I've never been big into video games, but I consider myself a casual player. Usually, the ones that I favor are ones with cinematic elements, like strong story, characters, and settings. In short, games with consequences are the ones that leave me confident about the medium. In that respect, Grand Theft Auto IV leaves a remarkably high bar for gaming that is nearly impossible to reach.
I'm a fan of the series for the same reason everyone else is: strong story, memorable characters and locales, and the ever addictive free roaming environment. Although San Andreas has always been the fan favorite choice since its release, Vice City and III are also fantastic incarnations. With the release of the 2008 installment, however, I was purely immersed into it like no other game before or since it. There are so many reasons for why this game is a masterpiece and I'm sure I'll only scratch the surface in talking about it.
The most important reason why this game was such a success was the protagonist: Niko Bellic. Breaking the mold of the previous main character of the series, Niko was from Eastern Europe, recently arriving to America for unknown reasons. He meets with his cousin, Roman, to figure out his new life in America. Unfortunately, someone as new as Niko is certainly going to be used by Eastern European gangsters as a pawn in their citywide ambitions. His specific set of skills comes in handy when it comes to protecting him and his cousin, but gets him in trouble when he disgruntles the wrong people, forcing the two to hide amongst the metropolitan underworld, which makes them even more allies and enemies.
Niko, as a character, is undeniably the most complex and interesting protagonist of the best selling game series. He doesn't seek out violence and appears compassionate to a number of characters who seemingly don't deserve it. However, that doesn't mean he won't kill or steal if he, his cousin, or a friends' backs are against the wall. Fiercely loyal, his unlikely friendships make for some of the most funny and genuine moments in the game. There are several lines by Niko that echo the emotional weaknesses he has when it comes to his profession. He questions his own soul and whether or not he has gone too far to protect himself and his loved ones. It's not often this amount of character depth makes it into a game as popular as this one, making it even more special.
It's revealed about halfway through the game that Niko is there to extract revenge on a man who betrayed Niko and his friends in during the Yugoslav wars. Niko is conflicted whether or not he should extract his revenge or let sleeping dogs lie. One of the highlights of the game is where you meet the enemy, leaving it up to you whether or not be dies. This level of choice, as well as other points throughout featuring similar decisions, truly have consequence to the story, finding relevance long after their action. But don't think that the game is over once you decide the fate of an old enemy. A much more crucial decision is in the wings, with your choice being the catalyst for one of two major character deaths. Either way, Niko is faced with a tragic conclusion.
Although Niko is the best, most well rounded character of the game, any fan of the series could tell you that there is never a shortage of distinct and dynamic characters at work. Many of the characters Niko interact with are simultaneously hilarious and personally flawed. Some are not so subtle takes of real people or ethnic groups, done to tremendous effect. Others are original creations that are equally real and relevant. It wouldn't be outrageous to see several of these personalities occupying a best video game characters of all time list. They remind me of Harvey Keitel's quote in Pulp Fiction: "Just because you are a character doesn't mean you have any."
The setting, as in every other installment of the series, serves as its own character. Making its full return for the first time since GTA III, Liberty City returns with a vengeance as a startling stand in for New York City that echoes so much about what's going on today. Hitting the zeitgeist so squarely, GTA IV successfully lampoons nearly every facet of American, and specifically urban, life. From reality television and fast food to terrorism and politics, this game has it all. The amount of interactivity in this game is also a masterwork. You can go bowling, out to eat, throw darts, play pool, watch TV, and numerous other activities. Comedy clubs even have the voice work and likeness of Katt Williams and Ricky Gervais. Watching TV is one of the funniest things to do, with shows called (I kid you not) Republican Space Rangers and America's Next Top Hooker providing a healthy wealth of satire.
Along with the setting, the soundtrack puts you in the perfect mood for the events, locales, and individuals of the game. The selection of radio stations can make anyone happy, covering all genres and styles of music. The talk radio stations, unsurprisingly, offer a fair amount of political satire. Here, the vocal talents of SNL cast members Bill Hader, Jason Sudekis, and Fred Armisen are all as funny as ever as a variety of roles. The fan favorite Lazlo Jones is also back to continue his ever controversial radio show. Sometimes, I just love to get in a car and experience the massive metropolis through the radio stations.
With DLCs (Downloadable Content) continuing to grow and expand, it's important to note that GTA IV paved the way for the possibilities of their ability to continue story and overall content. The Lost and the Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony both shed light on the events of the original story and the characters that inhabit it. New mini-games and modes are also introduced that give you even more things to do, as if that's a problem.
GTA V is expected to be released this year, continuing the legacy and prestige the series has been measured by. Returning the franchise to the fan favorite San Andreas, it's sure to be the ever present critical and commercial success, waiting to be placed on nearly every end of the year top 10 list. But I'm just as confident that it won't win me over in the way its predecessor did. That's not an insult, but rather proof at the credit IV deserves as one of the best, re-playable, and influential video games of all time.
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