I shan't call this a review, since I am not even close to finishing the main story of GTA IV. However, I feel I have played enough to give a decent impression of the game, how it stands as compared to the previous GTAs.
First, I've got to state that I was playing the game on a SD TV (I need to make more money before I can get a HD TV, damn it!), but I'm still very impressed with what I saw. The graphics of GTA IV are obviously a notch above the previous installations. The big difference is that GTA 3, VC and SA had all sported cartoony graphics, whereas in GTA IV, the producers are clearly going for a more realistic look. Perhaps it's because of the new direction (realism) the game is heading, even the missions are less "insane" as compared to the past games. So far, I've yet to encounter any zany missions such as bombing/chasing stuffs with RC choppers, and the mission NPCs are more believable. Even the driving mechanic was tweaked to make it feel more realistic, as it is now more difficult to maneuver corners at high speeds.
Next up, on the main character, Niko Bellic. I'd say Niko is pretty likeable person, and personally I rank him second, just below Tommy Vercetti, whom I still feel is the best protagonist. I find myself agreeing with most of the reviewers when they said they are more emotionally attached to Niko, as he forced under circumstances to commit acts he is reluctant to do. However, there are some inconsistencies, as people who play the game will notice the fact that during some missions Niko seem more than willing to do dirty work for the sake of money. That said, all in all, Niko can be considered to be a "good" guy and I'm sure most GTA fans will not be disappointed as him being the main character of the game.
Finally, let me touch on the plot abit. I will try not to reveal too much spoilers, but man, is the plot good. Remember the last mission of SA when CJ chased Tenpenny down and indirectly killed him? The satisfaction you get when seeing that dickhead die? Well, I experienced satisfaction arguably of equal intensity as that as early as the first 5 hours into GTA IV. That is how good the plot is. It may be a tad similar to those typical Hollywood shows, but who cares so long the Hollywood shows that it is similar to are those of the AAA quality.
I shall give more insight to the game once I proceed further into the storyline and the gameplay. Till then, cya.
There are many parodies of real life in the game
I just love the subtle humor the producers put into the game
The guys over at MMO Champion have consolidated tons of information on the next World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. There will be lots of stuffs for those of you who are eagerly anticipating WotLK's release to read. Be sure to check out the 10 minute trailer of the game embedded below!
Unless you do not have internet access (then how would you be viewing my blog?), you probably would have noticed the biggest gaming news of the year so far -- the release of the long awaited game Grand Theft Auto IV. The game has gotten lots of coverage on both major gaming sites, and also in the mainstream news. Even Hollywood took notice of the game, for fear that the release of the game would affect the box office sales of the Iron Man movie which was out on the same week as the game. Even I got myself a Playstation 3 for this game.
Now that my exams have ended (this morning :D), I've started to play GTA 4, and my thoughts on the game so far? All I can say is, believe the hype. It is really that good. Review to come once I've played the game a bit more.
Bringing you gaming news during exams HT! (Actually it's more of 4/5 time, as I am left with only 1 more paper on Tuesday). I've succumbed to temptation and finally purchased what would complete my Playstation consoles collection yesterday. I proudly present you, the Playstation 3!
Finally! My Sony consoles collection is complete... for now!
Move up, ladies
That means I owe you guys 2 reviews now -- CC and GTA 4. This holiday is sure a busy one!
Soon, that is. Tomorrow's the start of my final exam for Year 2, and it'll last all the way till the 5th of May. After which I'd have nearly 3 months of freedom. That means 3 whole months of pure gaming, woot! Anyway, the Crisis Core review that I had promised has to wait, as I've yet to play the game much. Though I can assure all Final Fantasy VII fans out there that it is definitely a must buy for them.
Sorry for the late post, but once again, various gaming communities have struck on the day of April Fools, releasing bogus news that probably surprised some fans, only to break their hearts later. Joystiq and Shacknews have compiled lists of April Fools pranks pulled by various gaming sites/companies, be sure to check them out!
to my family of gaming consoles, that is. Now I proudly introduce you my very own white PSP Slim. I was pretty hesitant about buying the PSP initially, as I intend to get a PS3 for myself this coming holiday, but alas, the recent release of Crisis Core for the English audience finally convinced me to fork out S$400+ for the portable console.
I must admit, the PSP is indeed a very neat gadget with tons of cool features, both gaming and non-gaming. The recent firmware update had incorporated Skype into the system, allowing one to engage in wireless voice communication through the PSP. And, together with the right tools, which I will go into details in my future posts, you can do other neat stuffs, such as getting your PSX games to work in the the PSP, or play user-made games.
And I must say I wasn't disappointed in CC, though the price tag was pretty hefty, at approximately S$70. I've recently got used to the S$40-50 price tags of PC games, with some bargain titles going as low as 9 bucks. But, that's not to say I don't think CC isn't worth the money; I think I'm right to say for all Final Fantasy VII fans that CC is worth every single cent it cost. The familiar music that greeted me at the start screen, the CGI opening that paid an obvious homage to the original FF7 franchise, and the likeable lead character who bore a striking resemblance to the popular spikey hair Cloud; I really felt that I was returning to Midgar again. Be sure to check out my blog soon for the review of CC. And, you probably would have guessed by now, that the score definitely won't go below 8 :).
