I have never been a fan of the GTA series, so I was a bit hesistant to purchase the game initially, but I am glad that I did anyway. This is easily the best GTA in the series; gunplay has been hugely improved over what was seen in previous versions, the main character Niko is easily the most charismatic (a must for an anti-hero), mission retries are a welcome change (although mid-mission checkpoints would have been better), and obviously the graphics are a lot nicer.

Speaking of graphics, unlike what someone below has said, the differences between the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are negligible. Some sites like IGN and 1up have preferred the PS3 version (on the account that it had less texture pop-in) whereas Gameplanet's own reviewers have preferred the 360 version on the account that it has a better colour scheme. Both version suffer from rare slowdown, which absolutely does not effect gameplay. What the 360 version does have that the PS3 version doesn't is exclusive downloadble content and achievement points, which is why I bought GTA IV on my 360 and not on my PS3.

So regardless of what console you have, GTA IV is a must purchase. If you only have one of either the Xbox 360 or the PS3, then the purchase is a no-brainer. If you own both machines, then weight up the possibly slight improvement in graphical fidelity of the PS3 version, over the extra content and achievement points of the 360 version. Regardless of what version you do go for, you're bound to have a blast playing the game.

Finally, there are some new variations in how you get people out of their car lol, now you don't just pull 'em out, but you may hook them in the head or kick 'em in the liver or something, it freakin rocks lol!

8/10 = 4/5

Love this game i never got into the last GTA games the cover system needs more work but u can live with it
as of the frame rate issues ive got no problems my frame rate is fine i dont know what people are crying about
online is fun think theres 15 modes to play but it has one of these shit cod4 lobbys that just dont work as well

This is the best game I've ever played, ever. Deserves a review I think.

Astounded, floored, in awe of it awesome greatness. Don't even bother playing anything else untill you play this. Theres a good reason every single reviewer gave it a ten, they would have givin it an eleven if it was possible, thats professional reviewers that get payed for reviewing games everyday, highest rated game on gamerankings ever. I bought this twice infact, and one even for a console I don't have just because it's so damn awesome. Only problem with it is I've allready played it.

Graphics 10
Gameplay 10
Audio 10
Replay 9

Some people just don't get it, and thats fine, it doesn't have anything to do with how much "stuff" they put in it. In my opinion this does what the original super mario bros. did for gaming, total revolution, other games can't even be compared to it. Destroyed. Game over man, game over. Rockstar you win.

This is one awesome game. It is the funniest since GTA Vice City. Alot of thought put in to make make it a realistic virtual world. Just go on a taxi ride, and see what I mean. Gameplay is just as fun as ever. Plenty of things to do between missions, eg. darts, bowling, drinking, going to Cabaret Show and Comedy Club, going out with girlfriends and other people you meet. I'm still finding new things in the game. The best GTA game so far. Highly recommended.