Grand Theft Auto IV: A Whole New Level In Gaming Experience

After months and months of delays, today finally marked the release of Grand Theft Auto IV. The game is glorious and filled with the usual aspects that make the franchise one of the greatest; sports cars, AK-47s, prostitutes, and marijuana usage.

For years, Rockstar Games and its GTA franchise have been the focal point for critics that fear violence in video games warps the minds of young players and turns them into real-world thugs or killers. So-called "experts" such as Jack Thompson firmly believe that violence in games can directly be associated with violence and aggression in adolescents. Both sides of the debate can be seen below, as Dr. Paul Levinson, a professor of mine at Fordham University, tries to instill some reason and sensibility into Mr. Thompson.



To put it simply, those critics who truly believe this notion are idiots. They are morons who most likely have never touched a video game and are bitter that they grew up in an era void of such amazing entertainment.

In fact, there is little evidence to prove the link between violent video games and aggressive behavior in youths even exists. On the contrary, there have been several studies composed by universities and credited scientists that say otherwise.

Rockstar is predicting to sell at least 6 million copies of GTA IV in its first week alone. If Thompson's assertions are even slightly true, that means we are in store for a massive wave of crime and violence some time in the near future. I sure hope he's wrong.


As for the game itself, the newest installment in the GTA series is nothing short of brilliant.

To start, the landscape is breathtaking. Liberty City (an almost perfect knock-off of New York City) looks amazing. You almost feel as if you are walking the streets of Manhattan as you stroll down a sidewalk, searching for pedestrians to mug or cars to steal.

The cars are equally as amazing. The attention to detail mimics that of the Grand Turismo series. And since GTA IV takes place in a modern day metropolis, you will see cars that look very familiar (Porches, Chrysler 300s, Range Rovers), all with different names, of course. You'll also see older model cars, such as t-top Firebirds and old Monte Carlos.

The rag-doll technology used for characters in GTA IV adds to the games realism. Running down Liberty City citizens is fun to do and watch. Their movement in the air as they strike the pavement or other cars or lamp posts is unbelievable. The game is loaded with realistic detail. For example, if you shoot a motorist while they are driving, blood will splatter on the windshield and the limp body of the ill-fated driver may set off the blinker or rest on the horn.

My friends and I were particularly amused during a free roaming session in which I wreaked serious havoc upon unsuspecting civilians. In one instance, I ran down one poor guy who ended up resting on my windshield and holding on for dear life as I sped up and then suddenly slammed on my brakes. The civilian went flying through the air and we watched in complete joy as his head splattered on the pavement.

After that, I decided to change vehicles and carjacked another unsuspecting victim who attempted to reenter his stolen car as I was pulling away. In a valiant effort, the man maintained a grip on his car's door handle as I raced down the street. Seeing an opportunity, I swung the car swiftly toward a parked car and the swinging body of the civilian smashed into it (which just so happened to be a police car).

Doing these things brought about feelings of rage and aggression in me and I felt a need to get in my car and start running people down on the streets of my town. Just kidding. Of course it didn't.

It's this extreme realism, coupled with a story line that resembles an award-winning drama that makes Grand Theft Auto IV the game of the year, without question.




As for the critics and naysayers, in the end, there lies a simple solution for parents that feel a game of this nature is not suitable for their children: Do Not Buy Your Kids The Game. The ESRB rates thousands of games a year, and obviously GTA has a M (mature) rating. Thus, only kids 17 and older are allowed to purchase it. If you, as a parent, feel that your 9 or even 16 year old should not be exposed to the same sort of violence, sex, and drug use that is ubiquitous on television, film, and the internet, then feel free to buy them Madden 2009 or Mario Kart Wii.

As for everyone else, enjoy the game.