Exploration of GTA 4

I'm sure by now a few thousand people have experienced Grand Theft Auto 4, either with the PS3 or the XBox 360. I have played quite a few missions now, and have managed to advance the story a bit. Usually if I'm playing GTA, I would rather explore the area and see what is happening in-game. Overall, I am impressed with this game!

The controls are easy to figure out, the mini-map is so useful, and the help windows which explain various concepts in the game tell you exactly how to operate the vehicle/weapon you are currently using. The controls for more complicated moves, such as going into the stealth cover position behind a car, object, or wall are explained simply when you are in the middle of a mission. As Rockstar North probably has learned over the years, the gameplay controls are the best asset to create the most successful franchise in recent history. For me, the controls are the most important part of a video game. In my opinion, how you can control your character makes or breaks the game being a hit among thousands.

Now as far as the gameplay mechanic goes, this is one huge game where you can do whatever you want even without playing through the story. However, if you want to explore certain areas it may help to complete some of the storyline. This all depends on how you play GTA in general. I'm just one of those people who grab the controller and see what transpires within the world.

Just by looking at the game in action, even with the character walking into a restaurant, the sense of realism and dimensionality of the characters makes the atmosphere so realistic. I have played quite a few GTA games over the years and never have I felt so much depth of gameplay and scope of activities that the player can complete.

GTA offers quite the universe on one small disc, and an excellent storyline which for once I can manage to work through with little to no frustration. Half the time, the controls or poor AI in the older versions of Liberty City have generated most of the aggravation. GTA4 just lets you interact with the world efficiently & seamlessly. This is one addictive 24/7 city that literally never stops working, wether you are playing or not.

I highly recommend this game (which does carry an ESRB rating of Mature) to veterans of the GTA franchise, and newcomers to the series alike. The controls are easy to pick up, you'll be playing for many hours, and the overall atmosphere of the game is fantastic. Pick up a copy on your favourite console today, or for the computer.