The Dream: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was a landmark title for the PS2, one that completely pushed the console to its limit, and so, imagine the possibilities of a GTA game on the new, shiny next-gen platforms. Given how huge, sprawling and absurdly time-consuming San Andreas was, Liberty City on the PS3 and Xbox 360 is surely going to be even bigger and better. The only way forward is up. The Reality: Though GTA IV released in 2008 to overwhelming critical acclaim, the gamer response was a little more mixed. Sure, the game boasted awesome graphics and arguably the best storyline of any GTA game up to that point, but didn't Liberty City just feel a little...empty? San Andreas had such a ridiculous amount of activities to take part in that GTA IV's more limited offerings stuck out like a sore thumb, and on top of this, the game's more serious tone just made it seem a lot less silly and fun compared to the mania of the previous title. At least, to their credit, Rockstar listened to gamers and delivered a significant improvement with last year's GTA V (even with the lack of Heists).
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
