XboxOZ360's GTA IV Review - A Liberating Experience

From the review: "To be honest straight up, I have never really enjoyed or managed to really get into what became of the Grand Theft Auto series from 2 onwards. I found the frustration that came from the poor controls, horrible aiming system, lack of any sort of narrative depth, and unlike-able characters far outweighed any joy I could derive from mindlessly killing pedestrians."

[Relcom]

the only ones not dishin out perfects?

[chaosatom333]

They won't have anything to give to gears then. The magazine that didn't give GTA 10, would definitely give Gears 10. That's the deal with exclusives being on xbox.

[Breakfast]

Maybe the game is not perfect? And for some of your ears....its not perfect on the xbox.

[End Of war 2]

EEVERY 1 I GOT SOMETHING TO SAY PLZ click my link and u will laugh at fanboys at fanboys http://uk.ps3.ign.com/artic... if u can cleary dispute thuis link plz feel free to disagree with me .

[SUP3R]

Dammit the xbox reviews are spoiling the scores for the game.

He deducted .2 points because of the free-aim and lock-on being one trigger, cuz he thinks Gears of War's cover system is better, apparently the pop in problem is a serious problem for him and the framerate dips a lot.
I'm going to wait for some more PS3 reviews to confirm if it's the game in general or console specific.

[XboxOZ360]

I was thinkingthat perhaps many readers on here do unfairly support one console or platform over another. And it's just been confirmed that they do.

Seriously mate, The wirter has both a PS3 and an Xbox360, he chose thegame on the 360 as he wanted the Exclusive content that will be out later this year.

He plays games on BOTH platforms and enjoys them both, but it seem you don't know that because you haven't even bothered to check it out.

All I see here in the first several comments are Sony Fans belittling the opposition over a simply review of a game . . . Do you see Xboxers on the Sony based reviews doing the same the monet a review or article is posted, NO, in general you don't. But the moment something is posted re Xbox on N4G, it's as if everyone such as yourself is waiting in the wings to come in and have your say about how bad it is, without even taking the time to 1) read it, 2) do any research on the writer or the site.

If you want people to think and believe you're not Sony fanbois, then start acting like adults or at least semi-mature teenagers, not children.

The review is a legitimate review based on a persons experience of the game, one who usually dislike these sandbox tyope games, but found this one very good. Did you check out his other reviews on XBOX games . .? He gives hard scores and has yet to give any game the score he has with this one ..

Sometimes some readers really amaze me how narrow minded and blind they can be around a topic we all are supposed to enjoy and have fun with, gaming.

[Breakfast]

boom.

[SUP3R]

Sorry for hurting your feelings indirectly with my comment, but I am not going to be indifferent on the subject because you or anyone else disagrees with me. Just as he has the right to share his opinions, I have the right to share mine.

[skynidas]

This is a blog this shouldnt be approved

[XboxOZ360]

For your information mate !!!! Most of the major gaming site and gaming news sites are - dare I say - Blogs . .or made on blog software . .

Joystiq, Destructoid, Katoku are just a few BLOG sites that are gaming oriented. Plus, a blog in the true sense of the word is a solo affair . . did even you bother to check to see that 10 (TEN) people work on that site contributing their time, effort and money to bring YOU news, reviews etc for NO return whatsoever.

The site has been approved by MS as an "Official Community Website" . . . and in order for them to approve it, it has to go through a process, and it's not something that simply handed out. Same applies for Sony based gaming websites. Many of which are also BLOGS by the way.

Take off your blinkers and start looking at things rather than closing your mind and eyes, you could learn something.

Just remember then, if Blogs are not allowed, then start banning or dising the sites such as Joystiq, Destructoid, not to forget the various major news sites writers personal BLOGS that bring you news every day about gaming, and just about 70+% of other gaming news or support sites on the net . . .

In todays world, blog simply supply a cheaper alternative for developing a proper websiote without the huge expence needed for setting up and running a site. The software is free to use, and a huge % of major businesses use blogging software to run their business sites.

Wake up.

[End Of war 2]

guys it been stated from a recently released review from ign podcast of 3 of the ign reviews that the 360 version is in fact has a higher resolution + better lighting +more richness to color while the ps3 has less pop in due to hard drive preinstall ( which in the future 360 games will have as they do have hard drives .)and that the ps3 version has better aliasing http://uk.ps3.ign.com/artic... so tell me what would u have better aliasing which means nothing as 2x aliasing going to 3x has no deference to the human eye ,go to the gta forums ppl are complaining about jagged edges on the ps3 version so what would u like a sharper_ more rich colored and brighter game or a washed out looking game that loads 10 sec faster and and has better aliasing and has no DLC COMING FOR IT ( AND GUES WHAT the dlc wil be streamed from the harddrive if its a new city and will have great load times. ok so guys here it is again if u missed it http://uk.ps3.ign.com/artic... and as we all know i bet the 360 version wil have better framerates and texture as that the only point the writing reviews said the 360 and ps3 were comparable and as we all know 360 win in that section when we talk about previous games so again plz sony trolls prove me wrong can u ?

[BilI Gates]

Sorry but you're wrong. As far as graphics go, the PS3 version is better. More vibrant colors and sharper edges, according to EGM. More AA, less loading and less pop-up, according to IGN. 360 version is getting exclusive DLC but that won't happen for a few months, when most people have already stopped playing the game.

[sammy_mantra]

"PS3 version of GTA4 is confirmed to be superior

i repeat CONFIRMED by IGN and EGM

IGN

http://www.n4g.com/NewsCom-...

"For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster. Don't worry Xbox owners, the load times are rarely more than 30 seconds and don't occur very often. The slight visual edge goes to PS3, but the 360 is no slouch. Either version will do you proud".

X360 version has FR dips too . more frequent than the PS3 version
"Past GTA titles have had mild-to-serious framerate issues and technical glitches, because the games were trying to do far more than the PlayStation 2 could handle. While GTA IV is pushing the PS3 and 360 to the limit, it also runs amazingly well. Sure, there are framerate hitches here and there and (particularly on 360) there is some texture pop-in, but it actually runs better than I expected. That a game with great AI, an awesome physics engine and a detailed open world runs so well and with such short load times is a technical marvel. For that, I can forgive framerate issues and some noticeable aliasing. "

EGM

http://www.n4g.com/NewsPend...

"PS3 version looks slightly more vibrant and sharp "

so please buy the PS3 version on the SUPERIOR CONSOLE named PS3

[vloeistof]

no 10 epic fail lol jk

[gaminoz]

A review is a review: just cause they aren't paid to do it doesn't mean it isn't any good. Read the thing before you dismiss it.

[XboxOZ360]

Just for hose who seem to enjoy saying Blogs are not websites or worthy featuring on N4G, and therefore must represent Spam or are Lame. (not) Here's just a small smattering of BLOGS that you read news from off this site, and many others every day . . . . . you'll notice that one BLOG is actually an official Xbox blog, and many others are 'normal' gaming website, albeit run on blogging software, that you probably visit every day to get your gaming news from.

So please, do wake up - we've never had issues submitting reviews or articles in the past on N4G, our original Up-Coming Xbox 360 Games Listing a year or so ago got huge ratings from reader at N4G then (which reached 110 degs btw), what has happened to the readers of this site over the last several months . . .

http://www.libertycitygta-i...
(an official xbox BLOG btw . .)

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/

http://www.joystiq.com/

http://www.kotaku.com.
http://www.kotaku.com.au/

http://games.slashdot.org/

http://www.gizmodo.com.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/

http://www.xbox360fanboy.co...

http://www.defamer.com
http://www.defamer.com.au/

http://www.penny-arcade.com...

http://www.lifehacker.com.
http://www.lifehacker.com.a...

http://blog.wired.com/games...

http://www.gamesetwatch.com...

http://www.gamasutra.com/ (is a blog of sorts and has several cross connected blogs within its network)

http://www.unscripted360.co...

http://www.360stylecast.com...

http://gamerscoreblog.com/t...

http://www.pregamelobby.com...

http://www.360style.net/

http://www.360stylecast.com...

http://www.konsolekingz.com...

So could some of you 'readers' grow up and take news as it's given and as it's meant to be given . .That is, to inform and enlighten those with similar interests and hobbies . . supposedly like minded people . . but one wonders at times.

[JokesOnYou]

"As someone who hated many of the previous games in this series, I can say without a shred of doubt in my mind that this is a game you need to play. It is not perfect, but its definately the closest to perfection the games industry is going to achieve for a long time. It is one hell of an experience."

Wow, nice review and no hate towards any console, ha ha.......

but, but, its only a 9.8/10 and thats unacceptable, you just hate this game don't you? oh yeah I forgot I don't care about your links blogs are not allowed, depending on what day of the week it is and what the blog says of course.

All I can say is this site has great news but there are some determined to impose their agenda, no matter what it takes.

My name is JokesOnYou and I approved this message. lmfao

JOY

[CViper]

Thats why everyone is considering it -Just-Another-Blog. It would help the reputation for your site if you just had a normal address that wasn't tied into wordpress so blatantly.

[00]

unless they com from a dev they have no weight.

[thebadrash]

There's a difference between being paid to write and it being just a hobby. Having a blog does not make you a journalist.

[titntin]

Absolutely anyone with half a minute can set up a blog and write a biased piece of cr*p.
Its not news, and thats why I am one of many who try and report and not approve blogs unless they are of real relevance i.e. the blog of a respected industry member and insider, or a company blog with official information.

Your review is actually of a high standard and is a worthy read, but if there's any hope of keeping news submission standards up (and I often think their isn't), we need to limit news postings to either recognized websites or the sources I cited above.

Otherwise anyone with an axe to grind can publish absolute nonsense and flame bait, and I've afraid we've seen this all to often. If you seriously wish to get published, simply start a small website thats not a public blog hosted page and then you can be valid source - till then, your just another joe with an opinion published on a blog site that anyone can start in minutes. Indeed, I could just have easily started a blog with this message on the same server and posted it as a story here.... thats not news.

[Superfragilistic]

@ tintin who said "absolutely anyone with half a minute can set up a blog and write a biased piece of cr*p."

Mate I understand your point, but the difference between a blog with "half a minute" as opposed to the above blog which is clearly a well established community site, that is also endorsed by Microsoft as an official Xbox360 community site, is vast.

IMO news from this site is relevant.

[SuperSaiyan4]

Have to be 100% bug and glitch free with perfect controls and everything, imo the only game I could give a 10/10 to is Halo 1 but thats just me.
In this gen I have seen lots of bugs, glitches, scratchy look games, some look a bit poor for this gen as well.

I think a lot of other reviewers are being very hasty in giving GTA 4 10/10 when we know of certain issues with the game even if they are minor, but this review does not mean its a poor version.

I think a side by side HD video and some high res images would be a good idea...*Runs away as fast as Sonic*

[Asurastrike]

The Legend of Zelda the Ocarina of Time
Final Fantasy VII
Mario 64
Half Life 2

Will GTAIV join the ranks of those 3 games as the best games ever made? :) We'll see in 2 days.

[yanikins111]

Half life 2 and Mario 64 are on that list? Personally i find that suprising. Ahh well.

[kwicksandz]

Your list is missing a big one

Deus Ex

And my GOAT ( game of all time) perfect dark (64)

[yanikins111]

You guys know that you all look stupid right? You have the morons posting over and over again that the ps3 version is so much better (when the reviewers all say its a slight graphical advantage), and "ZOMG THE 360 1 GOT .2 LOWER MSS FAILZ" and the little girls actually acting like they are emotionally shattered and ranting about the PS3 has bad online and no dlc and no-no-no-you have to install it!

Get over it guys. Personally i cant wait until the news on N4G gets back to normal, ie Games other than GTA4

[Mandangoof]

The Ps3 version makes up for that.
Ahh, good old PS3.

And f**k blogs, you're not on the same level as Kotaku, Gamasutra, even that sh!tty Joystiq whose pages are not worthy to print off and wipe my black @ss with.

You're on the same level as those crappy 360 centric blogs yes, not worthy of an opinion.

[heyheyhey]

oh great

poos3 made yet another account

here comes more begging to be proven wrong, jeez

Nasim and this guy really piss me off

[gaminoz]

Wow Desperado you are smart. Can I be as smart as you?

[Gazman]

After reading what seems to be a cut and paste job from another GTA 4 review I am starting to wonder if anyone is going to write anything new before the game comes out.

[BilI Gates]

Looks like the 360 version doesn't deserve the 10's the PS3 version is getting. Too many pop ups and texture loading.

[yanikins111]

Why dont you both shut the f*** up?

[mistertwoturbo]

End of War, there's no where in that article that states it has a better resolution or better lighting. the only thing they said is that they "think" the 360 version has more vibrant colors, but that also contributes to it looking more cartoony.

[BilI Gates]

Actually that article tells me the PS3 version is better. Try again but not before you read page 5 in the 7 page IGN review. Even the pro-M$ EGM even agree, PS3 version is better.

[gaminoz]

Can't both versions be good? It is the same game and the differences aren't enough to worry about.

[spacetoilet]

You two should remove your heads from MS's 4ss and just admit when you are wrong.

The final review says the ps3 has the 'edge' yes...the edge, I'm not saying way better, but better than the 360 version.

End of war 2, you trying to say more AA is nothing and going from 2x to 3x (not that your dumb 4ss knows what levels this game is using anyway) is not detectable to the human eye is pure BS.

And xboxoz360....you drone on about Sony fan boys do this and say that, and claim xbotz are all sweet and impartial?

xboxoz360 quote..
"Do you see Xboxers on the Sony based reviews doing the same the monet a review or article is posted, NO, in general you don't."

Where the f()ck have you been the last 16 months?
This site and any Sony news on it, positive or not has been constantly attacked by complete BS, FUD and LIES from 360 fan boys.
I'm not sure what you are smoking but you had best go back through the archives and check some posts by TheMart, Jason 360, Toughname, Xboxisbest etc (list is endless) and see the horsesh1t.
Yes there are some childish Sony fanboys here too, but the 360 losers outwiegh them by far.
And you talk about wearing blinkers? You have the bad quality green eyepatch on dude. Both eyes.

PS3 (so far one legit FINAL review) is better.
Suck it up.

Quote from xboxOz360
"The site has been approved by MS as an "Official Community Website" . . . and in order for them to approve it, it has to go through a process, and it's not something that simply handed out."

WTF does that tell you? You trust that review? In terms of comparing that game against the competitions machine? Jesus I know mainstream gaming can appear bias these days (depending on who is spending the top dollar on advertising space that month) but a company sanctioned blog? Wow! Great review source!!!
And no, I don't read Sony blogs for facts about consoles either.
You know what I did once? I tried my brother in laws 360 for MYSELF. Pretty cool, not my cup of tea though in the end.
You may want to try a ps3. You may find you prefer the better controller, better build quality, quieter operation, FREE ONLINE, Blu Ray player. But what the f()Ck do I know? I'm just blogging here.

[nix]

i've been here long enough...

[power of Green]

PS3 is GOD

[spacetoilet]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^

Dumb lying FUD I was talking about?
There it is lol. Power Of Pure Horsesh1t. "PS3 propaganda machine"
LOL!

Microsoft is a benevolent family company that uses only the fairest and most ethical of business methods. Plus, Bill Gates' farts smell of tulips and sound like Star Trek music.

[power of Green]

WTF? I thought I put you on IGNOR?, did you change your username useing the same name by changing the style or something, like spelling it different or useing lowercase letters? etc).

No one asked you, you rabid troll lol.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/artic...

DLC is coming folks are trying to control PS3 fanboys

[spacetoilet]

Sad sac was embarrassed about his TYPICAL BS post!

Oh, and for the record, I'm ignored by 12 users, you are ignored by 196 users. 1 9 6!
POG + Ignored by 196 users = TOTAL RABID LOSER 360 FANBOY (which he tries to call me)

Loser.

[Redlight]

I can't believe you're comparing your hobby site with the likes of Kotaku, Slashdot and Gizmodo!

Yes, they might be blogs, but they're professional level blogs, much better than your noble effort as an enthusiast.

You remind me of a lot of the people that audition for the 'Idol' TV shows, don't believe everything your mum tells you! You're having delusions of grandeur.

In fact I have nearly all of the sites you listed bookmarked, but not yours. And no, it's not an oversight.

[thebadrash]

I stopped reading when I got to "lack of any sort of narrative depth". This guy clearly doesn't know what he's talking about.

By the way: BBC News just covered the expectation building up for GTA IV. They mentioned Sony but didn't mention Xbox or even Rockstar at all.

[gaminoz]

Yeah because the GTA series has such top notch storytelling....Read much? These games are about freedom and gameplay more than story.

[thebadrash]

The GTA games have much more complex storylines, with much more scripting, and more voice talent than pretty much any other game I can think of. Story might not be the #1 focus but if you actually play any of the games, you'll know that it's a pretty major aspect.

And yeah, I read a lot. I just stopped reading the review because it started off with such an obviously incorrect assessment.

[XboxOZ360]

If you HAD of continued reading, or actually read what he wrote, he was discussing his past experience of EARLIER GTA series not his experience of the current game, which turned out to be much better than his past playing of the series . . . do try reading, for a change, rather than assuming what someone is writing.

[thebadrash]

Look - this is really simple. He said that previous games in the GTA series 'lack of any sort of narrative depth'. That was plain wrong. If you want to defend the blogger, be my guest. But trying to patronise me, as you clearly are, isn't the same as presenting a cohesive argument.

I've now read the full review and except for its spelling and grammar errors it really brings nothing new to the table. Anyway, this is getting extremely boring.

[psycho360]

In my opinion if the difference is hard to find without requiring a microscope and running games side by side than it shouldn't matter to either camp. I'm sure no normal/sane gamer would cry or get excited over these kind of differences unless the game has differences like R62:vegas, AC, Lost planet etc where difference between the different console versions were blatant.

If you're a true gamer and have both consoles then it only boils down to preferring achievements/DLC/Friends list/custom soundtracks over ps2 type controller which some prefer over 360 controller, nothing more nothing less.

[Bazookajoe_83]

So i guess this is almost as close as u can get...

[radzy]

there isnt anything revolutionary here. kill a person , steal something , lose the cops,kill this person ,date this girl, etc....
nothing that is wowing me yet .(i like Brucie , he is a crack up)
i dont know why its getting 10's?
i am actually baffled. pop-ups everywhere , frame rate dips big time, especially in chases,very qwerky controls, getting stuck on a wall or gutter or in the door. i think bioshock wowed me, not this game.
to mejust another gta. same sh1t!!!!!!!
i think saints row 1 has more variety and enjoyment. gang wars.
this gta4 is just hit after hit, i dont know what it is ?
guess everyone is caught in the hype?

[nix]

which version? q:

even i'm not hyped up about the game. it's basically going to be the same (like previous GTAs, running around killing people) but i was quite shocked to see 10 from IGN.

[Mandangoof]

No. Not you.

@The rest.

Ps3 is sharper, has better colours and is overall better graphically. According to EGM and IGN.

360 has NO technical advantages.

360 has more pop-in and slowdown.

STOP SPREADING THE MISINFORMATION THAT 360 HAS ANY TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES.

Dan Houser likes the colours of PS3 GTA4 better too, and a Rockstar rep prefers the PS3 version.

STOP f***ing pretending like they both have their strengths and weaknesses. NOT THIS TIME. PS3>360 in everything where there's a point up for contention.
END OF STORY

Oh, and btw, I've probably been here longer than poos3 and nasim.

[jaaz]

He tells you why it didn't score a perfect score. For one thing:

"Graphically it looks great, but is not without it’s hiccups. There is the occasional pop-in during cut scenes and even more occasional frame rate issues."

[THE TERMINATOR]

He is a 360 fanboy
So I presume its the 360 version.
Us PS3 owners need not worry.

[wallace1000]

Should any game really be given a perfect score? There is always going to be something that could be improved. I like the way cnet reviews electronics. Nothing is perfect!

[Grown Folks Talk]

Pong was perfect. & Reece's Peanut Butter Cups