Grand Theft Auto IV
In short: Grand Theft Auto IV is an action game released in 2008 by Rockstar North, available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Our score: 9.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $5.99.
An open-world action-adventure game set in Liberty City, following the story of Eastern European immigrant Niko Bellic and his pursuit of the American Dream.
Grand Theft Auto IV, developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, is an open-world action-adventure game released in 2008. The game is set in the sprawling and meticulously detailed Liberty City, a fictionalized rendition of New York City. Players step into the shoes of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who arrives in America in search of a new life and to escape his troubled past. However, Niko quickly finds himself embroiled in the criminal underworld of Liberty City, tangled in the schemes of his cousin Roman Bellic and various other unsavory characters. The narrative of Grand Theft Auto IV is a mature and compelling exploration of the American Dream through the eyes of an outsider. Niko's journey is fraught with moral dilemmas, betrayal, and violence, forcing players to make difficult choices that have lasting consequences. The game masterfully blends a deeply personal story with a vast criminal epic, offering a commentary on immigration, corruption, and the darker side of aspiration in a modern metropolis. The writing is sharp, the characters are memorable, and the voice acting is exceptionally strong. The gameplay of GTA IV builds upon the established Grand Theft Auto formula while introducing significant refinements. Players have unparalleled freedom to explore Liberty City, engaging in a wide array of activities beyond the main story missions. These include side quests, races, vigilante missions, and various recreational pursuits. The combat…
Game details
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release year: 2008
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Category: action
Our review
Grand Theft Auto IV is a masterclass in open-world storytelling and gritty realism. Niko Bellic's journey through Liberty City is a compelling and often brutal exploration of the American Dream, far removed from the glitz and glamour seen elsewhere. The narrative is mature, dark, and deeply engaging, driven by exceptionally well-written characters and outstanding voice acting. Gameplay offers a vast playground of activities, from exhilarating car chases to intense shootouts, all enhanced by a refined combat system and a more realistic driving model. While the graphics, even for its time, had a somewhat muted color palette, the sheer detail and atmosphere of Liberty City are breathtaking. Performance on PC at launch was notoriously demanding, but subsequent patches and modern hardware make it much more accessible. This game delivers an immense amount of content, compelling multiplayer, and a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a landmark title that redefined…
Pros
- Compelling and mature story
- Deep character development
- Vast and detailed open world
- Refined combat and driving mechanics
- Excellent voice acting
- Rich multiplayer experience
Cons
- Demanding PC performance at launch
- Somewhat muted color palette
- Initial learning curve for driving controls
FAQ
- Is Grand Theft Auto IV backwards compatible on newer consoles?
- Yes, Grand Theft Auto IV is backwards compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
- Are there any cheats in Grand Theft Auto IV?
- Yes, like previous GTA titles, GTA IV features a range of cheats that can be entered via Niko's in-game phone.
- Can I play Grand Theft Auto IV online?
- Yes, Grand Theft Auto IV features a robust multiplayer component, allowing players to free-roam Liberty City with others, or compete in various game modes.
- What are the main differences between GTA IV and previous GTA games?
- GTA IV introduced a more realistic and grounded tone, with refined driving and combat, a stronger emphasis on a compelling narrative, and a less over-the-top approach compared to titles like San Andreas.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026