranking up stupid geeks) gts bring after about 80 hrs pidgeons were stupis kickass game in all other aspects, crs were realistic (maybe ur jus 12 and cnt drive yet?)
  11. JoonasM.
    Sep 27, 2008
    9
    Very good game. Everything is very polished in GTA, only few more checkpoints in missions would be good, and maybe more guns.
  12. TomasS.
    Jan 11, 2010
    9
    Brilliant game!
  13. BryceF.
    Apr 27, 2008
    9
    Simply amazing most fun I had in years.
  14. StevenH.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Overrated for sure... I don't know why Its getting THIS good of ratings, but it is a cool fun experience and a must buy for console gamers OVER 17 years of age. Plus I hate it when People are dissing the xbox verson because of one Point... the only reason why its down by one is because it has twice as many reviews.
  15. JohnSmith
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Though of course the game has great audio and picture, the frame rate is all over the place going between 15-35 constantly getting you to adapt to stuttering and sputtering, on top of that there are pop ins, and game crashes. If you're a console gamer who doesn't know what any of these things mean then this will mean nothing to you.
  16. Zark7
    May 1, 2008
    9
    The review scores for Halo 3 and Metroid Prime 3 were docked by some review sites for being "more of the same." Why wasn't this? Sure, there have been improvements from previous games, but I'd hardly call them revolutionary. I'd score it in the mid to upper nines but would dock it a few tenths just like Halo 3 or Metroid Prime 3 got docked for basically being an improved The review scores for Halo 3 and Metroid Prime 3 were docked by some review sites for being "more of the same." Why wasn't this? Sure, there have been improvements from previous games, but I'd hardly call them revolutionary. I'd score it in the mid to upper nines but would dock it a few tenths just like Halo 3 or Metroid Prime 3 got docked for basically being an improved version of the same game.… Expand
  17. TraderPro
    May 1, 2008
    9
    The graphics are impressive just because of how much stuff is in the game. The skyline views are beautiful, the city feels alive, and the violence is portayed far more realistically than ever before. Multiplayer is fun and crazy. Gears of War style cover and shoot mechanics make this one of the best games I've ever played. I can't wait to get off work and return to the streets The graphics are impressive just because of how much stuff is in the game. The skyline views are beautiful, the city feels alive, and the violence is portayed far more realistically than ever before. Multiplayer is fun and crazy. Gears of War style cover and shoot mechanics make this one of the best games I've ever played. I can't wait to get off work and return to the streets of L. City.… Expand
  18. YarrrP.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    9 because it isnt perfect, but honestly its damn near close. Theres nothing like chasing someone accross rooftops murdering him in a alley and then going home to watch HSN sell swords haha
  19. DenizY.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    Always something new to discover, the detail is astounding... What sucks is that there are no servers or filters in multiplayer. Finding a server that does not use autoaim can be a real bitch, autoaim just kills the game!
  20. FelipeH.
    May 13, 2008
    9
    Overall the graphics are amazing and everything looks nice. The only downside is the car combat which makes it hard to shoot and drive at the same time.
  21. ChristopherG.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    just when you think you have done everything or you start getting bored the game does something that makes you smile from ear to ear and you end up playing for another 3 hours.
  22. ArthurD.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    Incredible storytelling with memorable and likable characters. This GTA has the most immersive world in the series. Liberty City feels alive with the amazing amount of detail put into the world. Best GTA in the series. I only wish it had the Vice City soundtrack. Minor issues preventing a 10/10: Controls - The control balance between camera movement and player movement doesnt feel as Incredible storytelling with memorable and likable characters. This GTA has the most immersive world in the series. Liberty City feels alive with the amazing amount of detail put into the world. Best GTA in the series. I only wish it had the Vice City soundtrack. Minor issues preventing a 10/10: Controls - The control balance between camera movement and player movement doesnt feel as fluid as it should be. Driving - Aside from the exotic cars, the majority of vehicles have too much understeering for this type of game. Multiplayer - The menu design for multiplayer needs alot of work. Multiplayer should be accessible before the single player mode is automatically launched. The user should have a choice to load Single or Mulitplayer at the start of the game. Also, when you quit a multiplayer game, instead of going back to the multiplayer screen, the game loads the single player mode.… Expand
  23. JayO.
    May 21, 2008
    9
    Anybody who gives this game less than a 90 isn't fit to breathe the same air as the rest of us. This is the single greatest game released so far this century, hands down. The amount of content in this title will keep you busy for dozens of hours, and that's not even including the multiplayer. I gave this a 9 on here, but I would really give it a 9.5. Everything from the Anybody who gives this game less than a 90 isn't fit to breathe the same air as the rest of us. This is the single greatest game released so far this century, hands down. The amount of content in this title will keep you busy for dozens of hours, and that's not even including the multiplayer. I gave this a 9 on here, but I would really give it a 9.5. Everything from the graphics, to the audio, to the overhauled gameplay mechanics makes this a must have for anybody who considers themselves a true gamer. Don't listen to these haters who are giving this game 5, 6, or 7's, they are completely and utterly wrong in every aspect.… Expand
  24. PaulA.
    May 24, 2008
    9
    innovative, revolutionary, highly detailed . . . a gaming masterpiece not without its faults though
  25. SamF.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    Where to begin..? Well its your GTA Type game with better graphics, ability to hail cabs, swim, go bowling, play darts and Pool, Go out drinking and shows ...did I mention strip clubs? Every Person in the city acts realistically and am amazed at the detail. This game also added a cellphone to keep track of everything and to call your contacts and girlfriends.. But with all this there are Where to begin..? Well its your GTA Type game with better graphics, ability to hail cabs, swim, go bowling, play darts and Pool, Go out drinking and shows ...did I mention strip clubs? Every Person in the city acts realistically and am amazed at the detail. This game also added a cellphone to keep track of everything and to call your contacts and girlfriends.. But with all this there are yjongs that could have been added.. One is if you run a red light and a cop is there nothing happens... This should have been you getting Wanted by cops at least. also light poles get knocked down too easily. Other than those 2 things its an amazing game!… Expand
  26. MattY.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    These reactionary scores are annoying as hell, don't vote to be controversial.
  27. MatthewBarnard
    May 6, 2008
    9
    This absolutely is a great game, though I'm not sure it's as great as it's been made out to be. It looks SPECTACULAR. They have the feel of New York down to a T. Everything functions well, too.

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

    If it's missing anything, it's the little things from the other GTA games, which I miss: fun side games, parachuettes, the ability to purchase buildings, etc. I think it's missing a few of the little things that made the old GTA games so enjoyable. That being said, this definitely is the most finally polished of the games and the plot is definitely the best developed.    … Expand
  28. 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
  29. BrendenSousa
    Jul 24, 2008
    9
    First I must say, I don't see why so many game critics hail this as a near perfect (if not 100% perfect) game. This is not to say I dislike the game. On the contrary, I am madly in love with this game at the moment. However I feel that Rockstar really cheated us on this. Sure it has a great story line, better physics, better combat system, and a multiplayer mode (which may or mayFirst I must say, I don't see why so many game critics hail this as a near perfect (if not 100% perfect) game. This is not to say I dislike the game. On the contrary, I am madly in love with this game at the moment. However I feel that Rockstar really cheated us on this. Sure it has a great story line, better physics, better combat system, and a multiplayer mode (which may or may not be a plus to you), but for anyone who truly enjoyed San Andreas, you might feel (like me) that this one is missing something... well actually like it is missing a lot.

    I don't know about anyone else, but I loved the "RPG-esque" stat building of SA. That's no where to be seen here. I also sorely miss the massive amount of clothes that were available in SA and the amount of cusotmization that this allowed. The ability to ride bicycles and airplanes was stripped from this one, which isn't a huge deal because they were rather niche aspects of the game, but still, I loved them. And an even bigger slap to the face for me was that the whole world map, was downsized by a sickening amount. All the country side to explore, all the desert to wonder around, all the little places in between cities, all has been erased in this sequel.

    Still, you would have to have some serious mental disorder to hate this game. The awesome "rags to riches to rags to riches once more" story line keeps you wanting to play on, and the newly redone relationship system, will constantly keep you doing something for hundreds of hours after you have completed the primary missions. This is one that you will play for hours and hours. And if that wasn't enough to keep you playing for the next several months, they even included a multiplayer system. And while I do have a number of negative things about the multiplayer, I will just say that it gets old fast due to a number of faults that it has.
    In conclusion, I will say this. If the rumors are true, and the downloadable content coming this fall will actually allow us to play in san andreas again, then I will cave in and admit that this game is, in fact, perfect.    … Expand
  30. TomSawyer
    Aug 24, 2008
    9
    Dominic is an idiot..the races impossible? I never EVER had trouble coming in 1st. You are just really bad or using the wrong cars...even though I could do come in 1st with just about any car. I would give it a 9.5/10...everyone who says its bad is proabably just bad at the game itself. The controls are slick.
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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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