Set to be officially unleashed upon the world tomorrow (April 29), the fourth offering in the Grand Theft Auto franchise is likely to have videogame activists salivating at the prospect of once again slamming moments of questionable gameplay content, while hardened fans are similarly drooling -- but for notably different reasons.
Grand Theft Auto IV steals critical acclaim along with masses of liberated Liberty City vehicles. Credit: Rockstar Games.
Indeed, while sex with prostitutes, foul language, murder, rampant car theft and the ploughing of innocent pedestrians (all GTA staples) will once again receive their moment in the spotlight of contention, the critical reviews for Grand Theft Auto IV are revealing a landmark videogame so very much greater than the sum of its parts.
Specifically, a whole host of widely respected online gaming magazines are rapturously applauding Rockstar Games’ latest creation, with IGN perhaps registering as the most notable of those currently laying adoration at its feet. IGN’s review score of 10/10 ranks as the first time in a decade the magazine has delivered a perfect score for a videogame release.
Similarly sizeable review scores have been issued by other major gaming magazines, with the likes of EuroGamer, 1UP, GameSpy, GamePro, and Game Daily all awarding top marks.
“Almost everything you do in Liberty City would be good enough to drive its own game, and the best parts would be good enough to outrun the competition, but the reason it works so well is that Rockstar has made a game that requires no patience to play,” enthuses EuroGamer in its review. “This, as much as its usual coherency and the best script in the series, is what makes GTA IV the best open-world game yet, and why it will take something miraculous to rob it of game of the year status.”
Falling just short of perfect appraisal elsewhere, online trailer haven GameTrailers.com has issued a video review score of 9.8/10, while respected print/online magazine Computer and Videogames (CVG) gave the game 9.5/10.
Beyond lauding Grand Theft Auto IV for the narrative pull of its open-ended standout single-player campaign, which, if followed without secondary deviation, will provide a basic 30 hours of game time, almost all reviewers seem particularly impressed with the game’s 16-player online multiplayer aspect.
Offering a host of action-packed game modes, the multiplayer component reportedly raises the quality bar to new heights insofar as players are not environmentally restricted while online, able to go anywhere and do anything they choose across the same sprawling cityscape enjoyed in the single-player storyline.
However, despite the plaudits currently raining down on Grand Theft Auto IV creators Rockstar Games (Bully, Manhunt), the studio’s longstanding association with controversy, complaints, and even resultant lawsuits, might yet sully the game’s gathering critical acclaim.
It remains to be seen whether or not activists start baying for blood when and if GTA IV’s seedier aspects are uncovered -- prior history states that it’s more than likely. Until then, it would appear that the thundering hype train has not overtaken Rockstar Games; indeed, evidence would suggest that GTA IV delivers on its many promises, and questions surrounding 2008’s ‘Game of the Year’ already seem to have been answered.
View blog reactions
Add your comment (no registration required)
page: 1
Michael DrinnanApr 29th, 2008 - 16:02:55
This game is the new high water mark for what game design should bring to the consumer, high replayabilityness!
Report this comment
Advertising
Michael DrinnanApr 29th, 2008 - 16:02:55
This game is the new high water mark for what game design should bring to the consumer, high replayabilityness!
Report this comment