Rockstar received a lot of bad feedback for straying from their over-the-top, ridiculous tendencies when they released Grand Theft Auto IV. The excitement of gang wars and real-estate development ceased, and were replaced with mini-games, a cell phone, and random side-missions, and a lot of fans just weren’t impressed.
In fact, a lot of us gamers were up in arms that the game was just too serious: it felt more like a melodrama with a lot of shooting, rather than a Grand Theft Auto game. Despite the enormous emotional attachment, some fans were not pleased with Rockstar’s creative decisions for the game.
So why are we still playing this game? Well, in all honesty, the game is not nearly as bad as critics and fans make it out to be. But to get a little more specific, here are just a few reasons fans find themselves playing and replaying GTA IV.
10. The Sheer Beauty
At the first glimpse of GTA IV, it was clear that Rockstar had completely upped the ante. They had done away with the famous cartoon-style design and money-based story, and created a beautifully created, character-driven game – a first for the series.
From gunfights to explosions, and driving to walking the streets, Grand Theft Auto IV is a stunningly gorgeous game. Vehicles are animated flawlessly, the lighting is gorgeous, and cutscenes are perfect.
Of course there are some flaws with presentation, such as certain cut-scenes using in-game animations that look robotic, and a slight over-usage of the ragdoll effect. Overall, however, the game introduces an entirely new universe to the series that made the game all-the-more enjoyable.
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15 Comments
Interesting list, I think IV was one of the undersung games of this generation. It’s a great game!!
I’ve seena picture of Franklin from upcoming V and he’s wearing a bandanna over his face….Does anybody think that Rockstar might be adding an ‘Honour’ system like Red Dead?….
I saw the same picture, and the bandana looks very similar to the bandanas that the Grove Street gang wore in San Andreas – the green paisley design. While the most likely explanation is that Franklin is donning the bandana to hide his identity, I think that despite the difficulty of including the honour system into the storyline, it is a logical possibility.
I believe this is the photo you are thinking of.
http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/11/09/319330-gta-v-franklin.jpg
Yep, that’s the picture….I can see why it would be difficult to implement an ‘honour’ system into a narrative focusing on three protagonists but, it could work I guess, I’m not saying it will be included, I’m just mentioning it because it played an important role in RDR.
You forgot one of the main reasons and the most important to me: Niko Bellic.
we have been playing it since release. it’s a proper great game gta iv.
The environment and scenery is what draws me into GTA and other R* open-world games, above anything else. I love the realism the PS3 inspired in GTA IV, DLC and RDR (LA Noire doesn’t count being only published by them). If the real world is immersive enough, with a dynamic feel to it, good missions compliment that, but above all else, engaging protagonist with heaps of free-roam dialogue to make him feel like a real person behind the screen.
What is this a defence for gtaIV? Why does it need to be defended? It is the highest rated video game of all time( next to ocarina of time) 98 on metacritic.
People complain about all the best games even if they are critically aclaimed.
They just wanna play cod. GtaIV is awsome!
Honestly, people who complain about GTA IV and its move towards realism are just brainless twits who should stick to Saints Row. The realism of GTA IV is brilliant – no other game gives you that feeling of actually “living” in a digital city.
Can’t wait for GTA V and have no problem with the long wait between games. Just means Rockstar create the best game they can – they are so far ahead of other game publishers/developers in talent and creativity that its ridiculous.
Man, i can’t wait for GTA V. I’m thinking about the size of the game’s map. San Andreas was already so large , with 3 cities. And combining with Red Dead’s map and GTA IV’s map it will be amazing! The diversity of things to do are going to be something never seen before!
Only reason I still play is GTA race online multiplayer.
GTA 4? I’m still playing San Andreas!
still stick by this game when others bash it, one of the finest games to hit this generation. however ballad of gay tony on xbox 360 (which is riddled with modders on free mode) can be one of the most frustrating experiences.
gta okcc\
i just found the release date of GTA V it is March 26, 2013 apparently microsoft has this thing where they give you points for pre ordering a game and also gives you a date when it ends..like tomb raider is on the list and also it gives a end date of preordering, thats march 5 and that is also when the game comes out. go to this website http://www.examiner.com/article/gta-v-tomb-raider-and-other-xbox-360-games-get-1600-ms-point-pre-order-bonus
GTA IV is by far one of the finest crime dramas. The gameplay, mechanics, and above all story is just brilliant. Its beyond unique; taking the narrative perspective of an eastern european immigrant in NY circa 2001-2003, with all the social commentary and such. Brilliant. Just wished they would’ve given us a some silencers. Damn LC cops!!!