Grand Theft Auto IV: Best

Stands as one of the most ambitious and influential titles in the open-world genre. GTA IV revolutionized the series with its darker tone, richly detailed setting, and complex protagonist. Even sixteen years later, it remains a benchmark for narrative-driven games, offering an experience that blends gritty realism with the chaotic freedom that the franchise is known for.

The game's narrative centers around Niko Bellic, a war veteran from Eastern Europe who arrives in Liberty City with dreams of a better life. Niko's journey is one of the most compelling aspects of GTA IV, characterized by his struggle to escape his violent past while seeking revenge and redemption and his hopeful achievement of the American Dream. The story is mature, dark, and emotionally engaging, with Niko portrayed as a multifaceted character driven by loyalty, guilt, and a desire for a new beginning. Liberty City itself is a vibrant, living entity, modeled after New York City. The game's cast includes memorable characters such as Roman, Niko's optimistic but troubled cousin, and a host of other colorful personalities, each with their own distinct backgrounds and motivations. The dialogue is sharp and well-written, laced with Rockstar's signature humor and social commentary.

GTA IV’s gameplay is an evolution of the series' established formula, focusing on realism and immersion. The driving mechanics are more grounded, with vehicles having weight and momentum that make high-speed chases thrilling but challenging. The cover-based shooting system introduced in this installment adds a layer of strategy to gunfights, making combat more dynamic and intense. Missions are varied, ranging from high-stakes heists and assassinations to more mundane tasks that add depth to Niko's character and his life in Liberty City. The game also features a variety of side activities, such as bowling, darts, and comedy clubs, which enhance the world-building and provide players with a break from the main storyline.

One of the major criticisms of GTA IV’s PC version that I really have is its optimization. I experienced performance issues, crashes, and graphical glitches, which dampened the my experience as I progressed through the story.

Pro's:
- Great story with great and memorable characters.
- Weapons feel and sound great. You feel like a one man walking army.
- Mod support.
- Easy game to sink a lot of time into.
- RAGE/Euphoria Physics Engine makes animations quick and on the fly.

Con's:
- Optimization.
- Some glitches here and there.

THE LOST AND DAMNED DLC: Good

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, is the first of two episodic expansions for GTA IV. It takes players into the seedy underbelly of Liberty City through the eyes of Johnny Klebitz, a hardened member of the biker gang, The Lost.

The story focuses on the turbulent life of Johnny as he navigates gang politics, loyalty, and betrayal. The narrative is darker and more mature, with a strong emphasis on brotherhood and the criminal underworld. Johnny is a compelling protagonist, and his interactions with other gang members add depth to the gritty storyline.

The gameplay retains the core mechanics of GTA IV but introduces new elements tailored to the biker theme. Players can participate in gang wars, bike races, and other biker-specific activities. The motorcycle handling is improved, providing a more enjoyable riding experience. New weapons and vehicles further diversify the gameplay.

The expansion features the same high-quality graphics and sound design as the base game, with additional music tracks and radio stations that enhance the biker atmosphere.

Pro's:
- Offers a fresh perspective on Liberty City.
- More intense than the main story of Grand Theft Auto 4.

Con's:
- Gritty filter placed on the episode makes it look to grainy.
- Brian.
- Felt rushed story wise.

THE BALLAD OF GAY TONY DLC: Better

Grand Theft Auto 4: The Ballad of Gay Tony, released as the second episodic expansion for Grand Theft Auto IV, injects a burst of glamour, excitement, and over-the-top action into the game’s world. Players step into the shoes of Luis Lopez, the loyal bodyguard and confidant of nightclub impresario Tony Prince, also known as "Gay Tony."

The story revolves around Luis’s efforts to save Tony's nightclub empire from various threats, blending high-stakes drama with a sense of humor and absurdity. The narrative is engaging, filled with colorful characters and outrageous situations that highlight the excess and decadence of Liberty City's nightlife. Luis is a likeable protagonist, with a strong moral compass and a sharp sense of humor, making his journey both compelling and entertaining.

Gameplay in The Ballad of Gay Tony is a thrilling mix of high-flying missions, explosive set pieces, and thrilling new activities. It introduces new weapons, vehicles, and gameplay mechanics, including parachuting and base jumping, adding a layer of excitement and variety. The expansion’s missions are fast-paced and often involve elaborate set pieces, keeping players on the edge of their seats. The addition of new sports like golf and the return of the parachuting missions bring fresh challenges and fun diversions. The game's handling of nightlife and club scenes is also a highlight, with vibrant visuals and a pulsating soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of the city’s party scene.

The Ballad of Gay Tony retains the high standards of the base game, with enhanced lighting, detailed environments, and smooth animations. The soundtrack is eclectic and dynamic, featuring an impressive selection of music that spans various genres, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere.

Pro's:
- Parachuting is back.
- Tank's are back.
- Yusuf Amir, Luis Lopez, Tony Prince.
- Guns... Lot's of guns.
- Club Management Missions - Club Mini Games.

Con's:
- Scoring system at the end of the missions.
- Armando and Henrique are annoying characters.

Overall, it's no wonder why this game was and still is rated number #3 on Metacritic as one of the best games of all time. Rockstar Games sets the bar and proceeds to knock it out of the park each time they announce a new project. I would recommend this game to any individual that is a completionist or somebody that likes linear/open-world story-driven games.

rockstar forgot i own gta 4 and now I can't play this game anymore.

♥♥♥♥ Rockstar amd their ♥♥♥♥♥♥ ass launcher