GTA IV : ummm its out! [Archive]

sikkinixx

Jan 24, 2008, 10:09 AM

http://kotaku.com/348426/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april

GTA IV set to be released on April 29th, although somehow I can still see this getting delayed once more but hopefully it's all a-ok now!

All the media about it has stressed its a lot different than past GTA games, more focus and such, so I hope I will actually wanna finish this one unlike GTA:SA...

Markleshark

Jan 24, 2008, 10:15 AM

Mwah! Told ya. :D

I think this is the next big title I'm looking forward to. We'll see.

sikkinixx

Jan 24, 2008, 10:19 AM

I really hope they made it 100% instead of all their other games which have crap framerate and bugs galore. And god help them if the controls aren't tightened up...

2nyRiggz

Jan 24, 2008, 05:17 PM

Yawn;)....Why am I yawning at rockstar's highly anticipated game? I've lost so much interest in this game but lets hope it doesn't get push back like that stupid HAZE game.

Bless

FadeToBlack

Jan 25, 2008, 12:09 PM

The GTA games have been some of my favorite games since the first one on the PS1, but I didn't get heavily into them until GTA III. Beat III to 98%, Vice City to 100%, and San Andreas to 85% or so. I'm PS2-less at the moment, but I may get one sometime down the road just to play those. Love 'em!

I am very excited about the release of GTA IV. The trailers make it look great and I love the idea of re-visiting a more lifelike version of Liberty City. That's what I was hoping they would do before they even announced it.

As sikkinixx said, I do hope they polish it up a bit more than the previous releases, as they didn't run that great. Lots of pop-up and stutters at times. Wasn't TOO bad, but it was noticeable. I'd just like to see it turn out a bit more polished.

I'd rather see 'em delay it again than release a shoddy, thrown together game.

anim8or

Jan 25, 2008, 12:15 PM

MIDI_EVIL

Jan 26, 2008, 07:38 AM

Chone

Jan 26, 2008, 07:10 PM

A friend of mine is testing GTAIV here in edinburgh, he says that the hold up has been the PS3 version and that the XBOX360 version was pretty much ready two or three months ago.

I would anticipate that there may be a delay if the PS3 version continues to cause bother....

..on that note the multiplayer is out of this world!

Wait I thought this was the other way around (xbox360's lack of standard drive and dvd were holding the production back):confused: and this came from the makers of GTA IV, not a random user whose random friend "is testing" GTA IV.

e²Studios

Jan 26, 2008, 08:25 PM

Wait I thought this was the other way around (xbox360's lack of standard drive and dvd were holding the production back):confused: and this came from the makers of GTA IV, not a random user whose random friend "is testing" GTA IV.

You are correct, however you know how it goes with those "friends" that people seem to have.

Ed

Soulstorm

Jan 27, 2008, 03:24 AM

You are correct, however you know how it goes with those "friends" that people seem to have.

Ed

Well, I agree with that. However, I doubt we will see it in April.

MIDI_EVIL

Jan 27, 2008, 08:26 AM

Wait I thought this was the other way around (xbox360's lack of standard drive and dvd were holding the production back):confused: and this came from the makers of GTA IV, not a random user whose random friend "is testing" GTA IV.

+1

I do see this being released as planned on April 29th. I would say both platforms are completed now, and the next few months will be preparation for release/advertising/press.

sikkinixx

Jan 28, 2008, 09:08 AM

Hilary from IGN says it's lookin a hell of a lot better than it was before. More polished and such. Framerate still isn't always at at least 30 though (ugh) so maybe it's gettin close to being ready for real? I still have my doubts but its also unlikely they would officially announce a date if they weren't sure it would be done.

irishgrizzly

Apr 24, 2008, 03:50 AM

Is the verdict in on what system is better to get this yet?

beardboy

Apr 24, 2008, 04:01 AM

It is being released on 29th.

I've had an email this morning saying my order has been dispatched ready for delivery on release day.

I've got a PS3 and Xbox 360, but opted to get it on 360 due to the exclusive downloadable content.

:)

Dagless

Apr 24, 2008, 04:02 AM

360 version exclusively has DLC (apparently 10 hours long too), custom soundtracks, larger install base=more people to play against and rumble as standard. Some folk like achievements for throwing in some extra hours gameplay.

PS3 version doesn't have the RRoD.

Since there has been no PC version announced I'm just going to get it for 360.

2nyRiggz

Apr 24, 2008, 06:19 AM

If were going by pre-orders(which we can only go by now) the PS3 is leaving the xbox360 behind....I don't know if its because the game has been recognized as a Sony associated game or the GTA bundled in the Europe/Aus but as it stands now the PS3 has a leg up.

I've read the difference between the two version is slight.....the PS3 with softer "warmer" colors & the 360 with vibrant colors...I'll go with the PS3 version because of the DS3.

It should be interesting watching how this pans out....win win situation for R* but T2 is in trouble....the Beast that is EA is not giving up.

Bless

spyker3292

Apr 24, 2008, 06:48 AM

Is the verdict in on what system is better to get this yet?

I think I've heard a lot about the PS3 version being better.

Dagless

Apr 24, 2008, 06:53 AM

I think I've heard a lot about the PS3 version being better.

Okay, where? Because they're both the same game but with purchasable extras and Xbox menu (soundtrack) stuff on the 360 version...

Taustin Powers

Apr 24, 2008, 07:40 AM

I think I've heard a lot ...

You're not sure whether you've heard a lot or not? :confused:

;)

BoBBo!

Apr 24, 2008, 10:25 AM

http://home.comcast.net/%7Einfamousdd/CGReviews_-_Cam_Garish_Reviews_-_One_Review_at_a_Time.html

PS3 is superior from a gaming experience as well as 2P action.

360 is superior from a content perspective.

zelmo

Apr 24, 2008, 10:31 AM

Am I the only one who really doesn't much care about the GTA series?

Much Ado

Apr 24, 2008, 11:05 AM

Dagless

Apr 24, 2008, 12:56 PM

So you can install the 360 version too? Bugger.

MacRumorUser

Apr 24, 2008, 04:37 PM

Am I the only one who really doesn't much care about the GTA series?

Nah i'm not that bothered tbh either.

oh and from that definitive 'review' posted earlier in regards to formats

This review is based on early previews of the game. It may or may not reflect the final retail version, available 4/29/08.

Nuff said

pcypert

Apr 24, 2008, 09:37 PM

From the history of many curent releases I'd have to expect some bugginess and general oddness of some sort for the PS3 release... later dealt with in a patch. Maybe they'll surprise us here as it's a high profile release and they can't risk another one... but I'd count on something not working right: online, graphics, etc. Just keeps happening, at least according to these forums.

In the end though I don't care at all. I've got a 360 so I'll play it on that. Won't get the extra content because all I care about is goofing around in town...jumping up stuff with a motorcycle and getting into fights. Rarely play the campaigns in these games...

Paul

sikkinixx

Apr 24, 2008, 10:20 PM

after watching some leaked gameplay vids last night I;m officially psyched for it. Poor Persona 3 FES will only get a few days of alone time before GTA becomes permanently lodged in my PS3 or 360. I have both SE preordered but im not 100% sure which version I'm gonna get. Probably the PS3 as I have more friends that will get that version and Sam Houser said he likes the way the PS3 version renders over the 360, plus I fear for the red rings after hours of play :p

FadeToBlack

Apr 25, 2008, 01:19 AM

Just pre-ordered the regular version for the 360 on Amazon. I have the Special Edition pre-ordered at GameStop, but I called them earlier and tried to switch to the regular version, as I don't need all the extra stuff, but they said I had to come in to change it, so I just said "screw it" and ordered it on Amazon.

mkubal

Apr 25, 2008, 01:45 PM

Does Amazon guarantee delivery on the release date or am I better off buying it from a brick and mortar? Not that I'll die if I don't get it on the release date. :D

Dagless

Apr 25, 2008, 02:14 PM

Amazon are still taking preorders? I imagined they would have sold out by now. I don't know about the US but Amazon in the UK usually ships items a day early to get there on the day since we don't bother with midnight launches and such. I know Game do this, sometimes as early as 2 days so you get it a day in advance.

If I were you I'd go to a proper shop. But I don't really know the state of preorders in the US.

anim8or

Apr 25, 2008, 02:33 PM

Could you elaborate on why the PS3 was the hold up?

Porting the game to an entire new system caused alot of problems.

Wait I thought this was the other way around (xbox360's lack of standard drive and dvd were holding the production back):confused: and this came from the makers of GTA IV, not a random user whose random friend "is testing" GTA IV.

You are wrong, xbox version was almost ready for completion in Nov 2007 until PS3 testing and development delayed it, Sony and Microsoft had a deal with Rockstar North so that the game wasnt released on one console before the other console as it is a game that sells not only discs but consoles too.... Big money lost for the console to release it second.

You are correct, however you know how it goes with those "friends" that people seem to have.

You can choose to believe me or not i dont care, but look at what i do for a living, where i live and perhaps you will see a connection as to how i know people who work for rockstar north!

Well, I agree with that. However, I doubt we will see it in April.

+1
I do see this being released as planned on April 29th. I would say both platforms are completed now, and the next few months will be preparation for release/advertising/press.

The game was wrapped by Sony just over a week ago.

The testers received their copies today i'll have you know!!!

Just came across these responses to my last post tonight so i thought i would clear it all up in one post!!!

Dagless

Apr 25, 2008, 04:39 PM

Well hey I live near Leeds so I know about San Andreas Stories :p

But in all serious I would love GTA:SAS.

paddy

Apr 25, 2008, 06:03 PM

IGN just gave it a 10!! :eek::eek:

michaelltd

Apr 25, 2008, 06:29 PM

Yeah, just saw that and watched Hillary's video review and now I'm extremely excited!

bigandy

Apr 25, 2008, 06:32 PM

I'm meeting one of the developers for lunch on Monday. Maybe I should tell him to hurry it up?

;)

chappell360

Apr 25, 2008, 08:28 PM

Cant wait for release

secretpact

Apr 26, 2008, 02:09 AM

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869381p1.html

Link to the ign review, video included. I don't think I'll be picking the game up on tuesday. The reason? It would destroy my life :p. I'm gonna wait for summer vacation to get it.

fiercetiger224

Apr 26, 2008, 03:24 AM

Wow, for ONCE the PS3 has the superior version.

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.

This is enough to warrant me to get the PS3 version. I'm glad that finally an official review has stated which is graphically (and technically) superior. I don't care about the DLC stuff for the 360. It's not like I'm going to finish this game anyway, as the past games I've only played them half way. Although they were very fun games!

All I have to say is, IGN truly makes this game sound epic, especially since it received a 10. The only other game that's received a 10 from them is Zelda Ocarina of Time. Now I'm just waiting for the review for MGS4.

Sorry for asking, but do we have to pay for the DLC? If they're WORTH it, I might have to break down and buy the 360 version as well. :p

simontarr

Apr 26, 2008, 03:32 AM

My copy of GTA4 from Play.com was shipped yesterday. Hmmm wonder if I will get it today?

Much Ado

Apr 26, 2008, 04:08 AM

IGN just gave it a 10!! :eek::eek:

Which is great, but Game Revolution are already blaming it on bribery (exclusive review, and all). Bitter at being a less popular site, or justifiably cynical?

Bah... numbers mean nothing anyway. The review tells you all you need to know :)

paddy

Apr 26, 2008, 04:37 AM

Which is great, but Game Revolution are already blaming it on bribery (exclusive review, and all). Bitter at being a less popular site, or justifiably cynical?

Bah... numbers mean nothing anyway. The review tells you all you need to know :)

Bitter I'd say! :D People always call IGN out for something, they're just the big fish in the pond i suppose. Everyone else so far has given it a 10 anyway. One thing about the game we still don't really know about is the music! :mad:

Dagless

Apr 26, 2008, 04:50 AM

My copy of GTA4 from Play.com was shipped yesterday. Hmmm wonder if I will get it today?

You'll get it Monday.

Bitter I'd say! :D People always call IGN out for something, they're just the big fish in the pond i suppose. Everyone else so far has given it a 10 anyway. One thing about the game we still don't really know about is the music! :mad:

Oh it will not be bad! GTA games have always hit my soft spot. 80's pop, early 90's hip hop. I'm sure whatever stations are in they'll be ruddy brilliant so long as Busted and other equally crap new (and defunct) bands aren't on it.

psychofreak

Apr 26, 2008, 05:05 AM

I'll be getting this after my exams unfortunately, I just know that I wouldn't work at all if I had it.

2nyRiggz

Apr 26, 2008, 05:14 AM

Wow, for ONCE the PS3 has the superior version.

I don't know about all of that...where have you been man;)

IGN gave a perfect 10....I know there are some problems in this game that warrants at least to be talked about....this is a GTA game of course but I guess I'll find out when I get it tuesday.

Bless

Dagless

Apr 26, 2008, 05:21 AM

I'll be very impressed with Rockstar if they managed to fix the big world/small problem bugs that plagued every other 3D GTA. Really hope they focussed on smaller details too to stop these big areas looking too bland.

sikkinixx

Apr 26, 2008, 12:54 PM

EGM gave it A+, A+, A (skip is the hater :p)

said buy 360 if you want the DLC, PS3 if you want slight performance edge (key word being slight). In the end it comes down to which friends you wanna play with.

I think it's VERY silly of MS not to drop a few details on their exclusive DLC. If I knew what it was I might consider the 360 version.

MacRumorUser

Apr 26, 2008, 02:38 PM

I think it's VERY silly of MS not to drop a few details on their exclusive DLC. If I knew what it was I might consider the 360 version.

True... as it stands I'll probably pick up ps3, though if its like all the other GTA's I'll complete 3 or 4 missions and spend the rest of my time with weapons cheats running around with a rocket launcher or flying car instead of 'playing' the game properly :D

Much Ado

Apr 26, 2008, 05:24 PM

True... as it stands I'll probably pick up ps3, though if its like all the other GTA's I'll complete 3 or 4 missions and spend the rest of my time with weapons cheats running around with a rocket launcher or flying car instead of 'playing' the game properly :D

I may have been tempted to do that in the past but this time I'm sticking to the narrative properly, as from what I've heard, it's superb.

Mini-Spoiler: Bank Heist FTW!

2nyRiggz

Apr 26, 2008, 05:48 PM

True... as it stands I'll probably pick up ps3, though if its like all the other GTA's I'll complete 3 or 4 missions and spend the rest of my time with weapons cheats running around with a rocket launcher or flying car instead of 'playing' the game properly :D

This is basically all I do in GTA games...now I get to do it online:D
The DL content is nice to have but I wouldn't buy it because I barely finish up whats on the retail disc.

I get bored quickly with GTA story lines but causing mayhem never gets old.

Bless

anim8or

Apr 26, 2008, 05:50 PM

Trust me when i say the multiplayer mode will be the real reason why everyone keeps playing this game.

Weapons cheats aside, online GTAIV is awesome.

PS DLC is not restricted to single player mode!!!

takao

Apr 27, 2008, 01:13 AM

This is basically all I do in GTA games...now I get to do it online:D

playing GTA online ? that's so last century

Cromulent

Apr 27, 2008, 03:27 PM

I'm really looking forward to GTA IV :). I bet Amazon won't deliver it for ages though even though I did pre-order it in December.

JackAxe

Apr 27, 2008, 05:16 PM

IGN just gave it a 10!! :eek::eek:

WTF! :eek: Oh, I know why, it's called a PAYOLA!

I don't know what's worse, the hardcore-toddlers giving this game a 10 without having actually played it, or the reviewers giving it frivolous marks based on incentives.

A repetitive game that has flaws, both of which have been pointed out by the reviewers, does not merit a 10. No game does for that matter...

*grumbles*

<]=)

zap2

Apr 27, 2008, 05:45 PM

10/10...I can't stand those...9.9, give them something to improve.

10/10 means to me, that it is the best game possible. No one thing RockStar can fix, I doubt it

Dagless

Apr 27, 2008, 05:56 PM

Freyqq

Apr 27, 2008, 07:04 PM

Exactly. No game I've ever played is a 10/10. Games have come close, I'd give Pokemon DS a 9.5, FF7 9.7, OoT 9.8. 10/10 means perfection. There are no bugs (not subjective), there is nothing wrong with the gameplay (subjective). It simply cannot be improved.

It probably will be an awe inspiring game though.

a review site will be subjective by definition..

it's the author's personal perspective on the game

JackAxe

Apr 27, 2008, 08:29 PM

a review site will be subjective by definition..

it's the author's personal "**and PAID for" perspective on the game

**There, I fixed it. :o

<]=)

Chone

Apr 27, 2008, 08:43 PM

You guys should read the closing comments, they don't give it a 10 because it's a perfect game (the subtitle is masterful anyways, not perfect) they give it because it pushes boundaries in a genre and is the best game they have played since Ocarina of Time (which got a 10 and obviously wasn't perfect either).

The reviewing system doesn't work that way, a 10 is a masterful game, not a perfect game, also it's relative to time, a 10 tomorrow is worth more than a 10 today.

As for bribery, it's possible but the game also sounds pretty darn amazing and other websites have given it similar scores, I'm thinking of buying a 360 just for this and then I'll see if the hype was worth it, 10 is amazing, bribery gets you up to a 9.9 but for IGN to give it a 10 (which only Soul Calibur and Ocarina of Time have) means they really do like the game a lot.

Anyways, you guys should call out that they were bribed and the game is repetitive if you HAVEN'T played it, JackAxe, how does that make you different from the hardcore toddlers who give it a 10 without having played it? Have you played GTA IV already? And NO, playing GTA 3, VC , SA, etc does not qualify, they are not the same game.

JackAxe

Apr 27, 2008, 09:18 PM

Chone, you misconstrued my post;

"A repetitive game that has flaws, both of which have been pointed out by the reviewers, does not merit a 10."

I only know what I've read and what I've watched so far.

<]=)

Chone

Apr 27, 2008, 09:49 PM

Fair enough but same said developers also point out that the game is not perfect and that their 10 score does not reflect that. I read the entire review and it doesn't really seems like they were bribed and even if they were, they did not need to go all the way and give the game a 10 so either way the game is sure to be pretty awesome (not perfect and no one said it would be) but definitely great. I think it's important to read what IGN puts under the score (masterful, not perfect) and what they say in their closing comments.

I'm just saying, I don't think anyone should be talking about paid-off reviewers and under (or over) stating the quality of the game before they actually get their hands on it, I've enjoyed even the most basic GTAs (like the Stories games for PS2/PSP) so I am 100% sure I will enjoy GTA IV but whether it deserves a 10/10 is still to be seen.

chadrob30

Apr 27, 2008, 10:00 PM

Lol...the game is going to be awesome, regardless of what anybody thinks. It will be game of the year, and will most likely set sales records.

JackAxe

Apr 27, 2008, 10:01 PM

((Exclusive early review) + (AAA game) + (HUGE PR BUDGET)) = Payola. :p

It's not the 10, its the 10 across the board that really has me going HMMmMmmmMmmMMmmm about IGN's score, since even GamePro's max score at least reflects that he game has flaws.

<]=)

Zwhaler

Apr 28, 2008, 01:16 AM

Gametrailers gave it a 9.8, with 10 for both story and design. Can't wait!

mouchoir

Apr 28, 2008, 03:06 AM

WTF! :eek: Oh, I know why, it's called a PAYOLA!

I don't know what's worse, the hardcore-toddlers giving this game a 10 without having actually played it, or the reviewers giving it frivolous marks based on incentives.

A repetitive game that has flaws, both of which have been pointed out by the reviewers, does not merit a 10. No game does for that matter...

*grumbles*

<]=)

I've complained about IGN in the past in this forum –*when Pro Evo got an outstanding score with a review that was hardly in depth and completely skirted the issue of massive lag really messing up online play –*it turns out there are in-game ads for IGN all over the place!

In this case though, it is a bit different. The game has a meta score of 10 (from 10 reviews), so it isn't only IGN.

Also, 10 doesn't mean it is completely flawless. IGN mention it gives the score for completely pushing boundaries in a way unseen so far.

Edit: Why does a '*' keep appearing after my em rules/hyphens?

pcypert

Apr 28, 2008, 03:22 AM

I think this .2 isn't the only .2 these guys swell on, but probably trying to add it in the other debate not take it away :D

Seriously, who the %^&* cares? It's a great example of the genre. Everyone has said that. Move the %^&* on. :D (there's a smiley so you know I'm not yelling at you)

lamina

Apr 28, 2008, 07:45 AM

The past week has been absolute torture for me. I didn't really think much of GTA IV until my brothers friend mentioned that he pre-ordered it. I came online and paid more attention to the video clips, etc and I was hooked.

This is going to be the longest day in a loonnnggg time. I am going to pick my pre-order up tomorrow morning, once the mall opens. If I get it tonight, I will be up until 7am, and that's just not a good idea.

I tried bribing one of the guys at EBGames to sell it to me 3 days early. I offered him $160CAD, plus the cost of the game. He quickly denied me, saying the fine is much more than $160. :rolleyes:

Almost 24 hours to go!

Sky Blue

Apr 28, 2008, 08:20 AM

Looks like a prettier version of 3.. still want to play it though.

chadrob30

Apr 28, 2008, 08:25 AM

I'll be at Gamestop tonight at 11, waiting in line....:cool:

sikkinixx

Apr 28, 2008, 08:50 AM

J@ffa

Apr 28, 2008, 09:05 AM

I'm in the UK— does anyone know if any retailers here are taking instore pre-orders for the XBox 360 Special Edition? If not, will I be able to pick one up tomorrow or will I have to try a midnight launch?

Nym

Apr 28, 2008, 09:23 AM

GTA IV looks amazing! Graphics, gameplay, durability, replay value, online component, everything feels right.

So... although I don't actually own a 360 nor a PS3, I think I'm going to buy the game anyway to play at a friend's house. I'm gonna try and talk him into splitting the purchase but he's being a cheap a$$ :D Anyway, tomorrow I'll have a GTA IV PS3 copy on my hands!

I haven't played anything since COD4 so give me a break! :eek:

At least when I get my PS3 after the Summer I will already have 2 games, GTA IV and MGS4 :)

Also, I think it's a bit unfair to question the reviewers integrity... People often confuse on what a perfect score means. For instance, when Mario 64 came out it was such a huge breath of creativity that I totally agreed when I read my usual game magazine and it gave it a 100% score! Of course the game wasn't perfect... the perfect score doesn't mean the game is perfect, it just means that it's as good as a game can get, and that it is 100% worth your hard earned money :) Just my 0.2$

JackAxe

Apr 28, 2008, 10:15 AM

http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/grandtheftauto4

as of this morning, 14 reviews are averaging 100%. (cuz... ya know...Rockstar has deep pockets :rolleyes: )

In the top 5 gamescores of all time by the time all the reviews are out? It's off to a good start

Something wrong with your eyes, or are you annoyed at Rockstar's deep pockets? ;)

I only trust one reviewer's "opinion" and he has yet to share.

<]=)

Taustin Powers

Apr 28, 2008, 12:00 PM

Something wrong with your eyes, or are you annoyed at Rockstar's deep pockets? ;)

I only trust one reviewer's "opinion" and he has yet to share.

<]=)

That *one* reviewer had better be Yahtzee!

JackAxe

Apr 28, 2008, 12:14 PM

Exactly! :D

<]=)

Antares

Apr 28, 2008, 12:14 PM

http://kotaku.com/348426/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april

GTA IV set to be released on April 29th, although somehow I can still see this getting delayed once more but hopefully it's all a-ok now!

I am 99.9999999999% certain that it will release on April 29th. You have nothing to worry about. I serioulsy doubt that it would get delayed again (USA). Is there anyone on the board, here, that would want to back me up on this?

That said, I will not be buying GTA 4 until it goes bargain price. I have too many games to catch up on and there is no reason to pay full price now when it will most definitely be cheaper by the time I do have time to play it.

chadrob30

Apr 28, 2008, 12:32 PM

sam10685

Apr 28, 2008, 05:16 PM

Exactly. No game I've ever played is a 10/10. Games have come close, I'd give Pokemon DS a 9.5, FF7 9.7, OoT 9.8. 10/10 means perfection. There are no bugs (not subjective), there is nothing wrong with the gameplay (subjective). It simply cannot be improved.

It probably will be an awe inspiring game though.

I can already find one problem in the review video's... shooting an RPG blind around corners with one hand. unless Nikko is the strongest guy ever, that RPG is going to go flying the other direction. A 10/10 game would have no issues with realism in my opinion.

yg17

Apr 28, 2008, 05:25 PM

I preordered from Amazon and did overnight shipping, will they ship today for me to receive tomorrow or ship Tuesday for me to receive Wednesday?

Cromulent

Apr 28, 2008, 05:34 PM

I preordered from Amazon and did overnight shipping, will they ship today for me to receive tomorrow or ship Tuesday for me to receive Wednesday?

Ha, good luck I preordered in December and mine is not due until the 14th of May (UK Amazon).

kuyu

Apr 28, 2008, 07:56 PM

I've been busy moving for the past week and forgot this was coming out at midnight until this morning! Looks like I'll be up all night.

My plan is to get my clothes ironed and shave tonight so I can be out the door in 15 minutes tomorrow morning. Some eye cream, eye drops and a gallon of java should do the trick. Its hooker beating time!!!

desenso

Apr 28, 2008, 08:55 PM

I preordered from Amazon and did overnight shipping, will they ship today for me to receive tomorrow or ship Tuesday for me to receive Wednesday?

Mine shipped today, will get here tomorrow.

yg17

Apr 28, 2008, 09:53 PM

Mine shipped today, will get here tomorrow.

w00t just received my shipping notification e-mail!

i make movies

Apr 28, 2008, 10:53 PM

I am 99.9999999999% certain that it will release on April 29th. You have nothing to worry about. I serioulsy doubt that it would get delayed again (USA). Is there anyone on the board, here, that would want to back me up on this?

That said, I will not be buying GTA 4 until it goes bargain price. I have too many games to catch up on and there is no reason to pay full price now when it will most definitely be cheaper by the time I do have time to play it.

I'm not sure the price will drop anytime soon, if at all. I speak only through PS3 experience, not 360, but no game (correction, no GOOD game) has dropped below the 59.99 price. Better off picking it up used in about 2 years or waiting for GTA5 to drop in 5...then you'll see a price drop.

I just watched x-play on G4TV and they said they are shipping 8 million copies to the US and they expect to sell out in 48 hours.

On a side note, i sold Army of Two and Burnout Paradise (Both are horrible) today and I saw that the used copy of Army of Two was 54.99. A whopping savings of 5 dollars for a used game. Gamespot sucks.

sikkinixx

Apr 28, 2008, 11:03 PM

3 hours till I get my copy... booyah!

JackAxe

Apr 28, 2008, 11:13 PM

Somebody's not getting any sleep. :D

<]=)

sikkinixx

Apr 28, 2008, 11:49 PM

im gonna go to sleep for a few hours, go to the mall,play till 2am, sleep for 5 hours, go to work, come home, play GTA, go to bed, repeat

Zwhaler

Apr 29, 2008, 01:48 AM

All my friends are going to be at school tomorrow and I will be getting my copy of GTA IV :D (don't worry, I won't be cutting class, I just don't have class tomorrow :)

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 02:52 AM

We're having a little GTA party, complete with sausage rolls and quiche :D a friend went out to get his copy this morning. should have it by now.

Heh he's a pretty mental GTA fanboy. Went on a walk last night to burn off energy so he could sleep and every hour would say "GTA is now available in X country"... Some people eh!

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 05:01 AM

Looks like we know why the PS3 looks "smoother" and can have AntiAliasing. It runs at 630p.

I don't think there was anyone here laughing at MS and Bungie for the 640p Halo 3 but I wonder what all them folk are saying now?

takao

Apr 29, 2008, 05:29 AM

Spanky Deluxe

Apr 29, 2008, 05:34 AM

ah so much for the HD consoles which aren't actually all that HD ...

I was really hoping they'd make this one 1080p. I thought that was the whole point of the PS3 and Xbox 360. Should hopefully be getting my copy in the post today, if Royal Mail ever decide to deliver their morning mail.

Edit: Woot! It just arrived. :)

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 05:37 AM

^ hah, ditto. But my bro has the first play privileges on this one :o

ah so much for the HD consoles which aren't actually all that HD ...

I always thought they were pushing it too much. Even my modernish PC can't handle some of these resolutions and it's running a graphics card better than that of a 360. Ho hum. Doesn't make the game any worse but it's just quite an odd turn out.

Spanky Deluxe

Apr 29, 2008, 05:42 AM

^ hah, ditto. But my bro has the first play privileges on this one :o

I always thought they were pushing it too much. Even my modernish PC can't handle some of these resolutions and it's running a graphics card better than that of a 360. Ho hum. Doesn't make the game any worse but it's just quite an odd turn out.

Haven't popped it in yet but will in a mo. :) I do kind of wish they let you change the graphics settings. I for one prefer playing at higher resolutions but with less AA/AF. 1080p is easily doable with most games if they can run it at 720p with all sorts of high level AA and AF going on.

Edit: Its 'installing' now. Since when did console games have to install. Meh.

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 05:47 AM

I suppose the PS3 version would be more my cup of tea, I like lower resolutions but with lots of AA going on. At least on Source games.

buffalo

Apr 29, 2008, 05:47 AM

I'm not sure the price will drop anytime soon, if at all. I speak only through PS3 experience, not 360, but no game (correction, no GOOD game) has dropped below the 59.99 price. Better off picking it up used in about 2 years or waiting for GTA5 to drop in 5...then you'll see a price drop.

I just watched x-play on G4TV and they said they are shipping 8 million copies to the US and they expect to sell out in 48 hours.

On a side note, i sold Army of Two and Burnout Paradise (Both are horrible) today and I saw that the used copy of Army of Two was 54.99. A whopping savings of 5 dollars for a used game. Gamespot sucks.

That's not to say that stores will not eventually have temporary sales. I was able to get COD4 (PS3) for $38 from Best Buy before Christmas.

takao

Apr 29, 2008, 05:54 AM

^ hah, ditto. But my bro has the first play privileges on this one :o

I always thought they were pushing it too much. Even my modernish PC can't handle some of these resolutions and it's running a graphics card better than that of a 360. Ho hum. Doesn't make the game any worse but it's just quite an odd turn out.

we will see once the PC version will arrive ... yeah i know not announced yet officially but it has always been the same (with the exception of GTA 1/2 who arrived on the PC first):

release on consoles first to push hardware and then few months later release on the PC

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 05:56 AM

Hopefully arriving on Steam too since the whole GTA collection is already up there. Though I can imagine MS forcing it as Vista only.

2nyRiggz

Apr 29, 2008, 06:21 AM

Seems like the x360/PS3 versions are having some problems...Kotaku writes:

What's that you say? GTA IV's only been out for a few hours, and already the internet's decided that both the PS3 and 360 versions are broken? That's what many forums - as well as many of our readers - would have you believe, with reports of the game locking up during/following the game's first cutscene, an error so severe you apparently have to unplug your console at the wall. Shades of Bully on 360, perhaps? Maybe this is a problem, maybe it's a squeaky wheel getting a month's worth of grease, who knows. Not us. We're asking Rockstar. And until we hear back from them, you all should remain calm.

I got mines already but I haven't played it as yet....I'll pop it in after work and pray that I don't suffer from this.

Bless

Spanky Deluxe

Apr 29, 2008, 06:49 AM

spoon man

Apr 29, 2008, 06:56 AM

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 06:58 AM

Right first impressions. PS3 version

1080p looks NO different to 720p when played. I suspect it's just 720p upscaled rather than 1080p native.

Secondly the graphics really are not 'all that'. The intro is choppy enough frame-rate wise and if the PS3 version has better AA then GOD HELP the 360 version because it is still Very Jaggy in the outside world.

Playing the game it seems they are about 30FPS max with dips.

Also the camera seems a bit weak, certainly it's not tight. Often you have to manually adjust it just to be able to see where your going because you field of view is poor enough when driving.

Played first couple of missions, and it's JUST GTA all over again basically. A real case of same *****, different number (IV instead of III) which is both a good thing and a really bad thing as it shows little evolution over the superficial prettier things if the core of actual 'play' is just the same as it was 3 or 4 years ago.

Story wise it's better than I suspected so far, but will it be enough to hold my interest ? I wait and see.

Certainly initial impressions are of an 8/10 tops... These 10/10 perfect scores are simply BS!

Looks like we know why the PS3 looks "smoother" and can have AntiAliasing. It runs at 630p.

I don't think there was anyone here laughing at MS and Bungie for the 640p Halo 3 but I wonder what all them folk are saying now?

Oh! That explains the bloody jaggies and no difference in res... Its just 630 scaled up and down ... I should have got 360 ;)

Kernow

Apr 29, 2008, 06:59 AM

Seems pretty fun so far. Its a bit too dark imo though. As in even with the in game brightness set up to max, its really hard to see things. For me its going to have to be a play-at-night kind of game only I think.

The darkness seems to be a common complaint from what I have read elsewhere.

I picked mine up about an hour ago, but I am still at work, working out how early I can justifiably leave.

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 07:10 AM

^ Yeah! I had to turn the brightness & contrast up high on the display settings on the ps3 version here too. Very dark indeed!

We must assume Rockstar have the brightest TV sets in the world they gamma corrected on, leaving us with normal 'non nuclear' TV's with a very dark game. :rolleyes:

takao

Apr 29, 2008, 07:18 AM

[B]Right first impressions. PS3 version

Secondly the graphics really are not 'all that'. The intro is choppy enough frame-rate wise and if the PS3 version has better AA then GOD HELP the 360 version because it is still Very Jaggy in the outside world.

Oh! That explains the bloody jaggies and no difference in res... Its just 630 scaled up and down ... I should have got 360 ;)

i've read through a few german boards where some got their hands on the game as well and hear lot's of complaints about the crappy AA on the PS3 version

edit: to sum it up MRU would you still say it's a breath of fresh air after the last games ? or is it just another sequel (although with pretty graphics) ?

(and GTA being overrated by critics ... that's nothing new .. just look at the san andreas/vice city reviews somehow i think no critics wants to be the one giving bad reviews because of the huge casual fanbase the game has which might backslash against them)

gloss

Apr 29, 2008, 07:29 AM

Kind of glad I didn't end up going out to pick this up. I should remain happy with Hot Shots and Oblivion and Rock Band until Fallout 3 hits the shelves.

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 07:32 AM

edit: to sum it up MRU would you still say it's a breath of fresh air after the last games ? or is it just another sequel (although with pretty graphics) ?

Would you even call it a sequel ? Its liberty city again, albeit with a face job. But the fundamental gameplay is identikit to how it was the first time we touched down in GTA3.

Yes I haven't spent that much time on it, and the world is probably a lot more fleshed out, and there are some subtle nuances and improvements carried over from San Andrea's etc... but enough to say 'a breath of fresh air' ? Well IMHO no, what we haave is a basic refinement of a recipe they have served up already.

It does not feel new, it feels like re-visiting the old more than reveling in the new. That's not to say the game isn't fun or enjoyable which at the end of the day is probably the main factor, but for something that 'breaks the mould' like GTA3 first did, you really need to look elsewhere. This is rockstar playing UBER safe with a franchise.

It'll sell well, it'll win awards.... Doesn't stop it being fundamentally a rehash.

2nyRiggz

Apr 29, 2008, 07:45 AM

Right...my turn.

I've only played an hour so far and to my disappointment it feels like the same old to me. The game looks good at 720p and I saw some hiccups at the beginning when I hopped into the car(hate the driving physics by the way)

I'm not going to hate on the game like the grumpy MRU but it still feels the same except the cover like system is very welcomed.

My friend got the 360 version and I'll head over to his house after work to check that out.....so far so good to me.

Bless

takao

Apr 29, 2008, 07:49 AM

Would you even call it a sequel ? Its liberty city again, albeit with a face job. But the fundamental gameplay is identikit to how it was the first time we touched down in GTA3.

Yes I haven't spent that much time on it, and the world is probably a lot more fleshed out, and there are some subtle nuances and improvements carried over from San Andrea's etc... but enough to say 'a breath of fresh air' ? Well IMHO no, what we haave is a basic refinement of a recipe they have served up already.

It does not feel new, it feels like re-visiting the old more than reveling in the new. That's not to say the game isn't fun or enjoyable which at the end of the day is probably the main factor, but for something that 'breaks the mould' like GTA3 first did, you really need to look elsewhere. This is rockstar playing UBER safe with a franchise.

It'll sell well, it'll win awards.... Doesn't stop it being fundamentally a rehash.

thanks for that ... well personally for me GTA lost lots of it's charm when it went to 3d so with every release i'm waiting for that little bit of being different than it's predecessor

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 08:00 AM

Right...my turn.

I've only played an hour so far and to my disappointment it feels like the same old to me. The game looks good at 720p and I saw some hiccups at the beginning when I hopped into the car(hate the driving physics by the way)

:p I'm not grumpy you cheeky beggar :D I'm being very fair to the game.

Just maybe its a case of showing our 'gamer' age and this is simply a case of we've just been round the gaming block too much. I'm sure lots of younger games (who ironically shouldn't be playing this as its mature 18R) will declare it to be revolutionary or such. For the rest of us it's just that... the disappointment is not because it's a bad game (far from it) but simply its just that its the same thing we've played to death.

Kernow

Apr 29, 2008, 08:47 AM

This is sure to be pounced on by a certain section of the media: GTA game queue sees stab attack (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7373348.stm)

Sdashiki

Apr 29, 2008, 08:54 AM

People Murdered Stats:

Vice City - 55,243
San Andreas - 32,236
GTA4 - ? ? ?

I always try to wipe out at least a good chunk of the actual populace.

Thanks RockStar. :D

PS: bring back the Hare Krishnas and/or the Elvis gangs (those who recall GTA/GTA2 know what im talking about :P)
PPS: yes, those are the real #s from the stats of the saved game(s)

Antimatter

Apr 29, 2008, 10:26 AM

I can already find one problem in the review video's... shooting an RPG blind around corners with one hand. unless Nikko is the strongest guy ever, that RPG is going to go flying the other direction. A 10/10 game would have no issues with realism in my opinion.

Come on man, are you really serious? This is Grand Theft Auto, (A Video Game) not Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. This is not about realism and it never has been. What kind of games do you play that you expect complete realism from?

JEB229

Apr 29, 2008, 10:28 AM

Ive only played it about 30min but Im enojoying it. It is a little bit dark but I just turned up the brightness on my TV and alls good.

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 10:36 AM

Ive only played it about 30min but Im enojoying it. It is a little bit dark but I just turned up the brightness on my TV and alls good.

Go into the display menu of the game.. Brightness and contrast can be adjusted there. No need to muck up your TV's level ;)

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 10:55 AM

Well. I don't know what to make of this. It's beautiful and fun to play, but foot movement seems too heavy and it doesn't feel much different to older games. I was expecting something truly groundbreaking.

I think it's a good game though, maybe not as good as San Andreas. I'd give it 8/10.

In the end me and a friend got bored of trying to get as many cops after us so we took turns in activating some cheats and having a rampage. As always going on killing sprees brings in the most fun. Great flying a helicopter up to buildings and throwing yourself at it. Physics are fantastic! If a bit unrealistic. I'm sure I'd survive a drop from the highest flyable point to a shallow pond.

edit: but the TV is GOLDEN. Oh so political, oh so many pop culture references. It's like Have I got News for you mixed with Spaced. That space marine show had me in stitches.

Come on man, are you really serious? This is Grand Theft Auto, (A Video Game) not Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. This is not about realism and it never has been. What kind of games do you play that you expect complete realism from?

See normally games that try to look and feel realistic by incorporating pretty much the best real time physics engine available to games, people would expect it to be... well... quite realistic.

Antares

Apr 29, 2008, 11:20 AM

Physics are fantastic! If a bit unrealistic. I'm sure I'd survive a drop from the highest flyable point to a shallow pond.

How do you know you wouldn't? Have you tried it? Don't knock it until you've done it. Otherwise, this is just heresay and assumptions. ;) I tell you what. Try the same thing in real life. If you survive, I can mock you on the forum here. If you don't, you can mock me in the after-life. Deal? :D

When I do buy GTA IV, it will be my first time playing a GTA game since the original on a friend's PC. Therefore, I'm hoping that GTA IV will seem "fresh" and "new" to me. Other than Assasin's Creed, I haven't played a game like this before...in 3D. :)

jephyb

Apr 29, 2008, 11:24 AM

Granted, I'm (unfortunately) still at work until 5, so I haven't gotten to play the game yet, but I think the main reason I'm excited for this game is the replayability. I feel so many times you pay $60 for a game, play it for maybe 10 hours and thats it. Ok, maybe play through the same time for some "extra ending" but it's hardly worth it. With a world so non-linear at GTA IV, I'm excited to just explore, see what easter eggs, or little extras are hiding. Couple that with this vast multiplayer I've been hearing of, and I think that this is one of the few games that deserves my $60.

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 11:29 AM

Speaking of multiplayer are the servers down? Over the space of 4 hours we tried to play online and the player roster had no names down. Waited a few minutes and nobody joined. Live was still working though, kept seeing people signing onto it.

beige matchbox

Apr 29, 2008, 12:11 PM

Only finished the first couple of missions, still getting help tips, but heres what i make of it,

+++++
Graphics are great for such a big game

Car physics, although not realistic in any way, shape or form are a right giggle

Acting is great, some of the animations are a bit stiff though

Fighting system seems greatly improved, i've only had fist and knife battles do far, but i should imagine guns are also as good

Police getaway circle thingmabobs, make getting away nicer all round

---------
Camera while driving, sooo incredibly annoying. Your turn a sharp corner and find yourself looking at the side of the car...

IMO, the view stick in car is backwards, this might be in the control options though, i haven't looked

So, first impresions are very good, i haven't enjoyed pretty much every element of a game since HL2, lets hope it gets better still as i play.

I've got to wait for my mate to come online before i play much more, should be fun :cool:

Zwhaler

Apr 29, 2008, 01:33 PM

Okay, the only games I have for PS3 are Resistance, Oblivion, and COD4. I think I'm gonna pick this one up today.

irbdavid

Apr 29, 2008, 03:33 PM

Got mine on order from Amazon - should be here in a few weeks. Good thing, because I have a dozen and one other things I should be doing (finishing degree up for one!). Plenty of time to shoot hookers after I graduate :D

Has any seen a map of the GTA4 world online anywhere yet? Is there one in-game? I haven't found anything with google.

mrgreen4242

Apr 29, 2008, 03:46 PM

Any word on when/if this will make it to the PC? I ditched my 360 in favor of a Wii since most of the games I was interested in on the 360 eventually end on the PC anyways... I've never played any of the 3D GTA games before (played GTA 1 way back when it was new, seems like I played it on a 486 ;p) but with all the hoopla I figured I'd check it out. I can get GTA3/VC/SA for <$10 each for the PC so maybe that'd be enough.

sam10685

Apr 29, 2008, 04:02 PM

Was just wondering... How do cheat codes affect the game? The only one I'd use is "lower wanted level" and maybe the "get weapons" cheap. The last thing i need when doing a mission is the cops trying to wipe me out of existence.

Dagless

Apr 29, 2008, 04:30 PM

I've no idea, but my bro and friends only use cheats for fun and don't save the game after they've been activated.

It'll probably be out on the PC later this year. It will eventually be released but going off how MS are paying Rockstar off it could very well be Vista only.

Much Ado

Apr 29, 2008, 04:40 PM

Are there any penalties for taking the game slow? As in, messing around and exploring between missions?

Or is it phone call, followed by another...

MacRumorUser

Apr 29, 2008, 04:41 PM

Camera while driving, sooo incredibly annoying. Your turn a sharp corner and find yourself looking at the side of the car...

Yeah camera in the game is really poor, just it's emphasized when your driving, but it does the same when running on foot too.

Few more missions in.... it's ok but still feels like same old same old.

Graphics are great for such a big game..

Actually IMHO I think Saints Row has better textures and better resolution / graphics generally. I ran both side by side and Saints Row looked notably sharper and more defined.

And as for generally, I had more fun at this point playing CrackDown than GTA IV.

IMPORTANT EDIT

So I decided just to have some fun and have to say there are some great physics things. Best thing I did..

spoiler alert...

Example of v.sick but funny... Walked up to a woman and a man talking at a train platform. I kicked her and she went onto the train platform, the guy began bad talking me and then the woman started too before I heard the train coming and then she said 'oh no' and then there was a whack as the train hit her.. I know it's really sick but I had to laugh.

student_trap

Apr 29, 2008, 07:28 PM

i've read through a few german boards where some got their hands on the game as well and hear lot's of complaints about the crappy AA on the PS3 version

so true, i was playing it about an hour ago on my friends hd tv and the jaggies were awful, truly disappointing. otherwise though, the graphics looked prety great:)

chadrob30

Apr 29, 2008, 09:21 PM

spoiler alert...

Lol, I'll have to try that out. :D

Zwhaler

Apr 30, 2008, 12:35 AM

Btw, anyone else having multiplayer trouble with a PS3 isn't alone. (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/870/870524p1.html)

Dagless

Apr 30, 2008, 06:54 AM

Had a proper play today, the story has got me now. Never been too keen on GTA minigames especially that bowling one. Probably spent about an hour on it and its definitely grown on me. All except that first scene where you have to meet the girls outside the subway station - some of the worst voice acting I've heard in a game and a god awful script.

FF_productions

Apr 30, 2008, 09:48 AM

IGN gave it a perfect 10/10.

You guys make it seem like its 7/10 at best.

I haven't played it but somebody's gotta convince me to drop $60 on this game.

Zwhaler

Apr 30, 2008, 11:47 AM

IGN gave it a perfect 10/10.

You guys make it seem like its 7/10 at best.

I haven't played it but somebody's gotta convince me to drop $60 on this game.

I'll put it this way: if you don't have any other games you want today on your list, and you are looking for an excuse to buy a game, get GTA IV. It gets better as the game goes along and as you get used to it.

admanimal

Apr 30, 2008, 12:01 PM

sam10685

Apr 30, 2008, 12:26 PM

I haven't played it but somebody's gotta convince me to drop $60 on this game.

Same here... Looks really good but 10/10 on basically every web site makes me really skeptical.

paddy

Apr 30, 2008, 02:16 PM

I'm only about an hour and half into the game (3.49% to be exact) and so far I have to agree that 10/10 is a stretch. 10/10 games to me are ones like Mario 64 or Ocarina of Time, and maybe even GTA 3 that really break new ground and make you go wow, this is something new and special. GTA 4 is great for what it is, but ultimately it seems like it's just another GTA game with a lot of extra polish on it. My personal rating would be somewhere around a 9/10.

I know what you mean, but take Ocarina. If you only played that game for say 2/3 hours you wouldn't call it a 10 either. Maybe 10/10 might be a stretch, but almost all the reviewers who've played through the game fully seem to 10 it for its depth.

I think it's a bit premature of anyone to call a score before at least completing 50-75% of the story and a good 5/10 hours online.

Dagless

Apr 30, 2008, 02:59 PM

Normally you should be getting a feeling for the how the rest of the game will play in the first couple of hours. It's not like they're going to be swapping physics engines and the later islands somehow fix the bugs.

Granted I'm going to play through it but at this moment, sat at my Mac, I'd rather play Mario Kart online again :o (which isn't a 10/10 game either).

beige matchbox

Apr 30, 2008, 03:18 PM

Today i played about another hour of single player, it's picking up a bit, woo.

So far this evening i've been playing multiplayer with a mate, non stop laughs :D Love it.

Have had a few bugs though, parked cars disappearing, and even when using party mode not getting into the same game :rolleyes:

JoshLV

Apr 30, 2008, 03:23 PM

Am I the only one that's not interested in it? I don't see running around shooting random people on the street and hijacking cars very fun.

beige matchbox

Apr 30, 2008, 03:28 PM

Am I the only one that's not interested in it? I don't see running around shooting random people on the street and hijacking cars very fun.

Your right, unning around shooting random people on the street and hijacking cars on it's own isn't very fun. In GTA it's all structured, like many other games, but the good part is, unlike many other games, such as COD 4 etc. you can go where ever you want, goto one of several characters to get your next mission, theres also lots of mini games, pool, bowling, darts etc. these also get used in the main game for some parts :D

Dagless

Apr 30, 2008, 04:40 PM

Am I the only one that's not interested in it? I don't see running around shooting random people on the street and hijacking cars very fun.

I don't find them parts fun either. I find the story (dependant on which GTA) compelling, I find the unlocking of areas and exploring enticing and I love a really well made sandbox game where I'm free to do whatever I want.

Taustin Powers

Apr 30, 2008, 07:50 PM

What's really starting to piss me off in this game is the lighting. At "night", I can't see anything. So I turn up the brightness in the options menu, and then when it's daytime, it's really facking bright. Annoying.

I mean, what the hell? They managed to get that somewhat right in all the previous games?

e²Studios

Apr 30, 2008, 10:11 PM

desenso

Apr 30, 2008, 10:52 PM

Ever think it could be your TV settings? I see everything fine on my set, on default settings.

Seconded. Your TV is either not properly calibrated, or it's a piece of crap.

mouchoir

May 1, 2008, 02:09 AM

Taustin Powers

May 1, 2008, 03:10 AM

Dagless

May 1, 2008, 03:41 AM

Spanky Deluxe

May 1, 2008, 04:47 AM

It's dark on my mates Samsung LE46F86BDX which handles everything else just right, but this is on the 360. Same for another mates Panasonic Viera and our new Samsung thingy! It's quite dark but I think it works well. It realistically makes me do different things at different times of the day.

That's exactly the screen I have. I have it calibrated to as close to D65 levels as possible for the best Bluray/HD DVD image reproduction. GTA IV is way too dark at night and in the shadows. I've upped the ingame brightness and contrast to the maximum, which improves things somewhat, however, its not ideal.

Desenso, you might want to consider all the other users out there who've been complaining about the game being too dark before you start calling Taustin Powers' TV a "pile of crap". You wouldn't want to be rude now, would you?

MacRumorUser

May 1, 2008, 06:03 AM

Desenso, you might want to consider all the other users out there who've been complaining about the game being too dark before you start calling Taustin Powers' TV a "pile of crap". You wouldn't want to be rude now, would you?

Agreed. I have two fine TV's and the game is dark on both. But I suspect this is the games lighting engine as there are times when at night in game things are good, but then add a slightly different variable to the engine and its like blackout city.

A patch should surface I hope for this.

MIDI_EVIL

May 1, 2008, 07:20 AM

I'm on PS3 by the way.

I was about 5 hours in and I mistakenly deleted the game save from the PS3 save data folder. I am pretty peeved to say the least. Have to start all over.

So far, disappointed with the jagged lines and general blurriness. The car physics can be a little unrealistic. The firing and targeting system was a bit weird but is quite intuitive after an hour or so.

The scale of the city is mind blowing. The attention to detail too, is quite impressive!

The multi-player problems are frustrating. I couldn't connect initially, but yesterday was fine and I played online for hours. Today it is back to having problems connecting to the game provider. Then I remembered the Social Club membership, so you can track your online stats.

Overall though, it's an incredibly impressive experience, and the multi-player games are great fun.

MacRumors free-roam anyone?

IscariotJ

May 1, 2008, 07:23 AM

It's a Sony Bravia lcd, on default settings, via hdmi. One would think that this TV should be the perfect fit for the Sony Playstation 3?

When it's completely dark in the room, it's okay. But during the day, when there's daylight coming in through the windows (not shining directly on the screen), the game's night is too dark on default settings.

That's part of your problem ( though I have read the game is a tad dark in places ); it's on default settings. Bravia's don't look their best OOTB, they need "tweaking". See this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8867644) thread.

Taustin Powers

May 1, 2008, 07:31 AM

That's part of your problem ( though I have read the game is a tad dark in places ); it's on default settings. Bravia's don't look their best OOTB, they need "tweaking". See this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8867644) thread.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Another minor gripe I have so far: No hidden packages! (at least not yet?) There's hardly any stuff to be found when roaming around. The city is beautiful and fun to explore, but I would enjoy it even more with finding hidden packages.

2nyRiggz

May 1, 2008, 07:39 AM

Your TV is either not properly calibrated, or it's a piece of crap.

You guys/gals are live......LOL:D

MacRumors free-roam anyone?

I'm down...sounds like fun to me...I'll be online all weekend.

I'm getting better at the driving and like I said before the cover system is a plus. I'm enjoying the story so far and I really like the main character this time around...the game is picking up.

Bless

MacRumorUser

May 1, 2008, 07:46 AM

I'm down...sounds like fun to me...I'll be online all weekend.

I'm getting better at the driving and like I said before the cover system is a plus. I'm enjoying the story so far and I really like the main character this time around...the game is picking up.

Bless

I'll be climbing a Ireland's highest peak on Saturday, and assuming I survive I'll be up for the challenge on Sunday :D

Driving I find ok. Some of the faster cars are skidtastic with the faintest break sending them into skidarama's. The bloody camera though when in the car can be a pain especially at intersections where there is say a freeway or railway above you. The camera pans to the side and you can't see where your going.. aghhh!!

marcelo002

May 1, 2008, 08:09 AM

I'll be up for some macrumors multiplayer also. Xbox name is same as my username.

Like you guys, I too was a bit disappointed in the title. But give it a few more hours. The plotline has started to pick up, and I'm at that point you want to reach in all video games, where you dont want to stop playing because you want to see what happens next. Also, i spent a lot of time just free roaming with a friend, and once you get used to the driving (although im still having trouble with 90 degree drift turns).

Coolest thing I've done so far is drive full speed through "Times Square" with four cops on my tail, did a quick 180, and while in reverse, shot out the lead cop car's tires, so he slammed into the other three, then did another 180 and drove off into the sunrise. Stuff like that is why reviewers gave this game a 10 ( i would give it a 9.7 personally, no game deserves a 10)

To Taustin Powers: There are hidden packages, because one of the xbox 360 achievements is to find all of them ( i think 100?) I havent seen any yet, but i havent played since i found out myself.

MIDI_EVIL

May 1, 2008, 09:41 AM

I'm still having problems connecting again today.

I was online all day yesterday, but today I haven't been online once.

Error connecting every single time.

Anyone else having problems today?

PS3 version.

Dagless

May 1, 2008, 10:12 AM

I'll be climbing a Ireland's highest peak on Saturday, and assuming I survive I'll be up for the challenge on Sunday :D

You mean all 10 metres of it? :D

MacRumorUser

May 1, 2008, 10:17 AM

You mean all 10 metres of it? :D

Nah that's just between my legs :p

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrauntoohil

The best bit is

The weather conditions on the mountain are very changeable, and there have been a number of deaths due to many inappropriately dressed tourists attempting the peak each summer.

SWEET :D

chadrob30

May 1, 2008, 06:12 PM

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Another minor gripe I have so far: No hidden packages! (at least not yet?) There's hardly any stuff to be found when roaming around. The city is beautiful and fun to explore, but I would enjoy it even more with finding hidden packages.

There are 200 flying rats to be found in the game.

spyker3292

May 1, 2008, 06:39 PM

I'll be climbing a Ireland's highest peak on Saturday, and assuming I survive I'll be up for the challenge on Sunday :D

I climbed the Appalachians' biggest mountain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_%28New_Hampshire%29) (or I think it is) a year or two ago. And it's 2x the height of that thing! You'll live to play more GTA4, don't worry ;)

MacRumorUser

May 1, 2008, 06:51 PM

I climbed the Appalachians' biggest mountain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_%28New_Hampshire%29) (or I think it is) a year or two ago. And it's 2x the height of that thing! You'll live to play more GTA4, don't worry ;)

That's good to know :D

Dagless

May 1, 2008, 07:09 PM

Is the highest I've been. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/images/2006/01/31/dovestones470_470x300.jpg) (not my pic though). But the whole area is pretty high up. Think we have the highest football pitch in the UK or something.

Taustin Powers

May 2, 2008, 04:05 AM

There are 200 flying rats to be found in the game.

Yeah, I just read about that. I haven't encountered one yet (or at least I didn't notice), but this could be fun.

mouchoir

May 2, 2008, 04:24 AM

Yeah, I just read about that. I haven't encountered one yet (or at least I didn't notice), but this could be fun.

I found one by accident while on a mission, but couldn't figure out how to pick it up and was in a bit of a hurry following a dealer!

It was only later I found out you have to shoot them! :o

anim8or

May 2, 2008, 05:20 AM

To Taustin Powers: There are hidden packages, because one of the xbox 360 achievements is to find all of them ( i think 100?) I havent seen any yet, but i havent played since i found out myself.

hidden packages are pigeons, you have to shoot them!

pcypert

May 2, 2008, 01:23 PM

I'm kind of dissapointed. In a lot of ways it's a really full, great game. In others I'm let down.

If they talk so much about the depth...I'd like to see more. Like dating...more than just pick the chick up and then drop her home. More conversation control would be nice.

Still haven't found all the great ramps and stuff.

Need mini saves. I drive all the way across town for a mission...then some cop mucks things up and I have a cheap death...really lame to have to drive across town again.

Story is good so far. Only about 20% in, but things are nice. To me they would have done better to not push "next gen" as much and push refinements more. They're only letting down because they set the bar so high. Fine game in it's own right.

Paul

MIDI_EVIL

May 2, 2008, 01:38 PM

Zwhaler

May 2, 2008, 01:44 PM

What's everyone's addiction level? I'm at "The Weekend Has Landed". Whatever that means :p

MIDI_EVIL

May 2, 2008, 02:27 PM

What's everyone's addiction level? I'm at "The Weekend Has Landed". Whatever that means :p

How do you find that out?

2nyRiggz

May 2, 2008, 04:52 PM

^Pause the game and look into your stats section.

I'm kind glad they took out some of the stuff from GTA:SA....I lost interest too fast in that one with all the customization blah blah blah

I think they wanted a more structured GTA with redefined combat controls...which I think they nailed...I've never really been inclined to finish the game like I am in this one.

Bless

Zwhaler

May 2, 2008, 08:44 PM

WTF WTF... I think my GTA IV disk is ****ed or sumthing. I put it in and load the game... but once the little photo slideshow/intro thing is over it just says my mission name "The Master and the Molotov" and the rest of the screen is black it looks like it is loading but the screen has stayed like that for 10 minutes now :mad::mad:

edit: its all good now. I had to restart the PS3 twice before it fixed itself. If anyone encounters this problem try restarting the PS3 by turning it off and then turning off the power supply, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it all back on again.

mrgreen4242

May 2, 2008, 09:28 PM

So with all this GTA hype my curiousity is peaked - never played a GTA game before. No 360 or PS3 though, so I'll have to wait for the PC version to be released in 6 months or a year or whatever they make us all wait. In the meantime, I can get any of the GTA3 series PC versions for <$15.

So to all the GTA4 freaks, are these worth playing compared to 4, or is it "a whole new game" that's causing all the freaking out over the new one? If I played just one of the three, which one should it be? (VC seems to get the highest reviews, but SA is supposed to be the biggest/most features)...

Or should I just wait for GTA4 PC to be released and play more Mario Kart in the meantime?

pcypert

May 2, 2008, 10:36 PM

No problem with real girlfriends here..just using that as an example of things that aren't deep...loads of things stayed as shallow as GTA3.

Also just saw a post on Kotaku and I nailed it predicting bugs in the PS3 release.

Paul

e²Studios

May 2, 2008, 10:51 PM

This game isn't too bad, I might be complaining half like MRU if I actually had to pay for it (thanks R*). I feel its the same ol, just with better graphics. The one thing I have noticed is that the story this time around is actually decent, though it could be more immersive.

Cars are great once you get past the junk that you can get in the beginning, I still feel like its a driving game, its sloppy when you are walking around. The minigames are a great addition but I would rather have a more involved story than minigames.

The game looks awesome, the sounds are lifelike, it feels like a real living breathing city. I love the radio stations, the TV is meh. A 10 it is not, a strong 8 or low 9 would be better suited for the game.

My $0.02

Ed

bc008

May 3, 2008, 08:45 AM

searched, but to no avail.

say all my friends have an xbox 360.
if i get a ps3 (bluray, rock band, and now this make me want to buy) will me and my friends be able to play GTA online?

Dagless

May 3, 2008, 10:58 AM

will me and my friends be able to play GTA online?

No.

So to all the GTA4 freaks, are these worth playing compared to 4, or is it "a whole new game" that's causing all the freaking out over the new one? If I played just one of the three, which one should it be? (VC seems to get the highest reviews, but SA is supposed to be the biggest/most features)...

I love the series but my fave is still Vice City. San Andreas added a lot but it might be a little overwhelming at first. GTA IV is more like GTA 3 but evolved, rather than VC/SA evolved. It's more like Mario Bros to New Mario Bros than to Mario Bros 2 and 3... If you get my drift!

Personally I'd wait. It's a good game but I wouldn't buy a console for it, especially when there will be a PC version at some point.

MacRumorUser

May 3, 2008, 03:46 PM

Off Topic, but in regards to what I mentioned before.

I'm back from the mountain. 9 1/2 hours up and down in what the experts called today 'the worst conditions they have seen in their lives' :rolleyes:

Fell/Slid over 20 feet down and I am bruised to *******
Torrential rain, visibility of only 10 feet or so, blistering wind

It was quite frankly one of the most challenging, and also one of the worst things I have ever done.

Never Ever Again !!!

Back to GTA playing.. It's much less hard work :D

buffalo

May 3, 2008, 04:16 PM

Is anyone else getting stuck on the loading screen? Three times I have powered up the PS3 to play GTA it goes though the pictures, then it can't get past the black Loading - Whatever level. Any ideas?

2nyRiggz

May 3, 2008, 04:57 PM

Well MRU at least you live to tell the tail huh....but did you reach the top...was it worth it?

Buffalo: disable your PS3 internet connection....GTA IV(PS3 Version I don't whats wrong with the 360 version) is locking up and freezing because the game is trying to reach the server but R* servers are messed up right now....just disconnect from PSN.

Bless

MacRumorUser

May 4, 2008, 04:13 AM

Well MRU at least you live to tell the tail huh....but did you reach the top...was it worth it?

Oh man I'm sore today ... Yea we made it to the peak, as for worth it ? No it really wasn't as it was not enjoyable, it was just 9 hours of torture because of the severe weather conditions.

Taustin Powers

May 4, 2008, 11:21 AM

Well, after days of playing, I finally found my first pigeon today, by the statue of happiness. Damn, it will be damn near impossible to find all 200 of those buggers...

MacRumorUser

May 4, 2008, 03:38 PM

Well, after days of playing, I finally found my first pigeon today, by the statue of happiness. Damn, it will be damn near impossible to find all 200 of those buggers...

Played the game for an hour or so today and I have yet to find a single pigeon either.

Is it me or are there not as many stunt chance places in this game ? I know I'm still early on (spoiler only just killed vlad and started working for his boss) but this part of the city doesn't seem to have many ramps or anything ? Or am I missing somthing big time ?

Taustin Powers

May 4, 2008, 03:55 PM

Played the game for an hour or so today and I have yet to find a single pigeon either.

Is it me or are there not as many stunt chance places in this game ? I know I'm still early on (spoiler only just killed vlad and started working for his boss) but this part of the city doesn't seem to have many ramps or anything ? Or am I missing somthing big time ?

I think there's supposed to be 50 total in the whole game. So far, I have found 3. They're a little more cleverly hidden, not the obvious "oh look someone built a ramp here" from the previous games.

pcypert

May 5, 2008, 12:27 PM

I've been pretty dissapointed too. On the first island you're on there's a couple up near the middle above the highway near the water I think. Then there's one on the main road on the Long Island. That's been it for me.

Crackdown really ruined this series for me. If they could have a love-child I'd be happy. Actually a GTA/Crackdown/Ass Creed...that'd be nice. The style of GTA, realism and fluidity of AssCreed and then the challenges and ramps and stuff from Crackdown. Perfect...but probably get all the bugs of all those series :D

I'm a bit let down on the drive around doing nothing side of the game so far...was expecting something more enjoyable...

Paul

spyker3292

May 5, 2008, 08:22 PM

There, I should be getting it this week. :)

Dagless

May 6, 2008, 07:33 AM

Found a bug on the 360 version- Went onto an island I hadn't unlocked yet and ran around the subway section, fell into some pit and ended up back on the surface, only buildings no longer loaded up. Could see roads and cars. Then the 360 crashed!

MacRumorUser

May 6, 2008, 07:43 AM

Crackdown really ruined this series for me. If they could have a love-child I'd be happy.l

Yeah Crackdown really was fun and the rewards for exploration were truly excellent. It made you scour every part of the world top and bottom.

Other thing bugging me about GTA4 (unlike GTA San Andrea's and even Saints Row) is the lack of control over the physical look of the central protagonist.

Sure you can buy crappy clothes, but it doesn't stop him looking podgy with his beer belly and stubble.

Surely running miles and miles around a city and being ultra active has to count for something ? Heck does buying food in this version make any difference either ? Seems like were going backwards in regards to character customisation in this version way too much for a 'next gen' game.

rezenclowd3

May 6, 2008, 02:12 PM

Spanky Deluxe

May 6, 2008, 02:26 PM

So I have played the game for quite some time now, but am still clueless as to why the Islands are blocked off story-wise. I think I missed it during the radio sequences. Could someone tell me the backstory to why the Islands are blocked off? (BTW, I have only 1 island left to "unlock")

The jist I got from the radio was that its an anti-terrorism measure. I've just unlocked the middle island but haven't played enough to catch a reason for it on the radio.

pcypert

May 7, 2008, 12:28 AM

I almost smashed this disk last night. Was on a really stupid, easy mission. But it required you to drive all the way across "long island". Get there kill a guy fleeing from the arcade. Easy enough. Except stupid crap would happen and he'd get away. Then I'd have to reload, get another car, drive all the way there again, chase him again and then have something stupid happen. They really, really need mini saves once you've gathered info and driven somewhere...its not realism it's tedium.

As is most of this ********** game. Sure it's good and realistic. But to keep up relationship with LJ recently I had to drive back to the old island and take his stupid a## to a strip club. Can't it just have me picking him up a bit of dialogue in the car and we can skip and be there and vice versa for the return? And getting in and out of safe houses, etc...do we really need to run up and down stairs. Don't get me started on the level where you take a window cleaning lift up to the top floor...up and down!

Next Gen games seem to promote and tolerate tedium as part of the "realistic atmosphere". Like AssCreed having to run down a mountain at the start of every level. Stupid. Big open environments mean lots of running around pointlessly. So your 24 hour game became 12 hours of actually playing something, 6 hours of cheesy dialogue, and 6 hours of travelling somewhere. If you're lucky. Eternal Sonata was like 20 hours for me...5 of gameplay that was interesting and involving, 10 hours of horrible writing, and 5 hours of walking in a linear line.

Do we have more of this kind of tedium to look forward to?

Paul

P-Worm

May 7, 2008, 01:00 AM

Zwhaler

May 7, 2008, 02:01 AM

Take a cab. You can skip the driving that way and it isn't that expensive.

P-Worm

I second this, but I see where he is coming from as that gets annoying as hell.

badlydrawn

May 7, 2008, 03:03 AM

There is the cab and subway/train. The subway is not as convenient, as I can't figure out the lines and stations (they could have included an over lay on the map specific to subway lines), but that is realistic at least.

Ramps and stunt areas are very well hidden and not as common as before (at least at the stage I am on, 22% - not had much time, plus did a lot of cruising). But I don't get the comparison to Crackdown and Saintsrow, both these games had MAJOR flaws, and just a few positives, but suddenly everyone's holding them up against GTAIV as gold nuggets. Maybe its a backlash from the perfect 10/10 most reviewers are giving it, I don't know. However, IMO, GTAIV excels so far, not just in story, or the technology, but also in the emotive response - it actually makes me want to be a 'good citizen' in Liberty City - I sometimes break a few traffic laws, but I don't go gunning everyone down and I even stop at red lights (only sometimes mind you), and thats a great thing. That IMO is so much more beyond completing missions and collecting 10000/10000 stars, etc. You can be as good or as bad as you want to be, and this is not in the usual "do I kill target X at the end of a mission or not" (although that is also there), such as in other games.

Sure, everyone's got different expectations from their games, so just wanted to throw in my 2 euro cents : D

BTW, is it me or is MP still broken on PSN, tried to log onto GTA Race, but there was no one playing it last night.

pcypert

May 7, 2008, 04:14 AM

Can you take taxis on the friendship missions? A lot of these say get in your car and take such and such to a certain place. Didn't seem to say you could get a cab. Would be nice when you have to take them to a club and have no control over your character getting drunk or not. Or the missions where you need to immediately chase someone down after the cutscene? I know you CAN take taxis, but it's also a pain at times.

But the bigger point is how much travel gets dumped on us these days in games. Let's not forget the king of all...World Of Walking. I never made it too deep in that game, because I don't need to walk my stupid character around all the time to feel like I'm emersed in a game. Even when you took the stupid flight paths...sit and wait. Stupid. Waste of my time. As an adult gamer who sometimes will only have 30 min- 1 hour gaming time a night...I don't want to spend it freaking going to a mission...I want to play the damn mission.

Crackdown had bugs, but was really good for a first entry into the field. And the things they did right, they did really well. I've never played GTA for the story, but for the goofing around. They've made that less enjoyable than any other one I've played. And that's not because of the 10/10 rating. That's because I can get away from a 3star chase in 10 seconds seems like, no ramps, no building scaling, no great rooftop areas for motorbiking, etc. In focusing on their "epic story" I think they let down in some other areas. They succeeded in making a GTA that I'll play the story of...but ruined it for the pick up and play game it used to be for me on the old Xbox.

Paul

MacRumorUser

May 7, 2008, 04:31 AM

But I don't get the comparison to Crackdown and Saintsrow

One is by the orignial creator of GTA series and the other is basically GTA without the name ? Why is it so hard to get the comparison :rolleyes:

Saintsrow had its flaws, but it did a lot of things right too and some aspects were far better than GTA IV is doing them. I like to have complete control over MY character in a game, customisation of them to the ninth degree at least makes me feel like they are MY character and not someone elses. In 2008 and with the biggest franchise now on our doorstep with it's big next gen installment, it's pretty weak that we have no control over him in this regard. San Andreas had it and therefore it is a back step taking it out.

With NIKO your playing Rockstars Character.. not your own.

Is that so hard to understand ?

Dagless

May 7, 2008, 05:07 AM

I didn't like the micro-management in San Andreas. I thought that was taking things too far for customisation in that it alters how the character plays. I skipped all the keeping fit minigames but I did like how you could change clothes and hair. Granted I'm not far into GTA IV but going off vids I've seen all you can change are your clothes.

And on the other extreme I thought Crackdown played way too much like an arcade game and the city felt very empty compared to the GTA series.

Anyroad I'm kinda bored of GTA IV now. I've given it my best shot and I'm just bored doing missions. Back to San Andreas and Vice City for me :o

2nyRiggz

May 7, 2008, 06:28 AM

With NIKO your playing Rockstars Character.. not your own.

I think thats the point R* is going for......I thought saints row/GTA:SA was too loose with all of that fodder...ES: Oblivion GTA is not. I like how GTAIV tightens everything up basically putting you in the shoes of this immigrant trying to survive.

I think its a plus not having to micro manage this guy.....I even hate going through the trouble in changing his garments.

Note: I thought crackdown was a big "meh" but I'm not a fan of sandbox games.

Bless

takao

May 7, 2008, 06:43 AM

i too heard that a lot of people didn't like all that micromanagement of SA... i think it was more market decision than a design one .. after all they want to keep a more casual appeal for players who just play in stints and lots of micromanagment can be off-putting to such players

(i really like micromanagement that's why i'm addicted to hearts of iron 2, and silent hunter 4 again)

badlydrawn

May 7, 2008, 07:03 AM

I was not a fan of the treadmill or weightlifting mini games in SA, it was a big drag for me, so that is why I see it rather positively that they didn't include it in IV. I mean if your complaining about the traveling to missions, where is the difference spending time lifting weights? At least the driving is more enjoyable - and on in this installment you can bypass it with ease. And as far as I can remember, R* stated it wanted to tighten up the game.

The thing about Crackdown/Saintsrow that is that its all the bits and pieces of GTA, but without the flair, set in an unappealing world - super cops looking like brutes jumping from building to building/ or driving and gunning, etc.

HI2 is a crazy game, I would have loved to get into it but it was too much micro. SH4 is actually less micro compared SH3, but great game too. Das Boot!!

tringo

May 7, 2008, 09:48 AM

Hey everyone. Just a quick question; I plan on buying either a PS3 or XB360 just to play GTA IV, is there any difference in graphics? My understanding was that the PS3 was marginally more powerful, but has GTA been coded with the same quality for both systems?

PS. with regards to the customization debate, I really liked that aspect of San Andreas. One thing lacking was steroids, that would have been sweet.

Poogis

May 7, 2008, 10:26 AM

Does anybody know what to do with all the cash?

I have about $53000 gained but what the hell do I use it for? How I wish it were real cash. I can't give it away in this game.

Dagless

May 7, 2008, 10:38 AM

Spanky Deluxe

May 7, 2008, 05:54 PM

Just booted up the game to find that there's a patch out, Version 1.01. For the PS3 that is. Don't know what it does though since I haven't had any problems so far.

MacRumorUser

May 7, 2008, 06:09 PM

Just booted up the game to find that there's a patch out, Version 1.01. For the PS3 that is. Don't know what it does though since I haven't had any problems so far.

Meant to sort out the online component which craps out when gamespy's servers are overloaded.

Spanky Deluxe

May 7, 2008, 07:47 PM

Ok, how do you get cabs? I whistle them down, it says press Triangle to enter as a passenger. I do so. He steals the cab. ???

P-Worm

May 7, 2008, 07:55 PM

Ok, how do you get cabs? I whistle them down, it says press Triangle to enter as a passenger. I do so. He steals the cab. ???

You can whistle them down? We'll trade, you tell me how to do that and I'll tell you how to get in. ;)

You need to go to the back seats and hold down Triangle. If you just tap it, he'll steal and holding down you can ride. If you set a waypoint on your map you can have him go to a specific place and then press x to skip the ride and pretty much teleport there.

As a side note, I beat the game today. I really enjoyed it. Now it's time to try out the online play.

P-Worm

pianoplayer1

May 7, 2008, 08:09 PM

L1 is whistle, but only when a cab is nearby, otherwise he wont do the action.

Spanky Deluxe

May 7, 2008, 08:19 PM

You can whistle them down? We'll trade, you tell me how to do that and I'll tell you how to get in. ;)

You need to go to the back seats and hold down Triangle. If you just tap it, he'll steal and holding down you can ride. If you set a waypoint on your map you can have him go to a specific place and then press x to skip the ride and pretty much teleport there.

As a side note, I beat the game today. I really enjoyed it. Now it's time to try out the online play.

P-Worm

Awesome, cheers. I haven't unlocked the third island yet although at the rate its going, it does seem a lot shorter than GTA:SA. It feels a *lot* smaller than SA too. You could drive for ages in the countryside in that. I'm guessing in two years time there'll be another GTA set in the past again, maybe back to the London 60s like the original addon. Then there'll be an souped up version two years later that'll be as big as GTA:SA. As detailed as Vice City is, it does feel a bit cramped at times.

spyker3292

May 7, 2008, 09:27 PM

Nice, I just got it today. Sweet game, I played it for a long time.

pcypert

May 7, 2008, 11:07 PM

I'll be interested to check this out...tonight I'm going to go home and start a timer from the time I turn on my xbox till the time I'm actually doing something in a mission besides driving...like when I actually arrive and start shooting people :) . Anyone wanna join the pool for how long?

Paul

Dagless

May 8, 2008, 02:37 AM

Awesome, cheers. I haven't unlocked the third island yet although at the rate its going, it does seem a lot shorter than GTA:SA. It feels a *lot* smaller than SA too. You could drive for ages in the countryside in that. I'm guessing in two years time there'll be another GTA set in the past again, maybe back to the London 60s like the original addon. Then there'll be an souped up version two years later that'll be as big as GTA:SA. As detailed as Vice City is, it does feel a bit cramped at times.

That's pretty much my complaint too. I only really got into GTA:SA back in Jan of this year, on the PC with all the graphics turned up and a few mods installed it looks spectacular. IIRC it even has a similar shadow system, at least for power and phone lines overhead.
I'd spend hours just driving around discovering new areas. It was like playing a completely different game to GTA. Reminded me more of Metroid, just looking for secret and new areas.

Personally though I don't think they'll do another Vice City. I do hope they revisit 60's London though. There's a lot of potential there. Or screw it and do a GTA Wales :D about as big as San Andreas.

badlydrawn

May 8, 2008, 02:52 AM

L1 is whistle, but only when a cab is nearby, otherwise he wont do the action.

Also cab has to be free - hate it when I wait around and a cab appears only to be already carrying a passenger. Thats when I whip out the AK and just aim at the driver : D

London would be cool, but I wouldn't mind something a little more exotic, say GTA: Bogota, with hardcore density, mad jungles and crazy drug lords, etc. A bit more off the beaten track.

MacRumorUser

May 8, 2008, 03:44 AM

Also cab has to be free - hate it when I wait around and a cab appears only to be already carrying a passenger. Thats when I whip out the AK and just aim at the driver : D

No it doesn't ;) You can simply whistle the cab, if its occupied you go to the back door and press triangle and he will open the door and pull out the passenger and take the cab for himself. I've done this loads of times :)

Spanky Deluxe

May 8, 2008, 11:47 AM

I've done this loads of times :)

In real life??

badlydrawn

May 9, 2008, 02:07 AM

No it doesn't ;) You can simply whistle the cab, if its occupied you go to the back door and press triangle and he will open the door and pull out the passenger and take the cab for himself. I've done this loads of times :)

Really? :eek: It never crossed my mind, nice one.

NATO

May 10, 2008, 07:41 PM

Dagless

May 11, 2008, 03:12 AM

I hate the buck the trend, seemingly everyone loves this game but I'm absolutely hating it. It's just not fun!

Rather than give you a rundown of what I hate about it (the driving alone is enough to make me stop playing), I found an article which seems to list all my grievances against the game: link (http://www.videogamer.com/features/article/06-05-2008-396.html)

Quite the opposite! A lot of people here don't think it's worth the full 100% ratings.

I agree with what the Videogamer article says. They're sacrificing fun for realism. For pure mayhem causing I still prefer going on cross country chases in SA. TBH I don't know why I'm still playing GTA IV, think I'm just hoping theres a big plot twist or secret weapon coming up.

Spanky Deluxe

May 11, 2008, 06:10 AM

Quite the opposite! A lot of people here don't think it's worth the full 100% ratings.

I agree with what the Videogamer article says. They're sacrificing fun for realism. For pure mayhem causing I still prefer going on cross country chases in SA. TBH I don't know why I'm still playing GTA IV, think I'm just hoping theres a big plot twist or secret weapon coming up.

I'm really enjoying GTA IV although I do now get cabs pretty much everywhere - saves a lot of time.

I really feel like they've purposely let a lot of stuff out of the game (i.e. more customisation, planes, bigger game world) but they're keeping that for future games. Admittedly SA went a bit too far (the whole fat/fit thing was just irritating, who wants to have to go to a gym and work their character out within a game) but the size of SA was great. I loved going for long drives or flights in SA but that can't happen here. When I complete the game, I don't think I'll go back to it much for a random drive around. I think I'll go and have a look to see if there's a RealGTA mod for SA now and fire that up.

Agathon

May 11, 2008, 06:47 AM

Some of the complaints seem silly to me. The driving is fine. You just have to know the car and brake at the right time. Being able to drive well is a skill that GTA 4 rewards. If I hadn't spent so much time playing Forza 2 and GT5P, I think I would have found it harder.

The cops are much better. It's not hard to get away from them if you are smart about it (changing cars, not driving in a straight line, looking at the radar to avoid oncoming cops. Trying to stay around to fight the cops is daft, unless you have picked your ground. Otherwise, you can keep a running fight going for quite a while. That's what the back alleys are for. You can drop grenades as you run to entertain any following John Q Laws.

The random stuff that happens is what makes much of the game. I was taking the bridge from Bohan to Broker and there was a break in the concrete barrier on one side, marked off with traffic cones. I wasn't paying attention and some idiot changed lanes and knocked me just enough to spin me through the cones and into mid air. My car landed upside down and was totalled, but I survived, and then had to run and gun my way through a chemical plant while the cops were looking for me (having picked up a wanted rating for failing to pay the toll).

Some of the environments are awesome. Climbing to the top of those towers that were in Men in Black is great.

NATO

May 12, 2008, 06:57 AM

The driving is fine. You just have to know the car and brake at the right time. Being able to drive well is a skill that GTA 4 rewards. If I hadn't spent so much time playing Forza 2 and GT5P, I think I would have found it harder.

To me, that's exactly what's wrong with the driving in GTA4. Don't get me wrong, I love driving games such as PGR, Forza etc, but this is a GTA game! I should be able to drive flat out down a street and scream round corners with ease, that was what made driving so much fun in previous GTA games. It's like they've sucked the joy out of driving around like a maniac, meaning that in order to get anywhere quickly without smashing into walls etc, you have to slow down and drive 'properly', thus making it utterly boring.

I'm getting used to the driving in GTA4, I was playing it for a while last night, but rather than being a highlight of the gameplay, driving is just something you have to do in order to get to and from missions. It's disappointing.

mrwindup

May 12, 2008, 07:32 AM

GTAIV is possibly the best game I have ever played.

MacRumorUser

May 12, 2008, 08:06 AM

In real life??

Getting a taxi in rural ireland :eek: if only :p

Spanky Deluxe

May 12, 2008, 09:05 AM

rather than being a highlight of the gameplay, driving is just something you have to do in order to get to and from missions. It's disappointing.

This is exactly how I feel. If I can, I get a taxi now. I have a couple of nice cars at my hideouts that handle pretty well but generally for missions I just get taxis everywhere. Driving is still pretty fun if you have one of the really good sports cars in the game but for anything else its a chose. Hence why if I'm doing a mission then I'll usually get a taxi rather than using one of my 'nice' cars so that I don't lose the car.

Getting a taxi in rural ireland :eek: if only :p

Maybe they should make GTA: Rural Ireland. :D

badlydrawn

May 12, 2008, 10:36 AM

The driving is fine. You just have to know the car and brake at the right time.

I agree fully with that. I thought it was a great improvement - now the cars don't just differentiate thru acceleration, but suspension and breaking. Me likes to drive in GTAIV, especially the Lexus Altezza/IS200 and the BMW M3 look alike.

MacRumorUser

May 12, 2008, 05:51 PM

Maybe they should make GTA: Rural Ireland. :D

Your mission is to avoid the cattle, dodge the pot holes, hide the secret IRA weapons and smuggle drugs in from the ports... heck it is GTA :eek:

Dagless

May 12, 2008, 05:58 PM

Finally, 7 years later my postcard has relevence!

Agathon

May 13, 2008, 06:34 AM

To me, that's exactly what's wrong with the driving in GTA4. Don't get me wrong, I love driving games such as PGR, Forza etc, but this is a GTA game! I should be able to drive flat out down a street and scream round corners with ease, that was what made driving so much fun in previous GTA games. It's like they've sucked the joy out of driving around like a maniac, meaning that in order to get anywhere quickly without smashing into walls etc, you have to slow down and drive 'properly', thus making it utterly boring.

I'm getting used to the driving in GTA4, I was playing it for a while last night, but rather than being a highlight of the gameplay, driving is just something you have to do in order to get to and from missions. It's disappointing.

It depends on the car. The light SUVs are useless and the "Charger" style car is hopeless as well. The sports cars are quick and agile, but seem flimsy. The minicabs are hopeless. The ones that look like a Lexus are pretty good. You can bang about a bit in the Hummers, but they aren't too agile.

Now I have to think about jacking the right kind of car when I am running from the cops. That adds to the gameplay for me.

You can drive like a maniac around corners. You just need to have the right kind of car and be skilled at using the handbrake. Powersliding around corners is awesome.

Hands down my favourite vehicle is the chopper. It took me a while to get used to the bikes, but I like them now. Chasing the gay basher on a scooter is one of the funniest missions.

Dagless

May 14, 2008, 02:05 PM

Well he's gone and done it. Yahtzee (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4902-Zero-Punctuation-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV).

spyker3292

May 14, 2008, 03:24 PM

Well he's gone and done it. Yahtzee (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4902-Zero-Punctuation-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV).

Yes! I love those vids

MacRumorUser

May 14, 2008, 05:08 PM

Finally, 7 years later my postcard has relevence!

LOL! So true :D

Well he's gone and done it. Yahtzee (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4902-Zero-Punctuation-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV).

That's probably the most glowing review I've seen of his.

JackAxe

May 14, 2008, 08:30 PM

Cool, an honest review. :)

<]=)

e²Studios

May 14, 2008, 10:09 PM

Cool, an honest review. :)

<]=)

Like this one http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4845-Zero-Punctuation-Super-Smash-Bros-Brawl

And the hilarious mailbag responses

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4878-Zero-Punctuation-Mailbag-Showdown

pcypert

May 15, 2008, 12:45 AM

I'm passing the point that he refers to as when things pick up, but they haven't really for me. I'm glad he pointed out some of the tedium in the game.

I'm finally finding more ramps and stunt jumps. Nice variety in that some of them you HAVE to have a fast car (like the GT) to complete or they'll only work with a motorcycle...so that's more fun.

Paul

JackAxe

May 15, 2008, 06:33 AM

Like this one http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4845-Zero-Punctuation-Super-Smash-Bros-Brawl

And the hilarious mailbag responses

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4878-Zero-Punctuation-Mailbag-Showdown

I watched that when he first released it. His response was hilarious. :)

I agree with this his views on the game. *hides from GFLPraxis* I'm probably the only guy here that didn't buy it. :o

<]=)

MacRumorUser

May 15, 2008, 06:57 AM

I agree with this his views on the game. *hides from GFLPraxis* I'm probably the only guy here that didn't buy it. :o

<]=)

Well I bought it... but can't seem to buy into it at all. Just does nothing for me at all. I racked up more hours on wii-fit in one day, than I have in SSBM since its release (and got more enjoyment in the process).

I agree with Yathzee's comments about unlockable stuff in essentially party style games. It's something that is a real drag for me, especially as I rarely finish a game, let alone spend that many hours on one particular game. for example I only just finished Halo3 last night, months and months after it came out and that's what 6/8 hours single player.. So putting hours and hours into a game, especially one I'm struggling to enjoy in the first place is just not going to happen.

Back to GTA IV.... I FRICKIN HATE MOTORBIKE MISSIONS!! FRUSTRATING AS HELL!!! Other than that i'm still playing so that in itself is a miracle in this day and age.

Dagless

May 15, 2008, 08:16 AM

Meh, I like unlockables in anything. GTA IV, Mario Kart, Smash Bros. I like working on games and being rewarded for getting better at them. Of course if it's a game I'm not too keen on I won't bother unlocking and just use cheats (GTA IV).

Also helps to not overwhelm the player with too much too soon. Melee had it right with a small player and stage roster than gradually grew bigger. Remember a lot of games not don't have a training mode and substitute a limited version of the game for a while.

JackAxe

May 15, 2008, 09:22 AM

I prefer the gradual build up of features, especially for single player games, but I would have liked to have access to the extra tracks in Mario Kart when I first played with my friends the other week.

Tutorials bug me when they force me to do the obvious. There should always be a skip option. I like RE4's approach.

Anyways, Yahtzee's review sold me on GTA 4, so I'll play it someday. He reminded me about PsychoNaughts, which I have yet to play, but I bought it at least.

<]=)

2nyRiggz

May 15, 2008, 06:07 PM

I watched that when he first released it. His response was hilarious. :)

I agree with this his views on the game. *hides from GFLPraxis* I'm probably the only guy here that didn't buy it. :o

<]=)

I bought it.....I haven't open it yet and I don't think I will. I'm thinking about selling it.

...don't tell GFLPraxis

Bless

sikkinixx

May 16, 2008, 08:45 AM

does anyone else find this game extremely easy? I'm almost 50% according to the stats page and honestly, I have only failed maybe a dozen times. And most of those are just because I do something dumb like get hit by the subway car... The game gives you plenty of health/body armor during missions and the carbine rifle owns all.

Antares

May 16, 2008, 02:59 PM

sikkinixx

May 16, 2008, 06:13 PM

I guess the game is more realistic that way.

realistic in the sense that one man can kills dozens of hostiles all while being shot repeatedly from all sides only to strap on some Kevlar to make it all better?

JackAxe

May 16, 2008, 10:13 PM

I bought it.....I haven't open it yet and I don't think I will. I'm thinking about selling it.

...don't tell GFLPraxis

Bless

I'll buy it for 5 dollar! :)

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Realistic. :D *snickers*

<]=)

Agathon

May 17, 2008, 06:59 AM

Back to GTA IV.... I FRICKIN HATE MOTORBIKE MISSIONS!! FRUSTRATING AS HELL!!! Other than that i'm still playing so that in itself is a miracle in this day and age.

The key to the motorbike missions is restraint. Don't go all out unless you have a clear view of the road ahead. You will always catch the target if you keep up a reasonable overall speed and don't crash.

Try steering using both thumbsticks. Use the right stick to move the camera as you turn. The main problem with the motorbikes is that they turn a lot quicker than the camera does, which makes them hard to control coming out of a corner. Using the right stick to control the camera helps with this. If you hit both sticks at the same time it usually works.

I also keep the camera slightly elevated as it is easier to judge oncoming traffic, corners and obstacles from a higher angle.

Spanky Deluxe

May 19, 2008, 07:13 PM

spyker3292

May 19, 2008, 08:47 PM

Eugh. Reached the first bit that has really pissed me off. A mission where I have to chase some guys on a motorboat with other boats and obstacles etc in the way. If you hit anything, your boat flips and you fail the mission. This is *not fun*.

Is that the one where you follow the guy but than the other boats show up and you shoot them. Then a heli comes and you get a rocket launcher, then you can buy the launcher ammo? I liked that one...

sikkinixx

May 19, 2008, 09:09 PM

the rocket launcher is awesome, you can raise all sorts of hell with it :D

MacRumorUser

May 20, 2008, 04:23 AM

the rocket launcher is awesome, you can raise all sorts of hell with it :D

Grenades are fun too. Try running around the hospital ward where the patients are sat waiting and drop two or three as you run up and down and see the mayhem that transpires. It's like being in Baghdad...

Then as the police come running in, use the rocket launcher and fire at the doors... It's crazy funny (in a thankfully ITS NOT REAL kind of way)

prostethichead

May 23, 2008, 05:14 AM

does anyone know will gta iv be released on pc/mac ever? or have they given up on those formats totally?

Dagless

May 23, 2008, 06:08 AM

It'll be out on the PC in due time. If anything this is an improvement for Rockstar. All GTA3 based games were PS2 first then released on Xbox and PC later. At least now they're throwing it out on the Xbox first too :D

They threw up the GTA series on Steam a few months back so GTAIV will likely be released on Steam too. Probably only get it for PC since it'd be easier to download a 100% save and just go on sprees (really don't like the story in this one).

MacDonaldsd

May 24, 2008, 08:20 AM

Hi,

Can you have 2 people playing on the same console like you could in the last version of GTA?

No big deal but would be nice

KurtangleTN

May 31, 2008, 07:51 AM

Hi,

Can you have 2 people playing on the same console like you could in the last version of GTA?

No big deal but would be nice Nope, way too many PS3/360 games have this, where you can play online great but there is no local multiplayer, it sucks when friends are over.

I have GTA 4 with my PS3 I got last week, and even though I'm early in the game I'm already disappointed.

Reading reviews and feature lists, it's puzzling to know that they removed so many features from San Andres. Things like planes, customizing cars, the amount of safe houses, RPGish part of it, less vehicles, lesser cheats (NO RIOT CODE), and the list goes on, I'm sure I'll find more as I advance through the game.

But in return we got a deep realistic city, where it seems like 95% of the buildings are static, which sucks. Maybe if they spent a little less time on trying to simulate NYC we'd have a better game with actually MORE features than the previous version.