GTA IV, Grand Theft Auto IV – Why it’s one of the most sucessful games on the PS3 so far, I finally understand the hype
Grand Theft Auto IV has been out for a number of months now, and I am still nowhere close to completing the game. After a solid summer of sitting in front of the TV with my PS3 on, I am at a measly 40% completion point. While it is very true that I am 1) not the greatest of gamers, 2) have taken off weeks at a time due to my frustration at failure, and 3) I really love movie marathons – a game that takes this long to complete would have normally grinded my interest level down to micro molecules. So why is it that I still invest my life and time into the game, submersed in its digital cesspool?
For starters, as with the main reason I play games, the story for your character is incredible. It’s more than just an immigrant trying to reach that All American Dream. Nico Belic, is a good hearted dude with a tormented past. Because of where he grew up, he lost friends and family, and engaged in activities of such a dismal nature, any other man would have used it as an excuse to rape and pillage. Through his journey in Liberty City, an increasing portion of his nature is revealed. The genius of it all is that you become more familiar with his personality through his interaction with other people – crooked cops, gang banging drug dealers, or even just another tormented soul like himself. While money is his main objective, you as the player occasionally get to make a choice for him such as taking a side between two warring individuals or letting someone live or die. Your choice affects the game play later on.
Supporting characters are also a wonder addition to the game. Your cousin, Roman Belic, appears to be a fat slippery slob. While his personality is flawed, just like you, he means for the best – only it never turns out that way. The interaction between Nico and Roman in the cut scenes hits all of your emotions. You might laugh, become annoyed, or swayed by that feel good moment when the two cousins pour their heart out to each other. A few other characters include: Brucie – adrenalin junkie high on steroids, thinks the world of Nico, and completely delusional about the status of their friendship; Lil Jacob – Jamaican dude with respect for Nico. Always on the lookout and a loyal friend; Packie – welcomes Nico to his family with open arms, and introduces Nico to his sister. There are a few other of these guys running around in the game, all with a distinct personality, mostly driven by personal interest. The interaction you have with them, is something that lures you to pick up that controller night in and night out.
Last but not least, the digital architecture of the city is just amazing. You aren’t just playing a game that takes place inside a city anymore. When you play GTA IV, you are IN the city. You can look up and see that one distinct tree with the leaf just barely hanging onto the branch. You remember the hot dog vendor you drive by everyday. Take a cab, then look out the window. The city flies by with more than just generic doors and windows. The shoe store will always be on that same corner. The burger joint is under the bridge just a couple blocks away from the police station. Driving home in the game resembles the experience of driving home in real life. The ability to get around through recognition of landmarks is the sign of success for a virtual city, and in GTA IV, that is exactly what you can do.
Of course, there are the guns, the car jacking, police killing, prostitute beatings, and drug dealing that comes with all GTA games. This time around however, they are not the ones that makes the game worthwhile to play. In fact, they never really were, which is probably why I never understood the appeal of the game before. But now, with the forementioned elements, it is a game I am totally into.
