Grand Theft Auto IV
Dec 02, 2008 18 years ago
Grand Theft Auto IV is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the eleventh title in the Grand Theft Auto series, and the first main entry since 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The game is played from a third-person perspective and its world is navigated on-foot or by vehicle. Throughout the single-player mode, players play as Niko Bellic. An online multiplayer mode is included with the game, allowing up to 32 players to engage in both co-operative and competitive gameplay in a recreation of the single-player setting. Two expansion packs were later released for the game, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, which both feature new plots that are interconnected with the main Grand Theft Auto IV storyline, and follow new protagonists.
What it’s like
Grand Theft Auto IV redefines the open-world genre by trading arcade absurdity for gritty, grounded realism. You inhabit Niko Bellic, a war-weary immigrant seeking redemption in Liberty City, a satirical stand-in for New York that feels heavy with moral ambiguity and economic despair. The narrative is a character-driven crime drama, focusing on loyalty, betrayal, and the hollow pursuit of the American Dream. Gameplay emphasizes weighty physics; driving feels sluggish but impactful, and combat relies on cover mechanics that demand tactical awareness over twitch reflexes. The world is dense with detail, from dynamic weather to radio stations that define the city's cultural pulse. While the sandbox offers freedom, the tone remains consistently serious, creating an immersive experience that prioritizes atmospheric storytelling and emotional weight over frivolous fun.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / DialogueCombatGameplay / MechanicsPolish / PerformanceProgression / ReplayabilitySocial / Relationships
Keep in mind The physics-based driving can feel overly heavy and unresponsive compared to later entries, which may frustrate players seeking arcade-style freedom. Additionally, the online multiplayer component is dated and lacks the robust infrastructure of modern titles, making it a secondary afterthought rather than a core feature.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from opencritic.com, metacritic.com, gamedecide.com, gamesradar.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 29, 200818 years ago |
| Xbox 360 | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 29, 200818 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 02, 200818 years ago |
