GRAND THEFT AWE-TO, by Owen Anslow

WIPE the drool away and breathe a sigh of relief gamers, for the new Grand Theft Auto is here—and still streets ahead of the rest.

GTA IV, which hits the shops on Tuesday, is in great nick and the BAFTA award-winning Rockstar have once again taken the game to the next level.

Firstly, it looks sensational—cars, thugs and buildings no longer have a cartoon feel to them. And the storyline is probably the best yet.

You’re Niko, an Eastern European who has landed in Liberty City looking for a new life.

Sadly, his cousin’s promises of mansions, fast cars and pretty women have all been a big fat lie. So, Niko must start from the bottom and work his way up.

Differences from previous GTA titles include a more intense gameplay, thanks to the seamless plot and great graphics.

Your playing area is one (big) city with no load screens in between districts. Car handling is more realistic and cop chases now rely on a line-of-site system (well, that’s when they’re not dodging the grenades you’ve dropped out the car window).

Your main character is a lot more agile this time round. Niko can hop and climb around and also has some cheeky little combos for when he gets into a scrap.

During a gunfight players will enjoy Niko’s ability to take cover behind anything and shoot his way out of trouble (firing controls have vastly improved).

This may be a violent game—but no more so than any film or TV show, hence the 18 certificate.

Rockstar have also introduced a nifty mobile phone system so Niko can call and send texts, which help with missions—one of many nice touches.

Others include Ricky Gervais at the comedy club and the music. Ah yes, the music. There’s plenty to keep you nodding along to as you zoom across Broker Bridge.

Basically, GTA IV is much bigger and much better than ever before. And here’s where it gets even better . . . Rockstar have put their greatest project online. Yes, sixteen of you and your mates can run riot throughout Liberty City until the wee hours.

Simply put, this game is grand.

VERDICT: Runaway success

SCORE: 9.8/10

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