5/5 ★ – cats4days9's review of Grand Theft Auto IV.
Grand Theft Auto IV is my favorite game of all time, and for good reason. It’s not just a game—it’s an experience that pulls you into a world that feels as real as it is bleak, making you question every decision and motive along the way.
Niko Bellic is the best protagonist Rockstar has ever written. He’s not some over-the-top criminal mastermind or mindless thug—he’s a man with a past, trying to carve out a future in a place that never really lets you escape where you came from. The American Dream? GTA IV takes that concept, chews it up, and spits it out as a grim reality check. Every character, from Roman to Dimitri to Packie, feels like they belong in this world, and their fates hit harder than in most other games.
Liberty City itself is another reason I love this game. It’s not just a sandbox—it’s alive. The way the city feels gritty, lived-in, and sometimes outright depressing makes it one of the most immersive open worlds ever created. Unlike later GTA entries, where chaos is the main draw, IV’s world makes you feel the weight of your actions. The driving physics, the weighty movement, the incredible ragdoll physics—all of it makes the gameplay feel grounded in a way that makes every chase, shootout, or even just a drive through Broker at night feel meaningful.
Then there’s the story. The way it weaves themes of loyalty, revenge, and the inevitability of fate is masterful. It’s not just about rising through the ranks of crime—it’s about realizing that no matter what you do, some things are just out of your hands. The final choice between Deal and Revenge isn’t just a gameplay decision; it’s a gut punch that perfectly encapsulates the entire journey.
There’s nothing else like GTA IV. It’s one of the few games that feels like it respects the player’s intelligence, letting the weight of the world and its characters speak for themselves. It’s not about mindless fun—it’s about immersion, storytelling, and the kind of introspection that sticks with you long after the credits roll. A true masterpiece.