Consolation Prize

Well readers if you hadn’t already have guessed I’ve been thoroughly engrossed in GTA IV since its release last Tuesday and I’m pleased to say that so far it’s lived up to my expectations. It’s been a while since I’ve been so totally immersed in a game to the extent where I’ve lost track of the time, but every time I’ve loaded the disc into the 360 over the last week the entire evening has just melted away into Liberty City.

The in-game counter informs me that to date I’ve been cruising the streets for about 20 hours and completed just 23% of the game and I’ve only just opened up the second island. Man, this game is epic! Granted there’s nothing stopping me from just concentrating on the story arc and condensing the experience just to say “I’ve completed the game” but what’s the point? For me GTA is also about the exploration, the side quests, cruising the streets, and just soaking in the sights and sounds of Liberty City as much as its about the story.

I love the attention to detail in this game and could wax lyrically about all the little things that have made me smile and say out loud “that’s cool!”, but I’ll save that for another day as I’m sure there’s more surprises to come. Previously the crown for the best (personal preference) GTA game was worn by GTA: Vice City but it looks like in all probability there’s going to be a new monarch in town… The king is dead. Long live the King!