Before GTA V: 10 Reasons We're Still Playing GTA IV

8. Immersive Environment

Walking around Liberty City feels natural. Vehicles respond to traffic naturally, pedestrians react with one another and go on living their own lives without looking like they're meandering aimlessly. Whether you're cruising through the upscale Leftwood and Westdyke neighborhoods, racing through Middle Park and Star Junction, or fighting traffic in Broker, players are immersed in a living, breathing environment. Pedestrians on the street will interact with you, random people will ask you for assistance, and police engage criminals on foot right in front of you. Drivers will hit you and exit their vehicle to assist you, and women with shopping bags will apologise for bumping into you on the sidewalk. People live their lives. For once in the series, the main character is not the only person with a brain. When a gun is pointed, civilians will react immediately. Drivers will either speed off, hide in their vehicles, or get out and run away. Police respond almost instantaneously to fights and gunshots - the city just feels alive.