Im curious as to whether or not any of you guys out there got the game and/or have played through it at all.  In broad significance, its really unique in the degree of universal acclaim it has recieved.  Its really strange to see actually, publications like Time praising in addition to the more conventional groups such as IGN or Gamespot, both of which gave it perfect scores which is highly rare.  And not any less significant is the fact that it now has the record for largest sales in both a single day, and week period.

Given all the praise for it, I guess I had really mixed expectations.  I was expecting sometihng along the lines of the traditional GTA franchise and something that was more elaborate then San Andreas, the predesesor.  Somewhat surprisingly, I got the game a week late this past monday and was shocked to find that it felt off.  No longer did I find it was a nice stress reliever where I could just roam the streets running innocent bystanders over, but more so that I felt that I actually wanted to play the game in a serious manner.

I dont know whether or not this is a change in myself actually, but I can't help but feel that the developers really tried to tailor this game to a different audience.  Sure, you get the normal amount of adolescent humor with internet cafes called "tw@" or what not, but the real world environment is far more realistic and does not feel like a game at all for that matter.  Actually, those that have played it will realize the shockingly large degree the game puts upon maintaining and establishing friendships.  Given one can choose not to pursue friends or love interests, one can't deny that the game has built a large base off of it.

Its somewhat scary to what degree the developers have gone in this gameplay aspect.  For girlfriends, one can seek relationships through internet dating sites and personals off of the game's own Craigslist.  Each individual is relatively unique and will react differently to say what Nico wears, drives, or simply where you choose to take them.  I admit, its not crazy elaborate, but its not simply drive to location A to pick up girl, then drive to location B for the date and back to A like it was in San Andreas.  The majority of date sites are actually games within a game.  For example if you take them bowling or to shoot pool, you actually do so and honestly to admit, its pretty damn fun even though it can get repetitive.  Even the locations that are not activities such as shows will actually play unique acts for the player to watch (which are surprisingly sometimes quite interesting).  The completely non-interactive locales such as bars will also even have a substantial real life effect.  Nico will get drunk and the game takes quite a large measure to show the consequences of said act.  If you drive, it will both be quite a challenge and cops will try to pull you over.

Overall, the level of complexity in character relationships really masks this game in a completely different light then the rest of the series.  In a strange way and almost like how a film convinces in audience to like certain characters, one really can't help but want and to try to maintain your friends in the game rather then completely blowing them off.  Also in addition, the significant degree to which the game allows the player to make their own choices in many cases such as whether or not to go through with a hit, or let the person walk really gives the whole experience a moral dynamic.

I have to say at first, I was somewhat disappointed actually initially.  I found that it was simply not as fun to go on murderous rampages any longer, which was really the sole reason I bought the game.  The fact of the matter is, the sheer complexity of the game and degree to what you can do really serves to take most of your attention away from doing such acts.  I spent a good amount of my playing time simply going on dates, hanging out with friends and actually even was compelled not to kill people when I had a choice.  Its strange, I really feel actually that the multiple dynamics and levels to the game either intentional or not, really serve to paint a very realistic setting that really lends itself to force players to act on a there own conscious rather then simple sadistic desire.

So yea, I haven't really said anything that I imagine other reviewers haven't, but god damn this game is truely amazing.  If I wasn't so afraid of my Xbox red-ringing on me, I'd probably still be playing right now, given that I had been playing for 9 hours already.

I don't have the game yet, but I've been hearing good things from everyone who does. I heard that the city replication is nearly authentic to NY as well this time (as opposed to the fallacious Liberty City). I didn't realize that it was a complete different take on the mechanics of the game though, I'll definately have to check it out.

the reason I haven't played GTA IV:

(every point in that article describes me, except that I'm looking into getting a second HD TV which you can apparently never have enough of)

interesting synopsis although you're making me even more confused about how I fit into the GTA world. Regardless I'll probably pick it up so as to make my PS3 not seem totally useless.

We might rent it or borrow it, but we were never big GTA fans. Eric was the only one that really played them, and he stole that from Derek's brother, XD. I am looking forward to seeing it (I'd never play it, hahah) though, based on all I've heard. :)

I honestly can't think of any gamer who shouldnt buy this game.  Im already 30+ hours into it, and only aroudn the 40% completion mark.  Theres just so much that the game allows you to do aside from the main story missions which isn't just random filler B.S.

Also I haven't even touched the multiplayer yet and its supposedly now the largest played game on LIVE.

Really? What would the multiplayer is comprised of? Just similiar game mechanics on a mmo-type scale?

I think you're underestimating how much this isn't our kind of game, lawl. XD

If I remember correctly the online is more like FPS's online, with a Co-Op and Deathmatch kind of thing. There's probably more interesting things related to GTA as well, but that's a given.

thats true, but im just trying to make a point that the developers have tried to go in a different direction with IV.  Also, its true the game has fps-type multiplayer options, but what I find most intriguing is how you can simply free roam with friends.  Also the combat mechanics aren't even fps-like in the slightest.  it somewhat resembles Gears Of War with a whole duck/cover system.

Crapson: Also the combat mechanics aren't even fps-like in the slightest.

That's good. GTA didn't strike me as the proper type of universe for straight up FPS.

Quoting Evol:

the reason I haven't played GTA IV:

(every point in that article describes me, except that I'm looking into getting a second HD TV which you can apparently never have enough of)

Ahahaha that was awesome XD Brightened up my Monday, yes.

Read this really interesting NYTimes article about the GTA "actor" behind the main character -

Wondering if you guys think this dude should or shouldn't get more pay :3

BTW I love the board search, awesome capability xD