Grand Theft Auto IV or Holy crap did that just happen!?

Well, I suppose it is time for me to come out of hiding in my deep dark cave called graduate school.

And, what better way to reappear on this column than with some impressions on what is most likely the Big Freaking Deal right now, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 4.

If you don't know about GTA4 at some level, you must not a) watch tv or b) read the Internet. But, in case you've suddenly come down with some bad amnesia, I will refresh your memory.

Grand Theft Auto IV is the sequel to the immensly popular, incredibly well selling, and revolutionary Grand Theft Auto III (which itself spawned two "sequels" or "expansions" or whatever you want to call Vice City and San Andreas)

So, now GTA is back in Liberty City on the next gen, still bringing the same open world criminal gameplay, but refined.

I must admit I was not all that hyped for GTA. I wasn't a large fan of San Andreas or Vice City. The combat felt terrible, the graphics were blocky and not that great, even for a PS2 game at times. And the main characters were unlikeable people who I felt no emotional attachment to.

But, GTA 4 has fixed pretty much all those problems. The combat now has a rudimentary cover system (just like every shooter since Gears of War), the graphics, while not amazing, are much improved, and the story and characters are well written, well acted, and people I care about.

The main advantage in the graphical upgrade this go round isn't amazing textures or high poly models, but the art direction. Liberty City feels like a real place, inhabited by real people. Different areas of the city have a distinct feel.

Your main man Niko doesn't come across as a psychopathic violent criminal. He is much more empathetic and likeable. As a result, I care more about him. I try to avoid arrests or death not only because it takes away money or guns or time, but I care about this guy. I want him to make it through.

Now, its not a perfect game, and if you check other reviews you will set a lot of 10's thrown around. It has issues. The driving is both better and worse. For such an integral part of the game, it seems Rockstar could of found a better camera angle to use when driving. Whenever I take a corner I end up starting at the side of my car and not the 2 police cruisers I'm pointing straight at.

In addition, the driving physics are more realistic. At first this is an issue because it takes some time to get used to the feel of it, before you can pull off any high speed corners or drifts and not spin wildly out of control. Once you become acclimated, it does start to work better.

If you read the blog regularly, first off I love you, and secondly you will no doubt have read Jarrad's impressions and issues. I tend to agree with his issues with the camera and driving, however he makes an issue of the walking speed. I see his point, but it has yet to be a real issue with me. Different strokes for different folks.

So, to wrap up: GTA4=Excellent. Every single aspect of the experience is not perfect, but the entire experience is amazing. Even if you haven't been a big fan of previous GTA games, I recommend at least a rental. If you liked the previous games, go buy it now. You will not regret it.

-G