4. Roman, I'm Busy
Using the main character's mobile phone as the game's menu system was genius in GTA IV. For one thing, it was a cute reference to the franchise's routes, with phone boxes a recurring motif in the earlier entries. It was a way of referencing both that original gameplay mechanic - getting given missions by phone - whilst also reflecting the widespread increase in the use of mobile phones since the series began. But more than that - it was an original and eye-catching way of factoring in menus without breaking immersion. Even the much-maligned phone conversations with in-game pals, whilst admittedly annoying, were a way of connecting you to the characters and the world in a realistic-ish way (even if you were being invited for casual private helicopter rides). I for one always felt a twinge of guilt turning down cousin Roman (or worse, ignoring his call altogether), hearing his dejected tone before hanging up. You were probably right to hang up on the pudgy sad-sack, but it was a pretty ingenious move from Rockstar to give gamer's the power to either humour and support him, or let him drift off on a wave of self-pity. To me that's a better and more organic example of player choice than a thousand overly-simplistic dialogue trees. There wasn't an obvious consequence to ignoring Roman in gameplay terms, but you either felt bad for doing it or you didn't - and how you reacted to Roman said something about you as a human being. Only the most decent human beings (or the most Achievement whoring) would take time out of their cop-killing schedule for old Roman Billic. Games as art eat your heart out. Yet players HATED this mechanic and Roman's frequent invitations to go bowling soon became the stuff of internet meme legend. I doubt Rockstar will bother next time. Happy now?