Grand Theft Auto IV

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, it's almost here. Release date is three weeks from today on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Microsoft has already paid $50M for exclusive downloadable content which is due later this year. Sony is responding with heavy marketing, including PS3-targeted advertising of GTA4 in Europe and North America. Also, GTA4 bundles are now starting to pop up in Europe........

http://www.webhallen.com/prod.php?id=85742

[Neon_Chaos]

I was a bit confused for a moment. :)

I considered Vice City as GTA IV, and San Andreas as GTA V. As it turns out, they're neither.

Stupid naming conventions.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I was a bit confused for a moment. :)

I considered Vice City as GTA IV, and San Andreas as GTA V. As it turns out, they're neither.

Stupid naming conventions.

Vice City is '3A' and San Andreas is '3B'. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's an interview of a reviewer who has already finished the game............

http://www.gamesradar.com/f/hes-finished-grand-theft-auto-iv/a-2008040412432960029

Screenshots of multiplayer mode in GTA4.............

http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947109_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947110_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947111_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947112_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947113_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947114_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947115_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947116_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947117_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947118_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947119_2.jpg
http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/94/71/ME0000947120_2.jpg

[spleen1015]

The 29th can't get here quick enough.

[Anthony]

wait, so how does MP work? is it a free for all? just mass frenzy and chaos?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

wait, so how does MP work? is it a free for all? just mass frenzy and chaos?

From the previously linked article........

Did you get a chance to play much multiplayer? Did you get your ass kicked by the Rockstar guys?

Yes, Xbox World 360 actually snagged a whole day playing against Rockstar PRs and devs in a exclusive feature a month or so back. Rather than simply go with the whole Deathmatch and Capture the Flag stuff, they've genuinely taken their time creating some amazing new modes that'll do the business online. Mafiya (a chaotic, mission based affair), Cops 'n' Crooks (one team try to capture the other) and Hangman's Noose (players team up to take an army of AI SWAT troops) were our personal faves...

[Anthony]

i just made pee pee in my underoos. YAY!

[spleen1015]

The latest issue of Official XBOX Mag has an article about GTAIV multiplayer. It sounds promising.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Does anyone know if the multiplayer is only available on-line? Can you use system link? Can you do it split-screen on one machine?

[MikeVic]

Whoa whoa. This multiplayer sounds kick ass. Can someone tell me if you can play on one console? Is this for 360 or PS3?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Whoa whoa. This multiplayer sounds kick ass. Can someone tell me if you can play on one console? Is this for 360 or PS3?

PS3/360.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Does anyone know if the multiplayer is only available on-line? Can you use system link? Can you do it split-screen on one machine?

Not sure about the system link part, but you can play online with 2 player split-screen. I believe you can also play a 4 player split-screen local game amongst friends.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I believe you can also play a 4 player split-screen local game amongst friends.

Thanks! That would be pretty sweet.

[Anthony]

i swear to God, the creator of the skies and the oceans - i'm going feral in this game. i am going to unleash the force and fury of godlessness in this game. pagans, piss, doom, explosions. i swear it.


i swear it.

[Neon_Chaos]

*Waits until everyone in MP simply presses auto-aim and fires*

[Anthony]

i'm sniping people. i don't even care about missions. i'm just going to shoot randomly and throw bombs around. missions are for soldiers. anarchy and pandamonium is for GTA.

i don't see how this game is gonna work online. there's gotta be some type of order or restrictions or its gonna be just people throwing their hands in the air and going buck buck like they just don't care.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

FYI......today is the first day that sites can do previews of the multiplayer mode in GTA4, so there will likely be several previews published today. Here's one of the first ones.........

http://www.gametap.com/read/article/5481

[stevew]

I wasn't going to buy, but then I found out about MP

[Julio Riddols]

There are going to be a lot of people calling in sick when this game comes out.

[Radii]

i don't see how this game is gonna work online. there's gotta be some type of order or restrictions or its gonna be just people throwing their hands in the air and going buck buck like they just don't care.


Given the open ended awesomeness that is Grand Theft Auto, I'm not sure that'd be a bad thing really :D

[Cringer]

Man, I just don't know what to do. The whole family loves this game, and we have been waiting. :D

I have it pre-ordered at Target, for the 360, which is broken. We were going to get a PS3 at sometime so we need to get the Target people to switch our 360 order to PS3, something they found to be confusing when we asked them the other day about doing it. Plus the 360 deluxe package is better then the PS3 pack.

[Big Fo]

Man, once GTA4 comes out the wait for the Metal Gear Solid bundle is going to be a bitch. Six long weeks...

[General Mike]

Still haven't gotten my PS3, and I preordered GTA IV. Gonna be a long wait.

[SunDevil]

Whatever you do, do not freeze yourself. You end up waking up 500 years in the future and have to deal with logical science people and beavers.

hxxp://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103800/

[kingnebwsu]

I've never been a GTA fan, but I think I may have to get this one. The multiplayer stuff sounds pretty sweet. Still haven't heard any "official" confirmation of a straight-up sandbox mode that you can play co-op. That's one of the main things I'm looking for.

Plus the Cops & Robbers mode sounds pretty neat. 20 days away for those who are counting down :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Early sell-through estimates to retailers indicate that Grand Theft Auto 4 should shatter Halo 3's opening week record. Over $400M in revenue is expected in the first week alone, which would surpass the $300M record of Halo 3.

http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blog/show?id=784568%3ABlogPost%3A2762153

When it comes to boffo openings, forget "Pirates of the Caribbean" -- think "Grand Theft Auto IV."

And think $400 million for the first week, a record for vidgames and possibly the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product.

Sources close to publisher Take-Two Interactive, whose Rockstar Games label is developing and releasing the title, said that the latest installment of the hit franchise will reach that figure and sell some 6 million units after it launches worldwide on April 29.

Though they rarely release the data, videogame publishers are able to accurately predict early game sales based on what retailers order.

Microsoft currently holds the record for the biggest videogame launch with "Halo 3," which grossed $300 million in its first week and sold about 5 million units.

"GTA IV" has even bigger potential, however, since it is available for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. "Halo 3" was an Xbox 360 exclusive.

Several industry analysts also told Daily Variety that they fully expect "GTA IV" to come close to and possibly exceed $400 million in sales out of the gate.

Vidgamer sellers have slightly varying predictions at this point, though all expect it to be huge. Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said that "GTA IV" will likely do "two times the volume" that "Halo 3" did for his chain, while GameStop senior veep of merchandising Bob McKenzie said the game is currently tracking slightly behind Microsoft's three-quel.

A Take-Two spokesman declined to comment.

The "Grand Theft Auto" series has traditionally done very well in the U.S., Canada and Europe but been somewhat weaker in Asia, the other major videogame market.

Comparisons to other media are difficult, since "Grand Theft Auto IV" costs $60 domestically and contains dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of content, whereas the average film ticket in the U.S. last year cost $6.88 and is good for a few hours of entertainment.

Nonetheless, Take-Two will likely be crowing that the perf of its game is close to, if not above, the No. 1 film bow of all time, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," which grossed $404 million worldwide in its first six days.

News comes as Take-Two's board is trying to fend off a $2 billion takeover attempt by Electronic Arts. Executive chairman Strauss Zelnick and CEO Ben Feder are sure to be touting early sales momentum for "GTA IV" at the company's annual meeting Thursday, which is, not coincidentally, a day before EA's tender offer to shareholders expires.

Take-Two management needs "Grand Theft Auto IV" to have a huge opening to keep up, if not bump, their company's stock price and justify their advice that shareholders reject the EA proposal. Some analysts have urged them to accept it, as EA is offering a 64% premium over the publisher's previous share price.

Boffo sales for "GTA IV" are widely expected and already priced into Take-Two stock.

Though it's clear that early sales for the game will be huge, it remains to be seen if reviews and buzz will drive "GTA IV" to ultimately perform as well as its predecessors. The franchise's last entry for consoles, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," sold a healthy 21.5 million units, making it one of the most successful videogames of all time.

[Flasch186]

i concur with the info. I have really tightened the belt but saved a giftcard for this and pre-ordered already.

There arent many games Ill be buying this year but this is definitely one of them.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Are there any full reviews yet? If not, when? I've already preordered but want to know what I'm in for.

I've seen two reviews thus far, both of which gave perfect scores. Here's an online link to one.....

http://www.gtagaming.com/news/comments.php?i=1290

The other review was a print review in Xbox UK magazine. Here are the scans from that review...........

Page 1 - http://abnavg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pl2USyEPDODyBz_h-fTM23zvJLYHCKdah-A_mpAa35poT89z8bKoZDfgrDRjN36JMVrjvLCGXccy3RDQgzI9OZQ/OXM-REVIEW-1.jpg

Page 2 - http://abnavg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pl2USyEPDODyk6eEYg_gdpHRUgKupccjhOuLzq3bYqV6GN4_WLtshRLCVWjwok0VG7GyFHpjc8m3QRZ6-ifj3Fg/OXM-REVIEW-2.jpg

Page 3 - http://abnavg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pl2USyEPDODyBUJsPaTm3k4t37BKELWUEp2npfzMtEVXHQD7GL8x32aiZuuNwdDlQRRdZA76kZAaLvSEGmjW7Lw/OXM-REVIEW-3.jpg

Page 4 - http://abnavg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pl2USyEPDODw1RAZZWJLNJsm7cqsnEgAfmk4DbRbhjxtuWNnh0Va5GgQfXmMItdI187SrAgrcSUHxmkF5zyajrA/OXM-REVIEW-4.jpg

Page 5 - http://abnavg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pl2USyEPDODxeUbZXFGX7fojsiviKzniPN09cSNKqRpUxQx8hDozXjjp6748xSz3DE9sAUQJYPYi_CyTmCkuGZQ/OXM-REVIEW-5.jpg

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[Anthony]

i may not even play the single player mode, i just want to run amok vs. other people. i still haven't finished COD4's single player mode, i normally play that when XBox Live is down.

[Eaglesfan27]

Makes sense that this game will shatter Halo 3's record. More 360 users are available now and it is multiplatform so they have a larger user base. Not to mention, I think this game has a broader appeal period - some just like killing like HA, some just want to drive around and listen to the radio, some people like collecting the cars, etc. I'm pre-ordering it tomorrow after seeing the reviews and realizing that they appear to have fixed some of my biggest complaints from previous versions which I still enjoyed immensely.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'll get the game, but I'm probably the only person in the world who's even more excited about Saints Row 2 (which is still a few months away).

[Cringer]

I'll get the game, but I'm probably the only person in the world who's even more excited about Saints Row 2 (which is still a few months away).

I am excited for that as well, after all it has 'Limitless Customization,' and may be better then Maximum Football. ;) You can even make your character into a she-male from what I read.

I am excited about it, not for those reasons really though. I just saw those words on their site and laughed.

[spleen1015]

I like the open world genre, so I'm down with both games.

[dervack]

Makes sense that this game will shatter Halo 3's record. More 360 users are available now and it is multiplatform so they have a larger user base. Not to mention, I think this game has a broader appeal period - some just like killing like HA, some just want to drive around and listen to the radio, some people like collecting the cars, etc. I'm pre-ordering it tomorrow after seeing the reviews and realizing that they appear to have fixed some of my biggest complaints from previous versions which I still enjoyed immensely.
That and it's multi-platform vs Halo 3 which is Xbox 360 only.

[Eaglesfan27]

Interesting rumor that 360's exclusive downloadable content will be entire additional cities. It seems unlikely, but it would help justify that hefty price tag that Microsoft paid:

http://kotaku.com/380938/grand-theft-auto-iv-dlc-to-bring-whole-cities

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting rumor that 360's exclusive downloadable content will be entire additional cities. It seems unlikely, but it would help justify that hefty price tag that Microsoft paid:

http://kotaku.com/380938/grand-theft-auto-iv-dlc-to-bring-whole-cities

Like you mentioned, that just doesn't seem very likely. To build additional content at that level (full cities) would require a large amount of overhead. Generally, developers prefer smaller investment so they can rake in a large amount of profit on DLC. The other concern is the time it would take to build that level of additional content. Releasing the content sooner rather than later is in the best interest of Microsoft.

[Cringer]

I would be surprised if there are entirely new cities on the downloaded content. It would be cool though, and I would definetly make my first ever move to sign up to XBox Live for it after having a 360 for over two years and never giving a crap about it. If they are going to have as many buildings to enter in this one as I think, maybe that is the new places to explore that could be added to the game in downloads. They could add some new open buildings or something like that in Liberty City, I would love that.


BTW, my GTA IV problem may be over. We are sending off the 360 to be fixed hopefully, if not too much money. We both want to wait until June to get the 80 GB PS3, and since we already have the pre-order for the deluxe 360 GTA IV it is the easiest and best thing I think. Hopefully the 360 won't cost too much.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

BTW, my GTA IV problem may be over. We are sending off the 360 to be fixed hopefully, if not too much money. We both want to wait until June to get the 80 GB PS3, and since we already have the pre-order for the deluxe 360 GTA IV it is the easiest and best thing I think. Hopefully the 360 won't cost too much.

Ouch. Sorry to hear. That sucks.

[Cringer]

Ouch. Sorry to hear. That sucks.

It went 2 years with no problems, so I guess I was one of the lucky ones for that whole time. Not a huge deal, just bad timing. If I could get a PS3 80 GB right now, new, then I would just go that way. At the same time, getting the 360 fixed isn't the worst thing since there will be 360 games I want, the daughter loves Viva Pinata still, and it sounds like the wife is down with still getting a PS3 in June anyways. :D

[Radii]

I preordered at gamestop tonight, they're doing a midnight opening that I may or may not go to depending on my sleep schedule when the game comes out. :D

[Icy]

I have preordered it too, always enjoyed the series a lot (even when i never finished any of them).

[tucker rocky]

If I were to pre-order this game, which console should I get, Xbox or PS3?

I've read the reviews of both consoles, and both have pros and cons.

Which would give a better gaming experience?

[Eaglesfan27]

If I were to pre-order this game, which console should I get, Xbox or PS3?

I've read the reviews of both consoles, and both have pros and cons.

Which would give a better gaming experience?

If I had both consoles, the 360 would be the easy choice. The gameplay is going to be very similar on the 2 with very slight graphical differences being possible, but nothing of any real significance. However, the 360 version will have exclusive downloadable content that might significantly add to the gameplay experience. Microsoft paid a large sum of money (I've read reports of 50 million or more) so even if it isn't additional cities, it will very likely be substantial.

[tucker rocky]

If I had both consoles, the 360 would be the easy choice.

I've also read about Xbox systems failing, whereas PS3 is more reliable.

The price of PS3 is considerably higher than Xbox.

These 2 factors are also considered between the 2.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've also read about Xbox systems failing, whereas PS3 is more reliable.

The price of PS3 is considerably higher than Xbox.

These 2 factors are also considered between the 2.

There are more PS3's failing now too with this new error code that I posted about. You should read the growing threads on OS about that. With either system, I'd get an extended warranty from wherever you buy it as Sony is only giving a 1 year warranty and some people who have had their PS3 die have had to pay over 200 dollars to get it fixed.

If you want a Blu-Ray Player to start collecting Blu-Ray movies, get a PS3. If you want the version of GTA IV with the exclusive content and the system with more quality games, I'd get a 360.

Of course, I'm a fan of the 360. Synovia and MBBF are strong fans of the PS3, so I'm sure they'll tell you differently. :)

[tucker rocky]

There are more PS3's failing now too with this new error code that I posted about. You should read the growing threads on OS about that. With either system, I'd get an extended warranty from wherever you buy it as Sony is only giving a 1 year warranty and some people who have had their PS3 die have had to pay over 200 dollars to get it fixed.

If you want a Blu-Ray Player to start collecting Blu-Ray movies, get a PS3. If you want the version of GTA IV with the exclusive content and the system with more quality games, I'd get a 360.

Of course, I'm a fan of the 360. Synovia and MBBF are strong fans of the PS3, so I'm sure they'll tell you differently. :)

I'm leaning towards Xbox(pricing), as PS3 is out of my price range.
I will get and extended warranty, just in case.

The exclusive content is interesting for the Xbox version.

[Eaglesfan27]

One other side benefit of the 360 is that there are many more of us on FOFC with one which is good for sports online play if you are interested.

[tucker rocky]

One other side benefit of the 360 is that there are many more of us on FOFC with one which is good for sports online play if you are interested.

This is good to know, although I've never multiplayed games online(honest truth).

[Cringer]

This is good to know, although I've never multiplayed games online(honest truth).

Nothing to be ashamed about, neither have I. Although if I get into GTA IV enough I just night do it for the first time later this year.

[Eaglesfan27]

I hope you do, Cringer, I think you'd be fun to team up with in GTA IV.

[Cringer]

I hope you do, Cringer, I think you'd be fun to team up with in GTA IV.

You are planted here by Xbox Live aren't you? :mad: :p

[Eaglesfan27]

You are planted here by Xbox Live aren't you? :mad: :p

Yep, all of my posts have been just an elaborate ruse just to get you to sign up :D

[Radii]

I'm on xbox live, I don't MP a lot but playing some of the GTA4 games w/ FOFC'ers sounds like it should be awesome.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

There are more PS3's failing now too with this new error code that I posted about. You should read the growing threads on OS about that. With either system, I'd get an extended warranty from wherever you buy it as Sony is only giving a 1 year warranty and some people who have had their PS3 die have had to pay over 200 dollars to get it fixed.

If you want a Blu-Ray Player to start collecting Blu-Ray movies, get a PS3. If you want the version of GTA IV with the exclusive content and the system with more quality games, I'd get a 360.

Of course, I'm a fan of the 360. Synovia and MBBF are strong fans of the PS3, so I'm sure they'll tell you differently. :)

The PS3 doesn't have anywhere near the number of issues that the 360 has. It has a failure rate somewhere between 12-35%, depending on where you look. It would be easy to find out the actual failure rate if Microsoft every admitted the problem, but of course, the system sales would likely go into the toilet if the truth ever came out. There's no question that the PS3 is by far the more reliable console.

I'll let the inherent bias in the rest of your post stand on its own merit.

[INDalltheway]

I'll let the inherent bias in the rest of your post stand on its own merit.
:D :D No one else finds this hilarious?

[Eaglesfan27]

MBBF ignored the issue of the point of my post that he addressed. I wasn't saying the PS3 isn't more reliable than the 360. I was saying that either way an extended warranty is a good idea. No one knew the RROD was going to be a major issue until it became one. This error for the PS3 might be minor or it might become something serious. An extended warranty is a good idea for either system at this point.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

:D :D No one else finds this hilarious?

If I've stated something factually incorrect, feel free to point it out. If anything was hilarious, it was the recommendation by EF27 that the 360 was the better choice, but oh, don't forget to buy the extended warranty because it breaks down pretty often. A ringing endorsement to be sure.

He then proceeded to insinuate that since the 360 has had major reliability problems, you can be sure that a minor firmware problem on the PS3 is likely to explode into a major problem. Sound analysis. I actually like EF27 quite a bit and think he's a good guy, but he's making any bias I have look minor in comparison with his posts of late.

[AZSpeechCoach]

Shame on you EF27...I didn't know you were a shill for Micro$oft! Why can't you be unbiased like MBBF? For shame...

[Eaglesfan27]

If I've stated something factually incorrect, feel free to point it out. If anything was hilarious, it was the recommendation by EF27 that the 360 was the better choice, but oh, don't forget to buy the extended warranty because it breaks down pretty often. A ringing endorsement to be sure.

He then proceeded to insinuate that since the 360 has had major reliability problems, you can be sure that a minor firmware problem on the PS3 is likely to explode into a major problem. Sound analysis. I actually like EF27 quite a bit and think he's a good guy, but he's making any bias I have look minor in comparison with his posts of late.

A minor firmware update that is costing people hundreds of dollars to get their PS3 fixed if it is over a year old and out of warranty? A minor firmware update that has had thousands of people with broken PS3's that have had to be sent back, including plenty who are known to people other than me on this board.

I think we all know who wins the bias battle in this case, pot. You really are hilarious.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

A minor firmware update that is costing people hundreds of dollars to get their PS3 fixed if it is over a year old and out of warranty? A minor firmware update that has had thousands of people with broken PS3's that have had to be sent back, including plenty who are known to people other than me on this board.

I think we all know who wins the bias battle in this case, pot. You really are hilarious.

Your posts on this situation contain nothing but assumptions and innuendo off message boards and blogs. Provide some numbers for the issue and then we'll talk. I'd love to see them. I'm BEGGING you to provide them. Prove me wrong.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has a $1B tab on their statements which is expected by several analysts to be increased over this coming year, yet the still haven't officially said that they have a hardware problem. Now that's a fact.

[RainMaker]

Like you mentioned, that just doesn't seem very likely. To build additional content at that level (full cities) would require a large amount of overhead. Generally, developers prefer smaller investment so they can rake in a large amount of profit on DLC. The other concern is the time it would take to build that level of additional content. Releasing the content sooner rather than later is in the best interest of Microsoft.

They paid $50 million. There is no way that they paid $50 million for some extra cars and outfits. Whatever this downloadable content is will be big.

And was the $50 million for the rights to own the content and profit from it, or was it simply the rights to only have it appear on XBOX Live? If Take-Two is still making some money off downloadable content, I can't see why they wouldn't go big. They've insinuated in interviews that this will revolutionize how downloadable content is done and have called them "episodes".

I have two theories:

1) It's a new city. This would be a big expense for Take Two, but if they are making a cut off each download, I can't see why they wouldn't be able to package this for $10-$15 and make a mint on it. They'll probably end up selling around 12 million copies on the 360, and it's not unfathomable to believe they can get 10% of those people to download extra content. That's a lot of money, on top of the $50 for exclusive rights from Microsoft. Cities wouldn't be that hard considering the AI and other player data is already in place. It's just putting some new paint and art on some building models.

2) This is my most likely theory. The ability to play as other characters. Same city, but you will play out an entire storyline under a minor character. It would just require some new cutscenes and tweaks to AI for missions. You can tell a unique and different story for each character. You could essentially build "new games" within each character. Being able to play the game from a cop's perspective would be awesome. Even a SWAT guy. I would definitely pay some money to download something like this and freshen up a game.

Any way it turns out, the downloadable content is going to be something big. There is no way Microsoft puts that kind of money on the line for something minor.

[RainMaker]

I'm going to pre-order this tomorrow btw. Are there any sites offering some kind of special on shipping or something else? I have an Amazon Prime account so was planning on just Next Day Airing the game. If another site is doing it for free, I'll do that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Any way it turns out, the downloadable content is going to be something big. There is no way Microsoft puts that kind of money on the line for something minor.

Those would both be nice. Hopefully that's the case.

[Eaglesfan27]

Your posts on this situation contain nothing but assumptions and innuendo off message boards and blogs. Provide some numbers for the issue and then we'll talk. I'd love to see them. I'm BEGGING you to provide them. Prove me wrong.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has a $1B tab on their statements which is expected by several analysts to be increased over this coming year, yet the still haven't officially said that they have a hardware problem. Now that's a fact.


Those were the exact same complaints when you were posting about the MS situation with the RROD. If Sony would make a statement and release numbers, they could clear this up, but they have gone quiet on this issue. Hmm.. sounds familiar.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Those were the exact same complaints when you were posting about the MS situation with the RROD. If Sony would make a statement and release numbers, they could clear this up, but they have gone quiet on this issue. Hmm.. sounds familiar.

Yeah, must be the exact same situation. :rolleyes:

Sony has already issued a statement saying that there have been no widespread issues. Microsoft remained silent and gave 'no comment' when pressed on the RROD.

[Aylmar]

Yeah, must be the exact same situation. :rolleyes:

Sony has already issued a statement saying that there have been no widespread issues. Microsoft remained silent and gave 'no comment' when pressed on the RROD.

That's assuming, of course, that Sony is telling the truth in their press release. Their numbers are just starting to take off. IF they are afraid of this becoming widespread, I'm sure they would announce it to the world. Because it's that kind of honesty in PR that moves systems...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

An interesting thread that shows actual building pictures next to their virtual duplicates in GTA4...........

http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=320033

Also, for those that haven't pre-ordered this game, Circuit City will be offering a $10 gift card for each purchase of the regular or special edition versions of GTA4.

[kingnebwsu]

hxxp://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178498

Full list of the deals available. You have to be a member to view it...but they have the best deals listed all the time, so it's a site I highly recommend.

[spleen1015]

IGN has a really good preview of the MP modes. Once word gets out, there will be a lot of people buying the game just for MP. I don't think there's any other games out that that provide the same shit.

This game is going to be HUGE. It was already going to be huge, but now I think it will be HUGE.

[Anthony]

i'm only going to play MP. i've never finished a GTA game solo.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Just noticed on Neogaf that the cut-scenes on GTA4 are expected to run over 8 hours. For comparison, the cut-scenes in the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 game run about 9 1/2 hours. That's a lot of movie watching in both cases.

[Anthony]

IGN is blocked at my job, can anyone post the IGM article about MP mode?

[stevew]

part 1
April 22, 2008 - Since the Grand Theft Auto series went to 3D back in 2001, it's been known for a compelling and lengthy single-player mode. While GTA IV looks to continue that tradition, Rockstar has also added a robust multiplayer featuring plenty of competitive, cooperative and team modes. We've previously offered an in-depth look at Hangman's NOOSE, Cops 'n' Crooks, Team Deathmatch and GTA Race. Get ready to learn about some of the other modes which you will almost certainly be playing online next week.

GTA IV doesn't have a traditional menu. When you pop the disc into your console, you are launched into your most recent single-player campaign save. To get to multiplayer, just whip out Niko's phone and select it from the list of available applications. Once you've chosen a ranked or unranked match, you're off to the lovely land to murder, death, kill online.

Party systems have become popular in online games. Invite some friends to your party and you'll be able to teleport around to various game modes, sticking together between each session. But you won't be sitting around long staring at boring screens. That's because Party Mode drops you into a secluded part of Liberty City with a host of guns and vehicles available to smack your buddies around. This is your lobby and it can become a pleasant distraction while the host tries to get his act together and launch you into one of the many multiplayer modes available.

Though you do spawn a bit out of the public eye, you can still hop in a car or helicopter and take off from more populated areas. As with all of GTA's multiplayer modes, Liberty City is wide open to you. If you want, you can abandon your friends and go exploring. While this may sound enticing, there is a mode designated for causing mayhem in the streets. Party Mode is a distraction while the host sets up the real fun -- Free Mode.



Defend your turf.Free Mode
As much as we've loved Cops 'n' Crooks, Free Mode is going to be the bread and butter of GTA IV multiplayer. Here's the deal: Up to 16 players can run around Liberty City doing whatever they want. Create your own game modes, hunt for Easter eggs, work together to survive a six-star wanted level -- if you can dream it, there's probably a way to do it. And this mode begins in the most unusual, jarring way.

You begin in a standoff with the other players. Everyone spawns in a circle and there is, at least the first time you play Free Mode, a brief moment of surprise when no one does a damn thing. This lasts a few seconds before someone takes out a gun and shoots their neighbor in the face. But this standoff isn't just to start the killing (and jump people around the city with their first respawn); it also allows players to talk about what they want to do in Free Mode. This way you don't have to hunt for anyone in order to discuss plans to take a bus caravan down to Star Junction or to agree that there will be a knife fight atop the Algonquin Bridge. Or you can just blow each other up. It's Free Mode -- do whatever the hell you want.

As with the other MP modes, the host has plenty of options to customize the experience, from setting the level of traffic, to turning cops on or off, to the time of day, to weapons available and so much more. This also includes setting a time limit if you don't want Free Mode to last forever.

[stevew]

part 2
Free Mode taps into the very essence of the GTA series. As much as we may love the single-player narrative, the core game is still the open city ready to be explored. Part of enjoying a GTA game is spending dozens of hours racing around the city, causing trouble and hunting for Easter eggs. Now you can do it with 15 of your closest friends. No longer do you need to nudge your buddy and say, "You looked up the Statue of Happiness' skirt yet?" Now you can pick him up in a chopper and show him what you're going on about.

At first, people will be content to run around the city destroying one another. But over time, games will emerge from these online jam sessions. Take a few people to the top of Playboy X's pad and try to defend it from the rest of the group; play a game of "Quell the Riot" where one person hops into a fire truck and uses the fire hose to keep back a crowd armed only with baseball bats; or make your own version of "America's Most Wanted," which has everyone acquire a six-star wanted level and see who can make it to the other end of Liberty City without dying.

There are many possibilities for Free Mode. It's wide open. You decide how to approach it.



Weather and time of day are customizable in multiplayer.Team Mafiya Work
Your cell phone plays a major role in the single-player campaign, but is a fairly minor thing in multiplayer. That is, until you play Team Mafiya Work. Throughout the match, you and the competing teams receive text messages assigning you missions from the mafiya. This might mean jacking a specific car, assassinating an informant, or any number of other errands. The team that completes the objective first scores the cash. Just don't get cocky. As soon as one errand is completed, another one pops up on your phone.

While most team-based games play best with just two groups, Mafiya Work is better with more teams. The errands given are usually fairly easy to pull off and something that a small group of three or four people can handle. You get greater chaos and a more competitive match with more teams vying for the same objective.

Do as much damage as possible before a car is delivered.Mafiya Work is a fairly unique objective-based multiplayer. We didn't play a lot, but we never had a duplicate mission. As great as Cops 'n' Crooks or Team Deathmatch may be, they have the same objective every single time. Mafiya Work mixes things up and will keep you on your toes because you can never anticipate what the next errand might require. And it can lead to some chicanery.

In multiplayer, you can use your phone to dial and have private conversations with members of your own team or of the opposing team. So give a call to an enemy -- one who's not too bright -- and act like you are on his team. Who knows, he may just be dumb enough to follow your instructions. And if nothing else, at least you can mock him until he hangs up his phone.

[stevew]

part 3
Team Car Jack City
Taking the name Grand Theft Auto to heart, Car Jack City has teams stealing selected cars from around Liberty City. The marked cars show up on your radar as do dropoff points. Of course, you're in competition with the other teams, which makes things interesting. Unless the car is secretly stuffed full of drugs, it loses value as it takes damage. So when you get in a car, the other teams will target you -- either to jack the car from you or destroy it outright.

One strategy is to have people waiting near the dropoff points. Armed with a rocket launcher, they can turn a jacked car into a smoldering mess moments before the other team scores.

Team Car Jack City is a test of both your driving and navigation skills. Crashing into cars and lampposts may be fun, but it also devalues your ride and costs you valuable dollars. But at the same time, if you don't know shortcuts and can't figure out the quickest way to intercept somebody, then you're going to have a tough time stopping the other teams from winning.

Like Team Mafiya Work, Car Jack City is best played with several teams when possible. The smaller groups make things far more frantic as there are only a handful of marked cars at any given time. What's more fun than having two people shoot it out over stealing a high-powered Infernus? Having three people shoot it out, of course.



Ride or die.Turf War
Turf War is your classic capture-the-point mode. There are three points on the map (though there may be options to add more) and just two teams to try and hold them. To snag a point, you need to stand in the circle at the center of the base. The more people who stand in the circle, the quicker the base is captured. Don't worry, the points are in the same neighborhood -- you won't have to run around all of Liberty City. You could wander off it you wanted to, but that's not really the point of Turf War.

Capturing a base is pretty easy. Holding onto the base is a lot more difficult. In our numerous sessions with Turf War, it became a challenge to get all three points at the same time. Leaving enough people to defend two bases and then reclaim another is not easy. But there are some tricks we learned. Setting up road blocks is a wise strategy. Pile cars on the street to block off access. You can also shoot up the lead car and get it smoking and close to total destruction. This way, if the other team tries to smash through the barrier, they should do enough damage to the smoking car to set it on fire -- and have it explode. And you pop one car and the other 15 are sure to follow. Done properly, you can create a fireworks display heretofore unseen in a block party.

You don't have to capture all points to win the match. You just need to score the most points before time runs out. Points, obviously, are given for controlling bases. So the more you control and the longer you control them, the better your chance of winning.

Turf War is a fun and frenetic mode. It's the mode most likely to inspire a drive-by. And, like most of the other modes in GTA IV multiplayer, is puts a premium on teamwork. Eight individuals doing their own thing leads to failure. Success comes to those who communicate and work together. You know, the stuff gamers do so well.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


You only have one week of waiting left before you can get your hands on GTA IV multiplayer. And if this doesn't have you pumped and ready, remember that we will have continuing coverage of GTA IV throughout the week. Check back each day for new details on this year's most anticipated game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

GTA4 demand likely to exceed supply in Europe..........

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30297/Sony-and-Microsoft-battle-it-out-for-GTA-IV-sales

[Honolulu_Blue]

Does anyone know if the multiplayer is only available on-line? Can you use system link? Can you do it split-screen on one machine?

Not sure about the system link part, but you can play online with 2 player split-screen. I believe you can also play a 4 player split-screen local game amongst friends.

Apparently the most recent information indicates that a multiplayer split-screen option is not available.

That's too bad.

[Kodos]

Hrm. I may have to get Xbox Live again. Which means I have to either get a long Cat5 cord or buy the wireless adapter.

[sabotai]

Just noticed on Neogaf that the cut-scenes on GTA4 are expected to run over 8 hours. For comparison, the cut-scenes in the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 game run about 9 1/2 hours. That's a lot of movie watching in both cases.

Pfft, that's nothing. Xenosaga Episode 1 had at least 370 hours of cut-scenes.

[Radii]

Hrm. I may have to get Xbox Live again. Which means I have to either get a long Cat5 cord or buy the wireless adapter.

If you happen to have a wireless laptop/network already, this has worked well for me:

http://www.ofzenandcomputing.com/zanswers/61

[Logan]

Apparently the most recent information indicates that a multiplayer split-screen option is not available.

That's pretty fuckin stupid.

Fixed. Seriously?

[Kodos]

The computer is 20 feet away (probably less) from the 360. I think I'll just get a long cord and plug it in whenever I need it.

[MikeVic]

Apparently the most recent information indicates that a multiplayer split-screen option is not available.

That's too bad.

There goes me playing the game multiplayer.

[Kodos]

A six dollar 50-foot cord from Amazon and a preorder for the 360, and I'm in business. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Apparently the most recent information indicates that a multiplayer split-screen option is not available.

That's too bad.

Saw they also cut radio-while-you-walk from the final copy.

[Anthony]

thank you for posting the IGN article!

[stevew]

I gather this means you can't team up on the same console and go online either? Bummer.

[Logan]

Someone can correct me, but I think that's what it's trying to say steve...I think when they say "multiplayer" they mean XBox Live multiplayer, not necessarily a two person game. Am I wrong?

[spleen1015]

From everything I have read, all MP is over XBOX Live, no local MP.

[Anthony]

when it says MP parties/groups, does that mean like people on your friends list or just random groups that are formed? like in COD4 you just wait until the room gets enough people and then everyone is broken up into 2 groups. i'm sure the answer is obvious.

for some reason without putting too much thought into it i always assumed the MP woud be MMO, just everyone running around. but i guess that would be too chaotic after a while.

[spleen1015]

for some reason without putting too much thought into it i always assumed the MP woud be MMO, just everyone running around. but i guess that would be too chaotic after a while.

This is Free Mode, just with 16 players.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Which FOFC poster is this?

http://www.ps3-sense.nl/plaatjes/original/1207424577.jpg

[Flasch186]

Mr. Loser?

[rkmsuf]

Pumpy, stop buying shit!


unless of coures it isn't pumpy and in that case whoever it is must drive a miata

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Pumpy, stop buying shit!

I liked the 'he must drive a miata' post better.

[rkmsuf]

I liked the 'he must drive a miata' post better.

blimey

[tucker rocky]

If I were to pre-order this game, which console should I get, Xbox or PS3?

I've read the reviews of both consoles, and both have pros and cons.

Which would give a better gaming experience?

If I had both consoles, the 360 would be the easy choice. The gameplay is going to be very similar on the 2 with very slight graphical differences being possible, but nothing of any real significance. However, the 360 version will have exclusive downloadable content that might significantly add to the gameplay experience. Microsoft paid a large sum of money (I've read reports of 50 million or more) so even if it isn't additional cities, it will very likely be substantial.

I'm leaning towards Xbox(pricing), as PS3 is out of my price range.
I will get and extended warranty, just in case.

The exclusive content is interesting for the Xbox version.

Ok, I've decided on the Xbox360 platform of GTA IV(already pre-ordered).
I'm going to up my price range and go with the
Xbox360 Elite(120gb hard drive) for $449+ change.

PS3 and its features+ reviews, didn't impress me.
Blu-Ray is nice, but not a feature I really need.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ok, I've decided on the Xbox360 platform of GTA IV(already pre-ordered).
I'm going to up my price range and go with the
Xbox360 Elite(120gb hard drive) for $449+ change.

PS3 and its features+ reviews, didn't impress me.
Blu-Ray is nice, but not a feature I really need.

Elite is definitely the best option if you're going to get a 360. Just be sure to save the receipts and purchase the 3 year extended warranty as EF27 mentioned.

[Big Fo]

So apparently IGN liked the game. (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869381p7.html)

10 Presentation
The story is Oscar quality. The use of the phone as a gaming portal is genius. There's really nothing more that could be asked for from GTA IV.

10 Graphics
The level of detail is astounding. Liberty City feels alive and lived in. While there are some technical issues, the artistic merits push the score to the max. A true marvel.

10 Sound
The dialogue makes the story. Without the excellent writing and the stellar voice acting, the story would fail. And the soundtrack kills -- more than 200 songs and almost all are great choices.

10 Gameplay
The cover and targeting system work great. Blind firing with an RPG is a thing of beauty. Everything works in harmony and not a single one of the missions is bad. The most fun I've had in years.

10 Lasting Appeal
The story will take anywhere from 25-45 hours to complete, depending on your skill level and attention span. There's plenty more to do once you finish the story, such as excellent multiplayer.

10
Masterful OVERALL

[Icy]

Only 24 to 45 hours to finish?? and it gets a 10 for that?????????

[Eaglesfan27]

They aren't the only ones. The first few reviews on Gamerankings.com have all been perfect 10's, A's, etc.

[Eaglesfan27]

Only 24 to 45 hours to finish?? and it gets a 10 for that?????????


Previous games in the series have had hundreds of hours of side quests such as finding objects, doing spectacular jumps, collecting different types of cars, etc. This version will have all of that, plus a variety of MP modes.

[Cringer]

Previous games in the series have had hundreds of hours of side quests such as finding objects, doing spectacular jumps, collecting different types of cars, etc. This version will have all of that, plus a variety of MP modes.

Agreed, the side stuff makes up a ton of the game. They said story line only, so that is hammering straight through and not messing around at all. I mess around a good amount, it's too much fun to do it. With new graphics, a bunch of buildings to go into, it may be worse for me in this version.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, does anyone actually do just the main storyline in GTA?

[Anthony]

what loser has the time to spend "only" 45 hours on a game? as evidenced by the "how many games have you beat/finished" thread, people just don't finish an awful lot of games. i know i don't. with the handful of A+++ games that come out every year, not to mention the regular "must-have" games, who really has the time to devote more than 24 hours to a storyline, let along 45+ hours to one game? you really got be a friggin good for nothing loser to want to spend that much time on one game. not to mention GTAIV has multiple MP modes that seem like they're gonna be more fun than playing single. i know i'm not bothering with single player mode if i can help it. MP mode should provide hundreds of hours of gameplay alone.

anyway, some people got too much time on their hands.

[Fidatelo]

I don't care for the story of GTA games at all, I just like to run around and do whatever I want. In fact, my biggest gripe is that I never get to see half of the cities because I can't be bothered to drudge through the story to unlock them.

[Radii]

what loser has the time to spend "only" 45 hours on a game?

...

i know i'm not bothering with single player mode if i can help it. MP mode should provide hundreds of hours of gameplay alone.

...

anyway, some people got too much time on their hands.


nice.

[MrBug708]

Gold

[Icy]

nice.


Indeed, saying that playing for 45 hours a game is for losers but then claiming to play hundreds...

[stevew]

Only 24 to 45 hours to finish?? and it gets a 10 for that?????????

That makes it a long game compared to some recent offerings that were 10 hours or less.

[Anthony]

point being - you're gonna complain there's only 45ish hours worth of gameplay when in MP there's an unlimited amount of gameplay, which is where most of the fun is sure to be anyway.

per a previous thread, most people don't finish games these days so what's the point of complaining if a game only has 45 hours of storyline? COD4 only has like 10 hours i think and i still haven't finished the solo campaign cuz i spend all of my time playing MP.

a 45 hour storyline is a long fucking time. that's about as long as watching the LOTR trilogy back to back 3 or 4 times, and how many times have any of you done that recently?

[kingnebwsu]

I just hit 8 days of game-time on COD 4 yesterday. I don't know if I'm proud/ashamed of that :) I'm hoping GTA will be a welcome distraction from that game. It's a different type of game, so I think I'll be able to add GTA to my current rotation of COD 4, Rock Band, and College Hoops 2k8.

Can't wait til the midnight release on Monday night :p

[Flasch186]

according to FM's timekeeper Ive played the game for:

56 days, 6 hours, and 33 minutes

[Bee]

according to FM's timekeeper Ive played the game for:

56 days, 6 hours, and 33 minutes

Have you finished the storyline yet?

[Flasch186]

Well I moved from the SPL to coach NY in the MLS and absolutely hate it. The YI and SI, dev contracts are all a bit much for me and the idea of not having a shot at UEFA is just killing me so Im looking for an opportunity to cross the pond again.

[tucker rocky]

Ok, I've decided on the Xbox360 platform of GTA IV(already pre-ordered).
I'm going to up my price range and go with the
Xbox360 Elite(120gb hard drive) for $449+ change.

PS3 and its features+ reviews, didn't impress me.
Blu-Ray is nice, but not a feature I really need.

I now have my Xbox360 Elite, now just waiting on release of GTA IV.

I picked up an inexpensive copy of Saints Row to tie me over 'til then.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lots of comparison talk between the 360/PS3 version. Generally, the PS3 version is getting the nod with less pop-in, less framerate issues, and shorter load times. It appears that the differences, although noticable, are relatively minor and that both versions are very good.

One concern that has been noted in several reviews is that any 360 console without a HDD will see more problems in the graphics department. There's no way to cache data in advance as you proceed through the town, so the system has to load the data directly from the disc, which results in screen tearing, frame-rate issues, and noticable pop-in.

Below is a thread from Neogaf. Initial poster does a pretty good job of posting the relevant quotes from the various reviews. Also noted in the thread is a link to where the rumor that the 'DLC for the 360 will be as big as San Andreas' came from. Evidently, that's not the case, which shouldn't be surprising as most people noted earlier in this thread.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286527

[wade moore]

So I wasn't really paying much attention to this game. I played GTA I like crazy back in the day and then put some time into GTA II, but not a whole lot. Never even played GTA III.

Then a buddy of mine sent me a long video review for GTA IV and explained the MP features.

WHY DIDN'T I PRE-ORDER THIS GAME?!

[ISiddiqui]

You never played GTA III?!! You need to get on that!

[Oilers9911]

Lots of comparison talk between the 360/PS3 version. Generally, the PS3 version is getting the nod with less pop-in, less framerate issues, and shorter load times. It appears that the differences, although noticable, are relatively minor and that both versions are very good.

One concern that has been noted in several reviews is that any 360 console without a HDD will see more problems in the graphics department. There's no way to cache data in advance as you proceed through the town, so the system has to load the data directly from the disc, which results in screen tearing, frame-rate issues, and noticable pop-in.

Below is a thread from Neogaf. Initial poster does a pretty good job of posting the relevant quotes from the various reviews. Also noted in the thread is a link to where the rumor that the 'DLC for the 360 will be as big as San Andreas' came from. Evidently, that's not the case, which shouldn't be surprising as most people noted earlier in this thread.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286527

Blah blah blah blah blah.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

You never played GTA III?!! You need to get on that!

Agreed. San Andreas is still a lot of fun. I put it in the other day and played it. I also have the 'Hot Coffee' version of the game (voyeurs be jealous).

[TroyF]

Only 24 to 45 hours to finish?? and it gets a 10 for that?????????

Bioshock was less and was clearly a 10. COD4 got knocked down to a 9 by most because of the shortness of the game, but it's one of the few games that get dropped for that.

24 to 45 hours for a graphical game is a long, long game. That doesn't count the side quests or the just running around the city blowing crap up. Nor does it include multiplayer. Especially when we are looking at how sensational this game is graphicaly.

I think Bioshock took me about 15 to finish the first time. GTA will be at least 2x that for single player. I think a 10 is reasonable if the game is as good as they say it is.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bioshock was less and was clearly a 10. COD4 got knocked down to a 9 by most because of the shortness of the game, but it's one of the few games that get dropped for that.

24 to 45 hours for a graphical game is a long, long game. That doesn't count the side quests or the just running around the city blowing crap up. Nor does it include multiplayer. Especially when we are looking at how sensational this game is graphicaly.

I think Bioshock took me about 15 to finish the first time. GTA will be at least 2x that for single player. I think a 10 is reasonable if the game is as good as they say it is.

Agreed. If GTA's main story line is 25-45 hours, you can bet that most people will take 50-60 hours to go through it, with completion of all of the side quests moving even higher that that. I'll honestly be lucky to finish this game. It's going to take a lot of gameplay sessions to get it done.

[Fidatelo]

Any storyline longer than 10 hours is likely not getting finished by me.

[wade moore]

Agreed. San Andreas is still a lot of fun. I put it in the other day and played it. I also have the 'Hot Coffee' version of the game (voyeurs be jealous).
Yeah.. GTA II felt a lot like GTA I from a different angle from me so I grew kind of bored with it.

Then I just wasn't in a big video-gaming phase when GTA III was popular, etc, etc - anyway..

[Anthony]

Any storyline longer than 10 hours is likely not getting finished by me.

EXACTLY. i can barely finish a 10 hour storyline. anything longer than 24 hours is a waste of my time. that is, unless, its a game with a huge world and if i just wanna have a game to pop into and walk around and see/do random stuff. but my attention span/interest level in completing an epic storyline is not what it used to be. i don't have as much free time to devote to video gaming as i used.

[wade moore]

EXACTLY. i can barely finish a 10 hour storyline. anything longer than 24 hours is a waste of my time. that is, unless, its a game with a huge world and if i just wanna have a game to pop into and walk around and see/do random stuff. but my attention span/interest level in completing an epic storyline is not what it used to be. i don't have as much free time to devote to video gaming as i used.

Agreed. I don't know the last time I "beat" a game. But that's ok with me - especially with a game like GTA that has an open world and what seems like it's going to be very fun MP play.

[ISiddiqui]

Agreed. San Andreas is still a lot of fun. I put it in the other day and played it. I also have the 'Hot Coffee' version of the game (voyeurs be jealous).

I actually think I enjoy the setting of GTA III more. Dunno why, but Liberty City is just fun... I think that's why the setting of GTA IV is Liberty City too... though I am interested to see the other cities that get added on in the GTA IV series (they've done Miami and SoCal... maybe revisit London? Chicago? Boston? Atlanta?)

[TroyF]

EXACTLY. i can barely finish a 10 hour storyline. anything longer than 24 hours is a waste of my time. that is, unless, its a game with a huge world and if i just wanna have a game to pop into and walk around and see/do random stuff. but my attention span/interest level in completing an epic storyline is not what it used to be. i don't have as much free time to devote to video gaming as i used.

I know you've said multiple times that you don't care about the storyline, that you just want to sandbox it, etc. . . I just have to warn you a little. With the GTA series, the bridges usually block parts of the town until you hit a certain spot in the story. You also can't get the 6 stars and have the SWAT team and FBI come after you until you've gotten through a portion of the story. This isn't an especially long time with past GTA games (Maybe 3 hours of gameplay or so, sometimes a bit more), but it is there. To get the full sandbox mode enjoyment, it's usually adviseable to get through about 1/4 to 1/2 of the story, which is going to put you between 6 to 13 hours by the looks of it.

I'm sure the MP overrides a lot of this, but it's still something you should be aware of if you want to just have fun in single player mode. (Typically I play the game until everything is unlocked and then alternate between missions, side missions and blowing up the town)

[wade moore]

I just realized, I'm mistaken.

I played GTA III - I just didn't play San Andreas.

[Anthony]

I know you've said multiple times that you don't care about the storyline, that you just want to sandbox it, etc. . . I just have to warn you a little. With the GTA series, the bridges usually block parts of the town until you hit a certain spot in the story. You also can't get the 6 stars and have the SWAT team and FBI come after you until you've gotten through a portion of the story. This isn't an especially long time with past GTA games (Maybe 3 hours of gameplay or so, sometimes a bit more), but it is there. To get the full sandbox mode enjoyment, it's usually adviseable to get through about 1/4 to 1/2 of the story, which is going to put you between 6 to 13 hours by the looks of it.

I'm sure the MP overrides a lot of this, but it's still something you should be aware of if you want to just have fun in single player mode. (Typically I play the game until everything is unlocked and then alternate between missions, side missions and blowing up the town)

thanks for the info. i've never played a GTA game long enough to unlock bridges to other areas (that i know of). i start getting caught up in random/free mode too easily.

i can't remember - can you crash into people with your car or run them over?

[Logan]

I hope I don't have to run all over the city tomorrow to find an unreserved copy.

[Anthony]

there's a Gamestop closeby to me who are doing one of those midnite things for people who preordered. i wonder if i were to stop by tonite without a preorder if they'd sell it to me.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm going to try to hit the Circuit City near my house. Would be nice to get the game with a $10 gift card.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's some geek links. First, the Best Buy locations that will host midnight launches.........

http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat150400050036&type=category

Next, an 'unboxing' video of the Special Edition version of the game.......

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/208163.html

[Anthony]

word to mother! best buy near me is doing a midnite launch too. only thing that sucks is they don't take trade-ins, which i need to do in order to bring the price down.

by the time i actually get it, if i were to get it, i wouldn't be able to play it much. i just wanna make sure i have it. odds are extremely high that there'll be more than enough copies available that a preorder wouldn't be necessary.

[Icy]

Most of shops in Spain are starting to sell it today. It all started when some small shops sold it, so everybody started to blame the big game shops chains even showing scanned tickets. The rumor is spreading so fast and more and more shops are starting to sell it early as their customers where cancelling the preorders to buy it in nearby small shops.

I'm thinking on calling the shop where i had it preordered to push them to sell it to me now too but... beign 32 years old i would feel ashamed of pushing a games shop employee younger than be to sell me a console game in advance like if it was something urgent.

[Kodos]

My Amazon copy mailed today, but I didn't choose one of the fast shipping options. I can wait. :)

[TroyF]

thanks for the info. i've never played a GTA game long enough to unlock bridges to other areas (that i know of). i start getting caught up in random/free mode too easily.

i can't remember - can you crash into people with your car or run them over?

I strongly advise getting to the point where all of the bridges are unlocked, the extra driving space is useful when you are trying to shed FBI agents.

Yes, you can run over people with your car, knock other cars off the road and my personal favorite, slam into motorcycles and send the driver flying.

[DanGarion]

Elite is definitely the best option if you're going to get a 360. Just be sure to save the receipts and purchase the 3 year extended warranty as EF27 mentioned.

Doesn't it already come with a 3 year? Like the 2 they added to the original 360?

[Eaglesfan27]

Doesn't it already come with a 3 year? Like the 2 they added to the original 360?

That only covers the RROD issue. An extended warranty will cover any issue and will also get you a replacement unit immediately from the store (depending upon which store you buy it from) as opposed to waiting weeks/months for Microsoft to send you a new unit.

[DanGarion]

I don't care for the story of GTA games at all, I just like to run around and do whatever I want. In fact, my biggest gripe is that I never get to see half of the cities because I can't be bothered to drudge through the story to unlock them.

That's pretty much my story with most games. I hate that fact that you have to work to get see all the game. I wish they would stop that type of crap... :(

[ISiddiqui]

Well then actually do some of the story :p.

It's their way of getting you to do what they spent a ton of time coming up with, ya jerk! ;)

[Icy]

Here are the supposed problems with the 360 version and lack of HD catching that makes objects to appear all the sudden in the screen (comes from a sony fans website so... also the guy driving has really bad reflexes):

http://www.sonydefenseforce.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/gta4trees.gif

[Kodos]

"This tree just came out of nowhere and hit me!"

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here are the supposed problems with the 360 version and lack of HD catching that makes objects to appear all the sudden in the screen (comes from a sony fans website so... also the guy driving has really bad reflexes)

To be fair, those videos weren't created by that site. They just picked up on it and reposted them. Pretty sure that the original source was either the GTA Forums or Neogaf.

[MikeVic]

Bad reflexes, but I agree that's not great.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Icy, I'm assuming you don't have the game yet? I'm interested in your online experience since the PS3 version has region-free online play. Wanted to see if there was any major lag when playing on the North American servers.

[rkmsuf]

Teleporting trees.


LOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DanGarion]

Well then actually do some of the story :p.

It's their way of getting you to do what they spent a ton of time coming up with, ya jerk! ;)

I want to play their game! Let me play the game I WANT TO PLAY IT.

[ISiddiqui]

I want to play their game! Let me play the game I WANT TO PLAY IT.

Then the easy answer is make your own.

As you said "their game". How many people say let me go to where ever in Call of Duty? Just because they have a sandbox style, doesn't mean they have to open it all up at once. They want you to earn the ability to go to the other areas. It's their game.

[wade moore]

That's the big complaint? That's really not a HUGE deal imo.

[Fidatelo]

I think the value of 'unlockables' depend on the game. For example, the fact that Wario Ware, a game designed completely for multiplayer party fun, comes with multiplayer LOCKED is insane. Yes, the single player game is short, but it still ruined it for my friends and I when we rented it and discovered we couldn't play against each other that night.

GTA having the city locked drives me crazy because the whole idea behind that game is sandbox. Don't give me a sandbox but keep me from playing in half of it until I build the appropriate number of castles on the original side, that is bullshit.

[rkmsuf]

I think the value of 'unlockables' depend on the game. For example, the fact that Wario Ware, a game designed completely for multiplayer party fun, comes with multiplayer LOCKED is insane. Yes, the single player game is short, but it still ruined it for my friends and I when we rented it and discovered we couldn't play against each other that night.

GTA having the city locked drives me crazy because the whole idea behind that game is sandbox. Don't give me a sandbox but keep me from playing in half of it until I build the appropriate number of castles on the original side, that is bullshit.

look on the bright side...you are only paying 60 bucks for it

[MikeVic]

I think the value of 'unlockables' depend on the game. For example, the fact that Wario Ware, a game designed completely for multiplayer party fun, comes with multiplayer LOCKED is insane. Yes, the single player game is short, but it still ruined it for my friends and I when we rented it and discovered we couldn't play against each other that night.

GTA having the city locked drives me crazy because the whole idea behind that game is sandbox. Don't give me a sandbox but keep me from playing in half of it until I build the appropriate number of castles on the original side, that is bullshit.

I agree. Same with Smash Bros. And wrestling games.

[DanGarion]

Then the easy answer is make your own.

As you said "their game". How many people say let me go to where ever in Call of Duty? Just because they have a sandbox style, doesn't mean they have to open it all up at once. They want you to earn the ability to go to the other areas. It's their game.

I just want to play the game and relax, that's why I stopped playing MMORPG after 5 years of Ultima Online, I don't want to have to feel like I'm doing work, give me; the person buying your game for 60 bucks the option to roam freely and play. It does NOT hurt the game allowing me to do so.

[Critch]

When I saw that gif I didn't think "Oooh, an appearing tree!". I thought "Oooooh, pretty game!! I want!! I want!! I want!!".

Any more lovely gifs?

[DanGarion]

look on the bright side...you are only paying 60 bucks for it

I think I hear sarcasm there. ;)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

That's the big complaint? That's really not a HUGE deal imo.

Let's not go crazy here. Most reviews are giving the game the same score despite the minor differences. It's a minor beef, but it's not a game killer. The main problem with it is that most gamers assumed with the next-gen systems that we were passed the pop-up graphics that hurt the immersion in the game. Obviously, that's not the case.......yet.

[rkmsuf]

I think I hear sarcasm there. ;)

just a little:D


On vice city for the pc I'd just load it, enter the cheat code for unlimited weapons and let the fun begin.

I have no patience for the tedium of some of those missions.

[ISiddiqui]

I just want to play the game and relax, that's why I stopped playing MMORPG after 5 years of Ultima Online, I don't want to have to feel like I'm doing work, give me; the person buying your game for 60 bucks the option to roam freely and play. It does NOT hurt the game allowing me to do so.

Well in their opinion, having some portions of the game locked allows a feeling of accomplishment when you actually unlock them and benefits the gameplay if that limitation is there.

I have to agree. I always enjoy unlocking the next portion of the game.

I mean, really, it's already free-er than 99% of the games out there.

[MikeVic]

Yeah I agree with Mizzou here. Something like this just hurts immersion a bit. But if all is the same between the 360 and PS3 version, then this hurts the 360 version a bit. I want to know what this frickin' exclusive content is already.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah I agree with Mizzou here. Something like this just hurts immersion a bit. But if all is the same between the 360 and PS3 version, then this hurts the 360 version a bit. I want to know what this frickin' exclusive content is already.

I've heard rumblings from a few people that Rockstar, not Microsoft, is the reason that there hasn't been any info on what the exclusive DLC will contain. Rockstar has been keeping a lid on the info and trailers, limiting them to only 4 trailers and keeping details under wraps. If Rockstar is trying to do the same with the DLC, it's a killer for Microsoft. I'm sure they'd love nothing more than to tell people how great it's going to be and they'd like to do it before the launch day.

Here's a recently posted article about Rockstar's control over what has been released (and not released):

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352835,00.html

[Icy]

Icy, I'm assuming you don't have the game yet? I'm interested in your online experience since the PS3 version has region-free online play. Wanted to see if there was any major lag when playing on the North American servers.


I don't have it yet, the manager at the shop where i preorder it is the only legal manager in Spain and won't sell it until tomorrow. I have read and seen pics that prove that hundreds of Spanish bought it all around the country, but i'll need to wait until tomorrow morning.

For what i have read, nobody wants to try it online today after the rumor of an user banned for a week from the PSN network for playing it one day before the release date.

[Eaglesfan27]

Here is an article comparing both versions:

http://kotaku.com/384422/which-version-of-gta-iv-should-you-buy-we-compare-the-ps3-and-360-versions

Edit to add:

The game is estimated to have cost over 100 million dollars to make:

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/2978.html

[Anthony]

too bad there wasn't a way to take in-game pics or even video clips and upload them, like you could in NCAA 2k8. how awesome would that be?

[cartman]

I thought that Jack Thompson was barred from campaigning against GTA4. He's now saying that GTA4 is the gravest threat to children since polio. :looney:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080428-jack-thompson-targets-gta-iv-with-an-unlikely-ally-ign.html

[ISiddiqui]

I think he's barred from suing GTA.

[DeToxRox]

So who is going at midnight?

[Flasch186]

some cool info on it:

1. iTunes killer?

Ever hear a random song on the radio and wish you could somehow snag it right then and there? If you're cruising around Liberty City, you can. In a video game first, Rockstar has teamed up with Amazon to let users mark any song they hear playing over the game's radio simply by making an in-game phone call. A few button-presses later, and the song will be waiting in your Amazon MP3 account. There's a lot here, too, as the soundtrack features over 150 songs spanning over a dozen genres, including exclusive tracks written just for the game by artists like Nas and The Greenskeepers in addition to plenty of obscure, hard-to-find material. Get the full lowdown here.

2. If looks could kill...

GTA IV sports an upgraded version of Rockstar's proprietary RAGE Graphics Engine (also used to power Table Tennis), which finally replaces Renderware under the GTA hood. RAGE now features a heavily-customized version of Natural Motion's "Euphoria" physics engine, the same one powering LucasArts' Jedi battle royale, The Force Unleashed. Put the two technologies together and you get seriously cinematic movement, gunplay, climbing, and driving. And say goodbye to long, ponderous load times - despite the sheer size and amazing level of detail in Liberty City (every street has a name and every business has an actual address), the first load is the only one you'll see.

3. Live a Little

Let's face it: stealing cars and blowing stuff up gets, well, kinda boring. Luckily, there's way, way more to do in GTA IV than just be a troublesome criminal. Call up your buddies for a game of darts, or a few beers at the local pub, or even a nice wholesome game of bowling. Using the indispensable new cell phone, you can initiate plans with any of your good (and not so good) pals, effectively creating the action rather than having it come to you all the time. Be careful, though, because those relationships you build function like they should. Ignore too many calls and you might find that the price of guns from your handy arms dealer just went up. And in case you suddenly develop a conscience, you can even dial 911 to arrest a ne'er do well or request an ambulance for an injured citizen. How he got hurt in the first place, we don't wanna know.

4. One is the loneliest number.

Most accomplished criminals prefer to work alone, but in GTA IV you'll have a chance to test yourself against other players in over a dozen multiplayer modes. Though many of the details are still under wraps, we have it on good authority that the game will support up to 16 players and feature everything from typical Deathmatch variants to several racing games, and of course, it's all accessible through that trusty cell phone. Expect more multiplayer news in the coming weeks.

5. It aims to please.

One of the chief complaints in past GTA games was the wonky aiming system; trying to switch targets was like steering a boat through mud. That's all changed in GTA IV thanks to a slick new targeting scheme that lets you change targets just by flicking the analog stick. If you still find yourself outmatched, a new cover system lets you slide behind a wall and blind fire into the glut of enemies trying to ruin your day. If you can't pull over before you get into a shootout, have no fear -- any weapon in the game can be fired while behind the wheel. So don't drive angry!

[Big Fo]

The game is estimated to have cost over 100 million dollars to make:

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/2978.html

Shenmue is no longer the most expensive game ever made then. And GTA4 will actually make the money back.

I think the value of 'unlockables' depend on the game. For example, the fact that Wario Ware, a game designed completely for multiplayer party fun, comes with multiplayer LOCKED is insane. Yes, the single player game is short, but it still ruined it for my friends and I when we rented it and discovered we couldn't play against each other that night.

haha that's exactly how I felt after renting WarioWare, there's no reason anything on that game should have been locked at the start. For whatever reason it doesn't bug me so much in GTA, but then again I'm a fan of the traditional single-player mode as much as simply driving around causing mayhem.

[korme]

Is it safe to say I will probably not be able to buy this tomorrow? As in, I should have pre-ordered?

[Calis]

Is it safe to say I will probably not be able to buy this tomorrow? As in, I should have pre-ordered?

I can't imagine it'll be hard to find.

The only place games like this are hard to find is Gamestop/Ebgames as they get off on this whole pre-order deal.

I would think other stores will be getting loads of copies in.

[Radii]

So who is going at midnight?

I am, I slept in today and will likely be up late tonight and have a Gamestop preorder. I didn't do that intentionally or specifically to play GTA4, but, its a nice side effect ;)

[Cringer]

Well, I pre-ordered at Target, so they don't open until 8 A.M.

I will be staying up all night and be there at 8 A.M. though. :D

[Calis]

I managed to not read much of anything about this or get interested at all until a couple days ago.

Now I can't wait. I'm thinking of excuses to take the day off tomorrow, and then attempt to hunt it down and play all day.

I still can't decide if I want to go PS3 or 360 on the version.

[wade moore]

I managed to not read much of anything about this or get interested at all until a couple days ago.

Now I can't wait. I'm thinking of excuses to take the day off tomorrow, and then attempt to hunt it down and play all day.

I still can't decide if I want to go PS3 or 360 on the version.


w0rd.

Just went and pre-ordered at Gamestop. It's going to take every bone in my body to not call out of work tomorrow.

[Cringer]

Since I pretty much make my own schedule, and have nothing going on tomorrow at all, I could sit and play it all day and night.

Except I don't have a working 360 right now. :( It was sent off today to some place online. Hopefully it's a legit repair company. ;) I hope to have it by the end of the week or early next week. I am going to get the game ASAP though so I don't have to worry about it being available when I get my 360 back.

[SackAttack]

Is it safe to say I will probably not be able to buy this tomorrow? As in, I should have pre-ordered?

We are going to have a metric assload of both versions in at work tomorrow, and while we had a presell program, I can't imagine we presold THAT many.

[General Mike]

someone give me a PS3.

[Cringer]

someone give me a PS3.

Would a broken PS2 work for you?

[ISiddiqui]

We are going to have a metric assload of both versions in at work tomorrow, and while we had a presell program, I can't imagine we presold THAT many.

Yeah... every single game that has massive demand will usually have massive orders by stores. So you'll likely find a copy and even on the first day. Walmart or Target may have stacks of it.

[Radii]

no bumps since midnight!? Ahhh its good to be an unemployed slob sometimes. I had to read a couple docs for a conference call that I have tomorrow(that I would be way too prone to not take care of if I started playing first), firing it up now, impressions before bed perhaps. :D

[Groundhog]

Debating picking it up this afternoon. Most stores have it selling for $120AU ($111ish US$), but one particular store has it for $78, which is damn good, but a bit of a trip to get there... hmmms.... Just got my PS3 hooked up to my new 22" monitor too, can't wait.

[cartman]

Debating picking it up this afternoon. Most stores have it selling for $120AU ($111ish US$), but one particular store has it for $78, which is damn good, but a bit of a trip to get there... hmmms.... Just got my PS3 hooked up to my new 22" monitor too, can't wait.

Isn't the Aussie version heavily edited and censored? If so, plus the cheaper import price, it seems better to order it from the US.

[Groundhog]

Isn't the Aussie version heavily edited and censored? If so, plus the cheaper import price, it seems better to order it from the US.

Hmm, thanks for pointing that out - I didn't realise. Earlier in the year I'd read that it was to be uncensored, so looks like that changed somewhere along the line.

[Radii]

started feeling some motion sickness after about 60 minutes of play. Its good so far, but I'm still going through the tutorial style stuff and remembering how to drive efficiently. I forgot how badly the available cars early in the game handle. I'm watching all the cut scenes and taking my time, so far at least. I've never had motion sickness issues in a GTA game before, but the TV here is a bit smaller than I'm used to. Gonna try some Ginger pills as seen on Mythbusters tomorrow. :D

[Icy]

10 minutes until the shop where i preordered opens, getting ready to go for it.

[Icy]

Good gameplay video:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DiMZwOyiFdg&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DiMZwOyiFdg&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Balldog]

I should not have watched that video, I'm not planning on buying the game until June 1. Its going to be a long wait.

[Icy]

I'm installing it now, installation to Ps3 HD takes around 7 minutes as it's over 3.5GB, good bye world!

[tucker rocky]

My pre-order copy is due to arrive tommorrow.
I went with the fastest shipping method from Circuit City.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Hmm, thanks for pointing that out - I didn't realise. Earlier in the year I'd read that it was to be uncensored, so looks like that changed somewhere along the line.

Buy the U.S. version from the Play Asia website. It's located in Asia, so you can likely get the game shipped to you within a week, if not sooner.

[Phototropic]

I just picked up a copy at the local Walmart from a box of about 100.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ouch, this is going to leave a mark..............

http://i25.tinypic.com/iv9069.jpg

[KWhit]

Guess I have to go buy this today.

[wade moore]

MBBF - if you don't quit it, I might develop a really severe stomach ache.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

MBBF - if you don't quit it, I might develop a really severe stomach ache.

I like how he stands up at the end and starts walking down the road like he didn't even notice that he had bounced off two cars and flown through a traffic light frame. Too funny.

[wade moore]

I like how he stands up at the end and starts walking down the road like he didn't even notice that he had bounced off two cars and flown through a traffic light frame. Too funny.I love that GTA has realistic physics, but at the same time doesn't take itself too seriously and try to be ultra-realistic in other ways.

[spleen1015]

I like how he stands up at the end and starts walking down the road like he didn't even notice that he had bounced off two cars and flown through a traffic light frame. Too funny.

Not to mention the skid mark his head left on the road.

[Mustang]

I like how he stands up at the end and starts walking down the road like he didn't even notice that he had bounced off two cars and flown through a traffic light frame. Too funny.

They need an animation where he dusts his jacket or pants off when he gets up. :)

[TroyF]

Here is an article comparing both versions:

http://kotaku.com/384422/which-version-of-gta-iv-should-you-buy-we-compare-the-ps3-and-360-versions

Edit to add:

The game is estimated to have cost over 100 million dollars to make:

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/2978.html

From the article:

Frame Rate
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been synonymous with a rock solid frame rate, something it generally seems to get a pass for. While GTA IV is smoother in general than it's predecessors, it can expectedly suffer during chaos. The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip.


Rockstar and their crappy programming for the PS3. Damn them, damn them all to hell.

Essentially, the article says the two are almost equal. A few less pop ins on the PS3, higher frame rate in confined spaces on the 360.

From the reviews I've read on both, they seem to be equal to each other.

This makes the decision easy for me:

Controller - 360 is the best controller I've ever used.
Multiplayer - Going to be a hell of a lot more people in the US playing on LIVE than on the PS3 network.


With everything else being equal, the 360 it is.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They need an animation where he dusts his jacket or pants off when he gets up. :)

Naw, that would be too realistic. In this case, he apparantly doesn't even realize he should be doing that. :)

Not to mention the skid mark his head left on the road.

Yep, I couldn't tell if it was blood or just a mark. Either way, good stuff.

[KWhit]

From the article:

Frame Rate
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been synonymous with a rock solid frame rate, something it generally seems to get a pass for. While GTA IV is smoother in general than it's predecessors, it can expectedly suffer during chaos. The Xbox 360 version seemed capable of achieving a smoother frame rate, peaking higher in certain circumstances, such as in confined spaces or during light traffic, but both versions seemed to regularly run at a similar clip.


Rockstar and their crappy programming for the PS3. Damn them, damn them all to hell.

Essentially, the article says the two are almost equal. A few less pop ins on the PS3, higher frame rate in confined spaces on the 360.

From the reviews I've read on both, they seem to be equal to each other.

This makes the decision easy for me:

Controller - 360 is the best controller I've ever used.
Multiplayer - Going to be a hell of a lot more people in the US playing on LIVE than on the PS3 network.


With everything else being equal, the 360 it is.

With the added benefit of this super-secret downloadable content. At the very least, I would view that as a tie-breaker of sorts. I wouldn't let it totally sway my opinion since we've heard nothing specific about it, but all things being equal, I want the version that is confirmed to be getting the new stuff.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This makes the decision easy for me:

Controller - 360 is the best controller I've ever used.
Multiplayer - Going to be a hell of a lot more people in the US playing on LIVE than on the PS3 network.

With everything else being equal, the 360 it is.

Obviously, the statement concerning the online play and how many players will be online is inaccurate. The 360 is region locked, so you will only be able to play with North American players. The PS3 online play is not region locked, so the online player base available is much larger than you present in your statement. The game is expected to do extremely well in Europe and my experience in other online games has been that even European games generally have chat in English, so it's no different than playing with Americans. There will be plenty of online players on the PS3.

[Eaglesfan27]

w0rd.

Just went and pre-ordered at Gamestop. It's going to take every bone in my body to not call out of work tomorrow.

I've had to resist that urge as well, which I have successfully. I should get a few hours this evening though before AI thanks to sweet talking Mrs. E. :)

[spleen1015]

I'm gonna pick mine up at 11ish and take the rest of the day off.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm gonna pick mine up at 11ish and take the rest of the day off.

If I didn't have the baby at home, I'd do that. No benefit in going home early. However, you can be sure that she'll be put in bed promptly at 8:00 PM (her bedtime) and I'll head directly in to start playing the game until the wee hours.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I've had to resist that urge as well, which I have successfully. I should get a few hours this evening though before AI thanks to sweet talking Mrs. E. :)

LOL......planning GTA4 time around American Idol??????

[Flasch186]

I pick mine up at 1000....just after picking up the Water softener salt.

[Eaglesfan27]

LOL......planning GTA4 time around American Idol??????

She LOVES AI. I get a few hours of game time when I get home, IF I watch AI with her and do a few other assorted favors (we usually start it about 30 minutes after the start time so we can zip through the commercials.)

I'm at schools today (leaving in 5 minutes), and hoping my last few patients don't show, so I can leave early. Does that make me a bad person? :o

[wade moore]

She LOVES AI. I get a few hours of game time when I get home, IF I watch AI with her and do a few other assorted favors (we usually start it about 30 minutes after the start time so we can zip through the commercials.)

I'm at schools today (leaving in 5 minutes), and hoping my last few patients don't show, so I can leave early. Does that make me a bad person? :o

Maybe you should buy them GTA IV ;).

[korme]

Best Buy opens in 39 minutes, just counting down the time

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

She LOVES AI. I get a few hours of game time when I get home, IF I watch AI with her and do a few other assorted favors (we usually start it about 30 minutes after the start time so we can zip through the commercials.)

I'm at schools today (leaving in 5 minutes), and hoping my last few patients don't show, so I can leave early. Does that make me a bad person? :o

We'll watch American Idol as well. Our 14 month old girl dances to the music on AI, so we have additional entertainment when the performances suck.

I called the office and cancelled your appointments. You're free to go now.

[TroyF]

Obviously, the statement concerning the online play and how many players will be online is inaccurate. The 360 is region locked, so you will only be able to play with North American players. The PS3 online play is not region locked, so the online player base available is much larger than you present in your statement. The game is expected to do extremely well in Europe and my experience in other online games has been that even European games generally have chat in English, so it's no different than playing with Americans. There will be plenty of online players on the PS3.

I don't want to turn this into a 360 vs. PS3 debate. I gave the reasons why I'd purchase the 360 version.

Most of the A+ titles that have come out on both systems have the 360 version of the game with a huge lead. COD4 stands at something like 5.7 million to 2.9 million.

I don't see any reason to think that trend won't continue. But it doesn't matter. . . it's all preferance and opinion. It's pretty clear a majority of the gaming sites are saying the two games are the same, with minor advantages in certain areas over the other one. The controller alone makes the decision easy for me at that point.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Best Buy opens in 39 minutes, just counting down the time

Post when you get back. Just curious how big the numbers are as far as stock on hand. The Neogaf thread on availability is generally reporting that the PS3 version has been selling out (Rockstar didn't ship as many PS3 units in the U.S.) while the 360 version generally has ample supply to cover the demand.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I don't want to turn this into a 360 vs. PS3 debate. I gave the reasons why I'd purchase the 360 version.

Most of the A+ titles that have come out on both systems have the 360 version of the game with a huge lead. COD4 stands at something like 5.7 million to 2.9 million.

I don't see any reason to think that trend won't continue. But it doesn't matter. . . it's all preferance and opinion. It's pretty clear a majority of the gaming sites are saying the two games are the same, with minor advantages in certain areas over the other one. The controller alone makes the decision easy for me at that point.

Understood. Just wanted to clarify that both versions will have plenty of online players.

[korme]

Post when you get back. Just curious how big the numbers are as far as stock on hand. The Neogaf thread on availability is generally reporting that the PS3 version has been selling out (Rockstar didn't ship as many PS3 units in the U.S.) while the 360 version generally has ample supply to cover the demand.

Shit, that is not good news - I'm a PS3 soldier

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Shit, that is not good news - I'm a PS3 soldier

That was info from the midnight launches. I'm guessing that the stores that open today at a regular time should have ample stock through the afternoon. Evening might be a stretch. I'm going to make a lunch run to Circuit City just to avoid any issues.

As an example, someone posted that their local Best Buy had around 400 copies of the 360 version while they had between 250-300 copies of the PS3 version.

[Cringer]

So I just got back from picking mine up. And now I get to stare at the box and my free Target exclusive 360 skin. Nice simple skin, and it doesn't say Target on it so that is nice. :)

Hopefully I can play it by next week, but we will see how fast I get my 360 back, or even fixed at all.

I ended up getting the regular game, not the Special Edition like I had pre-ordered. The lady in charge didn't seem to care as the kid before me used his regular pre-order towards a Special Edition. The wife wanted to save the $30 bucks or whatever it was, and we never really meant to get the Special Edition anyways, it was an accident by her.

It pays not to be first as well. The first two guys got their 360 versions and walked off. I nicely asked the lady about using my Special Edition pre-order for the regular game, she asked me to hold on, walked off, and came back with a big stack of 360 versions and the skins. The guys before me didn't get their free skins. The guy after me and I did get it. Woohoo.

[CleBrownsfan]

If I didn't have the baby at home, I'd do that. No benefit in going home early. However, you can be sure that she'll be put in bed promptly at 8:00 PM (her bedtime) and I'll head directly in to start playing the game until the wee hours.

My exact situation I have at the home front... even though my baby is only 2.5 months old I still don't want to play this game while she's awake :rolleyes:

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

My exact situation I have at the home front... even though my baby is only 2.5 months old I still don't want to play this game while she's awake :rolleyes:

Mine just started walking. I sometimes take her up with me and play games for a few minutes. She has all the toys laid out on the floor. But she always ignores all of those toys and goes right over to the other wireless PS3 controller on the floor and starts pushing the buttons and flipping around the joysticks........just like Daddy. :D

[Icy]

First 2 hours played and i'm loving it, the storyline and characters are amazing (won't spoil anything). Btw, the dark city areas are sooo dark and hard to drive in them but it helps a lot to feel you're into those poor city neighborhoods and to notice a big change in lights when you drive in the better areas. The only problem i'm having is getting used to the camera specially on fights.

[Mustang]

Mine just started walking. I sometimes take her up with me and play games for a few minutes. She has all the toys laid out on the floor. But she always ignores all of those toys and goes right over to the other wireless PS3 controller on the floor and starts pushing the buttons and flipping around the joysticks........just like Daddy. :D

Our 8 month old is enamored with any remote or gamepad.. especially the guitar controllers for GH.

[gstelmack]

Post when you get back. Just curious how big the numbers are as far as stock on hand. The Neogaf thread on availability is generally reporting that the PS3 version has been selling out (Rockstar didn't ship as many PS3 units in the U.S.) while the 360 version generally has ample supply to cover the demand.

We had someone just get back from Target and report 360 sold out, plenty of PS3 copies on shelf.

[spleen1015]

I just went across the street to Best Buy to get my copy of the 360 Special Edition.

Looking at the stacks behind the counter for preorders, both versions are selling.

[Cringer]

First 2 hours played and i'm loving it, the storyline and characters are amazing (won't spoil anything). Btw, the dark city areas are sooo dark and hard to drive in them but it helps a lot to feel you're into those poor city neighborhoods and to notice a big change in lights when you drive in the better areas. The only problem i'm having is getting used to the camera specially on fights.

Does the city feel pretty big to you? I am sitting here looking at the map from the game and it looks like it could be big, but maybe not much bigger then the first GTA III in Liberty City. I know the game world is helped by more buildings to go into, but just on the streets, does it seem pretty good size so far?

[spleen1015]

Does the city feel pretty big to you? I am sitting here looking at the map from the game and it looks like it could be big, but maybe not much bigger then the first GTA III in Liberty City. I know the game world is helped by more buildings to go into, but just on the streets, does it seem pretty good size so far?

I forgot what I read. I think it is about 3 times bigger than GTAIII.

[korme]

There was 7 left on the shelf at the local BB PS3 wise.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

We had someone just get back from Target and report 360 sold out, plenty of PS3 copies on shelf.

Hopefully that's the case in my area. A friend of mine that works at Target locally said that he's not sure either version will last much past an hour. That doesn't bode well.

[Icy]

Does the city feel pretty big to you? I am sitting here looking at the map from the game and it looks like it could be big, but maybe not much bigger then the first GTA III in Liberty City. I know the game world is helped by more buildings to go into, but just on the streets, does it seem pretty good size so far?


Feels so big, the initial area where you live is huge by itself and i just crossed the bridge to go to the strip club and a whole new area is here. Btw guys, get the private lap dance, is so really well done :D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Feels so big, the initial area where you live is huge by itself and i just crossed the bridge to go to the strip club and a whole new area is here. Btw guys, get the private lap dance, is so really well done :D

Icy, you have a call on line 5. It's a Mr. Jack Thompson.

[Kodos]

Rrrgh. My copy isn't supposed to come until Thursday...

[CleBrownsfan]

Rrrgh. My copy isn't supposed to come until Thursday...

Where and Why do you guys buy these game online and not pre-order from gamestop or another store that takes pre-sale orders?

[Kodos]

I was just too lazy to go to Gamestop. I can wait. The harder wait right now is Def Leppard's album that came out today. ;)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ah, now it feels more like a GTA release day. Jack's lost his ability to file lawsuits, so he's demanding that developers and store owners be indicted with distribution of porn to minors............

http://gamepolitics.com/2008/04/29/jack-thompson-claims-gta-iv-is-porn-and-everyone-should-be-indicted/

[Flasch186]

thats actually not a bad tactic for him....might work depending on what is shown in game.

[Recoil]

Picked up a copy at Blockbuster this morning. They had boxes full of them.

So good.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Heading over to Circuit City right now. ***crosses fingers***

[PurdueBrad]

Just picked up my pre-order on lunch from Gamestop. Of course now I have to sit here another five hours till playing it. My Gamestop claimed they are selling 3:1 X-box 360 over PS3 but I find that hard to believe, even as a 360 fan.

[SackAttack]

That was info from the midnight launches. I'm guessing that the stores that open today at a regular time should have ample stock through the afternoon. Evening might be a stretch. I'm going to make a lunch run to Circuit City just to avoid any issues.

As an example, [b]someone posted that their local Best Buy had around 400 copies of the 360 version while they had between 250-300 copies of the PS3 version.[b]

*cough*

The discrepancy at my store is actually greater than that.

[PurdueBrad]

Oh, forgot to add that I picked up Wiikart at the same time so it's going to be lots of driving on my tv for the next few weeks.

[astrosfan64]

Just picked up my pre-order on lunch from Gamestop. Of course now I have to sit here another five hours till playing it. My Gamestop claimed they are selling 3:1 X-box 360 over PS3 but I find that hard to believe, even as a 360 fan.

Why the US player base is much larger for 360 then PS3?

[PurdueBrad]

Why the US player base is much larger for 360 then PS3?

I didn't figure it was as high as a 3:1 ratio though. 2 to 1 I might be able to see but that salesman's comment was, "Three of every four we have sold is for the X-Box and frankly, we're expecting it to be even more skewed later." I expected it to be more like that COD4 numbers, 2 to 1 although maybe there is something to the DLC exclusive that is keeping people with the 360.

[dubb93]

Went and picked it up at midnight at my local gamestop, just to throw these numbers out there, at midnight the PS3 line was 11 people long. I was number 47 in the 360 line. Of course this isn't a big city gamestop, but still the numbers really did shock me.

[Cringer]

Feels so big, the initial area where you live is huge by itself and i just crossed the bridge to go to the strip club and a whole new area is here. Btw guys, get the private lap dance, is so really well done :D

Nice, the size of the city will be very cool then.

Sounds like I will have to kick the daughter out of the room when it is time for a lap dance. lol

[Tigercat]

*cough*

The discrepancy at my store is actually greater than that.

Same here, 3 to 1 last I checked. Luckily I reserved a PS3 version for myself. :D

[SackAttack]

Same here, 3 to 1 last I checked. Luckily I reserved a PS3 version for myself. :D

I have no idea which is going to outsell the other. I'm talking strictly about copies received!

[Cringer]

Well, the Target nearest me was 4-0 in favor of the 360. There were 4 of us total, and we were all getting the 360 version.

It may have changed some by now. ;)