NO SPOILARZ - THE GTA IV THREAD

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2008-04-29 07:54pm

I never went into the HD hype anyway, it's only something my computer monitor has shown for years anyway. I'll be at least 3 metres from the TV, so it's not like it'll matter. And given the size of some of the more insane LCD and plasma screens today over 50", 1080p is fairly lacking and totally unimpressive on any classic movie not filmed in HD. As that article says, if it spends that extra processor power on making a nicer image, rather than a mediocre one that's, uh, bigger, then whoop. It's sad that a lot of games today rely purely on making shit look more polished in HD than, say, make a good earth-shattering title like GTA IV.

I've gamed for long enough on the PSX, PS2, GC and the like without thinking "But if only it had four times the resolution, then it'd be perfect!".

Starglider · Post by **Starglider** » 2008-04-29 08:02pm

Admiral Valdemar wrote:I never went into the HD hype anyway, it's only something my computer monitor has shown for years anyway. I'll be at least 3 metres from the TV, so it's not like it'll matter. And given the size of some of the more insane LCD and plasma screens today over 50", 1080p is fairly lacking and totally unimpressive on any classic movie not filmed in HD.

I have a 1080p projector and a 100" screen. While it is nice to play Mario Kart Wii four-player on it and have each player actually able to see what they're doing (compared to the eye-strainingly annoying experience of 4-player split-screen on a normal TV), standard-def Wii graphics are noticeably sucky compared to Ace Combat 6 (and other HD games) on the 360. Of course I also have a 7.1 surround system with a couple of 15" subwoofers purely for the explosions.

I picked up a copy of GTA4 today but I'm waiting for a good few hours clear to play it and I won't get that until this weekend.

chitoryu12 · Post by **chitoryu12** » 2008-04-30 12:08am

Vympel wrote:The gunfights are great, though on my crappy small TV it's a bit hard to make out the items to pick up once you kill the badguys, since they're not spinny/glowy things anymore.

You sure? Weapons and body armor glow red and, in the dark, health glows green. You can tell if you killed an enemy by the red glow. Except for health, it's visible even in daylight.

The co-op missions, despite what that one French magazine (and Stark) said about them looking bad, are actually the best choice right now. On all the other modes nobody knows what to do, mainly because almost all of the players hopped right into the game and started up multiplayer without figuring out that it doesn't play like San Andreas. At least with co-op the players are focusing on one objective and usually take it more seriously.

Joviwan · Post by **Joviwan** » 2008-04-30 12:12am

I walked into my local Sam's Club today, and asked if they had a copy of the game. Yes, they did. A hundred or few copies, actually. And they hadn't put them out on display.

Anyway, Playing the game, having a good time so far. I like the new combat systems, though I haven't gotten to play with cover yet. The graphics are doing a lot of not impressing me, unfortunately, and seem unpolished or blurry in places where they shouldn't. And maybe I'm spoiled by HL2, but I really wish this game had competent facial animation. Anyway, digging the game so far.

DPDarkPrimus · Post by **DPDarkPrimus** » 2008-04-30 12:25am

For multiplayer, the best thing to do is just Free Play mode.

I spent three hours today with a buddy just driving around, doing crazy jumps and getting in fights with the police, then fleeing the wanted radius.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 12:36am

To my surprise, I managed to go to Blockbuster and rent it today (poor girl was getting non-stop calls asking if it was in stock). Since I don't own a next-gen console and my friend has an X360 well, you know what version I played.

It. Was. Amazing.

I really don't think I've even scratched the surface of all that there is to see and do, and this is just the first section. Darts, bowling, pool, surfing the net, kicking back watching TV, going out drinking with friends, and so on. Damn.

I must say, so far the dating (granted this has so far been only with the plot-introduced girl and I haven't played that long) is pretty non-annoying compared to San Andreas. Instead of those stupid nothing conversations, they have real dialouge. You know, character development. Not on the level of the story missions, but hey, it works. My friend bought the Russian Army fur hat in the store, and she even commented on it! It's those little touches of detail, found throughout the game, that make it.

Tied into the above is the hanging out stuff. I've only done a couple so far, but again the dialouge actually makes sense given where you are in the game. And it's good. I loved going out drinking and trying to drive Roman back though. The cops even tried to bust me for DUI!

Speaking of the cops, I have to agree with ando that the new search grid system is great. It really adds a new element to police pursuit. And from what I've seen so far, the cops aren't even that dumb AI-wise. And it is nice to see them pick on some other people for a change: there was a fender bender and a couple people got out and started to fight. Well there was a cop that pulled up, got out, and started breaking up the fight! And they'll actually arrest people; I saw them put the guy in the back of the patrol car and drive off. I was curious to follow them and see where they went, but my friend was playing and he didn't want to. Ah well...

Oh yes, and I'm waiting for another fender bender. Then I'll call 911 and see if the cops show up to arrest the people fighting. Personally I also want to see, if there's a cop present and someone attacks Nico first (which can happen without you throwing a punch) if the LCPD will come to my rescue.

The graphics are excellent. Liberty City has never looked better! I love driving along at night, and looking at the middle island skyline. I even made my way to the rooftops and took a look. Impressive. Another detail I like is the emergency lights. Not only do they just provide a general flashing around the car (like they used to) but now they'll reflect off the walls, overpasses, and even the water! Yes, reflective water. Cool huh? But I love the emergency lights now. It really can add a certain ambiance at night, y'know? Perfect for if someone does some machinima.

There's more I could go on and on about how great it is, but I figure I'll post a few of the minor downpoints as well. One thing is the bars. It's great to go drinking with a friend, but I really wish I could just sit down and get a drink myself. So far, from what I've seen, that's simply not possible; you have to be doing it with one of your friends. A little disappointing, but such is life. Another minor nitpick is the driving: I've really not gotten the hang of it yet. I suppose with enough playtime I will, but right now it is mildly annoying at times (though not too excessive).

A few minor little details aside though, this is a really remarkable game. Once again Rockstar has not only set a new standard, but they totally annilihated what it was previously.

I haven't even tried out the multiplayer yet. I'd love to when I can get the chance, but I'd definately prefer it with people I know over random players online. It'd be nice if there was a split-screen option (me and my friend couldn't fine one, anyway) but ah well.

I said it beforehand, but now I know for sure: GTA4 will be the reason I buy a next-gen console. Flat out.

EDIT: As I said in the chat:

It's a good thing I don't have a next-gen console and have to play at my friend's place. Otherwise I'd never stop. Fuck WarCrack. Overrated grinding shit. GTA4 is the new opiate of the gaming masses.

Post by **weemadando** » 2008-04-30 12:46am

RogueIce - yes, the cops will come to your rescue if they see someone attacking you first... It can be quite hilarious to get a bit trail of pissed of people chasing you, then finding a cop who suddenly goes into riot control mode and is shouting at everyone and calling for backup.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 12:59am

weemadando wrote:RogueIce - yes, the cops will come to your rescue if they see someone attacking you first... It can be quite hilarious to get a bit trail of pissed of people chasing you, then finding a cop who suddenly goes into riot control mode and is shouting at everyone and calling for backup.

That's definately something I'll have to try when I play agin (not until Friday

). It is the attention to detail, as illustrated in that example, that really make this game shine. Liberty City genuinely feels like it could be a real place where you can live.

PeZook · Post by **PeZook** » 2008-04-30 03:18am

So...when you go into a bar and leave your car outside, does it disappear as it did in San Andreas?

That was disappointing. I couldn't take my pimped-out ride to a bar and shoot some pool, because it would be gone by the time I walked out!

And it happened to me once in the middle of the desert. Heh, that was a suprise...

Tolya · Post by **Tolya** » 2008-04-30 03:43am

Rockstar GTA games were always very attentive to details...

It's like talking a raw unprocessed diamond and tinkering it until it reaches near perfection.

That's what those guys at Rockstar do and I damn love them for it. No GTA game I played has been a disappointment, which is a rare treat considering they all just copy an established idea.

Post by **weemadando** » 2008-04-30 04:22am

Why do people think CAD isn't funny - well, at least that one is...

And quick hint no.3898(b) - first mission of Manny's? STAY THE FUCK BACK ALL THE TIME. Twitchy as shit that mission.

But, once you reach your destination, find a way up onto the roof to get yourself an MP5. And that gun is sweet.

loomer · Post by **loomer** » 2008-04-30 10:11am

God damn, I can't wait for the PC port. and You bastards better describe the Euphoria stuff more. I demand more pure awesome examples!

Jade Falcon · Post by **Jade Falcon** » 2008-04-30 10:49am

One of the first games that I got for my 360 was Saints Row, and I know that game was knocked for being nothing but a cheap knock off, personally I have enjoyed it.

It was nice to see the Saints Row style GPS in the driving now. In GTA 3 and Vice City finding your way wasn't so bad because of the city layout but in San Andreas there were some damned annoying dead ends and so on.

It's also cool that the GPS's differ. Roman's cab has a bog standard line type as seen in Saints Row, whereas more expensive cars will have speech "At the next junction turn right/left"".

I've only really scratched the surface so far and I'm very impressed.

DPDarkPrimus · Post by **DPDarkPrimus** » 2008-04-30 10:58am

I was walking down the street and all of a sudden a cutscene triggers. Some dude standing next to a building asks how I'm doing, and then he goes into some spiel about communism and then gives me a hundred bucks to celebrate capitalism!

I love young rich coke heads.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2008-04-30 11:19am

DPDarkPrimus wrote:I was walking down the street and all of a sudden a cutscene triggers. Some dude standing next to a building asks how I'm doing, and then he goes into some spiel about communism and then gives me a hundred bucks to celebrate capitalism!

I love young rich coke heads.

ROFL! Not many RPGs even do that sort of suprise. There little things really do add up to a more real world.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 11:55am

DPDarkPrimus wrote:I was walking down the street and all of a sudden a cutscene triggers. Some dude standing next to a building asks how I'm doing, and then he goes into some spiel about communism and then gives me a hundred bucks to celebrate capitalism!

I love young rich coke heads.

Yeah, same thing happened to me. Except I noticed the little green person icon (I looked at the map and it said "Friend"). So they'll show up on your GPS if you pay attention.

I was wondering who the fuck that could possibly be when I saw it. Then I found out and it was the coolest thing ever. Fuck finding hidden packages and shit, I'll take a hundred bucks any day!

So does anyone know if there's a way to take Nico to a bar or pub or something and get a drink by himself? Or does it always have to be one of those friend missions?

Jordie · Post by **Jordie** » 2008-04-30 12:08pm

DPDarkPrimus wrote:I was walking down the street and all of a sudden a cutscene triggers. Some dude standing next to a building asks how I'm doing, and then he goes into some spiel about communism and then gives me a hundred bucks to celebrate capitalism!

I love young rich coke heads.

There's more.

The next time you find him he's smoking a joint and gets you to take him to a drug deal. You get $200.

There's so much I love about this game. Fucking up the front of your car so much it doesn't start and when you smash the right side more than the left it gets compressed more, sliding around when the road's wet from rain.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 12:18pm

Jordie wrote:There's so much I love about this game. Fucking up the front of your car so much it doesn't start and when you smash the right side more than the left it gets compressed more, sliding around when the road's wet from rain.

Another thing is when my friend managed to run himself underneath a dump truck, the non-broken glass started started shattering after a bit, as if the dump truck was slowly squishing the car. I don't know if it actually was or not, but it was neat.

Oh yes, and running over a fire hydrant will lift up your car some, depending on the weight (did nothing to my firetruck but an SUV got some lift...I'm waiting to do it to a motorcycle

).

And apparently the cops don't like it if you use the fire truck's hose to spray random pedestrians and they catch you at it. It'll earn you a wanted star.

Ohma · Post by **Ohma** » 2008-04-30 12:21pm

I only got in an hour or so last night, boy they sure tweaked the physics for cars. Has anyone gotten the hang of relatively smooth high speed turns yet?

Jade Falcon · Post by **Jade Falcon** » 2008-04-30 01:52pm

I loved the fact that the early mission where you chase a guy called something like Dardan, you end up two or three floors up. Do the fight just right and he'll go through the window and get splattered on the street below.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 01:57pm

Jade Falcon wrote:I loved the fact that the early mission where you chase a guy called something like Dardan, you end up two or three floors up. Do the fight just right and he'll go through the window and get splattered on the street below.

I remember that building. I wanted to get my friend to jump through the window, but apparently Nico can't do that (unless you can somehow time it to throw a punch in mid-air or something). A real shame that; it'd be pretty cool to do.

Jade Falcon · Post by **Jade Falcon** » 2008-04-30 02:02pm

I've noticed while just screwing around that civilians are obviously armed. There was a parking lot just off the freeway with three oil tankers parked there, so I started shooting one up from a hill. A nearby civilian started taking potshots at me and then when I fired back the cops got involved.

Even the weather effects are damned nice. One little issue is that I bought the Russian fur hat and the shades and quite often Nico will change back. Is there a way to keep them on all the time?

Post by **RogueIce** » 2008-04-30 02:10pm

Jade Falcon wrote:I've noticed while just screwing around that civilians are obviously armed. There was a parking lot just off the freeway with three oil tankers parked there, so I started shooting one up from a hill. A nearby civilian started taking potshots at me and then when I fired back the cops got involved.

Even the weather effects are damned nice. One little issue is that I bought the Russian fur hat and the shades and quite often Nico will change back. Is there a way to keep them on all the time?

Are you getting hit by cars or knocked down? I noticed once when my friend got hit by a car that the fur hat wound up on the ground (apparently you can't pick it up). I suppose your glasses could get knocked off too but we didn't buy those.

That is mildly annoying I suppose, but on the other hand it is a nice little attention to detail that yes, stuff like glasses and hats can get knocked off you.

EDIT: And it's nice you don't have to go buy it again. Just go back to the safehouse and do the change clothes option.

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2008-04-30 03:03pm

Darts, bowling, pool, surfing the net, kicking back watching TV, going out drinking with friends, and so on. Damn.

I couldn't care less about this kind of stuff...that's what I do in real life. The aspect I'm excited for is the upgraded combat system. Is it a huge improvement over the previous games? I'm not buying this game to play pool, I'm buying it to get into massive gunfights with police and wreak havoc on NYC.

chitoryu12 · Post by **chitoryu12** » 2008-04-30 04:30pm

DPDarkPrimus wrote:For multiplayer, the best thing to do is just Free Play mode.

I spent three hours today with a buddy just driving around, doing crazy jumps and getting in fights with the police, then fleeing the wanted radius.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a buddy with a copy of GTA IV it goes down the shitter. I tried free mode and as soon as I jumped in I found everybody doing nothing but shooting whatever was in sight. It was a 17-way battle between the police and every player at the docks. We'll have to wait until everybody starts to figure out that there's more to free mode than spawn killing before it gets fun with someone you don't know personally.

Though I am damn tired of everybody who cracks open the game, gets a phone, and starts up multiplayer immediately because they all try to play it like the previous games. I tried a game of Bomb da Base II (my favorite multiplayer mode) and my partners chased the truck all the way from west Algonquin to South Bohan before disabling it. I have the feeling they didn't know how to shoot while driving and just tried ramming it (as soon as I saw how bad they were at driving I jumped out of the SUV and found my own car). Then they promptly threw the truck all over the place trying to drive back, handbraking turns at 50 mph and only one of them survived the assault on the ship with one life left. If I hadn't flown the helicopter there, we wouldn't have even made it.