GTA IV Single Player

Normally I would start my review with a small lowdown on the game/franchise at hand but since it's Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV) we’re talking about, I don’t see the need for a history lesson. Besides we’ve got way too much to talk about, so I’ll come straight to the point... GTA IV is not a perfect game; it’s got certain issues, but none of them are capable of dampening one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable gaming experiences of this generation.

Liberty City (LC) is like no other virtual playpen you’ve played in till date. Even though tons of games have tried exploring this genre, none have even come close to the awesomness that is Liberty City. I know I may sound a bit fanboy-ish right about now, but I believe in giving the Devil its due. Walking out of Roman’s apartment for the first time in the game was just as awe-inspiring as exiting the sewers into the gorgeous world of Tamriel.

Liberty City is as chaotic, crowded and unfriendly as New York City probably is. Pedestrians go about their daily business, indulging in some nonsensical (yet hilarious) chatter, motorists abuse one another, people get into fist-fights from time to time, and if you’re really lucky you’ll actually witness a random shootout between cops and civilians.

And then there’s the erratic weather that plagues Liberty City. Some days are bright and sunny while some are as dreary and rain-soaked as in good ol Mumbai. During the latter you'll see pedestrians frantically opening up their umbrellas while bums and hobos run for shelter, shivering from the cold.