Grand Theft Auto IV

=Grand Theft Auto IV= From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Grand Theft Auto IV is a 2008 sandbox-style action-adventure video game published by Rockstar Games, and developed by Rockstar North, which has been released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles, and for the Windows operating system. The game involves a separate timeline and world than its predecessors in the Grand Theft Auto series, starting the fourth "era" in the series, and is set in Liberty City, a fictional city based heavily on modern day New York City.[a] The game follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European war veteran who comes to the United States in search of the American Dream, but quickly becomes entangled in a world of gangs, crime, and corruption. Like other games in the series, GTA IV is composed of elements from driving games and third-person shooters, and features "open-world" gameplay, in which players can interact with the game world at their leisure in a nonlinear fashion. Grand Theft Auto IV also features several online multiplayer modes.

Two expansion packs have been developed for the game, originally released as downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version throughout 2009. Both The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony feature new protagonists. The two expansions have been released together for all platforms as a stand-alone game called Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition is a bundle that includes both the original GTA IV game and the Episodes.

As the first game of the critically acclaimed series to appear on seventh generation consoles, Grand Theft Auto IV was widely anticipated. A major commercial and critical success, it broke industry records with sales of around 3.7 million units on its first day of release and grossing more than $500 million in revenue in the first week, selling an estimated 6 million units worldwide.[13] [14] As of March 2011[update], the game had sold over 20 million copies.[15]

It is the all-time highest-scoring game on three professional critic review-aggregating websites: TopTenReviews,[16] GameRatio[17] and GameTab. It is also the highest rated current-generation game on Metacritic[18] and MobyGames.[19]

Quite like its predecessors, the core gameplay of GTA IV consists of giving the player a large, open world environment in which to move around freely. On foot, the player character can walk, run, jump, climb over obstacles and swim, as well as use weapons and perform basic hand-to-hand combat. Players can steal and drive a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles. Grand Theft Auto IV takes advantage of Natural Motion's Euphoria engine, which combines artificial intelligence, bio-mechanics and physics to make NPC behaviour and movement adaptive and more realistic.

The open, non-linear environment allows players to explore and choose how they wish to play the game. Although storyline missions are necessary to progress through the game and unlock certain content and parts of the city, they are not required, as players can complete them at their own leisure. When not attempting a storyline mission, players can free-roam, giving them the ability to do activities. Side missions such as locating and destroying criminals in the police car database or participating in street races can keep the player occupied for hours.

It is possible to have many active missions running at one time, as some missions run over the course of several days and require the player to wait for further instructions or events. The player can also attempt a variety of optional side missions. Grand Theft Auto IV also contains morality choices at many points throughout the game, which alter the storyline appropriately depending on the player's choice. Which of the game's two different endings occurs is determined by one of these choices.

Combat and police response
  Combat in Grand Theft Auto IV has been reworked to include a cover system. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Gunfights in GTA IV are conducted using a third-person system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20">[20] The game's cover system allows the player to deftly move between cover, to fire blindly, aim freely, and target a specific enemy. Individual body parts can also be targeted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGNprev_21-0">[21] Additionally, Niko can perform "cinematic executions" at certain points in the story. Niko's health is shown by a green semicircle on the left side of the mini-map, while a blue semicircle on the right represents armour. When locked on a target, their health and (if applicable) armour level appears in the target circle. There are more hand-to-hand combat moves than in past games in the series, namely punching, kicking, "alternative" punching, dodging and blocking, disarming an opponent, and counter-attacking.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">If Niko is injured, he can recover health by eating, drinking soda, sleeping, using medical kits, using his mobile phone to call for paramedics, using a "cheat", calling one of his girlfriends for medical advice, etc. Body armour can absorb gunshots and explosive damage but is gradually used up in the process.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22">[22] If Niko's health level reaches zero, the action stops, and he re-appears at the nearest hospital having lost some money (but retaining his weapons).

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Wanted Level system has changed from previous GTA games. Although their star levels are retained (which increase with the number or severity of criminal acts by the player, with corresponding increases in law enforcement interference), the law enforcement agencies which may pursue the player have changed, with the focus on making them more realistic. In previous GTA titles, as wanted level rose the player was pursued by increasingly well-armed and violent agencies, culminating with the Army at the highest wanted level. In GTA IV, the police are assisted by NOOSE (National Office of Security Enforcement - a parody of SWAT and DHS<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23">[23] ) officers at a three-star wanted level, who are joined by either NOOSE's Tactical Response Unit (a parody of the NYPD ESU) or FIB (Federal Investigation Bureau - a parody of the FBI) at even higher wanted levels. Like previous GTA games, a police helicopter pursues the player at a three-star wanted level, but this is replaced by a helicopter gunship at the five-star level, though it utilizes sharp-shooters rather than its mounted gatling guns.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">When the police are in pursuit of Niko, a circular search area appears on the map in which the police will be looking for him. The area grows with increased wanted level, and re-centres itself on Niko's location if he is spotted by the police. If the player escapes from the search area without being seen by law enforcement units, and can stay out of sight of police for a short time without committing any more crimes, the search is soon aborted. Wanted levels can also be lost either by driving into a "Pay 'N' Spray" (unless seen entering by police), or entering a safehouse and going to sleep. The player has the option of attempting to escape arrest before being handcuffed, at the cost of increasing the wanted level by one star.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGNprev_21-1">[21] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GamesTM_24-0">[24] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-cundy_25-0">[25]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Vehicles
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Common to the rest of the series, vehicles are the predominant means of travel in GTA IV. Every vehicle in the game uses the in-game minimap as a GPS device. "Way-points" can be placed on the map, plotting the fastest legal route between Niko and the destination on the minimap. The player can also hail a taxi or cab, which allows travel between destinations without having to drive. The journey can also be skipped, so the player arrives at their destination instantly. However if the player decides to skip the journey it will cost them more money. During car chases, the player can focus the camera on the target vehicle by holding the cinematic camera button, and also free-aim and fire out of the vehicle using one-handed firearms. The player may also drop grenades or Molotov cocktails.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26">[26] The player cannot pilot fixed-wing aircraft, which was possible in previous games of the series, but can still pilot helicopters. The game also lacks parachutes, though they were later reintroduced in The Ballad of Gay Tony.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Communication
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Whereas previous games in the series frequently used public telephones to relay missions to the player, in GTA IV a "Whiz"-brand mobile phone is used. It has several uses, including viewing text messages and appointments, arranging to meet friends for activities, and also for choosing to retry failed missions. The player can also take photos for certain missions, and call 911 to summon the emergency services.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27">[27] The police will arrest felons, and paramedics are able to restore Niko's health. The phone also allows access to the game's multiplayer mode. The player can also call other characters to talk to them, or ask for a service that they can provide, such as transportation or a reduction in wanted level. Also, cheat codes may be entered by dialing certain numbers on the mobile phone.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The game also features several different in-game databases that Niko can make use of. An in-game version of the Internet can be used by accessing the Internet café chain, "TW@", located throughout the city or by accessing a computer in a safehouse. There are over 100 fictitious websites that can be accessed within the game, and Niko can also send and receive email (including junk mail) and set up prospective dates. Although the Internet café was seen in Grand Theft Auto III, internet browsing was not possible.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28">[28] In a police vehicle, Niko can use an in-car computer to access Liberty City's criminal database, discover information about various criminals in Liberty City and even track them down for a reward.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29">[29] The game also features in-game television programming, with several viewable channels featuring programmes and advertisements. The television shows cover a wide variety of genres, including a history channel, reality shows, card games, and cartoons.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Multiplayer
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV includes online multiplayer, with 15 modes of play available.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4multi-grad_30-0">[30] It supports up to 16 players (32 players in the PC version<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pcinfo-beefjack_31-0">[31] ) and allows players to explore the entire city.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32">[32] Hosts of the games can control many variables, such as police presence, traffic, and weapons. The console editions of the game do not feature any split screen or LAN multiplayer modes,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33">[33] but the PC version does have LAN support. All versions of the game include voice chat.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The online games are split into ranked and unranked matches. The reward for the ranked gameplay is cash, which determines players' ranks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34">[34] Players use a customisable character in the majority of play modes, and cash earned during play gradually makes more customisation options available.<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap" title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from January 2009">[citation needed]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Several different game modes are available. Team based gameplay modes include<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-0">[35] Team Deathmatch, where 2–8 teams compete to accumulate the most kills in a traditional deathmatch; Team Mafiya Work, in which 2–8 teams compete to complete contract work for the "mafiya", such as escorting/killing targets or stealing cars; Team Car Jack City where 2–8 teams compete to steal cars and earn money for keeping them undamaged; Cops n' Crooks, featuring a team of cops who must compete against a team of crooks (which features the "All for One" variation – requiring the cops to kill the crooks' "Boss" before he is escorted to the extraction point – and the "One for All" variation – requiring the cops to kill all of the crooks before they reach the extraction point); and Turf War, involving two teams who compete to take control of designated areas of the map and control them for as long as possible.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The game also includes a variety of racing and cooperative modes, which include Race, in which players race through checkpoints in a traditional automobile race; a GTA race variation, where players race through checkpoints in an automobile race, with the ability to combat their opponents; Hangman's N.O.O.S.E., a co-op mode that requires players to collect a person from the airport and safely escort him to the extraction point before the cops kill him; Deal Breaker, a co-op mission that requires players to assault a construction site captured by enemies, then chase a group of enemies before they escape; and Bomb da Base II, a co-op mission that requires players to clear out a ship, then destroy it with explosives, referencing the mission title Bomb Da Base: act II from Grand Theft Auto III which featured a similar objective of destroying a ship with explosives. The game also features a Free Mode, in which players have the entire map open to explore, with no end goal or mission to complete.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Certain features from the single player mode are disabled in the multiplayer modes, such as the bowling, darts, and pool mini-games. The cheats, clubs and Internet café and some forms of transport (i.e. subway trains and taxi ride) are also disabled.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Plot
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV follows the story of Niko Bellic, a veteran of an unnamed war in Eastern Europe, who is haunted by the betrayal of his army unit. Ten years later, after a smuggling run that goes bad, Niko leaves Eastern Europe<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-egmmarch_36-0">[36] to escape the anger of his employer, Ray Bulgarin. Eventually, under persuasion from his cousin Roman, Niko comes to Liberty City, to pursue the American Dream as well as Florian Cravic, the man he believes to be the traitor. After his arrival, however, Niko quickly learns that Roman's tales of riches and luxury were lies concealing his struggles with gambling debts and loansharks.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Niko defends Roman from his loansharks several times, eventually killing Vlad Glebov, Roman's Russian loanshark, for having sex with Roman's girlfriend Mallorie Bardas. Niko also begins dating a girl named Michelle and befriends Jamaican drug and arms dealer "Little" Jacob Hughes and steroid junkie chop shop owner Bruce "Brucie" Kibbutz.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">After Vlad's murder, Niko and Roman are kidnapped by members of the Liberty City Bratva, on order of Mikhail Faustin and his associate, Dimitri Rascalov. However Faustin is not angry with Niko for killing Vlad, and instead hires him. Niko quickly learning that Faustin is a psychopath when Faustin orders him to kill the son of Kenny Petrović, the most powerful man in the Liberty City Bratva. Dimitri tries to negotiate an agreement, but Petrović demands revenge and Dimitri is forced to have Niko assassinate Faustin. However, when Niko meets with Dimitri to collect on the assassination, Dimitri betrays Niko to his angry former employer Ray Bulgarin. Niko manages to fight his way through the ambush but Dimitri and Bulgarin escape.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Immediately afterwards Niko and Roman are forced to escape to Bohan when their Hove Beach apartment and taxi company are destroyed in arson attacks by Dimitri's men. To make ends meet while living in Bohan, Niko takes jobs for former gangbanger Manny Escuela, prominent drug dealer Elizabeta Torres, Irish mobster Patrick "Packie" McReary, and successful Algonquin drug dealer Trey "Playboy X" Stewart. Niko also becomes an errand boy for both Mafia Capo Ray Boccino and crooked Deputy Police Commissioner Francis McReary.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">However, things go poorly in Bohan: one of the drug deals that Niko is working for Elizabeta turns out to be a sting and another is busted. Niko's girlfriend Michelle then reveals that she works for a government agency and entraps Niko into working for Michelle's agency, known only by its cover: United Liberty Paper. Niko kills several known or suspected terrorists for the agency in exchange for the promise of assistance in finding the man who betrayed Niko's unit.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Liberty City Police Department begin to close in on Elizabeta, who kills Manny Escuela when he attempt a citizens arrest. Elizabeta then has Niko sell their bodies to an organ-harvesting doctor. Soon afterwards Elizabeta is arrested and later sentenced to 300 years in prison. While Niko is working for Boccino and Playboy in Algonquin, Roman is kidnapped by Dimitri Rascalov's men because he owes them money. Niko arrives at the warehouse where Roman is being kept and, in a rage, kills all the kidnappers. Roman decides Bohan is no longer safe, and decides to move to Algonquin.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Roman buys a penthouse in Algonquin with money he has won gambling and a new cab company with the insurance money from his destroyed cab company. Meanwhile Niko assists Ray Boccino in a conflict diamond deal with Jewish Mafia Capo and diamond dealer Isaac Roth, which goes badly and leads to the diamonds being stolen by Luis Lopez and the money being stolen by Johnny Klebitz. In retaliation Boccino sends Niko to kill Roth and Johnny's friend Jim Fitzgerald.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">In exchange for Niko's help, Boccino locates Florian Cravic, the man that Niko has been searching for. But when Niko confronts Cravic he discovers that Florian has changed his name to Bernie Crane and become an effeminate homosexual. Niko immediately determines that Bernie is not the person responsible for his unit's betrayal, leaving him one remaining suspect: Darko Brevic.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Niko also works for both Playboy X and Playboy's old mentor Dwayne Forge, who has just been released from prison. After Niko kills Playboy's business partners as a favour for Forge, the relationship between Playboy and Forge becomes so poisonous that each asks Niko to kill the other, leaving Niko a choice between the two. If Niko kills Playboy he does not get paid but receives Playboy's loft and believes he made the right choice in sticking by his friend. If Niko kills Forge he is paid $25,000 but Playboy despises him as a cold-blooded hired gun and breaks off all contact with Niko.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">While in Algonquin Niko also develops a strong connection with the McReary family, including Packie's older brothers Gerald and Derrick, and their sister Kate, whom he begins hanging out with. Kate and Niko connect on many levels, and it is hinted that the two develop a love for each other after spending time together. Together Niko, Packie, and Derrick, along with "Saint" Michael Keane, heist the Bank of Liberty in Algonquin. However, the robbery doesn't go smoothly; Michael is killed and the others are forced to shoot their way out past the police to escape. After the robbery Niko works with Gerry McReary to destroy the relationship between the Ancelotti Crime Family and their Albanian muscle-men.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Meanwhile Derrick spends most of his share on drugs and alcohol, and sends Niko to eliminate former partners he believes are informing on him. Soon Francis McReary becomes concerned that Derrick's drug habits and behaviour could ruin his plans to become the new police commissioner, and tells Niko to kill Derrick. Soon after Derrick calls Niko, paranoid that Francis plans to have him killed, asking Niko to kill Francis first. This gives Niko a choice between the two. If Niko kills Francis McReary there are no positive effects except a thank you call from Derrick, whereas if Niko kills Derrick he becomes able call Francis and blackmail him into reducing Niko's wanted level. In either case Niko is invited to the McReary funeral and informed that Gerry has been arrested. After the ceremony and again en route to the cemetery in the Hearse, Niko helps defend the mourners from attacks by the Albanians that Gerry and Niko angered.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">After his incarceration, Gerry contacts Niko and asks him to help in the kidnapping of Gracie, the daughter of the Don of the Ancelloti Family, in exchange for a ransom of the conflict diamonds stolen by Luis Lopez during Ray Boccino's deal with the Jewish Mafia. However after exchanging Grace to Gay Tony for the diamonds, Niko and Packie are surprised by Ray Bulgarin, who claims the diamonds are his. In the ensuing gunfight the diamonds are thrown into a passing dumptruck and lost.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Niko also does work for the Pegorinno family in Alderney, mainly with Associate Phil Bell, stealing "cursed" heroin, and later for Don Jimmy Pegorino who is trying to gain a seat on the Commission by weakening the other families. This leads to a war between the Pegorinos and the Pavano and Ancellotti Crime Families. Eventually, after working for Pegorino several times, Niko is sent to kill Ray Boccino because Pegorino is convinced Boccino is an informant.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Niko also takes several assignments from the dying mobster Jon Gravelli, whom he meets through his contact with the shadowy government agency United Liberty Paper.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Toward the end of the story, Niko's United Liberty Paper contact locates Darko Brevic in Bucharest and arranges to have him brought to Liberty City as a final reward. Niko and Roman confront Darko, who has become a drug-addicted wreck, and they both learn that Darko betrayed the group for $1,000 dollars to support his drug habit. The player is then left with the option of either executing Darko or sparing his life. If Niko chooses to execute Darko, Roman will ask him if he feels better, and Niko will say that he feels empty. If Niko chooses to spare Darko he is at first angry but feels better later on. Neither choice has any lasting effect on the storyline, and having dealt with his past Niko is summoned by Pegorino, who demands of him one final favour: to help with an extremely lucrative deal on the "cursed" heroin in collusion with Dimitri Rascalov.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-1">[35]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Finale
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The story features two possible endings depending on the choice made by the player at this point in the game: to strike a Deal with Dimitri or exact Revenge on him. In both endings Niko sees Pegorino as an enemy for allying so closely with Dimitri, and both antagonists are killed. The major difference in each ending is that either Roman Bellic in Deal or Kate McReary in Revenge dies (they each advise Niko towards a different decision, and ironically, the one Niko takes advice from is the one to die).

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">If the player chooses to go through with the Deal, Niko meets Phil Bell at the docks to take the money from the buyers once Dimitri delivers the heroin to another location. However Dimitri does not deliver the heroin and Niko and Phil are forced to fight to escape, but retrieve the drug money regardless. Niko then receives a congratulatory call from Pegorino who has now allied himself with Dimitri. Kate McReary, however, who was against making the deal, is disappointed with Niko and refuses to attend Roman and Mallorie's wedding. At the wedding an assassin sent by Dimitri tries to kill Niko, but kills Roman with a stray bullet as Niko disarms him. Niko then savagely murders the assassin. A devastated and vengeful Niko teams up with Little Jacob and together they follow some of Pegorino's men to the abandoned casino in Alderney where Dimitri and Pegorino are hiding. Inside the casino, Dimitri betrays and kills Pegorino out of greed, before escaping to Happiness Island in a chopper. Niko chases Dimitri to Happiness Island, where they have a shoot-out under the shadow of the Statue of Happiness in which Niko mortally wounds Dimitri. As Dimitri is dying, Niko criticizes Dimitri's traitorous nature. The story ends with a parting shot of the Statue of Happiness, with Niko concerned for the well-being of his soul. After the end credits, Mallorie reveals to Niko in a phone call that she is pregnant with Roman's child, who Niko promises "will never have to worry about anything". Kate also calls Niko and expresses her condolences for Niko's loss.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-2">[35]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">If the player chooses to exact Revenge, Niko ambushes Dimitri on the cargo ship Platypus. After killing all of Dimitri's men and running Dimitri out of ammunition, Niko shoots Dimitri in both legs forcing him to the floor and finishes him with a headshot. In the aftermath, Roman and Mallorie's wedding takes place and Jimmy Pegorino, furious after Niko's betrayal, commits a drive-by shooting outside the church killing Niko's love interest, Kate McReary. However, now that Pegorino has lost his ally Dimitri and angered both Niko (and thereby his many friends) and the five mafia families, the entire underworld of Liberty City wants him dead and he goes into hiding. Niko, Roman and Little Jacob locate and follow some of Pegorino's men, who lead them to the abandoned casino in Alderney. Niko attempts to kill Pegorino, but he escapes via boat to Happiness Island. Niko, Roman, and Jacob pursue to Happiness Island. Niko chases and corners Pegorino in the shadow of the Statue of Happiness. In a short gunfight Niko fatally wounds Pegorino. As Pegorino is dying Niko taunts him by telling him the Commission he worked so hard to join thought he was a "fat fucking joke". When Niko's back is turned, Pegorino raises his gun once more, but Niko snaps back and fires a single round into Pegorino's forehead leaving him dead at the foot of the Statue of Happiness before lamenting on the supposed "American Dream" to Roman and Jacob. After the end credits, Roman reveals to Niko in a phone call that he and Mallorie are expecting a child and if it is a girl, they will name her Kate.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Setting
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto) <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">GTA IV's rendition of Liberty City closely resembles modern New York City <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-37">[37] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV takes place in a redesigned version of Liberty City consisting of four boroughs, based on four of the boroughs of New York City. Broker is the equivalent of Brooklyn; Queens is Dukes; Bronx is Bohan and Manhattan is Algonquin. Adjacent to the city is the independent state of Alderney, based on Northern New Jersey and named after a Channel Island. The developers omitted a Staten Island-esque area, believing that gameplay based in such an area would not be fun.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-0">[38] There are two minor islands present: Charge Island (based loosely on Randall's Island), and Colony Island (based on Roosevelt Island). Initially, the city's bridges are locked down due to a terrorist threat, and the player is constantly pursued by police if they are crossed, but eventually the blockades are lifted and the player is able to cross the Broker, Algonquin and Northwood Heights bridges and explore the rest of the city. The "Francis International Airport" is based on several New York City-area airports, most notably LaGuardia and JFK.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Characters
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The protagonist Niko Bellic with the antagonist Dimitri Rascalov at a seaside amusement park. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The characters that appear in Grand Theft Auto IV are diverse and relative to the respective boroughs of Liberty City they are based in; belonging to various gangs and ethnic groups. The player controls Niko Bellic, a veteran of the Yugoslav Wars.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-egmmarch_36-1">[36] According to Dan Houser, virtually none of the characters from the previous games would return, as "most of the characters we liked were dead,"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-1">[38] further evidenced by in-game graffiti bidding farewell to these characters.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-3">[35]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Unlike previous games in the series, the voice actors of Grand Theft Auto IV do not include notable and high-profile celebrities, instead opting for lesser known actors such as Michael Hollick, Jason Zumwalt, Timothy Adams and Coolie Ranx. Katt Williams and Ricky Gervais have their likenesses and comedy depicted in an in-game comedy club.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-4">[35] ==<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Soundtrack == <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main articles: Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack and The Music of Grand Theft Auto IV <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Like previous games in the Grand Theft Auto series, Grand Theft Auto IV features a soundtrack that can be heard through radio stations while the player is in a vehicle. Liberty City is serviced by 18 radio stations, three of which are talk radio stations. The other stations feature music from a large range of genres. There are notable inclusions to the game's soundtrack, such as tracks from Jean Michel Jarre, Genesis, David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, The Sisters of Mercy, Seryoga, Bob Marley, Don Omar, The Who, Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, Black Sabbath, Philip Glass, Simian Mobile Disco, Bathory, Nas, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, R. Kelly, Lloyd, Miles Davis, Loose Ends, Elton John, ZZ Top, R.E.M., MC Lyte and Barry White.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The theme song of Grand Theft Auto IV is "Soviet Connection" composed by Michael Hunter, who also composed the theme for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-musicman_39-0">[39] People who provide voices for the radio DJs include fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, musicians Iggy Pop,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-schiesel_40-0">[40] Femi Kuti,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IF99_41-0">[41] Jimmy Gestapo<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-LCHC_42-0">[42] and Ruslana,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Vladivostok_43-0">[43] and real-life radio talk show host Lazlow Jones.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_Review_44-0">[44] Saturday Night Live actors Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis appear on the liberal and conservative radio talk shows respectively, with Fred Armisen playing several guests on Lazlow's "Integrity 2.0". Numerous other comedians, including Jim Norton, Patrice Oneal, Rick Shapiro, and Robert Kelly, appeared on the radio and/or as characters in-game.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The game uses a similar music system to that of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In other games in the series, each radio station was essentially a single looped sound file, playing the same songs, announcements and advertisements in the same order each time. With the radio stations in Grand Theft Auto IV, each sound file is held separately, and sequenced randomly, allowing songs to be played in different orders, announcements to songs to be different each time, and plot events to be mentioned on the stations.<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap" title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from July 2011">[citation needed] Certain songs are also edited to incorporate references to the fictional Liberty City.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-musicman_39-1">[39]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Following a partnership between Rockstar Games and Amazon.com, players are able to purchase real world MP3s through GTA IV's in-game mobile phone.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45">[45] Players are able to mark radio songs that they like by dialing ZIT-555-0100 on Niko's phone. They will then receive a text message providing the name of the song and the artist. If a player is registered on Rockstar's 'Social Club' website he or she will also receive a real world e-mail with a link to an Amazon.com playlist where all of the player's marked songs will be listed and available to purchase.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46">[46]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Development
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">See also: Marketing for Grand Theft Auto IV <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Mural ad for the game on a wall in New York City, July 2007. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Work on Grand Theft Auto IV began in November 2004, almost immediately after the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-2">[38] Around 150 game developers worked on Grand Theft Auto IV,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">[47] led by core members of the Grand Theft Auto III team.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-0">[48] The game uses Rockstar's own RAGE game engine, which was previously used in Rockstar Table Tennis, in combination with the Euphoria game animation engine.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RAGE_Euphoria_49-0">[49] Instead of pre-written animations, Euphoria uses procedural animation to control the way the player moves, enabling character movements to be more realistic.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-euphoria_50-0">[50] The Euphoria engine also enables NPCs to react in a realistic way to the player's actions. In one preview, a player knocked an NPC out of a window and the character grabbed onto a ledge to stop himself from falling.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-teamxbox_51-0">[51] The game also uses middleware from Image Metrics to facilitate intricate facial expressions and ease the process of incorporating lip-synching.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-makingof_52-0">[52] Foliage in the game is produced through SpeedTree.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53">[53]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV sees a shift in the series to a more realistic and detailed style and tone,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-3">[38] partly a result of the transition to consoles which offered high-definition graphics and the new and improved capabilities of such consoles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-1">[48] Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser said "what we're taking as our watchword on [GTA IV] is the idea of what high definition actually means. Not just in terms of graphics, which obviously we are achieving, but in terms of all aspects of the design. [...] You know, trying to make something more realistic, more held together, but still retaining the overall coherence that the other games had."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-4">[38] Art director Aaron Garbut said one of the reasons they decided to set the game in New York because "we all knew what an amazing, diverse, vibrant, cinematic city it is. [...] And since we were hoping to push the detail, variety and life, for lack of a better word, to such a degree it seemed that basing the game in a city so synonymous with these things was a great fit."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign_54-0">[54] Dan Houser added "because we were working in high definition and we knew we'd need a shitload of research, we wanted to be somewhere where we had a foothold."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-2">[48] The developers consciously avoided creating a block for block recreation of New York City, Dan Houser said "what we've always tried to do is make a thing that looks real and has the qualities of a real environment, but is also fun from a game design perspective."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-5">[38] The Grand Theft Auto IV rendition of Liberty City is far more detailed and is the largest individual city in the Grand Theft Auto series.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-slab_55-0">[55] Although smaller than San Andreas, Liberty City is comparable to it in terms of scope when "the level of verticality of the city, the number of buildings you can go into, and the level of detail in those buildings" are taken into account.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-slab_55-1">[55] The goal for Liberty City was to have no dead spots or irrelevant spaces, such as the wide open deserts in San Andreas.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-6">[38] To achieve a realistic environment, the Rockstar North team, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, made two trips to New York for research, one at the start of the project (which is done with every GTA game) and another smaller one further into development.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign_54-1">[54] A full-time research team, based in New York, handled further requests for information ranging from the ethnic minority of a neighbourhood to videos of traffic patterns.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-3">[48]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The story of Grand Theft Auto IV was written by Dan Houser and Rupert Humphries.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gtaiv_35-5">[35] Unlike previous Grand Theft Auto games which have a strong cultural or cinematic influence, "[GTA IV doesn't] really have any cinematic influences",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_UK_June_2007_38-7">[38] said Dan Houser, "we were consciously trying to go, well, if videogames are going to develop into the next stage, then the thing isn't to try and do a loving tribute or reference other stuff. It's to reference the actual place itself."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-4">[48] Houser also said, "In terms of the character, we wanted something that felt fresh and new and not something that was obviously derived from [a] movie. [...] Maybe [we] could do something ourselves that would live alongside that stuff."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fritz_48-5">[48]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Music supervisor Ivan Pavlovich said "[we had] to pick the songs that make New York today what it is, but make sure they won't feel dated by the time the game comes out."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56">[56] The developers contacted over 2,000 people in order to obtain recording and publishing rights.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-musicman_39-2">[39] They even hired a private investigator to locate the relatives of late Skatt Bros. member Sean Delaney to license the band's song, "Walk the Night".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57">[57] Citing sources close to the deals, Billboard reported that Rockstar paid as much as $5,000 per composition and another $5,000 per master recording per track.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-crimepays_58-0">[58] Developers originally considered letting players purchase music by going to an in-game record shop and for Niko to have an MP3 player, but both ideas were cut.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-musicman_39-3">[39] DJ Green Lantern produced tracks exclusively for the game's hip-hop radio station The Beat 102.7.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-crimepays_58-1">[58] Record label owner and record producer Bobby Konders, who hosts the in-game radio station Massive B Soundsystem 96.9, went through the extra effort of flying to Jamaica to get dancehall artists to re-record tracks to make references to the boroughs of Liberty City.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-crimepays_58-2">[58]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business division, Peter Moore, announced at E3 2006 that the game would appear on Xbox 360, by rolling up his sleeve to reveal a GTA IV temporary tattoo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59">[59] Rockstar Games initially appeared to be committed to the original 16 October 2007 release date; however, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter suggested that Take-Two may choose to delay the release of the game in order to boost its financial results for 2008 and to avoid competing with the release of other highly anticipated titles, such as Halo 3.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">[60] Rockstar responded by saying that Grand Theft Auto IV was still on track for release in "late October".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61">[61] On 2 August 2007, Take-Two announced that Grand Theft Auto IV would miss its original release date of 16 October 2007 contrary to their previous statements, and would be delayed to their second fiscal quarter (February–April) of 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ttpress_62-0">[62] In a later conference call with investors, Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick attributed the delay to "almost strictly technological problems ... not problems, but challenges."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63">[63] It was revealed that technical difficulties with the PlayStation 3 version of the game contributed to the delay, along with storage problems on the Xbox 360.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MTV_64-0">[64] On 24 January 2008, Take-Two announced that Grand Theft Auto IV would be released on 29 April 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReleaseDate_65-0">[65] As the release date approached, Rockstar Games and Take-Two marketed the game heavily through various forms, including television ads, Internet video, billboards, viral marketing, and a redesigned website. A special edition of the game was also released for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66">[66] At a Take-Two shareholder meeting on 18 April 2008, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder announced that GTA IV had already "gone gold" and was "in production and in trucks en route to retailers".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gold_67-0">[67] The game was eventually released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles in Europe, North America, and Oceania on 29 April 2008,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReleaseDate_65-1">[65] and in Japan on 30 October 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68">[68] A Microsoft Windows version of the game was released in North America on 2 December 2008 and in Europe on 3 December 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pcrdsysre-ign_4-3">[5] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pchandson-eurog_69-0">[69] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-PCRelease-Take2_3-1">[4] It was made available on Steam on 4 January 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70">[70] Overall, Grand Theft Auto IV took over 1000 people and more than three and a half years to complete, with a total cost estimated at approximately $100 million, making it the most expensive game ever developed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-cost_71-0">[71]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Episodic content
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The cover art for Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Two episodic packs for Grand Theft Auto IV have been released. These two episodes were first released separately on Xbox Live as downloadable content (DLC), requiring the original game to play. Following that in October 2009 they were released together as part of a standalone game called Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City for the Xbox 360 that does not require the original Grand Theft Auto IV media to be playable.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-announce_gay_tony_72-0">[72] The first expansion is entitled The Lost and Damned, originally released on 17 February 2009. The second is entitled The Ballad of Gay Tony, released on 29 October 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-zelnick-ep-delay_73-0">[73] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4dlc_74-0">[74] Both episodes were released for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows on 13 April 2010<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date_75-0">[75] in North America and on 16 April 2010<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date_75-1">[75] in Europe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GTAEpisodesPCPS3-R.2A_76-0">[76]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Jeronimo Barrera, Vice President of Product Development for Rockstar Games, has said that the episodes are experiments because they are not sure that there are enough users with access to online content on the Xbox 360.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77">[77] Take-Two Interactive's Chief Financial Officer, Lainie Goldstein revealed that Microsoft was paying a total of $50 million for the first two episodes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78">[78]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The content was first announced during Microsoft's 2006 E3 press conference on 9 May 2006.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79">[79] Peter Moore, the then head of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business division described downloadable content as "epic episode packs", and not just an extra car or character. A press release during the conference said that the packs would add "hours of entirely new gameplay" to the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80">[80]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">In January 2010 Rockstar announced that the DLC as well as Episodes From Liberty City would be made available for the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows on 13 April 2010 in North America<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date_75-2">[75] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81">[81] and 16 April 2010 in Europe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date_75-3">[75]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition, including the original Grand Theft Auto IV and its two episodic expansions, was listed on online stores<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82">[82] before being confirmed by Rockstar. The compilation was released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows (via Steam<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83">[83] ) on 26 October 2010 in North America, and 29 October in Europe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84">[84]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Lost and Damned
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The first episode, titled The Lost and Damned, was released on Xbox Live on 17 February 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85">[85] The episode features a new central character, Johnny Klebitz, who is a member of Liberty City's biker gang The Lost, a gang which is featured in several GTA IV missions. Dan Houser, vice president of creative development at Rockstar Games, claims the episode shows "a different side of Liberty City".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4dlc_74-1">[74]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Ballad of Gay Tony
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The second episode, Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony, was released on 29 October 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86">[86] The episode focused on Luis Lopez, an assistant to nightclub owner Tony Prince, nicknamed "Gay Tony" and a petty crook, the conflicts detailed between his friends and family.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-announce_gay_tony_72-1">[72]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Updates
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Upon the game's release, Kotaku reported that several PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners had complained of the game freezing during the initial cut-scene, rendering it unplayable.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87">[87] It was also reported on Kotaku that the online multiplayer was down on release day for most PlayStation 3 users.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88">[88] On 7 May 2008, Rockstar released a patch for the PlayStation 3 version of the game to improve the multiplayer experience.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89">[89] According to Rockstar, the update prevents GameSpy's servers from being overloaded and therefore reduces the impact on those servers that were causing the game to stutter and lock up.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90">[90] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91">[91] Further multiplayer fixes were made available on 23 June 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92">[92] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93">[93]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 27 October 2008, Rockstar released an update which added Trophy support to the PlayStation 3 version.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94">[94] Like Achievements on the Xbox 360, Trophies may be unlocked by completing certain unique tasks.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 15 November 2008, another patch (1.04) was released for the PlayStation 3 version of the game.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 12 December 2008, a patch (1.0.1.0) was released for the Microsoft Windows version of the game. This patch added DirectInput support, enabling non-Microsoft controllers to be used.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-95">[95]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 24 January 2009, another patch (1.0.2.0) was released for the Microsoft Windows version of the game. It fixed many performance and graphical issues as well as correcting issues created by the first patch.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96">[96]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 20 February 2009, a patch was released for the European and Australian releases of the game, fixing an error caused by a previous update to The Lost And Damned, which had reversed regional censorship rules for the European and Australian editions of the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97">[97]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 21 March 2009, a third patch (1.0.3.0) was released for the Microsoft Windows version of the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[98] This fixed many major graphic flaws such as headlights on the player's car consuming too much GPU power.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 19 June 2009, a fourth patch (1.0.4.0) was released for the Microsoft Windows version of the game. Rockstar Toronto called it a 'Maintenance Update' and said that it is in preparation for a future patch.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[99] Rockstar says this patch "ensures all copies of the game are properly aligned for the next gold master build pressing".

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 4 September 2009, another patch was released for the Xbox 360 version of the game. It was released to patch cheat exploits in Xbox Live multiplayer.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100">[100]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 10 November 2009, a fifth patch (1.0.0.4) was released for the Microsoft Windows version of the game. It fixed some minor bugs, improved keyboard mapping and added some cheating deterrents.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101">[101]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 23 March 2010, a patch (1.06) was released for the PlayStation 3 version of the game. The intro music was slightly modified to begin after the opening logos. In preparation for the downloadable content, trophies for The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony were added. The options for online multiplayer matches were completely re-ordered ("Auto-Aim" placed at the top, rather than "Location") to better fit players' priorities. The multiplayer invite problem which occurs when having more than 50 people on a friends list, has been fixed. The glitch that occurs in Bomb Da Base II, which kicks all players back to single player mode has also been fixed. Also any NPC in single player mode that gets injured will get in the back of the ambulance when they recover. Also new dialogue was integrated. An explosion in the sky in "Out Of Commission" is enhanced, and it is implied that it is the explosion of Bulgarin's jet (both missions take place at the same time).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102">[102]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Community features
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Rockstar Games Social Club is a web site that displays the gameplay statistics of registered users and feature competitions and awards based on player activity within the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103">[103] The Social Club web site was announced on 27 March 2008 and launched on 17 April 2008. The main features of Social Club launched on the same date of the game itself 29 April 2008. Social Club will also provide online features for Rockstar's latest Midnight Club game, Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Social Club consists of multiple parts. It initially included the LCPD Police Blotter, The Story Gang, The 100% Club, The Hall Of Fame, The Liberty City Marathon and The Zit.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">In an interview with PlayStation World magazine, Rockstar mentioned that they will "heavily support" Sony's PlayStation Home, a community-based service for the PlayStation Network. Rockstar also mentioned that visitors to their PlayStation Home apartment would receive 'goodies' such as clothing for their avatar and items and decorations for their own PlayStation Home apartment.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-psw_104-0">[104]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Windows version
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Windows version of GTA IV includes a replay editor. This screenshot shows the Clips interface which is used to capture game footage.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 6 August 2008, Rockstar announced that a Microsoft Windows version was in development by Rockstar North and Rockstar Toronto.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pchan-IGNUK_0-1">[1] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-PCRelease-Take2_3-2">[4] The game was originally announced for release in North America on 18 November 2008 and in Europe on 21 November 2008 but was later pushed back to 2 and 3 December 2008, respectively.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pcrdsysre-ign_4-5">[5] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pchandson-eurog_69-1">[69] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-PCRelease-Take2_3-3">[4]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">It features expanded features,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-PCRelease-Take2_3-4">[4] including traffic density control, draw distance configurations and a replay editor.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105">[105] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106">[106] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107">[107] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign-pc_108-0">[108] The replay editor allows players to record and edit game clips, videos can then be uploaded to Rockstar's Social Club website.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign-pc_108-1">[108] It utilizes Games for Windows - Live for online play and supports 32 players for multiplayer.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gta4pcinfo-beefjack_31-1">[31] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109">[109] SecuROM protection is utilized and a one time online activation is required in order to play the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110">[110]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The Windows version of the game was praised for its improved graphics compared to the console versions<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap" title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from June 2011">[citation needed], but on the other hand there were reports of many customers who were unable to play the game due to incompatible ATi Radeon graphics adapters,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111">[111] no SLI, no AA support, texture rendering bugs, DRM issues, and other unaddressed issues, such as the Windows XP Service Pack 3/Windows Vista Service Pack 1 requirement. There have been many complaints that the game was unable to install, because the players are unable to get the Vista SP1 to install on their computer. There were also multiple bugs and glitches that were reported.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-112">[112] bit-tech went as far as to name the PC version the fourth-"most disappointing game" of 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113">[113] ==<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Reception ==

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Critical reception
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Grand Theft Auto IV has received universal acclaim from video game critics and is one of the highest reviewed games of all time. The review aggregators GameRatio and TopTenReviews rank Grand Theft Auto IV as the best scoring game ever reviewed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gameratioPS3_140-0">[140] Grand Theft Auto IV is the highest rated game according to Metacritic and fourth according to GameRankings. Ahead of its worldwide release, most publications were not sent copies of the game. Instead, reviewers had to play the game on Rockstar premises or in booked hotel rooms.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141">[141] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-142">[142]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The May 2008 issue of Official Xbox Magazine (UK) published the first Grand Theft Auto IV review, giving the game the maximum score of 10/10. The magazine also stated that the game has an "amazingly realistic world; stunning action set pieces; genuinely engrossing storyline; hugely entertaining multiplayer;" and that it is "vast in every respect."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-oxmuk_138-1">[138] PlayStation Official Magazine (UK) also gave the game 10/10 in their May 2008 issue, describing the game as "a masterpiece that improves on all GTA's best bits."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OPM_Review_44-1">[44] Xbox World 360 gave the game a 98% rating, the highest it has ever given to any game, mentioning the game was "everything we were entitled to expect, and yet somehow impossibly more."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-143">[143] GameSpot gave the game a perfect 10,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-calvert_131-1">[131] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-144">[144] making it the first game since 2001 that GameSpot had rated perfect. The review called the game "compelling", with a "plethora of online multiplayer features" and stated that GTA IV is "undoubtedly the best Grand Theft Auto yet."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-calvert_131-2">[131]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Hilary Goldstein of IGN gave the game a 10/10 score, with the game earning 10/10 in each individual category: presentation, sound, graphics, gameplay, and lasting appeal. It is the first game in the publication's history to receive straight-10 subscores across the board. Goldstein called the game "just as big a leap forward as Grand Theft Auto III, albeit in subtler ways", and said it "sets a new benchmark for open-world games", with "no one major weak aspect". Goldstein's only serious criticism was for "the occasional flaw in the cover system", but the review concluded with the statement that "We don't give 10s often—just to games that merit the score."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign_review_136-1">[136]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The British newspaper Daily Star gave it a positive review, praising: "This could be a console defining title, one that in years to come people will remember as the stand-out of the era."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-145">[145] The New York Times wrote a favourable review as well, calling it a "violent, intelligent, profane, endearing, obnoxious, sly, richly textured and thoroughly compelling work of cultural satire disguised as fun."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-schiesel_40-1">[40] The film magazine Empire gave the game a perfect 5/5 in its game reviews section, calling it "damn-near perfect".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-empire_146-0">[146]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Despite the almost unanimous praise given to GTA IV, the game has received some criticism, particularly its Windows port.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-criticism_147-0">[147] A review in Ars Technica states that the game "...[is] not perfect. It does not deserve unquestioned, unadulterated praise. In many ways, the slight regression of the series from San Andreas is surprising: there are fewer vehicles, weapons, and story missions, less character customisation, and even the size of the city itself is smaller."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-arstechnica_148-0">[148] GameSpot noted that there are occasional problems with friendly AI and avoiding the police being "a little too easy."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-calvert_131-3">[131] There were some minor complaints with the game's cover system, which reviewers noted, stumbled in box-filled environments and the stickiness of cover points being an issue.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-eurogamer_126-1">[126] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ign_review_136-2">[136] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-oxmuk_138-2">[138] The occasional presence of noticeable pop-in was also criticized.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1up_122-1">[122] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-eurogamer_126-2">[126] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-oxmuk_138-3">[138]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Commercial success
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Shares of Take-Two Interactive gained 3.4% amid positive reviews before the game's launch.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-shares_rise_149-0">[149] Scott Hillis of Reuters said first week sales of the game were expected to reach $400 million.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-shares_rise_149-1">[149] Some observers suggested that GTA IV's success could dampen the box office for the 2 May 2008 release of Iron Man, setting a precedent where movie studios will begin browsing video game release dates to check for conflicts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-150">[150] Matt Richtel of The New York Times said the game's release was "expected to be one of the biggest video game debuts ever" and said 5 million copies of the game were expected to be sold in the first two weeks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-richtel_151-0">[151] Analyst Michael Pachter predicted the game would sell 11 to 13 million units by the end of 2008. Pachter also expects Grand Theft Auto IV to represent 3.2% of all US and European software sales for 2008 and for lifetime sales of the game to reach 16 to 19 million.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-big_or_huge_152-0">[152] Analyst Evan Wilson predicted that Grand Theft Auto IV would have opening week sales of $550 million.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-big_or_huge_152-1">[152]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Upon release, Grand Theft Auto IV claimed two entertainment industry sales records, posting the best single-day and seven-day sales totals for a video game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-153">[153] The game sold more than 3.6 million copies on its first day of availability, while also selling 6 million copies in the first week of availability (garnering $500 million in sales).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-154">[154] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-155">[155] In the United Kingdom, the game sold 631,000 copies on its first day of release,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-156">[156] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UKfirstweeksales_157-0">[157] making it the fastest-selling game in a 24 hour period within that region, according to Chart-Track.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UKfirstdaysales_158-0">[158] The previous record holder in the UK, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, sold 501,000 copies within 24 hours.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UKfirstweeksales_157-1">[157] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UKfirstdaysales_158-1">[158] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-159">[159] During the first five days of availability, the title sold 1.85 million units on the Xbox 360 and 1 million on the PlayStation 3 in the United States, according to the NPD Group;<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-160">[160] in the United Kingdom the Xbox 360 version sold 514,000 copies and the PlayStation 3 version sold 413,000, according to Chart-Track.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UKfirstweeksales_157-2">[157] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-161">[161] The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV are the fifth and eighth best-selling games of 2008 in the United States respectively. The Xbox 360 version sold in excess of 3.29 million, while the PlayStation 3 version sold in excess of 1.89 million for a combined 5.18 million copies in 2008 in the region.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gamedaily_162-0">[162] GameStop and EB Games reported that the game led in sales the first week after its release, noting that its stores in Puerto Rico led all districts in pre-release reservations and sales 48 hours after its release.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-163">[163]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 13 May 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV broke the Guinness World Records for "Highest grossing video game in 24 hours" and "Highest Revenue Generated by an Entertainment Product in 24 Hours". It sold 3.6 million copies on day one, which equalled roughly $310 million in revenue. For first day sales it also broke the record of "Fastest-selling video game in 24 hours", previously held by Halo 3 at $170 million,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-164">[164] however, its record was broken in November 2009 by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">As of 31 May 2008, the title has sold over 11 million copies to retailers and 8.5 million have been sold through to consumers, according to Take-Two Interactive.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-165">[165] According to the NPD Group and GfK Chart-Track, the game has sold 4.711 million units in the US and 1.582 million in the UK, for a total of 6.293 million units as of 1 August 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-166">[166] As of 16 August 2008, the title has sold over 10 million copies through to consumers, according to Take-Two Interactive.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-salesfigure_167-0">[167] In its first four days of availability in Japan, the title sold 133,000 copies on the PlayStation 3 and 34,000 on the Xbox 360, according to Media Create.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-168">[168]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Sales for the Windows version of the game were considerably less successful. According to NPD Group the game debuted at #7 of their weekly top ten.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-169">[169] One week later, the game disappeared completely from the top ten published by NPD Group.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-170">[170] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-171">[171]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">On 3 March 2010, Take-Two Games announced that Grand Theft Auto IV has sold 15 million units globally.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGN.com_GTA_2010_172-0">[172] On 9 June 2010, Take-Two announced that Grand Theft Auto IV had sold over 17 million copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_173-0">[173] On 10 March 2011, Take-Two announced that Grand Theft Auto IV had sold over 20 million copies and Grand Theft Auto series has now sold over 100 million copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TakeTwo2011_15-1">[15]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Awards
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19"> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Michael Hollick, voice of Niko Bellic, won a Spike TV award for "Best Performance by a Human Male" <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Following the critical acclaim it received on its release, Grand Theft Auto IV has received awards from various critics and publications. The game has won over 40 action game of the year awards from major publications, more than any other game that year. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are, respectively, ranked as the second- and sixth-best games of all time on Game Rankings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-174">[174]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The following are some of the game's awards (all of which are 2008 awards):
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">IGN has given the game its "Best Xbox 360 Action Game",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-175">[175] "Best PC Action Game",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-176">[176] "Best Graphics Technology (Xbox 360)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-177">[177] ", "Best Voice Acting (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-178">[178] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-179">[179] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-180">[180] " and "Best Story (Xbox 360/PS3)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-181">[181] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-182">[182] " awards.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">GameTrailers has given the game "Best Action Adventure Game",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-183">[183] "Best Story", "Best Xbox 360 Game", "Best PlayStation 3 Game" and, for the game's trailer, "Trailer of The Year".
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Spike TV has given the game the awards of "Game of the Year" and "Best Action Adventure Game" in its Video Game Awards. They also gave Michael Hollick "Best Male Voice" for the voice acting of Niko Bellic.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-184">[184]
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">GameSpy has given the game the awards of "Best Story" and "Character of The Year" (for the character Brucie Kibbutz) in its Video Game Awards.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">GameSpot has given the game its "Best UK-developed game" and "Best Xbox 360 Game" awards, and Bruce "Brucie" Kibbutz won the award for the "Best new character".
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Giant Bomb has given the game its "Action Game of the Year" and "Best Multi-Platform Game" awards.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Kotaku has given the game its "Best Writing" awards.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The New York Times has given the game its best male voice award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Electronic Gaming Monthly has given the game its "Action Game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">IGN AU has given the game its "Game of the Year" award for 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-185">[185]
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Console Monster has given the game its "action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Gamervision has given the game its "action game of the Year" and "Best Action Adventure Game" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Thunderbolt has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Extreme Gamer has given the game its "Best Action Adventure Game" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Los Angeles Times has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Time has given the game its "Game of the Year" award for 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-186">[186]
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Atomic Gamer has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Games Master has given the game its "Action Game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">What If Gaming has given the game its "Best Action Adventure Game" awards for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Team Xbox has given the game its "Best Action Adventure Game" and "Best Developer" to Rockstar Games for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) has given the game its "Best Action Adventure Game" awards for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Eurogamer(DE) has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Play.tm has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Action Trip has given the game its "Action game of the Year" award for 2008.
 * <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">MTV Game Awards has given the game its "Game of the Year" award for 2008.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Controversies
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Main article: Grand Theft Auto IV controversies <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Prior to and since the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, the game had been subject to a great deal of controversy, as was the case with previous Grand Theft Auto titles. Figures including George Galloway, Jack Thompson and Hillary Clinton have criticised the game, as have organizations including New York City officials and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-187">[187] MADD requested ESRB to change the rating of the game from "M" for ages seventeen and up to "AO", for adults due to the player's ability to drive under the influence of alcohol.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The version of GTA IV released in Australia and New Zealand was edited to remove content to allow the game to meet the requirements of the Australian classification system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-smh-censor_188-0">[188] However, the game was resubmitted to the New Zealand OFLC by Stan Calif, a 21-year-old student who was unhappy that New Zealand received an edited version of the game as a result of Australian censorship laws. The unedited version was subsequently given an R18 rating and cleared for sale in New Zealand.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-189">[189] The PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV released in Australia is reported to be unedited, identical to that of other international releases, under the MA15+ rating.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-190">[190] The PS3 and the Xbox 360 versions of the game have since been updated to be completely uncensored while the complete edition has the console version uncut for the first time at retail.

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">There have been reports in the United Kingdom and the United States of crimes perpetrated against people purchasing Grand Theft Auto IV, as well as employees of stores selling the game.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-191">[191] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UK_violence_192-0">[192] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-193">[193] One of these incidents, an attack near a Gamestation store in Croydon, London was later reported to be an unrelated argument between two groups of people leaving a pub<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-194">[194] and the story has been referred to as a "media panic."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-195">[195]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">Six teenagers were arrested in June 2008 after engaging in a crime spree in New Hyde Park, New York, assaulting and robbing several people, and attempting a carjacking. According to police, the teens claimed that they were "inspired" by Grand Theft Auto IV.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-196">[196]

<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">The first downloadable episode The Lost and Damned has a brief scene containing full-frontal male nudity, uncommon in video games.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-197">[197]