bit-tech Shopping: Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Good graphics for a Grand Theft Auto game; very compelling story; improved shooting controls; still the same open-world gameplay beloved by all; introduction of online shootout modes

Weaknesses: Graphics are still weak compared to some other games; controls for driving can be annoying

Summary: I'm just starting out in this game, but I think I've played enough to give a good assessment. This is a very good, immersive game. The story is very good and the characters who they mean for you to like (e.g., cousin Roman) are very likeable, so the game really draws you in. You play as Niko Bellic who has immigrated to America from Russia to stay with your cousin Roman who has been writing letters home boasting of all the riches and success he has attained in America. When you arrive at the docks and meet up with Roman, it turns out that things are very different from what was described in the letters. Roman picks you up in a beat-up old car, lives in a filthy pig sty apartment in a bad neighborhood and is in debt and trouble with some serious loansharks. However, despite all of that, Roman keeps a constantly upbeat, positive, "glass is half full" type of fellow who you can't help but like. You start off driving Roman's car from the pier to the apartment. That's also where one of my peeves with this game is introduced. The camera while driving is bad, and you need to fight it almost constantly to see where it is you're going. After that introductory hiccup though, things get better. The shooting is improved from previous Grand Theft Auto games. The open-ended gameplay is still there and fully intact. Right at the start, you pick up outfits for Niko, go on dates and are forced almost right off the bat with a difficult decision of going to your first date (where, for example, you can even play a fully functioning bowling minigame) or saving your cousin from his loan sharks. While saving Roman from his loan sharks is when Niko gets more entrenched into that situation and things start to escalate between him and the criminal element, a collision course we all knew was coming when he picked up the game in the store but well-constructed and unfolded by the story. Typical of Grand Theft Auto games, if you are arrested, you are sent to a police station where you lose whatever weapons you were carrying and some of your dough. If you are killed, you are sent to a hospital. All the "mature" content is still here too, from the language to the violence to the women of the night and adult-themed clubs. Aside from the camera while driving, I've really liked this game thus far, and I usually haven't liked Grand Theft Auto games enough to even come close to finishing one. The graphics and animations (very stiff) aren't the best when compared to other games on the PS3. For example, this game looks last gen when compared to "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune," but it makes up for it in gameplay. There are also new online gaming modes, but I haven't tried those out yet. All in all, as long as you are mature enough to handle the contents of this game, I would highly recommend it.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Everything

Weaknesses: Nothing

Summary: What can I say? I discovered the GTA Series at Vice City and have never looked back. Every one is better than the last, and they continually reinvent and rediscover a genre that nobody else can come close to.These games are the full package: unique challenges, vast gameplay, tight controls, and somehow every game seems completely different than the last.Go buy this now, people! Unless you're a kid, in which case, don't, because it's rated M. You should just hope the games are still this good when you grow up.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30

Strengths: Fun gameplay

Weaknesses: Not as innovative as the others in the series, soundtrack

Summary: Grand Theft Auto 4 needs little introduction. It is one of the most popular games the world has ever seen, and rightfully so. The game is packed with so much to do it can be overwhelming. You can play the game at your own pace, as you push forward in the missions, or goof off around the city, it is up to you. And that is what makes the GTA series so good. Liberty City is very well made and is a delight to explore. The new shooting system makes the game feel much better, but can often make it seem easier then the other GTAs. My biggest complaint is the lackluster soundtrack that is just not that well put together. There are a few songs that very enjoyable, but for the most part it was weak. Overall GTA4 is one of the best games out that that deserves to be owned.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Unbeliveable graphicsFantastic storylineSuperb gameplay

Weaknesses: nonecant stop playing it

Summary: It is superb better than entire gta 3 clubbed togetherunbelievable absolutely fantasticcant be better than thisnight life on ps3 is better than real.GTA 4 is the best game ever madewish they bring GTA5 soon because i m almost dead playing this and still going on 4 more.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6

Strengths: Addicting gameplay, Engaging story, Voice Acting, Limitless things you can do

Weaknesses: Graphics, Not too many choices, Cliched story, Controls

Summary: GTA4 is a great game on many levels. The fact that you can do so many things in one game is pretty impressive and unmatched by most games. The voice acting is superb and the dialogue makes you feel like you're watching a mobster/gangster movie. The graphics are lacking in many areas but it's still impressive how much goes on in the game without much slowdown. Throughout the game, you're given some choices that impact the game later on, but they tend to be choices with one option seemingly better than the other. It would have been nicer if you had more freedom in choosing what to do in terms of the story line. The story also feels like a mix of a bunch of things already seen in movies like Scarface and Goodfellas. The central focus is supposed to be that Niko is trying to find this person that betrayed him but it never seems to be the main focus of the story. It tends to stray away from that and come back every so often. Driving in the game has a learning curve and shooting controls are still somewhat awkward. They implemented a cover system but it's not as refined as Gears or Uncharted. Despite these flaws, GTA4 is a phenomenal game because of what it tries and mostly succeeds in doing. It's a game that you want to beat to see how it ends.