Grand Theft Auto 4 and Episodes from Liberty City

I haven’t completed GTA4 and its DLC since they were all released. I have picked them up here and there since... but it’s been a long time since I’ve actually finished them.

Wow, GTA4 holds up in many ways still. That version of Liberty City still feels very alive, even when compared to some modern games. I think if they ever consider using this game particular version of the map in future, an upstate landmass would be a very welcome addition. Throw in some planes too, for good measure.

The tone is the grittiest it’s ever been, showcasing the most realistic driving and shooting mechanics the series has ever had. I do think it’s important to note that the GTA4 model of driving and shooting wouldn’t fit the tone of GTAV, so the changes they made to both systems later on were fine by me.

My biggest issue with the main game is that the story loses a lot of steam by Alderney. Niko seemed as uninterested in the Mafia as I was but it didn’t exactly make for a compelling third act. Despite that, the first two thirds of the game are stellar and I really appreciate that they keep the revenge storyline under wraps until the betrayal happens, which gives breathing room for character development and various subplots until the true story takes over.