User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1696 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. Oct 2, 2010
    10
    After playing GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas it was hard to imagine being swept away again by another GTA game but man does this game deliver. The story, the characters, the setting and the game world are so well crafted and put together it's nice to see some developers still take time to prepare their works and not just milk a franchise with yearly releases.
  2. JamesK.
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  3. AllanM.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Quite simply,.... Rockstar have done it again. Just as they did when GTAIII first came onto the scene for the PlayStation 2 to re-invent the sandbox videogame genre, GTA 4 sets the bar up once again as to what videogame excellence is represents! From the totally believable characters, to the absolutely magnificent graphics, o the improvement to practically every single aspect of the GTA formula that we all love.... This is simply breathtaking entertainment! 11 out of 10!! Expand
  4. MikeH.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    I've played both versions:ps3 and xbox360. The ps3 version edges out the 360 slightly, graphically speaking but gameplay wise, both are incredible games for this generations of hardware.
  5. Dec 22, 2012
    9
    When I first played Gta IV I was instantly hooked. The atmosphere in the game was amazing. Missions were addictive, story was nice. there were many memorable characters and funny laughs. I rented this at first and played it for 22 hour then re-rented it and played it for 24 more hours and beat the game. This game is my 2nd favourite sandbox of all time and this game is awesome. The flaws I had with the game were the predictable missions. But none the less, an awesome game 9/10 Expand
  6. ArsenKovalevskiy
    Apr 6, 2009
    10
    People who have a negative value to this game, compare it with the big games for consoles, graphics, worse, New York is like, the mission did not like ... Dear, this is DS, and this is the best game on the DS! And the gameplay here because of the more arcade where varied and interesting. Score 10 out of 10.
  7. JamieC
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    An epic videogame, surpassed by none so far. Rockstar has created the most sophisticated and entertaining masterpiece I've ever seen or played. A truly amazing experience; every gamer (of age) should have this game. From the opening mission, the game grips with its intriguing story and unrelenting action. An instant classic.
  8. MattWix
    May 2, 2008
    10
    Absolutely the best game this year, last year, pretty much the last miilenium. Some kind of Holy Being will have to craft the perfect game out of his own frozen brilliance to even come close to the quality of this epic masterpiece. The gra[hics are brilliant, the gameplay damn near perfect and the immersion total. Miss tihs game at your peril, for you will surely die of your own stupidity. Frankly, it's quality surpasses the level that your brain can comprehend, and in 10000 years we'll have evolved and we'll go 'Wow!' all over again... Expand
  9. JosephM.Stewart
    Jun 23, 2008
    10
    A must buy. Period. It's fun. It's really fun, and stays that way for a long time. You'll want to play it more than you have too. It will take up a lot your time. Most annoying parts (such as outing calls) can be skipped with little negative consequences. Though cars drive very realistically (no more on-a-dime turns at 80mph) it actually is pretty cool, and it doesn't take much to get used to. Hitting people on the side of the road... priceless. Physics are a pluss and will have you murdering many rude drivers who don't respect pedestrians. Graphics are crazy good for a GTA game, and the cities skyline and bridges look amazing, especially at night. Fun Fact: you can shimmy. Sadly, no airplanes, though the helicopter... yea, it's fun, especially online. Which is fun, in a sort of "Oh no he di'int!" kind of way. Heres a piece advise from me: IGNORE all scores, just buy the game. Yes, it is not perfect, but what game will ever be perfect. This game is perfect enough that if you do not buy it, you better be playing it at your friends house. One of the few new release games that is worth its price. System Wise: I have it on PS3, and my friends have it on XBOX; Both kick butt (except I get free internet XD) If you have a XBOX360, buy it for Xbox, and if PS3, get PS3 version. Seriously, just buy it, you will totally be like, "That guy Joseph was totally right, I wish I could give him a high five." Expand
  10. JoeH.
    Mar 8, 2009
    10
    Quite simply one of the best games ever made. The driving is REALISTIC, and the combat is incredibly refined. If you don't drive like a madman then you won't be smashing into stuff, although that can be pretty fun too. And as for the storyline, it's the most engaging plot I have ever seen in a game. I cared about the characters, and the plot twists really caught me off guard. The decisions you make are also brilliant, because you don't really know which way is the right way to go. They leave it up to you. Just a truly fantastic game overall. Expand
  11. RobB
    Sep 1, 2009
    10
    this is the best game ever.being a gamer since the days of the bbc electron and owning almost every platform released on the market trust me when i say it is that good.to the kids that complain it is to serious this is a mature game for a mature audience if you want to do purile things like spray a trailer park with waste go play saints row 2 (i own,its ok,but no gta4)gameplay 10 graphics 10 lifespan 10 whole packagen 10.buy this work of art you wont regret it!!! Expand
  12. JamesK.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  13. EricPousard
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    I can't see why this game has a low score when it is not even out yet. I have played every GTA game since number one, and they have all been great. So for all those little girls that give it a bad score, go and play your stupid wii with your grandmother.
  14. AlexM.
    May 16, 2008
    9
    One of the best games of the genre, it really manages to improve on many issues that plagued the series for quite some time. The story and characters are compelling and interesting, the graphics are very good (but not perfect) and the sound effects and soundtrack are top notch. The new gunplay mechanic works well to make gunfights more interesting and less of a chore, while the realistic physics and the phenomenal Euphoria engine give a new like to vehicles and pedestrians alike. The city is probably the best thing about this game, full of details and amazing environmental effects - it truly is the best virtual world ever created for a videogame. GTA IV still has the satire and hilarity that are trademarks of this series, but it tries to get rid of some of the more "arcadey" elements of the past, giving us a grittier story and even eliciting some emotional response from the player. It is not perfect, but it is the best game of this generation so far. Expand
  15. jakejohns
    May 6, 2008
    10
    i love all the grand theft auto games, i got all the grand theft auto games for sony systems and i pesonaly think sony should get all gta games as eclusives, but gta4 is the most beautiful, and most impressive i have ever played, and i think rocstar games for that masterpiece of a game
  16. Hans
    Jul 16, 2009
    10
    Probably the best game i've played. Seems a lot of people come with some silly excuses and vote a 0 because they want to feel special and go against the hype. Most gamers aren't capable of being subjective, and that's clearly why metacritic doesn't involve user ratings in the metascore. This game has some of the best graphics, physics and story of any PS3 game, which all deserves a 10. Only negative thing i can think of is that the framerate sometimes goes down quite a bit, which can be annoying. I found the missions quite entertaining, but the majority of the missions follow the "drive to a destination and kill people" formula. Despite the negative things, I'd still give it a 10, partly because the multiplayer is so fun, and the overall entertainment level i got from the game was immense. Expand
  17. alecf
    Sep 29, 2009
    10
    i agree with steve m. this game is truly great. all the little kids that played gta san andreas might be upset because its not as crazy and stupid. this is a mature title with a mature story and characters that are actually interesting. the realism is what makes this game great, if your not looking for realism play saints row 2. however i dont believe it is the best game ever made and people going into it expecting it to be might be dissapointed. seriously though if you are mature enough for this title pick it up, you wont be sorry Expand
  18. EAIsgay
    Apr 16, 2008
    10
    omg uh if u play this game and dont like it please cut your hands off cause you never deserve to game again. ok jk but seriously this game is amazing. the story will be riviting, full of interesting characters, and this time the shooting mechanic wont disapoint. goty no question
  19. HelloDer
    Apr 22, 2008
    10
    Gotta love the 62 (now 63) people that have scored the game before it has even been released. No way they have gotten their hands on it. I'll give it a 10 just to counter-balance the low scores that people are giving it before they have even played the game.
  20. Chris
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    I couldn't believe my luck when my copy of GTA IV Special Edition turned up on Saturday morning - 3 days early!! I've been playing it pretty much non-stop since then, and words can't describe how awesome it is. I really AM Niko, I feel for him, and care about what he does, the people he meets and the cops he inevitably has to shoot. I've never been so immersed in a game before, and I wonder if I ever will again... at least until GTA V. Believe the hype! Expand
  21. SethR.
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    Anyone who thinks this game sucks, has bad graphics, or is too realistic, must take dick up their anal cavity. Expecially Smq....How could you possibly tihnk a game is too realistic? Thats the whole point of the game you flying fag. Best game ver, bar none OUT!
  22. M.Caparelli
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    After buying this game last night, I truly agree with the critics - its the best game so far this year(and even the best PS3 game ever!). The graphics are stunning, where facial expressions are reflected. Dialogue is great, very original with classic quotes. Gameplay is very realistic - with the new cover system, it makes shooting much easier and realistic. Multiplayer I played briefly, very addictive. Expand
  23. JamesK.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  24. JamesK.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  25. [anonymous]
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    One of the best games I ever played. Wow.
  26. MSteinsson
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Never saw a game like this before!
  27. BekhanB.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    The best game ever made in the PS consoles! Perfect!
  28. MarkK.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    The game itself is phenomenal at best. Possibly, the best GTA game of the next gen.
  29. SydneyK.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    What else can I say that hasn't already been said. Rockstar deserves a gold star for not having disappointed its loyal fan of the series. It lives up to my expectation and a whole lot more. The plot if funny, whimsical, bizarre, and genuinely Soprano-licious. Simply stated, the game to play on both the XBOX 360 and the PS3 consoles thus far! Bravo, Rockstar.
  30. AndyJ.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Ooo look at Fred and Joel trying to be controversial - a '4' and a '1'?! Talk about attention seeking! Anyways for the rest of you, for once in your life, listen to the hype. No game will ever be perfect, but this game comes pretty damn close.
  31. ChrisB.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    I was able to get my game at a local store on Monday afternoon. My only regret is having to go to work Tuesday morning to separate me from this epic masterpiece. This game is the future for the virtual reality medium. Every game developer that tries to create a living virtual world should only hope to capture half of what Rockstar has accomplished in this game. Truly, and unbelievably, has lived up to the massive hype that was placed upon its shoulders. 10/10 and nothing less, nothing compares to this experiece. Cannot wait to get home this afternoon ). Expand
  32. CrestonO.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    Flawless Good all Around gameplay great storyline and multiplayer.
  33. JosephM.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    This is the only game that I ever play, period. This is the only reason I bought a PlayStation 3.
  34. WesleyR.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    A gripping, polished, beautiful game from start to finish.
  35. AdolfoP.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    GTA IV is the best action game ever. The game has beautiful details, nice situations, extraordinary gameplay, sharp humor and great graphics. There are certainly a few minor negatives about the game, but the positive points are just too much. We have one piece of advice: Buy!
  36. NickG
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    THE BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED!!!!! The visuals are stunning especially in the cut scenes, the little things are what make this game so good such as the cars are magnificantly mirrored to the real thing such as mercedes benz, hummers, corvettes and ferraris, the shadows on everything, the fact you dont have to load to walk into a building, a nice touch is if you hijack a car and the person tries to get back and you speed off as they have their hand on the door they hang on for dear life unless you swerve or go to fast which i though was wiked, the new combat system is the best i have seen yet, the handling on cars isnt that sharp which can be realistic, the city is absolutely giganormous lol flying at night to get a view of the city is a loads of fun, multiplayer is extremely addictive, you play the game and half way through you see something awesome the you havent seen before, some of the cutscenes have some moving moments and the voice acting is great to. all in all best game ever made Graphics 10/10, gameplay 10/10, sounds 10/10, anything else you can think of 10/10. Collapse
  37. JamesK.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  38. DJM
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Truly spectacular, haven't tried multiplayer yet, due to PSN's errors, but I'm sure it'll be as addictive as the whole single player campaign. Thanks for this game, Rockstar.
  39. ConradS
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    There was a lot hype surrounding this game and I believe it was rightfully so. I received my copy today, went home during my lunch hour (I live close to my workplace), when I looked at my watch again 2 hours had passed and I got into a lot of trouble at work - it was worth it. I hope MGS4 is just as succesful as this game as I believe a lot of effort has gone into that as well.
  40. JeffY.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    This is the first time I played a GTA game. I have tried the others before, but for some reason, they never appealed to me. GTA4 however, captured me like no game has ever captured me before in the recent years. It's very refreshing and I feel like a total bad ass in new york city. Helps that I live here I guess. This is up there with Zelda Windwaker and God of War as the 3 most revolutionary and enjoyable (addictive) games I've played since the new millenium. Expand
  41. JamesFrank
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    The best game I have ever played in my life.
  42. AronS.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Wow! I can't stop playing this game I will probably call in sick tomorrow. This is my life now!
  43. KyleN.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    The best game in the history of video games.
  44. EdenH.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Best game of this decade and that's all there is to it.
  45. ClaudiaS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    My addiction level is at "The Weekend has Landed" and I can't put it down. This game blows everything that's come before it out of the water. It's like the culmination of the last 10 years of Rockstar's work. Everything is refined, everything works. Also, Niko Bellic is the best game protagonist in the history of gaming, just thought I'd mention that...
  46. ShaunC
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    By far, the best game for the PS3, and an aboslute joy to play....the flaws (there are few, as were mentioned in some of the reviews) are so small, few and far-between that GTA iv may be the best game ever made.
  47. BryanS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    I'm loving the gameplay, the story, and the amazing "feel" of the city. They hit this one out of the park!
  48. MattW.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Ive been playing GTA ever since it was came out from the very start. GTA IV is truelly amazing. Yeah there is a few flaws but no game is totally perfect, but this is just amazing! The graphics, the animations everything it amazing!!!
  49. CraigP.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    It's awesome ... literally awesome.
  50. artist5280lucas38
    May 1, 2008
    10
    I am a 42 year old father of three and this game is definitely not for the kiddies! That said, Grand Theft Auto IV will have its detractors; it wouldn
  51. Shadowdancer
    May 5, 2008
    10
    An awesome game that simply everyone should play. The scale on which this game has been designed is simply marvelous. It can't be helped while playing to, at more than one point, give great respect to the creators for making such a pure diamond of a game.
  52. JamesK.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  53. JamesK.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  54. JamesK.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  55. DimaK.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Simply put, best game of the last 10 years.
  56. Richard
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Simply the best game I have EVER played!
  57. ChristianG.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Simply, amazing.
  58. BronsonM.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    How long it has been that I can truly say I've gotten every single penny's worth out of a game, especially an expensive PS3 game! The gameplay is huge, but never overwhelming. Kudos to R* for delivering the best GTA-game yet!
  59. KyleC
    May 7, 2008
    10
    Stunning. Absolutely stunning. From the story, to the graphics, to the meticulous level of detail (go to sleep at night and go outside the next day to notice smudges of dirt that have gathered on your car from a rain storm that occurred earlier), to the often times hilarious voice acting, to the..well I could go on for a while...this game is superb from start to finish. Details you seldom notice exist in real life have been captured by this game. Well done, Rockstar North. You have brought new meaning to next-generation gaming. A novel take on gaming that will be mimicked by other gaming companies for years to come. Expand
  60. Ostaf
    Oct 8, 2009
    9
    This is quite possibly the best game ever made. But I don't really like it so it gets a 9 out of 10 The story is AMAZING the physics engine is AMAZING graphics are really nice, good replay value, online etc. But they took a lot out. The previous games always added a new feature this game took them all away and replaced it with a cool physics engine. One thing that really bugged me is how Niko always wanted money (I will only kill because I need the money) but you can have millions of dollars and he still does it. You can spend money on everything every time you pass it and still beat the game with a million dollars. Oh and everyone says this game is just the same thing over and over, well duh, all GTA games are. Expand
  61. Mar 12, 2012
    10
    As with previous GTA games, this one is packed with hours of action adventure fun in a sandbox that you can call yours. Shoot an old lady, blow up a helicopter, have complete fun causing a mini apocalypse. Make sure you buy the add ons for even more fun. Lost and damned and Ballads of gay tony. This game is yes, a step back from GTA SA, like no planes, no realistic clothing changing, no getting fat, no swimming underwater, etc, but its uber fun. Do you play online? This game is online and is SUPER fun. Wreck havoc on complete random strangers. Got a PSN? Add me: ccrogers15 Expand
  62. Jan 13, 2012
    10
    I've been playing this game on and off right since I got it in early 2011. This has the best controls I've ever used for driving in an action game. The lock-on shooting mechanics work surprisingly well and result in quick, satisfying shoot-outs, and the story, though hard to follow for twenty hours, is unbelievably good for a video game. A point off for some uneven texture sharpness. In cutscenes, it's very noticeable when the foreground is rather sharp and well animated, but the background settings seem so soft that they look like they're being viewed through wax paper. There's some pretty bad aliasing too (jagged edges that should be curved), and it's a pain to have to tap X or A to run. However, those gripes aside, this is consistently the most fun game I've ever played. Expand
  63. Oct 13, 2012
    9
    GTA IV is more than a game. It's an experience that goes way beyond button bashing your controller. The story is magnificent but no surprises here. Everyone knows that Rockstar usually nails in this department. Technically the game is flawless for the common gamer (if there's any glitch didn't see it). Not a fan of the Multiplayer though. Other than this GTA IV will remain in gamers memory as a reference and it will be benchmarked by everyone. Expand
  64. Dec 16, 2012
    10
    GTA 4 это действительно такая игра которая не может провалиться, пото;му что на её создание тратились миллионы из бюджета Rockstar, над ней работало огромное количество выдающихся и талантливых создателей "отцов" и еще ни одна игра не представляла такой размах действия, что играть в это должен каждый, хотя бы до выхода Grand Theft Auto V . Expand
  65. Apr 7, 2013
    10
    I love this game is perfect everything is just awesome in every department the story the graphics, the gameplay is just perfect the general vibe that the game ends up giving you all together with the freedom it deserves a ten cause it's perfect
  66. ShaneJ.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    sweet the all time best gta
  67. NathanD
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Quality, no doubt about it. Controls are different, but easy to get used to, and I enjoy them more. Definitely ah must get
  68. PatL.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    It is definitely a great game, but I think that now it's getting overrated by many reviewers. I mean: it's great, but factors like innovations and defects like Framerate and some controls that don't work quite well (aim, for example) have been completely ignored. Of course this doesn't transform it in a bad game. Not at all. But it's not a perfect game at all and it doesn't deserve all that hype. I really ask to reviewers to be more objective in the future, because there are limits to everything. Expand
  69. AndersO.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    Simply a marvelous game. The voice-acting is thoroughly and extremely well done, and so are the rest of the game, from graphics to the online part.
  70. DexX
    May 8, 2008
    9
    Brilliant, but not perfect. The storyline and characters, especially Niko and his relationships with other denizens of Liberty City, are what make it so compelling. Main flaws are a somewhat dodgy camera and some twitchy vehicle controls. Still one of the best games in ages, though.
  71. DazL
    Jul 8, 2008
    9
    Along with CoD4 and MGS this is a must have game for any PS3 owner. Graphically the game stands out from any of its predecessors and the gameplay as you would expect from the GTA series is superb. There are a few minor glitches in the targeting system, some features taken out from previous versions but the greatness of this game hugely outweigh the flaws and ultimately doesn't stop this game from being absolute quality. Expand
  72. Tobias
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Brilliant story, great characters, fantastic atmosphere but the RAGE engine definitely has its problems - most notably the framerate is absolutely horrible and IMHO almost never reaches 30 fps. The PS3 version lacks antialiasing (360 has 2xAA) which is compensated by some sort of blur filter which makes everything a little bit too muddy. It's definitely not deserving 100%.
  73. BobM.
    May 1, 2008
    9
    very good wonderful settings and surroundings only let down was the control of the cars. it is extremely hard to steer. apart from that the game is perfect.
  74. EugeneT.
    May 19, 2008
    9
    A lot of people say that this game is a lot like all the other GTA in the series. But I ask you, is that not what all game series are are? From Tomb Raider to Duke Nukem to Fifa. They all follow their preset formats. GTA takes on the form of yet another villain ariving in Liberty City. You get all the things you got before and even more. There's nothing really bad about this game. If you've played the other GTA games then you have a fair idea what you have to do, if you have never played it before it won't take long to get used to it. What makes this one slightly better than any other titles of the same name, is that it's not based on forming a gang. Remember the last GTA you had to form a gang, and it was all typical sterotypical American Style Gangsters. Well it's not this time around. You are integrated slowly into the Liberty City UnderWorld of corruption. Doing menial tasks to begin with, but with the use of Email and Mobile phone you stay in constant contact for missions. You forge relationships between the characters and even get the choice now and then to eliminate some of them. You make friends, and this allows you a break from the missions by visiting strip clubs, bars (getting drunk), play pool, bowling, darts and many other activities. The shooting and cop chases are totally revamped. The characters are interesting and plausible. Why did I give it a 9? Well here's the thing, every game that I buy there is never any sort of young people, animals or anything in there. No dogs, no cats, no kids, nothing really. It's all the same characters from adults to oap's. Now I'm not saying that you should be able to hurt the dogs, cats, fish, kids etc. it would be nice to see them. Because I've never visited a city that didn't have them. That for me takes the realism from the story and the game play. I know it's petty, but this day and age it can't be that hard to program so alternate characters. In fact you don't see grave yards or anything like. There are freighters parked at the docks you can't steal. Planes at the airport you can't steal. It just seems to me that you're going to build a city then you make all the vehicles accessible. There isn't even any bicycles, skateboards or anything there. You can't walk down a street these days without seeing some kids skateboarding, in any country. So for me, it gets a huge thumbs up, but the environment is a little stale and could use a brushing up of characters, like kids, dogs, cats, fish, a stray bear, and how about some fish in that water, a shark or something would be interesting. Expand
  75. RafaelP
    May 2, 2008
    10
    It's every great NYC movie made into a game. Everything just hits 10's!
  76. MarcV.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    One step closer to making gaming the entertainment medium!
  77. LukeF.
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Quite possibly the best next-generation game so far.
  78. MorganC.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Perfect, with only a few minor flaws that still don't detract from the game itself.
  79. NickU.
    May 4, 2008
    9
    This game has a lot of realism and makes the video game playing community take a real look at the series. Grand Theft Auto IV has become a next-gen game for a next-gen system. There are a lot of buildings that you can walk into like the previous games of the series, however the graphics and the modernization of the city very well makes up for this.
  80. JamesK.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  81. RobertJ.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    World's best game!!
  82. FrankV.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Great single payer! online mode is the best! Races are amazingly good!
  83. LimanimaL.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    What else is there to be said about this game? This game is just awesome. Taking a cab and enjoying the ride in the back seat, is one of the most realistic things I've ever seen on a video game. Fantastic game.
  84. BobW.
    May 6, 2008
    10
    It's been done to death, but never before on such a scale as this. Incredible, really.
  85. ShawnF.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    Great physics and story. The RAGE engine is beautiful and the city is well designed. However, the gameplay lacked some key GTA elements, such as buying safehouses or businesses. The multiplayer wasn't implemented very well and the removal of ambulance & fire truck missions was very disappointing.
  86. PatrickB.
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    Amazing game. So what if it's not perfect? People just give it low scores because they're afraid poor little children may be corrupted by it or because they think they're smarter than other reviewers. All of the websites and magazines give it perfect scores because it's perfect despite its few flaws. It is utterly amazing and totally realistic.
  87. JackyJ.
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    This game is one of, if not the best, game I have played in my whole life. The car textures are great, there are a large variety of weapons, and can do whatever you want to do in the city of Liberty City.
  88. Elwenil
    Oct 7, 2009
    9
    While I do not think this is the best game in the series, it is a very good game with an engaging storyline and memorable characters. The radio stations could use a lot of work as they lack a lot of the variety of San Andreas. As a matter of fact, the game lacks many aspects of San Andreas such as the large open world and variety of air vehicles. I found it strange that helicopters play a very small role in this game when flight was such an obsession with players in the last few games. Overall the game is very good and a must have for just about any gamer. Expand
  89. mikes
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    I'm seeing a lot of dumb comments about people claiming to know "the truth" about gta4...because obviously this is just some big conspiracy by all the game reviewers to trick you into buying a bad game! no, artards gta4 is a great game and you are just incapable of seeing it. even worse though is your attitude that the reviews, all 64 reviews from different magazines websites and newspapers, are somehow rigged. Maybe they all got together and thought as a laugh they would give gta4 great ratings to trick you into buying it. idiots, this game got great ratings cause it deserved it. GTA4 is an amazing game, don't listen to those noobs who downrated it cause they sucked to hard to beat the campaign. Expand
  90. JaredS.
    Dec 4, 2008
    10
    There is a reason why critics give this game an average of a 9.8 and the gamers gave it around an 8, and it's the same reason the movies that win Academy awards don't always gross the highest. This game is a triumph of entertainment on every level, not just an introduction of newer and better game mechanics and minigames. The story and characters surpass anything the GTA series has to offer, and stands among other masterpieces of video game storytelling such as Final Fantasy X. But, some gamers just want "bigger, faster, better, more" and the fact that the number of weapons and other gameplay options has been peeled back in favor of a more immersive and cohesive experience leave these fans wanting more. That doesn't mean that GTA: San Andreas is a better game - it's not - but there are more game-y things to do in it. The GTA series has finally come into its own as a game made specifically for adults, both in the maturity of its content and in the depth of character and storytelling. Kids looking for cheap thrills will find more entertainment elsewhere. Expand
  91. JamesK.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever
  92. VictorM.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    Best game ever
  93. JoelS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    The game is amazing...Initially I was just playing it story wise until my friend got over to my place. He just likes jacking cars and running down people and getting into fights with the police. Did find some cool stuff out about the game from the three hours he did that. Cars take realistic damage when you hit things. When I say realistic I mean it and it is specific to the area hit. Not just something that says "you got into an accident and the front end of the car was damaged so lets make the front end damaged." I mean more like if you hit a stationary post it will crease the car right where you hit it. Another cool thing is bullet holes stay where bullet holes are made and say you are driving the car and get shot, there will be a blood splatter pattern made on the inside of the windshield. The city is more "alive" than any other game I have ever played. More people walking the streets. More people having random conversations. Once my friend took off finally at 10 I got a good three hours of story mode in. Cinematics and voice acting are top notch. Story keeps you wanting to play the missions. There's only been one downside to the game and I've only experienced it when driving around killing people and running from the cops. Every so often you will get the game to "hang" for a few seconds. I don't know if it is a loading issue or a too many artifacts on the screen and the processor is having a hard time keeping up issue. I do know from what I have heard that the PS3 version of the game runs a lot smoother than the XBox 360 version. Apparently that version has frame rate drops and the whole nine yards. This was noted by video game magazine and online site reviews by actual reviewers and not just fanboys of the PS3. Might be the reason that Microsoft spent 50 some odd million getting it so the 360 version was the only one with downloadable content for a year or so...I'm sure eventually the downloadable content will reach the PS3 version. There was a rumor started by who I am guessing is a PS3 fanboy that said something different though. That the only reason the 360 version had downloadable content was because they couldn't fit all of the game onto one disc like they could for the PS3 thanks to the blu-ray discs having more storage space. Like I said though, probably started by some fanboy for the PS3...Seems like there are always going to be people that choose one system over the other. If I had the extra money laying around I'd probably pick up a 360 but I have better things to put my money towards. Oh, forgot to mention that one of the new features with Grand Theft Auto 4 that I don't really care for is the GPS in the game. Kinda takes away the fun when all you have to do is go to the map and place a marker where you want to go and and all you have to do after that is follow the green line on the little circular map on the screen to get to your destination. I do like the addition of the cell phone except for the fact that you will sometimes pop it up when you're trying to switch weapons but I am guessing that will go away once I learn all of the functions of the controller and where everything is located. And just like with the other Grand Theft Auto games you can only access certain areas and if you try to go over a bridge that takes you to a new part of the city you will come across a line of cop cars and cops with their guns pulled ready to fire on you. They at least gave it a better reason why this time around. They went with the more recent war on terror aspect. Something we all know. The area is blocked thanks to a terror alert. They did incorporate the six axis controller into the game fairly effectively but frustratingly as well. Using the six axis to reload weapons, drive motorcycles, drive boats...That's all good and dandy but just wait until you try controlling a helicopter with the six axis controller. Talk about a pain in the behind. After playing the game for awhile you unlock the Six Axis Tutorial which you can access from your cell phone. I tried it like four or five times and when it gets to the point where you're supposed to land the helicopter I fail miserably. I'm sure with a few more tries I'll be able to get it down but if you want to try it out you better have a steady hand. I'm going to be stubborn with this one as well and keep the six axis ability turned on. Of course you can do all the things the six axis does using just the analog sticks but I want to get the six axis function down better so it helps in other games. Overall I would like to be able to give this game a 10 because it's as close to perfection as they come but thanks to the game freezing a few times (it does recover after a few seconds) I can only give it a 9. Graphics = 10 Gameplay = 9 Sound = 10 Cinematics = 10 Over-all fun factor = 10. Expand
  94. JeffA.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    The words spectacular, jaw dropping, fantastic and breathtaking don't do justice to how great a game GTA IV is. GTA IV was make by 1,000 people at the cost of approximately $100,000,000 and the time, effort and attention to detail bleeds from this game. This is one game that will be spoken of in 20 years from now.
  95. FrankW.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    The sheer amount of detail is stunning. The city looks really lived in. The dialog is sharp, witty and any minor flaws can easily be overlooked when considering all of the options available to the player. Easily the greatest game this generation and most likely the greatest game I have ever played PERIOD.
  96. JimmyP
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Beyond what I was expecting. I expected a great script, they include an incredible script. I expected awesome game play, they broke my legs and looked at me like I was an idiot. I expected a fantastic sense of humor, and was hit with a brilliantly insightful satire of American life. It truly rises above the notoriety of being an ultra violent cesspool of immorality that wants nothing but to corrupt the youth, and stands as a truly remarkable piece of digital art. 10 out of 10. Expand
  97. ChorneeF.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    This definitely the most anticipated game in 2008!
  98. MarkR.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    It's hard to fault this game - it simply rocks!
  99. SalG.
    May 1, 2008
    10
    having played all the games, even the original ones from ps1, this one definitely takes the cake.
  100. DillonB.
    May 1, 2008
    10
    Greatest game I've ever played. Great job Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 64 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. Grand Theft Auto IV is not a perfect game, but it is fantastic through and through, from start to finish and beyond. It is so massive, vast and impressive that it is almost mind-boggling to imagine how much work must have gone into the game to come up with so much detail.
  2. But GTA IV will never get old, or start repeating itself. It will always offer anyone who turns it on an experience to savour.
  3. GTA4 is a traditional crime story through and through, with a script that rarely strays from its purpose, a pitch-perfect supporting cast, and an expert combination of in-game storytelling and crafted cut-scenes. [June 2008, p.80]