Grand Theft Auto IV

Firstly, an apology. PC Authority will slowly grind to a halt over the coming days, but there’s little we can do about it. You see, we’ve just taken delivery of Grand Theft Auto IV and are currently living in Liberty City with a new identity.

Our new name is Niko, and we’ve just moved from Australia to our new abode – a re-modelled New York – to help our cousin Roman with his destructive gambling habit. But it’s gone wrong. We’ve been sucked into the criminal underworld – again – and guess what? It’s even better than last time. A lot better.

New York, rebuilt with polygons
Liberty City doesn’t just look real, right down to the recreation of famous landmarks like the Empire State building and Brooklyn Bridge, it feels real. Thunderstorms sweep in, forcing residents to erect umbrellas or shelter under their briefcase. Get a taxi, and you’ll get to enjoy the sights as the driver regales you with stories. And you’ll rarely see the same people twice when wandering around.

But, of course, you’re in Liberty City to live out a story and this is where Niko’s antics get a lot less realistic, and a hell of a lot more fun. We’re only in the early stages of the ‘Story mode’, but it starts off slowly with standard missions in the suburbs such as making deliveries.

According to other GTA IV addicts, though, the narrative quickly unfolds, leading you into the heart of the city for classic missions including bank heists and kidnapping.

A genuine sequel
There are several differences that make Grand Theft Auto IV series a genuine sequel rather than just an update. Firstly, the story isn’t completely linear – you’re given difficult decisions that all have consequences for Niko, and everyone who plays the game gets a unique experience.

Secondly, the in-game action is a lot more sophisticated. Niko can now scale fences and hide behind objects, and there’s a new improved targeting system. He also has two important new gadgets – a mobile phone, which gives you instant access to friends and acquaintances, and an in-car GPS, which handily doubles as a police tracker if you’re being chased.

Finally, the sheer depth of the single player mode surpasses not only previous Grand Theft Autos, but most other video games we’ve played. Some of the best moments come when you step outside of the narrative, and do seemingly mundane things.

You can watch TV, listen to the radio or surf the highly satirical in-game version of the web. This includes an online dating site, which can lead to meals out and friendships that give you access to mini-games, including ten-pin bowling, pool and darts. These interactions are all far from pointless too – befriend a nurse or a lawyer, and they might bail you out later in the game.

Multiplayer madness
After you’ve spent the forty or so hours needed to complete the ‘story mode’, it’s then time to get online and enter the multiplayer mode. This lets you compete with up to 15 other players in a variety of missions, from simple ‘deathmatch’ and ‘race’ games, to objective-based missions including ‘Turf war’ and ‘Cops n’ Crooks’. With seemingly endless permutations available, this won’t be a game you’ll be pulling out of your console’s disc drawer anytime soon.

The only downside for PS3 owners is that the Xbox 360 will have exclusive access to downloadable content, making its version slightly better value. But financial considerations should be the least of your worries when deciding whether or not to buy GTA IV – you simply must play this game, even if your real life descends into a downward spiral as a result.