Grand Theft Auto Iv Is The Game To Play
Maybe you’ve heard, but there’s this game called “Grand Theft Auto IV” that just came out. Really, you hadn’t heard? Well, I hope that excursion to Siberia was worth it.
Honestly, what more needs to be said than, “Hey, the new ‘GTA’ is out. We’ve got to play it!” That’s really all you need. But if you are in need of more convincing, I’ll give it a shot.
First off, the story alone is worthy of cinematic genius. You play as Niko, an illegal immigrant (sorry, Lou Dobbs) with a skill for killing and not much else.
Not that you need any further skills, because your touch with the steering wheel and the trigger of a gun are your best friends by far in “GTA4.” The characters are compelling and well-defined. Everyone has a purpose, and a life that seems completely honest and real.
Next you have the game play, and while not much has changed since the previous editions, it still feels fresh. Niko can hijack cars, fire off a few RPGs and still have time to kick it with the ladies after a long day’s work of being a citywide force to be reckoned with. The controls handle decently, though driving is still a chore because of the traffic and somewhat poor handling of the vehicles.
Finally, there is Liberty City itself. It’s massive. And not just massive in that “Oooh, so cool to drive around” kind of way. No, Liberty City is a thriving metropolis, with great visuals (given its scope) and lots of interactions. It has bars, bowling alleys, eateries, clothing shops and tons more to keep you entertained even when not fulfilling mission requests.
When it comes down to it, there is just no reason for gamers to avoid playing “GTA4.” It ranks among the most impressive franchises in gaming history along with “Halo” and “Mario.”
To miss out on it would be to do a disservice to your console, your TV and your life. OK, maybe that’s a bit much, but it’s one heck of a game and you would be a fool not to play it.
Thriving on its “Kingdom Hearts,” “Final Fantasy” and “XXXX” franchises, it’s always refreshing to see Square Enix give a go at something new and unfamiliar. To have it succeed as well as it does with “The World Ends With You” is nothing short of spectacular.
There are some people who have just never gotten into Square Enix’s brand of gaming, and perhaps “The World” will remind those gamers not to discount it so quickly.
The game departs from the fantasy realms the company normally occupies and, instead, creates a new battleground in modern-day Tokyo. A lot of the mechanics from other “Square Enix” properties are present, but, in a more realistic setting, the game takes on a fresher, more natural feel.
You play primarily as Neku, who must band together with other teens to combat a race of monsters called The Noise. The story is much more complex than I let on here, but rest assured it’s compelling and you’ll want to see it through to the end.
What makes “The World” stand out so much is its deft use of the DS and all its technological prowess. Both screens are used in ways other games have barely attempted, and the fluidity is amazing. The other controls (stylus, etc.) are also used to solid effect and little seems thrown in just for kicks.
The visuals and soundtrack are probably among the best of any DS game. Combined with the excellent story and control scheme, make this an easy must-own title.
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