It has to be said that Grand Theft Auto IV definitely has what it takes to qualify as one of the best games of 2008. It’s so popular and admired in fact that it can be referred to as IV and everyone knows what you are talking about.

It’s been so long awaited and so eagerly anticipated that it doesn’t need a subtitle. Throw that Liberty City label out of the window, because this time round it’s never looked so immersive!

You play as the dangerous, cynical and somewhat witty Niko Bellic, who has been enticed by his cousin Roman’s constant references to making it big and living the true American Dream.

While Niko’s motives are far from clear at the beginning of the game, the storyline can go just the way you want it thanks to multiple choice missions and even two different endings depending on the the character you want Niko to turn into.

Never before has Grand Theft Auto delivered such a solid, realistic and practical storyline and from the very first mission you see just how complex Liberty City’s working actually is. Taxis ferry pedestrians with true direction, citizens buy overpriced food from roadside vendors and even criminals give the LCPD a run for their easily earned money.

However, something to point out with IV is that it isn’t San Andreas. Comparing the two would be like comparing Vice City with Liberty City Stories; it’s not so much a sidestep in terms of innovation, but a massive enhancement when it comes to gaming experience. Don’t expect to dive straight in and be as good as you were in San Andreas, as this is a whole new experience.

Gone are the features that made San Andreas. Car modifications, extensive weapons and outlandish hobbies have been binned in favour of activities with acquaintances such as drinking, bowling and even helicopter rides. While the features in San Andreas were certainly fun, you’re not going to miss them at all as you’ll be sutured in just how much IV can offer you in terms of longevity. While it may take time to get used to, give it your full attention and you’ll be busy for months or even years to come. Viva la Liberty City!

Best Bits:
Flagging down a taxi and drinking in what Liberty City has to offer through a backseat window.
The new executions feature, which allows you to kill key characters with such grisly and gory grace.

Worst Bits:
Getting used to the driving at first.
The new aiming system, which can often lock onto something you don’t wish to.