Consolation Prize

The first downloadable expansion for Grand Theft Auto: IV, The Lost and Damned, is finally here, gifting us with the perfect excuse to return to the playground of Liberty City once more. It already looks like it’s going to be the new benchmark for DLC that all others will be judged by given its reported success [1] and critical acclaim [2], and although I’ve only managed to spend a few hours with the game, so far it’s the entertaining and polished product one would expect from Rockstar North.

The first thing that caught me by surprise with TLAD was the opening sequence, or more specifically the fact that the adventures of Johnny Klebitz and The Lost motorcycle club begins with an impressive opening cinematic that would make most retail games envious. It sends out a message - this isn’t going to be the run-of-the-mill DLC we’ve generally come to expect. This is, in essence, a separate game, a new experience, albeit set within the confines of familiar surroundings.

I appreciate the continuity that is evident in TLAD, it serves to put the events and experiences of our protagonist Johnny into context with those of our eastern European friend Nico. It provides us with a time-line that we understand and can relate with. Nico has a couple of notable cameo appearances during the early stages of TLAD. We first witness him pushing through the crowded streets, presumably shortly after arriving in Liberty City, and then secondly we meet him in the company of Playboy X and Elizabeta. It’s during this second encounter when the web of entwining stories that Rockstar North are able to proficiently weave becomes apparent.

The missions in TLAD, so far anyway, follow the same core structure set out by its predecessors. Primarily involving shootouts with an opposing motorcycle club: The Angels of Death, but there has been an attempt to keep things fresh with the introduction of the gang dynamic. Johnny doesn’t need to tackle things alone; he can rely on his fellow chapter members to help out, who interestingly will actually gain experience whenever they survive and will become tougher and more valuable members of the crew as part of the process.

Liberty City is a big place to explore. Perhaps this is the reason that apart from the the more commonly recognisable places of interest, some of the locations and features don’t feel too familiar. However, it’s more than likely that it’s the conscious and intelligent decision made by Rockstar North to base the hub of activity within the little explored Alderny that more than helps play its role in keeping the game feeling as “new” as possible. There’s still a real sense of bewilderment at the sheer scope and detail of Liberty City, even though I’ve traversed the mean streets for hours on end with Nico.

It’s a favourable beginning to what in the end could turn into a very profitable experiment for Rockstar Games. The Lost and Damned may be considered expensive, but I hope it’s justified by the quality and content. So far, it’s off to a good start.

[1]
Lost and Damned breaks Live records via Eurogamer.net
[2]
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned via MetaCritic.com