After going in fresh and experiencing GTA IV's treasure trove of surprises for many months now, we can't bring ourselves to ruin it for you. So don't worry, spoilers will be kept to a minimum, which is bloody hard. We've got all these awesome tales and secrets to tell.
Note: Xbox 360 version reviewed.
As an experience, especially a cinematic one, GTA IV is incredible. Story-wise, Rockstar's usual mix of crime, betrayal and truckloads of piss-taking is at full force in an event-filled plotline. It's easily our favourite narrative since Vice City.
This is mostly down to the charismatic and infinitely likeable protagonist. Unlike the silent anti-hero of III, or CJ's custom canvas, Niko Bellic has tons to say and a shady past to uncover.
Yes he's a cold hearted killer, but unlike the robots of previous offerings, there are points in the story where his conscience boils to the surface. Underneath he even shows real emotion.
When put with a difficult decision, he'll struggle with the choice. One minute he'll be an accomplice in a robbery with only cash in mind, but another time he'll help a friend in need.
The conscience-testing plot is played out during GTA IV's campaign, and when put to a difficult decision, we too found ourselves pacing alongside Niko (there are plenty of endings to be discovered). It's nice to finally have a GTA where we give a sod about the protagonist.
But it doesn't end with Niko. In the past the series has pumped out plenty of flat, one-liner NPCs to help push the story along. But now we're finally seeing some characters with actual depth.
Russian Mikhail Faustin, for example, has clearly been messed up by drink and drugs - and you can tell. Scenes where he does little more than hold his head in his hands, ready to explode, inject real suspense and emotion - something we're not used to in this series.
Voice acting, as always, is fantastic. Non-player characters have plenty to say - especially on car rides to objectives. And they'll never say the same thing twice (unless you replay a mission).
As always, the piss-taking, politically incorrect side of Rockstar's script is alive, actually more so than ever. IV will have you chuckling more than any other game this year, I reckon.
The biggest star of the game though is of course the the city. And Rockstar has succeeded in creating one of the most believable environments we've ever seen.
In scope and scale, Liberty City is utterly unmatched. There's seamless integration of interior and exterior (indoors doesn't look like blurry boxes anymore) which is IV's most significant jump over San Andreas.
Coupled with a gorgeous lighting system, Liberty City at times comes across with a set of its own emotions. When the streets are overcast and soaked with rain, you'll feel the sombre mood of the streets. 30 minutes later, when you're screaming past the sun-lit backdrop of the Algonquin skyscrapers, Liberty City feels like the happiest place on Earth.
But how does it play? Compared to San Andreas, number IV's game systems have been improved in a lot of areas. Vehicle handling has been tweaked to feel more realistic (though don't get too rowdy - it's not PGR or GT) and the pure thrill of driving around town is more present than ever.
The difference between a tank-like old banger and sports car this time around is massive. Each motor feels unique, making every car in Liberty City relevant.
This time around though, the lazy lot among us can simply hail a cab with the press of a button (something we do a lot) and skip across town in an instant. In previous GTAs this would be game-shaking, but with GTA IV's motors driving to your destination it's a lot more fun.
Missions, in general, are well designed and balance the variety perfectly. Alongside the traditional 'drive here, shoot this bloke' stuff in the 90 mission-strong campaign, there are a lot of inventive scenarios you find yourself in. Some are our standout gaming moments of this current generation.
We don't want to ruin anything, but there's one awesome heist mission in particular that we replayed twice for the fun of it. Makes Kane & Lynch look like Ant and Dec...
But there are so many favourites - a high-speed motorboat chase through the harbour, shooting our way out of hospital after icing a bed-ridden witness. There are too many to mention and you should discover them all for yourself.
Combat is a massive improvement over San Andreas too. The cover system is solid, injecting a level of strategy into gun fights not present in GTA III's messy lock-on system. You'll still die thanks to the odd lock-on screw up that has you looking at pedestrians instead of the policeman aiming up behind you, but for the most part it's a considerably tight system.
One of the absolute best additions though is Niko's mobile phone, which is executed flawlessly. During the story you'll be asked to phone up someone in your contacts book to arrange meet ups. But when you're off-plot you can also dial friends to go on activities such as bowling, drinking or to a strip club. They'll phone you too; but you don't have to answer and you can even cut the caller off mid-speech.
If the contact you're dialling has no story relevance or isn't your friend, you'll often go straight to answer phone message. It all feels totally believable, even if we can see the technical sense behind it all.
At one point in our game, cousin Roman phoned up crying for help, but we went on a date with family friend Michelle instead. Unexpectedly, once we were done sitting through our romantic sex noise cut-scene, Roman dialled our cell phone again, pissed off and beaten up. Sorry bro...
"Thanks for protecting me," he yells, but Niko pleads: "Sorry, I was seeing Michelle!" The sheer amount of scenarios and dialogue in the phone system is impressive.
Later on in the game you get a more modern phone with a camera, mp3 ringtones and picture messaging. Rockstar also exploits the gadget in some inventive ways during missions. In one scenario, we had to take photos of gang members in a park without being seen, and then picture message each one over to our employer so that he could identify the target.
In another mission, our bent employer is being blackmailed. With only a text message from the target in our possession, we arrange a meeting place in the park and then turn up - phone in hand. The park's quite crowded, but luckily we can phone up the target via his text message. It's only a case of looking through the passers-by to see who answers their phone...
Should we judge the biggest game of the year as just that, a videogame, and pick holes in its evolution-not-revolution systems which don't exactly re-write the rules? Or should we look at GTA IV as a pure experience, where it wipes the floor with anything else on Xbox 360 and PS3?
As is so easy to forget after the hype, GTA IV is very much Grand Theft Auto, which means that if you didn't like the last instalments you're probably going to have the same qualms with IV.
We'd still challenge anyone to cruise around Liberty City and not be engrossed in the plot, be dazzled by the mission scenarios and be amazed at Liberty City itself.
As a sandbox experience, it's instantly entertaining. There's such a manifold of things to see and do that we'll really be amazed if a solid percentage of purchasers ever make it to 100 percent.
Then there's the multiplayer, which we go into in more detail here. That adds even more life to the already gargantuan package and provides replayability of so many brilliant GTA moments.
But coming back to our original conundrum, GTA IV has its flaws as a game, like the sometimes problematic auto-aim shooting or the massive difficulty jump when you get to the final ten missions. But as an all-round experience it's truly, hype aside, a standout experience of gaming in 2008.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
Another review mentioned that hidden packages have been replaced with something that "fits in better with the city". In other words you won't be collecting glowing, floating packages anymore...but something else instead.
Very nice review, whole bunch of typo's, but well written.
What I don't get is that the body of the review says the combat system is tight, but the comment at the end of the review says the combat system could be tighter.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
I think the collectibles are glowing pigeons, check out gta4.net, theres something about it on there
I think we should all be getting pretty excited about Tuesday now. It wont matter if you have a PS3 or 360, just get this game and enjoy playing what could be one of the best gaming experiences your going to have for a long, long time.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
LIES... "For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster." comes from IGN.
Right, not everyone will have a 80" TV that will pinpoint every Jaggy Edge.
I have sene videos for both versions, Graphics are the same, Brightness and the Look of the game is different.
You show me two videos of gameplay from the 360 and PS3 where you can clearly see Jaggies in the 360 version that arent in the in the PS3 version.
And like i said the 360 version also allows an install.
I bet the load time differences we are talking is a few secounds difference....
The real quality version will be the PC one where the Resolution will be 4x Better, Graphics, AA, AF, Draw Distance etc will be much better.
Something no home console can match.
Also the Framerate can go as high as you want with the new 9 series.
Put 3 9900 GTX's + Quad Core CPU + 2GB RAM and youll be set...
The PS3 & 360 have minor differences....
The true spectacular version is the PC version....
'Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieveing smoother framerate,peaking higher in certain circumstances,such as confined spaces or during light traffic,but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip'
'the 360 can syffer from some very noticable texture loading as things like trees,vehicles and building signs will regularly pop in as one tools around town.....and the PS3 version isnt entirely immune from it but its not a game killing problem'
after reading all that Kotaku had to say,if you ask me it sounds like whatever version you get,it will be great
oh and the install for the PS3 for those who want to know is 7minutes 20 seconds and takes up 3.4gig..but it doesnt mention one for the 360,and i havent read anywhere that there is one for the 360,if there is i will do it,but i doubt it will have it
'Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieveing smoother framerate,peaking higher in certain circumstances,such as confined spaces or during light traffic,but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip'
'the 360 can syffer from some very noticable texture loading as things like trees,vehicles and building signs will regularly pop in as one tools around town.....and the PS3 version isnt entirely immune from itbut its not a game killing problem'
after reading all that Kotaku had to say,if you ask me it sounds like whatever version you get,it will be great
Pretty much what I was meaning, both versions look great, both will play the same....just minor little differences.
As I said, I am getting the PS3 version purely because I have always played the GTA games (except 1 and 2 which were played on the PC) on a Playstation controller.
Just to say, as an early owner, this review is pretty much spot on. Only gripes I've got are (360) :
-Aforementioned lag -Pop-in is pretty bad at times -Lighting goes wonky. A LOT.
Otherwise, I'll go out on a limb and say it's the best game out this year, miles ahead of GTA San Andreas.
Despite what some have said on here, graphically the PS3 version has the edge, regardless whether you pre-install or not.
The anti-aliasing is better on PS3, and the pop-up is definitely noticeable on 360. Also, the 360 controller feels strange for this version, as the layout feels slighly awkward.
Hey anyway, despite these flaws, the 360 version is still pretty decent, but has these noticeable problems as well as the risk of RROD doubling to 65% if you play this game for a length of time. Okay that last bit was not true but hey hoo.
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
Just pointing it out is all. I think Halo 3 and GTAIV both deserve very high scores for their own reasons, my original comment was meaning to suggest they have thought about it rather than just jumping on the perfect score bandwagon.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
SPOILER
There are two hundred 'flying vermin' to shoot. And boy do they go when you do.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
Another review mentioned that hidden packages have been replaced with something that "fits in better with the city". In other words you won't be collecting glowing, floating packages anymore...but something else instead.
Very nice review, whole bunch of typo's, but well written.
try radioactive pigeons instead
There is occasional frame rate drop and pop in on the 360, maybe the PS3 install will sort that. Technical flaws aside, the first time you're caught out in a thunderstorm at night you'll forgive it. The rain is the best I've seen in a game.
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
the controls are fine for the 360, the buttons are the same layout as the PS2, just with analogue triggers and better sticks.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
the controls are fine for the 360, the buttons are the same layout as the PS2, just with analogue triggers and better sticks.
Well the 360's analouges are much better spaced out.
The PS3's are too close.
Also the DS3/SixAxis "Trigger" buttons feel awrkward...
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
the controls are fine for the 360, the buttons are the same layout as the PS2, just with analogue triggers and better sticks.
Well the 360's analouges are much better spaced out.
The PS3's are too close.
Also the DS3/SixAxis "Trigger" buttons feel awrkward...
Horses for courses though, the game will blow you away on either console, pop in and occasional frame rate is nothing. This is a game of enormous achievement that minor flaws cannot diminish. People will complain about the lack of content compared to SA but for me it is not missed. It is a tightly focused experience and all little details make the game incredible to play.
I really can't wait to see what they do with the DLC and future iterations.
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
the controls are fine for the 360, the buttons are the same layout as the PS2, just with analogue triggers and better sticks.
Well the 360's analouges are much better spaced out.
The PS3's are too close.
Also the DS3/SixAxis "Trigger" buttons feel awrkward...
Horses for courses though, the game will blow you away on either console, pop in and occasional frame rate is nothing. This is a game of enormous achievement that minor flaws cannot diminish. People will complain about the lack of content compared to SA but for me it is not missed. It is a tightly focused experience and all little details make the game incredible to play.
I really can't wait to see what they do with the DLC and future iterations.
Oh and Niko is a legend.
The hype will make the game underwhelming to you when you start; it's natural to be disappointed with overblown expectations. This is gta, just done a lot better and once that dawns on you, you may agree this is the most impressive game since Oblivion.
Enjoy people, I wish I could have waited until Tuesday.......anyone want to free roam with me, add me
survivaloom-why is the 360 controller feeling starnge for this version?...its fine for the last 3 GTA games...whats changed and why isnt the sixaxis effected?
the controls are fine for the 360, the buttons are the same layout as the PS2, just with analogue triggers and better sticks.
Well the 360's analouges are much better spaced out.
The PS3's are too close.
Also the DS3/SixAxis "Trigger" buttons feel awrkward...
Horses for courses though, the game will blow you away on either console, pop in and occasional frame rate is nothing. This is a game of enormous achievement that minor flaws cannot diminish. People will complain about the lack of content compared to SA but for me it is not missed. It is a tightly focused experience and all little details make the game incredible to play.
I really can't wait to see what they do with the DLC and future iterations.
Oh and Niko is a legend.
The hype will make the game underwhelming to you when you start; it's natural to be disappointed with overblown expectations. This is gta, just done a lot better and once that dawns on you, you may agree this is the most impressive game since Oblivion.
Enjoy people, I wish I could have waited until Tuesday.......anyone want to free roam with me, add me
big names get big reviews regardless I would give it something like 8.5 to be honest. I had the game a few days but don't see what the fuss is about. Unchartered is still my fave game sure its short but its all about quality these days not quantity even if frame rate issues still get better reviews just coz of a bigger familiar name. Will keep you tied over for a week or two though. the game feels like it could have been much better. still alot of bugs to fix. And nico is pretty cool too though I'll give him that.
GTA 4 is a 10!!!!! If my xbox360 would broke today, i would sell my mother tomorrow. I even cant understand those negative points.... i cant say nothing bad about the framerate... maybe your HD TV sucks... and the combat system is genius.... its so easy switching enemys and makes you walk through every 1 man vs. 20 situation....
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
The install is to help the PS3, BUT you're wrong - the PS3 version load times ARE faster than the 360.
Graphical differences are what they are, the PS3 version looks cleaner.
Pop-in and frame rate is again, worse on 360 than on PS3.
Watch the videos and you can see it all and time it all for yourself.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
Right, so now your focusing on the read speed of the Blu Ray drive to justify the slightly inferior 360 version? Ridiculous. BTW, you do realise your 360 hardware is going to have to work extra hard to run this game and will increase the chance of systems failure now, don't you???
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
Right, so now your focusing on the read speed of the Blu Ray drive to justify the slightly inferior 360 version? Ridiculous. BTW, you do realise your 360 hardware is going to have to work extra hard to run this game and will increase the chance of systems failure now, don't you???
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
Right, so now your focusing on the read speed of the Blu Ray drive to justify the slightly inferior 360 version? Ridiculous. BTW, you do realise your 360 hardware is going to have to work extra hard to run this game and will increase the chance of systems failure now, don't you???
Some of you guys are obviously reading different reviews to me. Especially the ones saying "PS3 has the better framerate". Neither the IGN.com or KOtaku comparisons say PS3 has a better framerate. They both pick up on other advantages and disadvantages, but not that. From what I have read so far it goes like this:
Framerate: Almost identical on both. Kotaku says the 360 is actually slightly smoother in certain points, but they essentially are the same. Winner: 360 edges it very slightly, but completely negligible really.
Loading times: Everywhere agrees they are slightly better on PS3, but again, they are nigh-on negligible. Winner: PS3 by a small margin. Negligible?
Nothing really between the two so far.
Pop-in: Both version suffer from noticeable texture pop-in. It will be obvious no matter what version you get. However, it is worse on Xbox 360. No where really says much other than its worse on Xbox 360, so how much of difference there is.....who knows. Winner: PS3.
Visuals: Again, this is a real nit-pick area between the two versions. Kotaku says that in Beta version the PS3 had worse AA, but that in the final retail version they are basically the same. IGN says PS3 has a slight AA edge. Looks like this is an area that will divide the critics, but I would suggest they are basically identical. Colours are universally acclaimed as better on the Xbox 360 from what I have read so far. Kotaku say the Xbox 360 version has sharper visuals. IGN say the PS3 has sharper visuals. Again, I think its a case of them both being the same. Probably just variances like TV used and things. Winner: From what I have read, its a draw.
Controls: Same on both really. Just comes down to personal preference. PS3 has Sixaxis control, which may be an advantage for some, but its not supposed to be very good. Both games support vibration. On 360 this is a given. PS3 supports dualshock 3 though. 360 a possible advantage for some since I doubt many PS3 owners have a DS3 yet in this country. WInner: Ultimately a draw. Personal preference.
Downloadable Content: Definitely a factor for some. Make no mistake, this is exclusive for Xbox 360. Whilst PS3 may eventually get some content which will likely to be on both formats, Xbox 360 is getting two exclusive episodes. Winner: 360, but again, this may not matter to sum.
Overall: Both games are very similar. The only noteable differences (framerate, loading and overall visual quality being almost identical) are essentially texture pop-in and content. If you want the exclusive content, get it on Xbox 360. If texture pop-in is a deal breaker, although its in both version, get the PS3 version.
The other difference is control, but for me, I couldn't care less what pad its on. I prefer Xbox 360 controller in general, but as a PSone and PS2 owner as well, I am more than happy to pick up a PS3 controller.
Ultimately, neither version stands above the other. They both have some strengths and weaknesses, but both are meant to be brilliant. Will find out when my gameplay.co.uk Xbox 360 Special Edition version arrives, hopefully tomorrow
As an all round experience I would have said that Jet Set Radio Future is worth more than the 7/10 it was given but I suppose that it didn't significantly differ from the Dreamcast game except making it easier to tag.
There's a spelling mistake on the 4th last paragraph as well: 'We'd sill challenge anyone'- unless 'sill challenge' is a section where you have to balance on a window sill- on skates maybe.
system blade>>memory,press Y on the HDD then press X,X, left bumper,right bumper,X,X
apparently there have been reports that this makes the game run better(whether its the pop up thats better i am not sure)..and is more noticable after on machines that have a lot of games
the only thing this clears is updates for games,so come Bully or COD4 after this,you will have to re-download the update...no biggie
i remember Oblivion had a similar fix/problem
EDIT:i agree that you shouldnt need to do this,and i will find out how my game runs on tuesday as i cleared my cache...but i was thinking about all the games that must be on your machines as you review most games...i have a lot as well
If you really think the PC version will be the best you got to stop and concider something.
3x 9900's with a quad core and 4gb ram? Anyone who spends that much on a computer when PC platform games just are not being released anymore would be a crime.
I don't think anyone is silly enough to buy all that sort of hardware for any game no matter how much they have been waiting for it.
Personally I'm getting this on xbox 360 probably on day of release but I'm in no real hurry after most games this year being s**te I'm not overly convinced no matter how many reviews I read.
And I don't mean this harshly but I don't trust reviews nowdays I just read them for an insight especially after the RSV2 and Army of Two reviews I mean someone must of paid off the reviewers because I've never come across such a half bottomd attempt at a game especially as it was DELAYED for months.
Anyways I am going to write my own harsh critical review once I complete the game (and I won't be rushing it)
Some ppl say don't bring the console wars into this game. Why not? For the first 8 months of the PS3 all xbots did was curse it, didn't give it a chance and even m$ slagged of the bad choice of bluray, hard drive and wifi options all they claimed added to cost. And at last! A big blockbuster like GTAIV is showing why next-gen gaming requires disk space and hd space.
Here's a quote from Kotaku (and most reviews I've seen this weekend) The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both. They are almost evenly matched, feature for feature. Gamers will have to decide which is more important to them, a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3 or downloadable content and Xbox Live integration on the Xbox 360.
If this were a personal decision, I'd have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge.
So along with better graphical and performance versions on COD4, Assassins's creed, Burnout and now GTAIV. M$ go stick it up your ass! Sorry if you own a 360.. you know M$ products have a short life span That's why I'm sticking with Sony and Nintendo.
And at last! A big blockbuster like GTAIV is showing why next-gen gaming requires disk space and hd space.
Here's a quote from Kotaku (and most reviews I've seen this weekend) The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both.
A little ironic that the game excels on both machines, yet you are claiming this as a blockbuster that shows why 'next-gen gaming requires disk space and hd space'
Errmmm, the 360 doesn't require disk space or hd space. How do you explain that?
And sticking with Nintendo definitly isn't going to offer you next gen gaming either according to your original statement. What colour is your kettle?
Some ppl say don't bring the console wars into this game. Why not? For the first 8 months of the PS3 all xbots did was curse it, didn't give it a chance and even m$ slagged of the bad choice of bluray, hard drive and wifi options all they claimed added to cost. And at last! A big blockbuster like GTAIV is showing why next-gen gaming requires disk space and hd space.
If the PS3 didn’t have such a slow Blu-Ray drive, then the install wouldn’t have been required.
I’m buying the 360 version, only because everyone I know owns a 360.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
Another review mentioned that hidden packages have been replaced with something that "fits in better with the city". In other words you won't be collecting glowing, floating packages anymore...but something else instead.
Very nice review, whole bunch of typo's, but well written.
I think its dog s**t get them pooper scoopers ready!!!
rofl at the guy that said we will need 3 9900 GTX to run GTA IV well. even current cards will run it well, look what happened with san andreas.. looks old now and we can play with 100 players online
1 x 9900 GTX will run this game smooth as butter, right now i have 2 x 8800 GT so lets see what happens.
With all the hype and pages surrounding this game I've decided not to get it for now. I'll wait until the PC version is launched so I can aim with my mouse.
I've played all the GTA games on the PC so I think I'll continue that tradition.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
LIES... "For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster." comes from IGN.
LIES as Kotaku say different http://kotaku.com/384422/which-version-of-gta-iv-should-you-buy-we-compare-the-ps3-and-360-versions
Looks like it all depends on your setup and possibly at what stage you got your chosen console. At the end of the day both versions are identical from a gameplay/technical standpoint for the vanilla single player game.
At the end of the day just enjoy the freaking game and dont get hung up on minor technical differences between the 2 versions.
People seem intent on picking out the smallest detail in this title, I can't see a clear winner and either way this game will be great on any console!
Who honestly cares if theres a small amount of pop-up? I very much doubt it'll tarnish your GTA experience much and if the sun is slightly brighter on one console than another I doubt that'll much matter either.
Im getting it on 360 purely because of live, the 360 has a better online community, this game could rock on multiplayer after the mammoth task of completing the single player game! Roll on tomorrow!
Ok - these vids never show the game in the best quality but it DOES give you an idea of the differences.
To me, the colours look better on the 360 version - especially on the indoor sections. The 360 also looks sharper on the indoor sections - but the PS3 looked better on the driving bits shown - certainly less fog and more draw distance from what you can see on the vid'.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
LIES... "For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster." comes from IGN.
LIES as Kotaku say different http://kotaku.com/384422/which-version-of-gta-iv-should-you-buy-we-compare-the-ps3-and-360-versions
Looks like it all depends on your setup and possibly at what stage you got your chosen console. At the end of the day both versions are identical from a gameplay/technical standpoint for the vanilla single player game.
At the end of the day just enjoy the freaking game and dont get hung up on minor technical differences between the 2 versions.
This just a case of vercetti102 seeing what he wants to see in an article & ignoring the rest!?... simple minded fool....
But im sure the 360 pop in will be fixed with an update, this is a huuuuge game & im sure the guys at Rockstar will now spend more time ironing out all those little bugs. Its the online side of GTA that the 360 will totally own, I cant bear to us the PSN, after using live its like going back 5 years in time. But either way GTA is gonna be one amazing game! that we are all gonna enjoy for many, many sleepless nights.
The 5 minute install on the PS3 allows the game to read quicker which helps with the frame rate issue.
Although the PS3 version does have some frame rate problems, just not so much as the 360's.
Apparently, the PS3 version JUST manages to outdo the 360, but both versions are all but identical, barring some brightness and anti-aliasing stuff
Personally, I have it ordered for the PS3, but thats just cause I am used to playin GTA games on the playstation control pads
Apparently you can aslo chose to install whatever on the 360 version which then brings it upto par with the PS3 version conserning Framrate Issues.
Also AA is the same in both versions.....
there is no install on 360, that was taken from a fake review.
Well i can recall it in here actually, but oh well.
Like i said PS3 needs to install coz of the slow read speed of the Blu-Ray Disc.
Everything gets Pop in, even High End PC's....
It just depends on how fast you can load it, and as the BD read speed is 2x and the 360 DVD Read speed is much much faster i doubt theres a difference.
The Install is to help the PS3, not make it better...
Right, so now your focusing on the read speed of the Blu Ray drive to justify the slightly inferior 360 version? Ridiculous. BTW, you do realise your 360 hardware is going to have to work extra hard to run this game and will increase the chance of systems failure now, don't you???
Well if the 360 can read discs at 8x/12x and the PS3 can only read 2x, whats going to be the big difference?
And i though Gears Of War was pushing it, i play that for hours at a time, my 360 is really squashed together, never had any problems....
rofl at the guy that said we will need 3 9900 GTX to run GTA IV well. even current cards will run it well, look what happened with san andreas.. looks old now and we can play with 100 players online
1 x 9900 GTX will run this game smooth as butter, right now i have 2 x 8800 GT so lets see what happens.
I doubt 1 9900 GTX will let you run this @ 2560 x 1600, MAX Detail, Max Draw Distance, SLi32x AA, 16x AF @ 62 FPS +
From what ive seen in previous games, GTA requires quite alot of hardware power, and when your running 32x AA, you better have some good hardware....
the 360 drive cant load fast enough to handle the pop-in, how are they gonna fix that in an update?! fool! the 360 had MANY extra months they could have polished and ironed bugs out on it, as the ps3 version held back the release date and 360 version was waiting on it catching up. thats as good as it gets for 360 - accept it
Erm, the PS3 has its own downsides, 256 Mb RAM, No dedicated memory to the CPU, 2x Read Speed.....
I think it's really cool (and about time) that while a discussion on which version is best (from what i hear the PS3 just edges that, but could argue DLC for 360 cancels that out IMO) is inevitible, that most people are agreed to just enjoy the game on whatever console you have. So here's to R* have fun everyone.
the 360 drive cant load fast enough to handle the pop-in, how are they gonna fix that in an update?! fool! the 360 had MANY extra months they could have polished and ironed bugs out on it, as the ps3 version held back the release date and 360 version was waiting on it catching up. thats as good as it gets for 360 - accept it
Erm, the PS3 has its own downsides, 256 Mb RAM, No dedicated memory to the CPU, 2x Read Speed.....
no need to get technical, the ps3 still comes out on top where it matters. what does the BR drive 2x speed matter when it is helped by the HDD which is much faster than the 360s DVD read speed, and thats why you have more severe pop-in.
It could be fixed in an update, whats to stop them to create an update to start using the HDD for caching?
Been playing it all weekend though and the pop in isn't very noticeable to be honest.
Interesting that Kotaku said that the AA is of the same quality in the retail build of both. Maybe IGn were using the earlier build?
Interesting that they said the 360 had slightly better frame rate in places too.
Initially, it appeared that the PS3 suffered from more noticeable aliasing than its 360 counterpart, but after eyeballing the final retail copy, they appear to be on par.
Overall though it is indeed slightly technically better on PS3. But still, it is so good, everyone will enjoy this on their console!
Don't know how accurate this is but apparently the IGN review can't be trusted as they are affiliated with the company providing the servers for the PS3 version's online mode, meaning the more people playing the PS3 version online, the more money IGN get. As for the techincal details, apparently both are pretty close although the PS3 version seems to just edge it with the 7min 20 sec 5GB+ HDD install reducing the pop-up that the 360 version suffers from. Personally I already have the 360 version and have only experience pop-up when driving full speed to try and escape the 4 star wanted level. ^_^
the 360 drive cant load fast enough to handle the pop-in, how are they gonna fix that in an update?! fool! the 360 had MANY extra months they could have polished and ironed bugs out on it, as the ps3 version held back the release date and 360 version was waiting on it catching up. thats as good as it gets for 360 - accept it
Erm, the PS3 has its own downsides, 256 Mb RAM, No dedicated memory to the CPU, 2x Read Speed.....
no need to get technical, the ps3 still comes out on top where it matters. what does the BR drive 2x speed matter when it is helped by the HDD which is much faster than the 360s DVD read speed, and thats why you have more severe pop-in.
The PS3 needs it HDD to catch up on the 360's DVD speed.
The texture popin is minimal and i have been used to it by now as this is normal on a GTA Game....
Also im getting all 3 version eventually so not really botherd...
STFU you nOObs! The 360 version has 3 more polygons per building so that means it dry humps the PS3 version through 7 pairs of jumbo corduroy trousers...
Seriously you people need to get a grip, why not just enjoy the game instead of having a childish willy waving contest.
I have both a 360 and a ps3 but I am getting GTA 4 on the 360 but why did the ps3 version get a 10 and 360 only got 9.5 if they are both identical.
No idea. Places like Gamespot and IGN have awarded the game identical scores, where as usually if they feel there's a big enough difference, usually they would award the superior version a few points more, but they haven't. Like was previously stated, both versions seem near identical bar the PS3 version having less pop-up, so it looks like Rockstar achieved their goal with the additional development time they gained due to the delay.
I have both a 360 and a ps3 but I am getting GTA 4 on the 360 but why did the ps3 version get a 10 and 360 only got 9.5 if they are both identical.
Previously when 360-only sites/mags and PS3-only sites/mags have reviewed the same game, the PS3-only places seem to give out the higher scores. This is possibly because that there is more competition for decent games on 360.
I can't help but notice how the franchise most coveted by chavs and casual PS2 goons also seems to have elicited the most petty-minded nit-picking comments over differences which make almost no difference what-so-ever.
To all these whingey fan boys parading opinions and quotes like facts I have this to say:
Get back in your Citreon Saxo's, throw on your Happy Hardcore CD and rest assured that even if there are pop up issues in Liberty City, the flats on your estate are fo' real. Yeeeah boyee...
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
so that means it dry humps the PS3 version through 7 pairs of jumbo corduroy trousers...
LMAO - clucking bells, I had tears in my eyes after reading that.
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
Jesus....will everyone on the PS3 browser stop mashing the shagging buttons and posting the same message fifty times.
San Andreas was a great game I'll be getting this soon. Im disappointed that the maps smaller than SA but multiplayer will make up for it. I wonder what the police chases are like thats what Im really interested in. It was a good review by CVG considering they gave a rushed review of the last extremely hyped game (halo 3).
Jesus....will everyone on the PS3 browser stop mashing the shagging buttons and posting the same message fifty times.
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
For some reason I think this might be one of the best-selling games ever. I can't wait until Wednesday, when I should be getting it. Are there any collectibles, like Secret Packages?
When I collected the special edition this morning at 12.30am I thought that maybe the hype may have been too much but all I have to say is this game is on a different planet compared to all the other games a true classic and I doubt any game will give you the same feeling of fun and a top class story than gta.
Where are these 100% coming from? The game is nowhere near that standard. To be fair the 360 controls for driving aren't very well thought of, being used to the PS2 X to go and R(1) to handbrake it.
Nothing major though, you can change the controls, people forget that sometimes.
absolute must have game. i'm gonna throw a spanner in the works and say that the 360 version is gonna go down better. looking forward to seeing the sales figures. of course wii fit is going to topple the both of them either way.
Unfortunately for me I was mugged before I collected my copy of GTA4.
Fortunately I was still able to get my copy about 12 hours after everyone else.
I've seen both versions and they both look pretty tight. Had a few (dare I say it) problems with the 360. The hot summer and 6 - 12 hour stints have taken their toll on the console and am now running an intercooler on the back so I can enjoy the game without the console shouting "I'm melting!" with a similar pitch to the snowmen in TimeSplitters: Future Perfect.
No matter what anyone says graphically, playing this game in 1080p is the way to do it. There is a considerable difference in the quality from standard-def to high-def and full high-def. You can put a photograph of the Empire State Building and put it next to Liberty City's take and with the all the settings perfect, can hardly see the difference.
At night the city takes on a whole new role. Speeding along in a Turismo in the city center with Pendulum blasting with full bass is one of my favorite pastimes of the game. If Midnight Club: LA looks better than this, then it'll look better than real life, and that means the world will need to look prettier before we can take it seriously again.
A few down points other than the ones mentioned, the inability to play activities multiplayer is a big let-down. I was looking forward to a few games of bowling a with someone-gets-angry-and-blows-my-head-off kind of twist in there. Also some references to familiar characters would have been nice (other than Lazlow (Who has done a great job with the soundtrack, love the Queen track and other great rock classics especially)) like in the previous games. Finally the Xbox 360 versions online achievements... What if you never meet a Rockstar developer? I have REALLY bad luck so the likelyhood is I'll never get a perfect 1000 for this one. Call Of Duty 4 has them sorted...
That aside, it is a must have for everyone, except the underage kids that seem to be taking over Xbox Live. Your parents suck at their job of parenting, obviously.
GTA 4 is a great game but could have been done soooooooooo much better,Glitchy aiming system, dodgy cam angles, messed up heli controls, dodgey sound etc etc etc. All of these flaws could have been fixed or done way better than what it is.
But hey its still a great game the best bits for me are the city itself, the voice acting and characters,the vehicles and then the very best is the radio its just hilarious.
One other niggle I have is that the reviewer mentions there is no game that comes near the depth of GTA 4 on the 360, I'll correct him and suggest Oblivion as it is easily as good as GTA 4 and would be probably better if not let down by its extreme framerate problems.
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Amazing city to explore
