Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition Reviews

• Beats expectations

  
  By A12I0ETAOPCE58 on 2008-04-29
  I have been a fan of the franchise way back since the very first Grand Theft Auto on the original PlayStation so when I heard there was going to be a special edition for the PS3 I just had to get it. When I got the box home and opened it, I was pleasantly surprised!
  
  - Everything is packed in the lockbox, which is surprisingly sturdy. I was expecting it to be made out of cheap plastic like a happy meal toy but they actually made it out of metal. Admittedly, my expectation bar wasn't high for this item but they clearly beat my expectations
  
  - The Art book is hardcover and has great pictures of the city and characters, as well as detailed descriptions. Very fine quality.
  
  - I love the keychain! Solid metal Rockstar insignia on a quality key loop. Replaced my old keychain fast!
  
  - The Duffel bag is decent. Better than the free duffel bags from a duffel bag giveaway night for the local baseball team but not as good as one you'd buy in a store. The Rockstar emblem on it is a big plus tho.
  
  - The soundtrack is pretty good as well. I would've preferred if it was in a jewelcase vs. a cardboard sleeve but thats minor.
  
  All this packaged with arguably the most anticipated game of the year for just $30 extra. In my opinion, if you are a fan of Grand Theft Auto and have the extra money, it is well worth the difference in price.
  
  

• Welcome to Liberty City**Special Edition Review

  
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2008-05-03
  Niko is new to America. Brought by hopes and promises of his cousin Roman about how wealthy he is. Unfortunately for Niko he quickly finds the stories to be lies. Grand Theft Auto IV starts as others in the series with an anti-hero. Getting involved in doing the wrong things is all to easy in this game. From the very get go you are learning that living the American life can be difficult and in order to get your story going you must break the law. For the most part Niko doesn't have a problem with this since he has become raw after being a soldier in war.
  
  GTA IV has probably one of the darkest stories so far in the series. This is not the type of game you will play and comment on how cheerful the story is. For those of you who have played previous GTA games you will notice many similarities. From the gameplay mechanics to the story line. Although people who are new to the GTA series will find how simple the learning curve really is in this game. The game gives you an incredible amount of tutorials and guides you thru your first several missions making things easy to understand. Most features in this game are simple to understand and keep this game from getting over anyones learning curve.
  
  What has made the Grand Theft Auto series so superb is the story telling. Excellent voice acting with intense and exciting missions make GTA IV a true winner. From the first moment on you will notice that you aren't really playing a game as much as taking part in an intense crime drama. Think Sopranos from the former Soviet Union. The game is mission based and gives you the ability to choose what you want to do at any given point. You meet numerous characters who are all about committing crimes and they give you certain jobs. Of course these jobs increase your reputation and help progress you thru the story. Along the way you will find numerous characters. Some you will like and others you will probably want to get rid of yourself.
  
  This game has further evolved ideas from previous GTA games. Niko can not only date one woman at a time but several. It's really up to you. Just remember how in real life this can be time consuming it can also be in a game. You will have woman calling and texting you if you ignore them to long. Then comes taking them out for dates. Each woman has different tastes and interests and it's up to you to know where to take them. Some of the activities can actually be fun like playing darts or pool as these mini games do have learning curves. The girl you are with will respond to your success or failure at these games. Obviously there are numerous other activities in wonderful Liberty City. Also it's important for Niko to accessorize and finding the best clothing to wear is important. Image is everything as as you progress you get access to better clothes. The car mechanics have improved in this game but don't expect to have similar handling to a racing game. What is cool to look at is the amazing detail they have put into the car damage. Every little ding makes an impact on the car you are in. Lastly is the music selection. An incredible 200 songs are available in Liberty City to listen to on the radio. Numerous radio stations including the talk ones belt out hit songs and comedic advertisements. Niko even has the ability to watch t.v. They covered every detail in this game and it shows.
  
  As if a single player mode that will take you 30 to 40 hours to beat is not enough there is also online multiplayer. Yes you and 15 others can play on the beautiful streets of Liberty City. The multiplayer is truly open ended for your enjoyment. Several game modes plus the ability to create your own multiplayer. You can also invite seven friends to take on eight others. It's easy to say this game will be enjoyed for months on end.
  
  It's easy to be impressed by Liberty City. It's as close to New York City as any game has ever got. From the pedestrians that make up the neighborhood to the realistic design of the buildings. The weather changes and the days progress realistically. This is one of those games where you can just take it in and enjoy the scenery. In Grand Theft Auto you have the freedom to do what you want. This game is intended for adults. The language and content can be mature most of the time. Although that is at a parents discretion. I wouldn't suggest this game for everyone. Although I would suggest it for those who have enjoyed previous Grand Theft Auto games. I would also suggest it for those who enjoy mafia or crime movies. This game will have you sitting back and enjoying the incredible story. Just don't forget that it's your story to play.
  
  **Now for those of you asking. Is the special edition good for you??? If you are a GTA diehard fan I would say yes. If you enjoy getting extras for extra money I would say yes. The Special Edition comes with a mediocre soundtrack album featuring songs you may have never heard before. You also get a good quality lock box with a duffle bag. In the box is a rockstar key chain. I now own this stuff. It's nice but I don't think it's of the best value.
  
  

• For the true GTA IV fans, this is the ONLY version.

  
  By A1C139F5C7Y38P on 2008-05-04
  This review will just be on the extra goodies that came included with the Special Edition.
  
  Firstly, I was quite pleased with Amazon.com's added bonus for pre-ordering this version: Maybe I wasn't the first person on my block to get a copy, but I am the only person with a Liberty City license plate!
  
  The safe deposit box is very sturdy, with the GTA IV logo impressed on the top of the box. While I like having the keychain and keys for it, I can't see myself using the keychain - the huge star on the end of it would hurt like hell if I had it in my pocket!
  
  The CD is more of a sampler than anything else - as with previous Grand Theft Auto titles, the full soundtrack won't be out for a while.
  
  It has the following tracks:
  Michael Hunter - "Soviet Connection (Theme from Grand Theft Auto IV)"
  Mobb Deep featuring Havoc & Prodigy from H.N.I.C. Part 2 Sessions - "Dirty New Yorker"
  The Rapture - "No Sex For Ben"
  Munga - "No Fraid A"
  Busta Rhymes - "Where's My Money"
  C.J. - "I Want You"
  Joe Walsh - "Rocky Mountain Way"
  Bob Marley & the Wailers and Damian Marley - "Stand Up Jamrock"
  Seryoga - "Liberty City: The Invasion"
  Greenskeepers - "Vagabond"
  Electrik Funk - "On A Journey"
  Qadir - "Nickname"
  David Axelrod - "Holy Thursday"
  Nas - "War Is Necessary"
  Fela Kuti - "Zombie"
  Global Communication - "Maiden Voyage"
  
  Both the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Box Set and the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - Box Set are welcome additions to my musical library, We'll just have to wait a while for GTA IV's box set to arrive.
  
  The duffel bag? Well, it's a duffel bag with a Rockstar logo on it. Not much else to say on that one.
  
  But what's the best reason to get this version?
  
  "The Art of Grand Theft Auto IV". This 36-page book shows us all kinds of scenery from the game: Characters, weaponry, clothes, enviroments, the animation process, and much more.
  My favorite segment in the book is from the art director of Grand Theft Auto IV, Aaron Garbut. He gives his own thoughts on the difficulty and sense of pride in creating a fully functioning, living, breathing, and interative city. From the cigarette butt dropped on the ground to the changing of daylight to dusk, we have untold areas to explore for days, weeks, maybe even months.
  
  And of course, the game itself is FANTASTIC. I haven't had any of the reported problems with freezing during the intro movie or other cutscenes, so I'll consider myself lucky there. With a game this popular, I'm sure a fix will be along soon.
  
  If you can get your hands on this version, I'd highly recommend it. As for me, I'll be preordering the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack boxed set when it becomes available.
  
  Welcome to Liberty City!
  
  

• The Best Game To Come Out In The Last Decade!!!!!

  
  By A2D0SDNHBLP1Y7 on 2008-04-30
  I was personally shocked when I first played this game. I knew this game was going to be amazing but I didn't know that so far it is one of my favorite games of all time. This first thing to grab my attention was the level of detailed realism in the game. The car crashes, the guns, the character apperances, the mini games, everything are perfect. The biggest fixes in the game that hands down win over the game to me are the lighting effects and new and improved aiming system. The lighting in the game has gone over a dramatic makeover and makes the game look beautiful. Instead of two settings light and dark you can tell the differences in light throught the gaming time while playing. The sun will gradually change and the effects it has on the shadows and glare on everything in the game is amazing. The aiming system is hands down the best in the series and is very similar to Gears Of War. COVER is now a must have in combat. There are some close range issues with the aiming system though but overall it is perfect. The next best thing is the story and characters in the game. The story is hands down the best in the series and the animations of the characters for such an in- depth game are gorgeous. Your running is more realistic the way the crowd reacts, and the intelligence of the local LCPD is incredable. The police are extremely smart and deadly increasing the level of difficulty in a new "What the hell do I do now to escape the pigs chasing me way". Overall the police are now incredibly smart and you'll need to think twice on what to do. The game is overall to perfect to describe in words on what you can do with up to the 35-40 hours of game play it offers and the best multiplayer i've played this year. This game is a deffinit by for video fan-boys or not and is worth every penny. This is deffinitley a candidate for GAME OF THE YEAR.
  
  

• A Lot of Different Things All in One

  
  By AO5B7TLBAHMK6 on 2008-05-01
  I thought the license plate, duffel bag, and metal security box w/ key (and a rockstar key chain) were a nice touch.
  
  Gameplay: The menus are very handy, to include the first menu which has a map that you can set waypoints, which in turn create GPS driving directions on your small in-game map.
  The cell phone does everything. You'll receive calls, texts, etc. You can change your ringtone, etc. It's also your connection to get online for multiplayer.
  The fighting system has been improved. I like being able to seek cover and blind fire if need be.
  Last night I had fun just playing pool and darts. These mini games are available at different locations.
  I'm definitely going to have fun just exploring, etc. while working though the missions.
  
  There were reports of the Online Community/Multiplayer being down. And yesterday (30 Apr 08) when the Online was still down I was getting the feeling it might take a while to fix, but when I came back from dinner it looks like they've got it back up and running. A def. plus.
  
  There is a lot of freedom in this game. The random people on the street actually react to your actions. A rando dropped a cigarette, so I picked it up, still lit.
  
  Driving and walking takes some getting used to, but fighting is pretty straight forward, lock on to your opponent and then dodge, kick, punch or jab if you're unarmed. If you're packing, well that's a different story.
  
  There's a lot of detail in this game to include lighting and the environment. Your car takes damage depending upon what you hit and where. Or when bullets hit it...
  
  I'm definitely going to have fun playing around with all the crazy details, mini-games, and exploring the city, which is so massive it's going to take a long time to visit the entire thing.
  
  
• this game was worth the wait
  By AF3SQM3QKRSEN on 2008-04-29
  I preorder this game from amazon just to get the SE tag it was the first time i did not go to the store and wait in line and guess what i picked 2 day shipping and when i came home from work today (april 29 the day it was released)my girlfriend was already playing it UPS dropped it off at 1 pm today so this was the best choice i made to buy it from amazon their shipping is no joke i will use them again
  
  
• ABOVE AND BEYOND!!
  By A1DIMQKU5LDYCC on 2008-04-30
  OH MY!!! This game brought me right back to GTA III. This game has/will revolutionize videogames just like III did. I pre-ordered from Amazon, got the LC plate, awesome!!! i thgouth it was going to be plastice, but NOPE!! i was wrong! ITS A REAL LICENSE PLATE!!! THANK YOU AMAZON!!! I have been playing it for 6 hours straight, and really glad i do not have class tomorrow, cause this is what i plan on doing tomorrow too!! Only reason i am typing this now is cause i am taking a break. WOOO!!! BACK TO GTA IV!!!
  
  
• This Game is Great Best Ever!
  By A26DS3QFQ07ECK on 2008-04-29
  Please send help I'm stuck playing this game for 18 Hours now I can see!
  
  Please Send Food and Water along with a jug and TP :)
  
  
  
  
• disappointing
  By A10PCTJ1P5TUW2 on 2008-05-14
  Rockstar eliminated so many elements from previous GTA installments that I feel they took a step backward.
  -driving is really goofy
  -side missions like Pizza Boy, Taxi, Ambulance, and Firefighter are gone
  -there is no bonus for getting all the secret packages
  -you accumulate a lot of money but there is nothing to spend it on
  -the vehicle list is significantly smaller
  -there is no customization whatsoever... you get to pick from about three outfits
  -no more tricking out your car... honestly, Saint's Row had a better vehicle storage system
  
  
  
• After a long wait, GTA4 delivers
  By A3MU7TZFXNEKCP on 2008-04-30
  The hype and wait were worth it; GTA IV is awesome in depth and substance. A great story line and cut scenes make this an entertainment experience.
  
  
• Finally, a Special Edition Worth Buying
  By A16NNL6TW5IMEL on 2008-05-03
  First, I'm not going to review the game because that has been done enough. But I wanted to let everyone know that if you are debating between the Special Edition or regular game, spend the extra $30! The safety deposit box with the GTAIV logo on it is well made and makes a great addition to my desk. Also, the 2 keys that came with it are a nice touch. The duffle bag is made better than the bags you get for free when you buy cologne. The Rockstar key chain medallion is already on my key chain. The art book, while not a coffee table size book is a nice little feature. The only thing I really could have done without is the CD sampler.
  
  I have bought many special editions before, Lost Planet, Halo 2 & 3 and Devil May Cry 4 and always been disappointed. I had gotten to the point where I said I wouldn't do it again. Now, thanks to GTAIV, I am going to have to start thinking about buying the special editions again, especially Metal Gear Solid 4 Special Edition.
  
  
• Where's my game?
  By A2N8O80DK5UVQC on 2008-04-30
  I preordered the game about 2 months ago. The day it comes out i get a email from amazon, sayin they are having trouble charging my card. Why would they wait till the day the game comes out to tell me this! I've been patiently waiting for 2 months, and people that just ordered it the day before, got it the next day. Now I have to wait untill May, 12 to get it. I'm letting Amazon go on this one since its Grand Theft Auto 4, next time I wont be so nice.
  
  
• best ps3 until mgs and more controllable
  By A1PWULPQ8647K1 on 2008-05-02
  i played this game on my ps3 and i switched backed to classic controller and it played best value on original controller .i played it on the 360 and it was running at garbage controlling my friend had got pissed because he complained about the driving...he was very pissed and never knew the controling on ps3 will be so much better microsoft son of b#$%^ controller.
  
  
• Review of the Special Edition Items
  By A1FIPZLSCY22NA on 2008-05-07
  This is for people still deciding between the regular and special editions.
  I have over 15 special edition games in my collection. I have never seen a special edition as elaborate as this. For an extra thirty you get a wide variety of quality bonuses.
  
  First thing you will realize is that it is a large, heavy box. Slide off the cardboard box and inside is the safety deposit box. This box is sturdy and has a decent amount of room. I would not say use this thing as a safe, but it is nice to store things in. It come with two keys.
  
  The art book is probably the nicest surprise in here. It contains some incredible production art for the game. It is a 30 page (or so) hardcover book. Not a pamphlet like I was expecting. The quality of this thing is amazing. For me it was worth the extra thirty alone.
  
  The soundtrack was the reason I got the special edition. I thought I would like a lot of the songs on there. I did enjoy most of them, but likely not all the songs will fit your tastes. Either way nice bonus. I would think they would release a more complete version down the line.
  
  You also get a Rockstar logo keychain which is nice.
  
  It also contains a duffel bag. It is a surprisingly good size. If you travel often you may be able to put this to good use. It is also good if you go to a gym often.
  
  Of course you also get the game which is the most important thing of all.
  
  If you feel burned by previous limited editions there is little to fear here. This is a great deal for collectors and grand theft auto lovers alike.
  
  
• great game until the save function started too play up
  By A25IIXH2I3G4MS on 2008-05-08
  The games great but after only one week of owning it the save function started too play up. And while i was getting too a good point in the game and the out of no where i have too goo right back too the beggining of the game again. Im not disrespecting the game because it is a awsome game and the special edition package is awsome too. Its just Amazon sold me a bad copy. So while I could be getting further into grandtheft auto 4. Im getting further into Call of Duty 4 witch i bought from amazon also no problems on that one.
  
  
• My eyes are bloodshot, my hands hurt, and I can't walk away.
  By A1QGEDEVVHMFX2 on 2008-05-03
  This is the best game that I have EVER played. I have been a fan of the GTA series since part 2, and I never thought that they would progress as they have. The game is so much fun with a compelling single player storline, and then you are also given the option of jumping into multplayer, which is stunning. I could not have asked for more. My only complaint is that they released the game the same week as my finals, so theres no chance of me studying. lol. Great job Rockstar.
  
  
• go to hell glenn beck
  By A2AMQ0R45WM3GM on 2008-05-07
  i'm not the best gamer in the world but i just have to say glenn beck is an idiot. surely there's better ways to learn how to run drugs, pimp hoes, and kill cops. after playing gta4, even after the months that will go by, i still don't think i'll last more then 10 minutes if i start killing cops in the real world. even as good as this game is. that said, the amazon pre-order was worth it. i got this before my reserve copy from gamestop so i ended up giving my reserve copy to a friend. the license plate was an awesome addition. nicely packaged. i also appreciated the fact i was able to order this for $90 the day before release and get it upon waking up on the official release date. i wonder how many pedestrians u.p.s. ran over to get it to me... i'm still laughing at the idiots on ebay or craigslist paying $100 or so when they could just get it from amazon. for $90. with the license plate. and new. thanks amazon. well done.
  
  
• Get 'em whlie they're hot!
  By A250DADI0AIHSD on 2008-05-08
  If you have been a fan of the previous Grand Theft Auto franchise games, you will not be disappointed. Guaranteed!. This latest installment resemble previous gameplay mechanism of the earlier installments. You complete missions to progress the story in the open-world Liberty City.
  
  You can develop relationship between bunch of friends you met in the game, depending on your relationship with them. They have speical ablities to help you in tricky situations.(Sell you discounted weapons, lower your wanted stars etc,.)
  
  Overall, Rockstar had added many features and activities you can do with your friends than ever before such as Bowling, Darts, Drinking, Strip Clubs and many more. You'll never find yourself running out of things to do in the city.
  
  The extras from Special Edition are nice. Duffle Bag and SDB is useful for many purpose. Soundtracks and Artbook are also nice merchandise. Also, the Amazon Exclusive GTA IV License Plate will impress many friends to come.
  
  
• the game is white and black
  By A3533NFGZZTI9J on 2008-05-14
  The game is superb but there is no color except white and black. What can I do with this problem and there was no key in the safe box.
  
  
• Grand Theft Life
  By A147FUNITGB21I on 2008-05-19
  Hard to put down; glad I just graduated college and have the free time to actually make progress. If you're a fan of the series, this is the next logical step. Gorgeous to look at, the level of detail is mind boggling, the physics are all better, the story more compelling, the protagonist a more fully rounded character. Everything is hightened and it's the most immersive, open world video game I've ever experienced. I got the special edition, and the lockbox is very cool, but I'm not sure it was really worth the extra thirty bucks, but I have no regrets (you also get an art book, soundtrack CD, duffel bag, and from Amazon a "GTA4" licence plate). Definitely not for kids under 13 I'd say, or even older depending on how stupid your kids are. Stay safe, and enjoy your visit to Liberty City.
  
  
• Not done yet, but great so far
  By A3NJ9CLIO91ETL on 2008-05-22
  Alright, I am only about 8 hours into the game, and this seems to be a very long one. However, so far it has been amazingly fun. I really liked that they took away the need to groom and feed the main char as in San Andreas and instead you can focus on doing missions and killing people. There are a lot of nice new features, such as using your cellphone for missions, hacking into the police cpu, browsing the internet at internet cafes, getting drunk and watching the screen spin around, the list is endless. The story is a little cliche so far and most of the characters are very stereotypical, but I am sure that was done for humor. The missions are fun, and that is probably the most important thing. I do wish that they had tried to make certain aspects a bit more realistic, such as being able to rob hot dog vendors or shoplift, but all in all, it is very fun and I would definitely recommend it.
  
  The special edition has some neat stuff that come with it and is worth the $30 extra.
  
  
• Rockstar Listen Up!!
  By AHNYRCBNPYS9P on 2008-05-23
  Since everyone copies GTA, I think RS could look around and take some of the better ideas other games have, not just sandboxes. I think Scarface and Saints Row are the standout clones of the past. Here's a couple I can think of:
  
  1. After you finish the story allow a separate "mission select" game save where you can pick and choose any mission in the game, not unlike Rainbow Six Vegas' "scene selection" premise. Just minus out the before and after cut scenes to basically make it like the assassin missions.
  
  2. Allow direct saving via the cell phone at any time. It's lame to have to go to the apartment and watch the little sleeping scene to just save. I know that it auto saves but I've had it lose some of my save before to have to redo 2 or more missions after it supposedly auto saved. I don't think this would make the missions too easy as most of the time you cant really use the phone during missions anyways, someone will show up and shoot you before you get to it.
  
  3. Come out with a simple easy to use custom mission creator pack for modders that is cross platform after the PC version comes out. With XBoxLive and whatever PS3 uses for online, people could buy/sell/give away created missions/scenarios. It would be a great value and XBL/PS3/Rockstar could charge a small commission for the transaction to get their piece. I wish they would have done expansion packs for San Andreas in the long years between games or had an easy to use modders pack. Obviously this would have to have some sort of disclaimer as to the "hot coffee" stuff, but come on this is GTA. Most people would agree that murder is a LOT worse than sex anyways, but the authorities in the country have it grossly backwards.
  
  4. Have some more sophisticated missions that don't just involve go here/kill everyone/run from police scenario we all know is basically the GTA MO. Look at Assassin's Creed or Thief and get some idea. I wish there was more sniping missions/side missions. Don't get me wrong, the combat in this game is much more satisfying than previous games with the cover system. Not sure exactly because I don't have specific examples but I think you can just look around at other games and get ideas.
  
  5. Make a simple all or nothing decision about the customization. None of this half way stuff like in 4, more like the all the way like in SA. I suppose the big thing is by about half way you have way more money than you can use to buy anything, why can't I scrimp to buy an Infernus any time I want? Or advanced weapons? I'd like to trick out my Comet/Porsche with better rims/acceleration/brakes and a custom uploaded paint job. I want a phone that has more options like a keyboard so I can see the internet anywhere or watch the TV anywhere. What about a 500000 store only non-spawning race car that handles like an F1 car?
  
  Must have game though, a good setup for more development and fresh ideas like GTA3 was.
  
  
• Buy it, it's worth it
  By AYOQ7XO6DS8ZN on 2008-05-25
  This game just brings back my memories to the first GTA game I played back in PS one. Obviously, fair to say that the series has come a long way since.
  
  Like most of the reviews before me said, the graphics are amazing. Although I must say you'll be missing out if you're only playing in Standard Def. If you don't have a plasma or an LCD display panel to go with the game, then I suggest you go get yourself one.
  
  Playing the game in Hi Def will get you immersed in the living and breathing environment of Liberty City. You can really make out the facial expressions of the characters in the game as they interact with each other, or watch the windshield of your car shatter as you ram your car into an unsuspecting hot-dog seller standing on the sidewalk or just by doing the 'ol plummeting-your-car-from-the-roof-of-a-building trick (which requires you to do a vehicle spawn cheat to get the vehicle up onto the roof to begin with).
  
  I won't bother writing about the characters' background since most probably you've read it various times already. However, I would like to say that the personality that was built into the characters are amazing.
  
  On the flipside, I do miss being able to travel to the countrysides and hot-wire myself a tractor like I did in San Andreas. GTA IV's game environment is notably not as vast compared to what was put in to San Andreas, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for it with details.
  
  The controls (driving and walking/running) are somewhat more complicated compared to previous series of the game. Some might argue it being more 'realistic'. I find it quite annoying sometimes for having to stop exactly in front of a ladder after sprinting to climb up. Otherwise, I'd have to spend an extra 4-5 secs trying to position myself in front of the ladder while the guy I'm chasing is about to take off on a chopper.
  
  Altogether, good game. Play duration and difficulty is acceptable. You'll clock in a good 30/40 hours of gameplay no problem before you finish the game. Definitely not a game for minors though considering the graphic nature of the actions you'll get in the game.
  
  The extra stuff that came together with the special edition?
  - Safe deposit box: Nice and sturdy
  - Duffel Bag: Looked bigger in the picture
  - Soundtrack: Added to my music library
  - Artbook: Full of colorful pictures
  - Key/Keyring: Haven't used, haven't had the need to lock the box
  - License Plate: Something to show off to my mates
  
  
• It's in the Detail
  By A2KOVZ082MO4GE on 2008-05-26
  It is as if Rockstar finally had the hardware to realise their true vision. The depth of detail is hard to imagine and difficult to describe as it seems everything has been thought of, creating one of the most immersive games I have ever played. It also has great scripting, voice acting and storyline to boot. Technically very little to complain about, some minor frame rate drop in intense action scenes and a couple of camera issues on occasion. One thing of note my Samsung LCD 101cm 1080i TV has some trouble with the blacks loosing some detail but this is more a fault of the older generation LCD TV than the game. Sometimes the voice acting is a little hard to hear over the background sounds. None of this detracts from how good this game really is. A must buy for any fan. I really liked the additional items (lockbox, key ring, art book etc) as it cost me very little extra over and above buying just the straight copy here in Australia. Bargain. Love it.
  
  
• Good Gem
  By AZDYM8HAZW8TZ on 2008-05-26
  This product is excellent there is no "edited" clips unlike the AUS.NZ version. It delivers and does well at it. Cant get a new girlfriend because i stay in my room playing as much as i can. Once you go GTA there is no way to get out. As a gamer ever since the very first Grand Theft Auto was unleashed I have grown and so has this legacy series. 10/10 not that this rating is anywhere close to describing its enjoyment.
  Semi.
  
  
• Funtastic
  By A1NMH79C1QPNO3 on 2008-05-26
  Rated 4.8/5.0
  
  Pros & Cons:
  
  Pros:
  1) F**king Realistic
  2) Detailed to Perfection
  3) Interactive AI
  4) Better than all prequels
  5) Good Soundtrack
  
  Cons:
  1) Lack of Casinos
  2) Repetitive missions - mostly shoot 'em ups
  3) Absence of flying Dream Liners & Harrier Fighters
  
  
• Awesome!
  By A13KWGH22D31H2 on 2008-05-26
  Awesome game, the special edition was worth the money, and was a very nice touch! This game is a must-have for GTA lovers!
  
  
• GTA IV Special Edition
  By A1YRWD36LKTUFQ on 2008-05-27
  I bought it for my brother, and after his exams, he didn't leave the game alone at all.
  
  
• Revolutionizes Games
  By A3L4U9ZZOC1ANY on 2008-05-27
  This game is so good that it actually brings apon us a new age of video games.
  
  
• Absolutely Gripping
  By A23RBS6WW8IDEB on 2008-05-27
  This is, very simply, the best game I have ever seen. I am constantly discovering new things, and I don't have to play with a given structure. Rockstar North has truly outdone themselves with this product, I am completely pleased.
  
  

• PlayStation: The Official Magazine (1-year)
• Electronic Gaming Monthly

• Grand Theft Auto IV Series Guide (Bradygames Signature)
• Playstation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
• Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection