Roundtable: Has GTA IV Lived Up to the Hype?

On Tuesday the 29th of April Rockstar Games released Grand Theft Auto IV simultaneously on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Prior to the release of Grand Theft Auto IV the hype for the game was at an all time high, with near perfect review scores, as well as early estimates that Grand Theft Auto IV will completely obliterate sales records.

Even though Grand Theft Auto IV has been released, people are still hearing plenty about the game. Whether it's from the excited gamers who are playing through the single player campaign or if it's the cries from those trying to get a multiplayer game going on Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network, it's clear that gamers are going to be hearing about the game for a long time to come.

Before PALGN deliver their verdict on the game (which is set for tomorrow), they thought they would ask a few of their staff and their forum members a simple question: has Grand Theft Auto IV lived up to the hype?

[socomnick]

No it has not lived to the hype.

[kosha]

Well, it was massively hyped so it was pretty hard for it to ever live up to that kind of hype. I think it did pretty well though considering, and alot better than other games that were massively hyped ie halo 3

[Porky Pig]

I've bought and played every single GTA game to date,and I can say this with utmost confidence;GTA 4 is not the greatest game of all time,nor is it the most revolutionary one at that.

My review of the game(No spoilers) : http://www.n4g.com/reviews/...

It's a great game,but it's not a perfect game.

And th-th-th-that's all folks!

[Breakfast]

It delivers way more then any other game. But, its just -off- some how...its worth a 10, but its not a 10...if you can understand what i mean.

[Winter47th]

All i gotta say is, it's not a perfect game, a 10/10 or a masterpiece, and hype's a b!tch.

Though it's entertaining and an excellent debut to Euphoria.

[kosha]

Yeah Euphoria looks very promising. Hopefully all games will be using it in the near future.

[DomUltra]

Really the euphoria engine didn't seem to great.. It was over-hyped much like something else..

@ Breakfast - I'm sure the amount of work they put into the game is well worth a 10, the final product is not worth a 10.

[Jack Meahoffer]

If the game locked up on me everytime I tried to load it up I'd be pissed too. Good thing I bought both versions. I can play the 360 without signing off online first... Too bad the PS3 version was a waste so far because I only got it to play online with my PSN friends...

Its not a down grade. Its a great game and it totally lived up to the hype.

Stop crying because your favorite platform holder is weak and locks the game up unless you sign out first.

[Porky Pig]

Whilst typing that highly ignorant post,did you ever stop to think that maybe I might own the Xbox 360 version as well?

[DomUltra]

@ Porky

You really expect him to stop and think? It's hilarious, you happen to have both versions, and immediately if you diss either version your a Sony Fanboy.

@ Below - Lol @ Jack Me Off, he's scrambling for a rebuttal like a crack head for his next hit.

CoD4 was never broken on PSN, neither was MGO? Get you information from under a rock?

[Jack Meahoffer]

Porky it doesn't matter if you have both versions because based on your previous comments its totally obvious you're in the Sony camp. Totally basised toward Sony. Dom too.

Don't hate the player hate the game. If Sony didn't rush to rip out pieces of the PS3 to reduce cost the cut scence lock up issue woudln't have happened. Rockstar shouldn't have to test on multiple versions of hardware...

As for Multiplayer locking up everytime you go in... Well its not Rockstar's fault PSN is weak. $1 a week doesn't sound so bad for a service that actually works. How many big games have to come out with broken PSN before you start blaming Sony instead of the developer? COD4? Rainbow 6 Vegas 2? MGSO Beta? Now GTA IV? History repeats itself and Sony fans keep spinning.

[bourner]

i thought i was going to get a perfence game and thought it was going to be all new try of gta ( feel of the game) but i would have jsut as much fun playing vice city

[crazy25000]

The game is ok.....not bad, not great, just ok. Ive played it a lot yesterday, but got bored after 2 hours....probably wont play it again.

[vloeistof]

i love it omg it is so much fun.

[AlterEgo]

No. (IMO of course..hm wonder how many bubbles I'll lose for this. Lets see...I wrote this comment with 8 bubbles =] )

It's far too easy to play for 30 mins and turn it off without thinking twice about it.

I thought it was gonna be a game that i'd wanna play nonstop until i beat it and then play some more, (and w/ unanimous 10/10 reviews, it very well should be) but to me its simply not.

Now this isn't to say its not a great game because it is and I DO enjoy it a lot...it just isn't the second coming of Christ like many (reviewers and gamers alike) make it out to be.

I spend more time in an MGO Beta session than I do in a session of GTA4. Actually...I play Warhawk for a longer period than I can stand GTA4.

Once again...I LOVE the game, but I can't just cram endless hours of it in. It gets boring after an hour. It's a game I could probably play 'every day'...just not 'all day', and the pre-release hype had me believing otherwise.

[Porky Pig]

http://www.n4g.com/reviews/...

No spoilers ^

And th-th-th-that's all folks!

[Fishy Fingers]

I think it's a great game, I found the missions became a little repetitive come the end. But GTA to me is just having the keys to a whole city and causing some mayhem, I can just mess around for hours, especially know I finished it I allow myself to use the cheats ;)

Live up to the hype? Well that depends on how much you buy into it, for me, it's just what I expected/hoped for, FUN.

[permutated]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(No)

[AngryHippo]

....could ever live up to the hype that it created. Still a great game though.

[Baba1906]

i think its very good. no 10/10 but 9/10 deffenitly. really like it.

[leedsunited92]

Yes, it has lived up to the hype and more.

It is much better than all the hype suggested it would be

[Jack Meahoffer]

That they got a non-HD shat version that locks up and doesn't work online with some weak third party Gamespy servers.

That's all this hate is coming from. This site is full of Sony fanboys so I'm sure we'll see alot of GTA IV hate.

Lamers.

Look at Dom type walls of text saying how bad GTA IV is... Little TOO CONCERNED aren't you? Like you have some OTHER motivation. Lame fanboy.

The non-HD MGS4 will be more of a disappointment than GTA IV. But you fruity Sony fanboys won't get on here and talk shat about that will you...

[DomUltra]

Man Jack's really on the defensive, maybe you should go grab your dildo back from your sister and turn that frown upside down.

[PS3ROCKS]

I play it so much cant stop playing it I dont even play MGO anymore

[wibble]

It's pretty much what I expected and not what I had hoped for. But long before its release I realized it wasn't going to be what I wanted. So I wasn't disappointed at all.

and there was so much talk about it that I felt like I'd played it a hundred times before I'd even got my hands on the damn thing.

[OpiZA]

I'd say no... that's a tall order

It is however the best game i've played since bioshock

[DomUltra]

All in all, it's a gameplay downgrade from San Andreas, and a graphical (obvious) upgrade since then, this isn't the definitive GTA experience and it's not the best game ever, contrary to popular belief. There are alot of bugs to be sorted out in the game, I'm about 95% complete and it's just not what I thought it was going to be, I looked at what was there compared it to San Andreas graphics aside and San Andreas was just plain better, but it sure didn't get this type of media on it, nor acclaim. Some of scenes are really anti-climatic, they don't give you the visceral intensity of the mission like prior GTA's namely GTA:SA, I could go on and on about this, you people can succumb to the hype, or actually play the game for what it's worth, no doubt it's a completely awesome game, but just because it is doesn't mean it's the best game out there.

To the quick and pointless for those who don't wanna read.

No GTA 4 did not live up to the hype, it obviously better than most games out there, but is it the best? No.

[Porky Pig]

That's my review of the game ^(Spoiler free),I agree with everything you said.

And th-th-th-that's all folks!

[liquidsnake]

No it doesn't. I was hoping for the Vice City feeling but I couldn't find it. VC is still the best GTA imo. And those freaking jaggies are killing me.

[Close_Second]

...I wish the missions could have been improved as much as the graphics over previous GTA releases. Sure the cut scenes are better in terms of character/story development but the missions are pretty much the same as they haev always been. Drive to point A for a cutscene, shoot out. No real options that might result in a different outcome.

[Danja]

There's no way this game could have lived up to such high expectations

but in the end....it came pretty darn close...this is the most fun i've had with a game since Uncharted

and im still not even half way through the game cuz there's so much other stuff to do in the game....

but overall it's a fun ...game..and once ur enjoying a game ..it's money well spent...and this game deserves a 10/10..it's not perfect..but it's get everything right...so it's perfect..lol

[PoSTedUP]

it was all that i thought it would be. but a lil more realistic than i thought it would be

[bigkev77]

It lived up to the hype. It's a 10, best GTA yet.

[DomUltra]

How is it the best GTA yet? It's quite a downgrade from SA gameplay wise.

[Danja]

I agree this isn't the best GTA game...it did feel like they took a few step back...compared to what was on in GAT:SA....

and my fave is still GTA:VC

[The Dude]

@bigkev77

Its the best version of GTA4 yet if you own the 360 version. Alot of sony fanboys are down on the game because of the low 630p resolution and freezing issues. GTA4 is the best sandbox game to date.

[sleepyk]

wrong. ps3 version the best.

[AllroundGamer]

they stripped so many features, that were in the previous GTAs, so it has definitely not lived up to the hype.

[meepmoopmeep]

it lived up to it for me, personally, since i wasn't too hyped for it to begin with. but i don't think it lived up to the media hype though. it's a great game. not perfect 10's though.

[bioshock]

the game downgraded from SA. the thing i miss most is customization and buying properties, which i dint c it over here plus i feel tht SA has better script....since its the first gta of this generation ill forgive it.but next one needs to be strong again...

[Ali_The_Brit]

imho yes it has.best gta game to date, and without a doubt one of the most revolutionary games, show me a game that gives u as much as gtaiv does and il give u a cookie

[DomUltra]

Roll back to October 2004, the year and month Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released, it has a plethora of features that span more than just days or weeks of entertainment, San Andreas is the definitive GTA experience, GTA4 is a gameplay downgrade from SA, the only thing it GTA4 has going for it is graphics, and even the graphics aren't "as promised" or even as shown on most screen shots and game trailers, obviously very cautiously selected.

GTA4 is missing ALOT of features that GTA:SA, some of the missions especially toward the end seem really anti-climatic, there are a slew of bugs that mysteriously missed Q&A.

You can't compare other games of different genres to this game, perhaps only to Saints Row, but that still doesn't hold a candle to the franchise, so you can only truly compare them to the games within the franchise, whether you fell into the hype or not, GTA 4 is, and I say this with confidence, NOT the best game EVAR, and NOT the definitive GTA experience, many could argue VC or SA hit's the spot, and for myself SA totally blew me away, GTA 4 was a downgrade with updated mechanics and a new engine, the only thing it really succeeds in is failing at hype.

GTA4 doesn't do anything revolutionary, right now it looks like Rockstar peaked at GTA:SA, the only mechanic that is new is drunk driving while fun it doesn't amount to the numerous things slashed from previous versions.

Before you go on to say I don't know what I'm talking about or I haven't played it long enough, I'm 95% done, I've stayed up almost 40 hours, I beat GTA4 in 28, and now I just gotta do those last percentages.

GTA:SA is better for replay value, possibly even story over all better gameplay, I do however like the new driving mechanics in GTA4 but that is obviously subjective as most people liked or had no problem with driving in the previous GTA's, and as much as Rockstar wanted to change the shooting mechanics, it's still clunky as shіt.

[Jack Meahoffer]

Look at that wall of text. You obviously have an agenda against GTA IV to keep trying rambling comments bashing it. Little too involved here... I'd venture to say you're a total Sony fanboy that is pissed he can't play it because his version is total non-HD stat that locks up ever time he tries to load up multiplayer. $1 a week doesn't sounds so bad for a service that works anymore does it...

MGS4 will not live up to the hype and it won't work online just like GTA IV on PS3.

WAAAAAH!

Cry some more you biased douche.

GTA IV kicks ass. It owns you and your mom.

[DomUltra]

Lmfao, look at Jack Me Off, when the hell did I say it was a bad game? Lmfao, this is hilarious I didn't even bring up the The Xbox 360, jeez I didn't know he was so sensitive, huh you little fancy girl?

This is too funny, I gotta make this comment of the day.

As a matter of a fact dude, I played both versions of GTA4 not connected to the internet and it was great both looked the exact same but looked like crap on a HDTV, anyway, how does PSN come into place when this is Rockstars fault for not enough testing? Another prime example of ANOTHER Xbot refusing to use his brain, to busy with that dildo up your ass huh lol?

It's not my fault you fall into the simple minded xbot criteria, then again I'm sure pretty sure you were born that way, take it as you will.

By the way, I'm pretty sure if GTA4 owns me and my mom, doesn't it own you and your mom too?

Warn me next time when you go on a rant about some one stealing your precious butt plug will you? I didn't know you were on the rag.

[Jack Meahoffer]

Why you bringing up butt plugs and dildos?

Wow wonder whats on your mind?

Rockstar shouldn't have to test their software on 5 different versions of hardware. The whole point of the console industry is that all consoles run the software the same. If Sony wasn't in such a rush to rip compoenents out of the console there wouldn't be a problem.

As for PSN being crap thats not Rockstar's fault either.

Admit it you're against GTA IV because it makes you're console look bad.

MSG4 will be worse wait and see.

[DomUltra]

I am really having a laugh riot at all your extremely biased fanboy comments, keep it comin' bіtch on a rag. Oh wait, your dumb ass is all out of bubbles, how sad :(.

How does it make my console look bad when all the reviewers said that the graphically definitive version is on the PS3, it's the pro's versus the joe's and the PRO's are gonna win every time, especially against some body named Jack Me Off.

Uh.. and for rushing hardware, hello RROD? 3 years and running, biggest candidate to burn your house down = Xbox 360. You really are blind fanboy, thing is at least POG sometimes brings facts, but most of you Xbot's are just retards.

[The Closing]

Nope. Not at all.

[jones smokey]

it did to me, i dont know about u....!!!!!

[Maldread]

I see a lot of complaints about GTA4 here, but i can`t see how GTA4 is a let down (again havn`t played the game, so i probably shouldn`t say anything, but based on the reviews out there...)

Gameplay stuff from San Andreas got cut, which sucks of course, i liked the RPG elements (the eating wasn`t that needed though). But we already knew a long time ago that wasn`t in there, so it`s hardly a surprise. That the city is smaller, was also known before and isn`t that strange, it`s only the first next-gen GTA after all (even though it`s late in the cycle). That it was suppose to have a greater mood that Vice City sounds strange too, nothing can beat the 80`s after all ;)

From the reviews it also sounds like they`ve improved a lot of gripes i had with the previous GTA-games :

- The Aiming (with an added cover system to booth), get`s a great tune up, not too late if you ask me
- Improved FPS, still not the best, but at least improved from the last ones
- Less glitches
- Better controls, especially for the cars

Also :
- Improved graphics (shocker, i know)
- Vastly improved physics
- A lot better story and cinematics
- Added Online
- Added Online modes that actually works in a GTA game (though that deserved another point)

I`m not trying to flame here, i`m just interested to hear why GTA4 is such a let down, so i can decide if i should buy it hehe ;)

I will of course buy and try the game for myself soon, just want to see if there`s a MGS4 bundle coming for Europe with a DS3 included. It better be hehe ;)

[The Closing]

You haven't played it so let me let you in on a little secret. The controls are still complete crap. The character seems to want to walk in circle instead of a strait line if you're not constantly tapping the run button. The combat is still complete crap, and as for the driving it's about the same, which is the strongest point of the game play. The cover system is completely flawed to where you have to find just the right place to shoot. As for the improved aiming aspect it's not going to matter with the amount of health you have. If you're not in cover you'll be shot 6 ways from sunday before you get a shot off. The brilliant minds at rock star couldn't figure out it would have been better to make 2 health systems? One for targeting, and the other for free aiming. This game seems to be made for people who don't know about a decent shooter, and don't care to. Noobish.

[AllroundGamer]

couldn't agree more with you, and i wouldn't want to see what the game would look like if released last year, which was the first official release date...

[The Dude]

Its funny that all the reviewers that have actual reputations are praising the game and no name disgruntled fanboys with no reputations at all are now saying the games sucks cause the ps3 630p version is inferior to the 360 720p. I'm glad no one bases what they buy from bitter sony fanboys.

[The Closing]

That's not very dudely of you being a complete idiot an all.

Honestly I could care less what the resolution is at since I since I don't have a HD tv. No my beef is with the crappy game play, and how it's pretty much the exact same games as the past 3 with pretty much all the same glaring flaws still prevalent, and it's getting praised when there are much better games. It's a multiplatform game that was favored in almost all professional comparisons including ign so what you say makes no sense either way. Why don't you keep that bunk for the open zone, and try to bring something relevant to the table next time. I'd say it was you who let the hype get to you like the rest of the reviews or maybe it could have been too many bong hits.

[Bolts]

As far as I can remenber there isn't a perfect 10 game that actually lived up to the hype. Be it Halo 3 or even the first Unreal. In order to score a perfect review it must be a genre busting game, it can't just be a solid tittle like GTA 4.

Now that I though about it the only perfect game in recent memory is probably Quake, because it defined the FPS genre as we know it with multiplayer, clans, mods, 3D graphics, and the ever popular CTF/deathmatch game modes. I guess you can throw original Tomb Raider into that mix too since it hailed the start of the modern game console era.

[PS360PCROCKS]

Absolutely. This is what true Next-Gen games are all about, their have been a few games so far that I can sit back and say "wow, this is good, crazy good" GTA IV for everything, Gears of War for visuals, COD4 had me saying "DAMN" all the way through, and Bioshock, Bioshock was a masterpiece. But GTA IV blows all the games I have seen away. From Euphoria, the graphics, the way cars handle, pedestrians react, the city is real, it's alive, the story is awesome, the acting is awesome. I have never finished a GTA game or cared too. But I will finish this one, I am very into the story. This is deserving every praise it's gotten, it truly is one of the greatest games I have ever played.

[Big Jim]

No, GTA4 does not live up to the hype. Not even close. Completely broken camera. Completely broken combat. The story, writing and voice acting are excellent, but the gameplay mechanics are even worse than prior GTAs, and are a complete failure.