Grand Theft Auto Iv Offers Deep, Satisfying Gameplay
Last week, I looked at the meaty solo campaign Grand Theft Auto IV offers gamers. This week, I’ll wrap up my thoughts on the solo mode’s main new additions, as well as look at the game’s online multiplayer modes - a significant addition to the GTA franchise that shows great promise.
OK, so let’s talk additions to the solo gameplay:
- Carjacking and the GPS: Niko can no longer just open a car door and drive away. Now, he must break the window, which can attract the attention of the cops or the owner, if he or she is nearby. Then, he must hotwire the car. So, carjacking isn’t exactly more difficult, it just takes a bit longer and carries a slightly greater degree of risk. Mind you, it’s not terribly difficult to get away from the cops, so I never really felt like I was in danger because of my thievery.
The GPS is another great addition. Borrowing from the GPS that became so popular in the GTA clone Saints Row, you can now see the best route to take as you drive. Locations are also visible, so it’s easy to find a paint and spray when the cops are after you, allowing you to drive in and change the appearance of your ride so the 5-0 pass right on by.
- Depth of detail: Whether it’s the minigames, such as bowling, pool, darts and a video game within a video game, or checking out a comedy club listening to routines, or flipping through the 19 radio stations that boast hours of different styles of music (not to mention some hilarious talk radio call-in shows), or crashing on the couch and watching TV shows - yes, there are entire shows available to watch, some of which, like the animated Republican Space Rangers, are absolutely priceless. It’s crude, political and highly entertaining. And given the way politicos and talking heads have blamed Rockstar for everything but the rising cost of gas, I certainly don’t mind the company firing back.
- Controversial elements: Controversy? In a GTA game? Shocking as that sounds, try to contain your surprise. First, the game is violent, unabashedly violent. Yes, you can kill and maim. You can steal. Be an assassin. Get serviced by prostitutes. Beat up people. Run citizens down with cars. Anyone who plays just for that element of the game is missing out on the best part - the story and its context to the overall world.
Sure, it’s sensational and critics will harp on those elements, but truth be told, the missions in GTA IV are more entertaining and that stuff gets real boring after a short time. Besides, you’ve been able to do that stuff before. Move on.
As well, the characters use language that’s a little, shall we say, colourful. Actually, it’s downright crude at times, but hey, within the context of the story, that’s the way people in these situations would speak.
And let’s throw in a little blood, partial nudity, sexual themes and drug and alcohol use for good measure.
Now, is that everything new to the gameplay? No. Literally, I could write another column about this game. It’s that deep. Trust me when I say the world is yours to explore in GTA IV and it’s well worth spending time because the work Rockstar put into creating this virtual world is remarkable. It’s without a doubt the deepest, most immersive game I’ve ever played.
OK, so let’s switch to the online multiplayer mode. There are three types of games you can choose from: Four-player co-op, freeform play and competitive modes.
In all, you’re fairly limited in terms of character customization when you start out. You can choose from four generic types, each of which has a few clothing and facial options available. The more money you earn from your online exploits, the more customization options you’ll unlock. Your level (and that of other players) is visible from the lobby screens, listing numbers ranging from 0-10 beside your gamer name.
The gameplay is good no matter which type of game you choose. I found there was little if any lag and the gameplay remained quite smooth. And right now, there are tons of players cruising the lobbies looking for games, so if you’re interested in trying multiplayer, now’s the time.
While I took a quick look at the co-op and freedom modes, I spent the majority of my time in the competitive areas, where you can play games such as deathmatch and team deathmatch. But aside from standard deathmatches, you can also opt to play individual or team Mafiya games (take contracts and do various jobs for cash as quickly as possible) or take part in races, games of stealing and delivering cars and more.
As with any multiplayer experience, the degree to which you enjoy yourself largely depends on the people you find yourself playing against. Overall, I found there to be a good mix of skill levels and while there are the usual tools inhabiting the online world, there are also a lot of well-behaved folks, as well.
Overall, GTA IV offers an above-average multiplayer experience - one that is well worth checking out given how simple it is to access from the cellphone and the high volume of players currently exploring this new aspect of the franchise.
Tags: Auto, best route, car door, carjacking, cars, comedy club, controversial elements, degree of risk, different styles of music, Grand Theft Auto, grand theft auto iv, gta, gta game, habit, MINI, multiplayer modes, new additions, niko, saints row, solo campaign, solo mode, space rangers, thievery, video game
