While the overriding ambition for virtually every GTA protagonist has been to rise up to seize fortune and power over rivals by any means necessary, the story in Rockstar's 2008 instalment added some much-needed depth to this drive. Niko's journey to America comes from a place of desperation; motivated by leaving a war-torn country and convinced by the boasts of cousin Roman, he makes his way to Liberty City. Upon arrival he quickly finds Roman may have embellished a few of his glory stories, setting in motion a chain of events that sees Niko take matters into his own dirty hands. The story is so involving because at its basic level it is relatable; it's really nothing more than a question of whether the grass really is always greener on the other side? Players with Niko will see this question posed early, before discovering that the answer is the grass is whatever colour you like on the other side, so long as you know how to get dirty jobs done well!
Gareth is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff. Interests include film, TV and an unhealthy amount of Spider-Man comics and Killers songs. Expect constant references to the latter two at all times.
Follow on twitter @GJCartwright.
