After their 90 minute GTAIV hands-on preview, IGN came away gushing over the game's graphics, lushiously dynamic weather effects and put to rest their worries of a jumpy frame rate. To them, this is the next-gen GTA experience they've dreamt about. Some interesting tidbits we extracted from their preview were little things, including the addition of auto-saves, every street having a name, how much the physics engine has improved and the fact that Rockstar has kept true to the GTA formula. Other more gameplay focused additions are mentioned like the fact that the combat system will feature a Gears of War inspired cover system (complete with blind firing) and the importance of Niko's cell phone in the game (you can even call 911). The preview should get you excited for GTAIV and should put to rest any worries you may have had about Rockstar's commitment to the franchise. Simply put, GTAIV sounds amazing and we can't wait to give it a spin for ourselves.
[Thanks, DaveC and Xenocidic]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-23-2008 @ 4:34PM
xenocidic said...
I read this preview with the excitement of a kid on Christmas eve.
By page 2, I was salivating.
By page 4, I had a woody.
This game can't come out soon enough!
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 5:42PM
jimy said...
keep waiting :/
1-23-2008 @ 7:03PM
pkilla said...
IGN.com seems like its down. It won't load at all
1-23-2008 @ 4:34PM
bsbauman said...
i am holding my breath...
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:36PM
ryan said...
why is it so many people seem to diss the graphics in GTA4? they seem fine to me. if they pushed it further we'd have clip/popups like Oblivion and Mass Effect. so what the hizzy?
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:43PM
TORO said...
I can't believe they did not offer X3F a visit to Rockstar, the #1 Xbox news website.
Anyways, looks awesome!
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:59PM
Larry *not allowed to say cheevo* said...
I know! WTF?! X3F should have been in there a LONG time ago!
I wasn't really excited for this game, but these little details are stoking the fire for me. I'll pick it up for sure, do they still have that limited edition with the duffel bag and lock box?
1-23-2008 @ 5:13PM
TORO said...
Lol you weren't excited and now you're getting the limited edition! Big roller huh...
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=200338
1-23-2008 @ 5:54PM
Larry *not allowed to say cheevo* said...
You know how I roll... *pops collar to indicate how I roll*
1-23-2008 @ 4:50PM
intRvenous said...
I have a gripe with IGN: with almost every cross-platform game, the headline graphics on the homepage link to the PS3 page. Okay, fine - PS3 needs all the help it can get.
What PEEVES me is that this demo was done on a 360! The gorgeous graphics, improved framerate, etc. - all 360 goodness! The end of the article even states that Rockstar will "provide a PS3 update soon..."
Yet once again, the link on the homepage takes you to the PS3 page. This gives the impression that PS3 is the primary platform, with the 360 version a lesser port....or something. Ugh. Just me?
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:54PM
ryan said...
i think it's a simple misunderstanding. the 360 has been the #1 platform for GTA4 since the beginning. I think it's more like people are accustomed to it being for the PS3 because of it's strong PS2 herritage.
1-23-2008 @ 4:52PM
George Arauz said...
I can see the deal.. yeah the graphics are "OK".. but its the gameplay that makes it fun
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:52PM
SirPoonga said...
So they are adding features from Saint's Row.
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 4:53PM
kavendano14 said...
I cant wait for this game, but come on "You can even call 911" Saints Row did it first dont even start with that shit.
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 5:00PM
ryan said...
so what if they are copying saints row. why not take something good and apply it to your idea?
i mean, if you were a fan of Game X and you go into Game Y wishing for a GX feature, why not just implement it in the beginning, adding to your list of features and make everybody happy?
it's not like "calling 911" is copyrighted. people who hadn't played Saints Row might find this feature exciting, who knows?
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 5:30PM
SirPoonga said...
I did say it was bad. It's kinda funny. The original imitating the imitator. The devs of Saints Row said they wanted to improve on the GTA formula, which they did. So of course GTA should take note and improve theirs.
1-23-2008 @ 5:31PM
SirPoonga said...
I meant to say "I didn't say it was bad."
1-23-2008 @ 6:20PM
ryan said...
oh, I know you didn't mean to say that. but the commenter after yours made it sound demeaning and pathetic of RockStar.
1-23-2008 @ 7:39PM
kavendano14 said...
What I was saying was that the writer made it sound like it was the first time it was done, it isnt and I never said it was bad but they should at least give props to Saints Row developers for contributing in the game.
1-23-2008 @ 6:35PM
DeadPlasmaCell said...
It would be cool if the in game weather matched your local weather.
Reply