KEY POINTS:
Grand Theft Auto IV
PS3
R18
Pros: Liberty City is huge and lushly detailed. Different vehicle and pedestrian dynamics have been applied to the various distinct parts of the city which adds great variety. The cars drive much more realistically, though the tried and tested GTA controls remain largely the same, with a few useful tweaks. Youll be reaching for your cell phone and even logging on to the internet from time to time which lends a contemporary feel that adds up to more than gimmickry. The storyline is craftily structured, increasing the difficulty level at just the right pace and you won't lose your weapons cache each time you die so levels can be replayed quickly.
Cons: Glitchy game mechanics in parts, especially in gunfights when you're trying to return fire from behind objects. The aiming mechanism still feels a little inferior to those featured in other games such as Gears of War. The six axis controls are uninspiring and barely worth the effort to learn.
Verdict: Easily the best GTA offering yet and lives up to most of the hype. The free-wheeling action, next-generation graphics and groundbreaking gameplay set the bar high for future video game releases.
