GTA IV First impressions.

Well GTA IV is a hit!

Better graphics, a much improved navigation system, and a lot more vulgar language.

The graphics.

You probably already got a good taste of the graphics from all the pre-release screenshots released all over the web but, let me tell you, they live up to the hype. This version of Grand Theft Auto didn’t leave any of the next generation platform capabilities out. The cars are better and are about as good as the first version of Burn Out was on the 360. The character models are improved to the point that you can actually tell the different types of Liberty City residents apart at a distance. The physics model is better which makes destroying your ride or getting flung off you bike a lot more fun. All in all, a job well done.

Navigation.

You are now given a GPS in every car so finding your way through a much more complex city is easier then it was in GTA III. No more circling a way point trying to find it. Along with the normal mission objectives and points of interest, you  can enter the map by hitting start and put your own way point on the map. This route is highlighted in green. It makes it much easier to find the paint shop when you are running  from the cops. No more driving past it to end up getting pinned by the Po-Po on a dead end street. Be aware that the city is way more complex then anything we have seen before. Imagine scaling up the Call of Duty Four maps and then trying to drive trough all the twists and turns while being chased. Makes it a lot more fun.

Crossing long distance on the map is made easier by the use of public transit and cabs if you have the cash. The cabs can take you to any objective at any point for a nominal fee. After you complete a certain number of missions for Ronan, your cousin, you can call for a ride from his cab service by using your cell phone.

Mission management.

All your contacts and mission status are handled through your cell phone. Need a job? Someone will call you. Want to plan a date? Just call. I don’t want to spoil it for you but, it doesn’t take long to make a virtual woman scream your name in GTA IV. Over all the game pace is a lot faster with this system. It does take some of the exploring out of the game but, like all other versions, you can goof off all you want.

Later on in the game you start to use email for contact management. I hope at some point in the game that Niko gets a cell phone with email as having to visit the internet cafe to check your messages is kind of a pain. I will say that some of the personal ads on the in game internet are pretty funny. I won’t spoil it anymore than that.

Humor.

Remember all those funny ads on the radio in GTA III and sometimes having to wait to hear them? Not anymore. The ads, especially the political ads, are some of the funniest ever. If you don’t appreciate vulgar humor (Why are you even considering this game if you don’t?) then you better put this one back on the shelf. It’s constant. Actually, listening to your cousin go on and on about the female anatomy can get old after awhile.

There are new radio stations, more music, and the citizen of Liberty City never seem to shut up so, if someone in your house is easily offended, keep the sound down.

Combat.

I was not expecting it but, the combat system has been upgraded. Beating your victim is no longer a button mashing event. You actually have to block and duck from time to time. You can also disarm your opponent  and use his weapon against him. You learn to do this with the first couple of missions. GTA IV also includes a crude cover system a la Gears of War or Rainbow Six. So when you get into a gun fight you can actually take cover and strategically shoot it out.

Basically the designers of GTA III took everything that was great about that version and improved 10x. They also did a good job of addressing the faults. We will all have to play a little longer then a few hours to tell how well they did that but, for right now, it looks pretty good.

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