If you’re an avid gamer, you’ve probably heard of or even played Grand Theft Auto (GTA) IV, which was released over a decade ago. Despite being an older game, it still manages to hold its own in the gaming world. But the question remains, is it still worth your time in 2023? In this honest review, we’ll delve into the game’s various aspects to help you decide.
Storyline
GTA IV’s storyline is one of its most compelling features. It follows the journey of Niko Bellic, a war veteran from Eastern Europe, who moves to Liberty City to start a new life. However, he quickly gets involved in the city’s criminal underworld, which sets the stage for a thrilling and engaging storyline.
The game’s story is divided into several acts, with each act building on the previous one to create a cohesive and well-structured narrative. Niko is a complex character with a troubled past, and the game explores his journey of redemption as he navigates the criminal underworld.
Throughout the game, Niko interacts with various characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Some of these characters become Niko’s allies, while others become his enemies. The game’s writing is top-notch, with each character feeling well-developed and three-dimensional.
One of the game’s most memorable characters is Roman Bellic, Niko’s cousin, and one of the few people he cares about in the city. Roman runs a struggling taxi business and is constantly getting into trouble with loan sharks and other criminals. Niko’s loyalty to his cousin drives him to take on dangerous missions to protect Roman and his business.
Another memorable character is the game’s primary antagonist, Dimitri Rascalov, a ruthless and cunning criminal who constantly clashes with Niko throughout the game. The game’s plot twists and turns as Niko and Dimitri’s conflict escalates, leading to an explosive finale.
GTA IV’s storyline is dark, gritty, and at times, morally ambiguous. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the price of power. The game’s writing is exceptional, with well-crafted dialogue, engaging characters, and a well-structured narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, GTA IV’s storyline is one of the game’s strongest aspects, and it’s a testament to the game’s quality that it still manages to hold up to today’s standards, over a decade after its release.
Gameplay
The game offers a vast open-world environment to explore, with a range of activities and missions to keep you engaged for hours on end.
The game’s world, Liberty City, is modeled after New York City, with various districts and neighborhoods that you can traverse on foot or by car. The game’s attention to detail is impressive, with the city feeling alive and bustling with activity. Pedestrians walk around, cars honk, and sirens blare in the background, adding to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
Driving is a core component of GTA IV’s gameplay, and it’s one of the most realistic driving experiences in any open-world game. The game’s physics engine is excellent, making driving and crashing feel realistic and engaging. You can hijack any car on the street, ranging from sports cars to buses, and use them to navigate the city.
Combat is another critical aspect of the game’s gameplay. The game features a cover system that allows you to hide behind objects and shoot at enemies. The combat mechanics are solid, with a wide range of weapons to choose from, including pistols, shotguns, and rocket launchers.
The game’s missions are well-designed and offer a range of objectives, from simple fetch quests to complex heists. The game’s writing is exceptional, with each mission feeling unique and well-crafted. The game’s side activities are also worth exploring, from playing pool to going bowling, adding to the game’s replayability factor.
Graphics
GTA IV’s graphics were impressive at the time of its release, but they may not hold up to today’s standards. The game was released in 2008, and while it still looks good, it’s not as visually stunning as some of the newer games on the market.
That being said, the game’s graphics are still well-crafted and detailed, with impressive character models and environmental designs. The game’s attention to detail is impressive, with Liberty City feeling like a real and lived-in city. The game’s lighting and particle effects are also well-done, adding to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
One of the game’s most impressive graphical features is its weather system. The game features dynamic weather, with rain, snow, and fog affecting the game’s environment and adding to the game’s realism.
The game’s PC version offers additional graphical enhancements, including higher resolution textures, improved shadows, and a higher draw distance. These enhancements make the game look even better on modern hardware, but they still may not match the graphical fidelity of newer games.
Sound
GTA IV’s sound design is exceptional, with realistic sound effects and an outstanding soundtrack. The voice acting is top-notch, with each character feeling distinct and well-acted. The game’s soundtrack features a diverse range of music genres, from hip hop to rock, adding to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
Multiplayer
GTA IV’s multiplayer mode is a fantastic addition to the game, offering a range of modes and activities that add to the game’s replayability and social aspect.
The game’s multiplayer mode allows you to play with friends or join random players online. The game features various multiplayer modes, including free roam, which allows you to explore Liberty City with other players and engage in activities such as racing or performing stunts.
The game’s team-based modes, such as Team Deathmatch and Cops and Crooks, are also well-designed and offer a range of objectives and challenges. The modes allow you to play with other players online, either on the same team or against each other, adding to the game’s social aspect.
One of the most interesting aspects of the game’s multiplayer mode is its player customization options. The game allows you to create your character, choosing from a range of clothing, accessories, and facial features. You can also level up your character by earning experience points through completing missions and participating in multiplayer modes.
Another highlight of the game’s multiplayer mode is its online community. The game features an active and dedicated player base, with various websites and forums dedicated to the game’s multiplayer mode. This community adds to the game’s replayability and social aspect, allowing you to connect with other players and engage in various activities and challenges.
Is It Worth Your Time in 2023?
In conclusion, GTA IV is undoubtedly worth your time in 2023. The game’s storyline, gameplay, and attention to detail are still impressive and enjoyable. Despite being an older game, it still manages to hold up to today’s standards and provides a fun and engaging experience.
The game’s graphics may not be up to par with today’s standards, but they still manage to look decent. The sound design is excellent, and the voice acting is outstanding. The game’s multiplayer mode adds to its replayability factor, making it a game that you can keep coming back to.
Overall, if you’re a fan of open-world games, crime dramas, or just looking for an engaging and well-written game, then GTA IV is undoubtedly worth your time in 2023.