Fourth time's a lucky charm

GTAIV has something that most games ever released lack. It's revolutionary in that it allows players to do almost anything at any time, anywhere, however they like. It earns itself the genre of “sandbox”, though in reality it has every genre within it: role-playing, racing, shooter…they are all present to some extent. It's similar to the previous GTA titles, but the world that Rockstar has created goes above and beyond those of their previous titles.

Here are some things our staff had to say about the game:

"The thing that has me really pulled into this game is that there is this sense of life that hasn't been present in the other GTA games...Liberty City feels more alive in this iteration and having spent a lot of time in New York City myself, playing this game actually recreates that atmosphere (to an extent) for me." - Kris Rosado

"In a design sense, the game is a triumphant return to form that packs in endless hours of replay both on- and offline. It is a technical marvel--a true showcase of next generation power blasting more action onto a high definition screen than ever before. The game's got it all: sophisticated physics, vibrant graphics, immersive 5.1 surround sound, a well-written script, Hollywood quality voice acting, and truly unique online modes. The fictitious clockwork city lives and breathes on its own time. As a former New Yorker, I take great joy simply cruising Liberty City's boroughs just to take in the scenery and pick out the subtle differences. The architecture alone is worthy of merit." - Bobby Stein

"GTA IV is undoubtedly a great game...The great story, engaging characters (who are bad folks, but charming enough to be likeable), awesome graphics and improved control make for a fantastic experience overall...You really feel like you are in a living city." - Zack Stromberg

In perhaps too much honesty, our discussion about the game quickly degraded into review scores and their meaning. The game has many mistakes and the staff has found itself concerned about how to score it properly. However, we do know this: that GTAIV is similar to games like Assassins Creed and Crysis, where they push the envelope so much and are so breathtaking in one way or another that as game reviewers we find some horrifying handicaps.

Grand Theft Auto IV didn't have any enormous problems like we saw in Assassins Creed. It has its faults, as does life. So what if you run a red light and the cop behind you does nothing? In what other game can you, in the first hour of gameplay, get in two car chases, five fights, punch a loan-shark out a three story building, buy a new wardrobe and go on a date? That is just from one hour, and we know the next hundred hours will be exciting and worthwhile in every way.

So why exactly is GTAIV our Game of the Month? Its top-notch creativity, utter and complete openness, and the living, breathing Liberty City, which is fun just to drive around or take a cab ride through. Everyone over the appropriate age owes it to themselves to pick up a copy and go to the living, breathing Liberty City. The next time we see a game like this won't be soon enough.