GTA IV = GTA III All Over Again

[WiseGuysAy]

I'm sorry to say this, but, even though I've loved the GTA franchise for what it has been doing, GTA IV's approach is against the ways of the previous GTA games. Instead of focusing on expanding whichever gameplay GTA:SA brought forth (and the PSP GTA games), Rockstar North was pressurized into removing many of those features, in exchange for more realism and a more polished game. Its staff obviously has forgotten the fact that we've never cared about how the graphics looked and how realistic the GTA games were, but it must've thought that in order to attract new people, there needed to be lots of things removed. This has GTA IV end up seeming as nothing more than a game like GTA III--the beginning of a truly open-ended city within the current generation. That was what GTA III did for the 6th generation, and GTA IV did that for this generation (the 7th generation of game consoles). Now, as a result of this, GTA IV has been reduced to nothing more of a unique title, so it feels just as derivative (unoriginal and uninnovative) as the Driver franchise has been after Driv3r. GTA games are going to reduced to nothing more than rip-offs of GTA III itself, and of the GTA game itself. Also, they'll be done to death much like how the Mario franchise and Final Fantasy franchise have been since they were first around, for there will be lots of remakes and spin-offs, knowing that this is an extremely popular franchise, which Rockstar North and Rockstar Games would do anything to get as much money out of it as possible.

 

I used to be a fan, and now I will soon end my ways with the GTA franchise. Before, I wanted to rent/borrow GTA:SA and GTA IV from my cousin (I had GTA:SA but lost it and couldn't complete it all the way), but now I feel like I should just save my money by watching videos of these games, and afterwards, looking for other, more innovative games. The GTA franchise has squeezed enough ideas out of itself, and with David Jones gone (went to found Realtime Worlds), who created the GTA franchise and worked on it for quite some time (I think that he worked on it until GTA:SA), that will make this an even bigger mess to live with.

 

Enjoy your time with this franchise while it still lasts, GTA fans, but I won't enjoy it for long. I'll be through with it before GTA V is released (or whatever the next GTA game on the PS3 & Xbox 360 will be called).

[P-Thunder.]

Well of course it will go stale. They all do. The "Half Life" franchise is proberley next to go. I love HL, but its going to happen. It always does.

[Safe_Badger]

Of course, every game will go stale. But its the truely good companies that can keep it on the edge of stale the longest.

[Cyper]

So true. I'm with you!

 

GTA IV doesn't deserve 10/10. It's one step forwards, yes, but two steps back.

When the story Is done It's just boring. Exactly like GTA 3 feels.

 

Maybe GTA IV is fun for new players, but for me, that have been following and playing the gta-series for eleven years It's disapointing.

[Darrel]

 

Maybe GTA IV is fun for new players, but for me, that have been following and playing the gta-series for eleven years It's disapointing.

I've been playing Gta for a decade or so and Gta IV still remains to be fun.

[JimGreen]

I'm new...so I don't know anything else.

 

I love it.

[SentinelXS]

I'm new...so I don't know anything else.

 

I love it.

and rightly so...by itself its absolutely amazing and like nothing else out there...but i have played GTA since the very 1st installment when it was nothing more than an overhead view of what looked like matchbox cars driving around and a little character running about shooting things...used to give me such amusement back then...lol

 

but i somewhat agree with the previous comments...i find myself "looking" for things to do now that the story is complete...not like i didnt in all of the other editions but this one is much harder to find NEW things to do. i have never been a huge fan of the hidden packages/pigeons or unique stunt jumps portion of the games...i do them to get it finished but dont really enjoy it.

 

i would much rather do something like OdDsOcK's Algonquin Assassin missions or the new post that i and davidwheildon worked on together...Alderney Exporters, Inc...where you find cars on a list and take them to a location for export. that was one of my most favorite parts of Vice City and San Andreas....mainly b/c you got something for doing the work...unlocked cars....cars you couldnt find elsewhere in VC like the Sandking...Sabre Turbo...etc. and in SA it put the more difficult...more customizable cars at that dealership...like the Elegy, Uranus, Stratum, & Sultan.

 

GTA IV seems to reward Niko w/ money but what is it good for? there is nothing to really buy for as much as you are making...i'm not saying i wanna go spend $25k for a car and lose it 5 mins later but i enjoyed the purchasing of additional safehouses in SA...made it seem like your money was actually useful....i'm not trying to complain b/c i think there are areas where IV really shines and i do enjoy the game...play it several times a week usually....but it does lack in other areas and i have read comments from others that they used it as a chance to build like they did w/ III when it went to the PS2...but i just dont know if that was necessary...it took long enough to come out...i dunno....guess we'll have to wait and see what they do w/ V or whatever it is gonna be called

 

-XS

[REDBEES]

damn WiseGuyAv, you've stopped enjoying the game? what the hell are we all going to do, now knowing that you've stopped enjoying the game and are thinking of moving on... Also what is R* going to end up doing without having you as a customer?

 

I'm going to have to call the care police, before you single-handedly destroy the industry and GTA franchise!

[Algonquin Assassin]

@ OP- Are you really going to just give up like that?

 

I think the GTA series has done very well to last this long. GTA IV is a speed bump to many people, but I don't think it is.

 

I mean sure it lacks from the old games, but that doesn't mean it's going to cause GTA to end anytime soon.

 

The next GTA wont take so long, so they can add more things to it. I would've been more disappointed if IV retained the same old graphics, physics, and basic gameplay from before.

 

I think they done the right thing by going back to the drawing board, and throwing out the old style GTA to completely start over.

 

All in all I think GTA IV has given the GTA series a swift kick up the ass, and I'm looking forward to future additions.

Edited August 18, 2008 by Miamivicecity

[DX2069]

damn WiseGuyAv, you've stopped enjoying the game? what the hell are we all going to do, now knowing that you've stopped enjoying the game and are thinking of moving on... Also what is R* going to end up doing without having you as a customer?

 

I'm going to have to call the care police, before you single-handedly destroy the industry and GTA franchise!

oh stfu he is right and you know it this game is a dissapointment as i have said before but you all thought i was insane you fan boys get soo offended as if someone was killin your mother:rampage:

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

oh stfu he is right and you know it  this game is a dissapointment as i have said before but you all thought i was insane you fan boys get soo offended as if someone was killin your mother:rampage:

The way some people carry on here, you would think IV killed their mother aswell.

 

Edited August 18, 2008 by Miamivicecity

[Sol Armande]

I just wanna say that, as another person who has played since GTA I, I think the best part of the game is and will always be getting into trouble and blasting away while being chased by innumerable authorities with better and better guns.

 

That said, I do also agree that this is basically "GTA III" for the PS3. And, at first, I was really disappointed that there is only the helicopter (no missiles even!) and that San Andreas had a lot more going on, gameplay-wise.

 

But the police AI is WAY improved, all of the alleyways and escape routes that they show you in-game are brilliant, and that, while arguably the best part is how incredibly beautiful and realistic the city is, the gameplay remains engaging and fun long after you finish the game. Right now I'm on my third time playing through on a friend's PS3 and trying to finish HONESTLY without restarting, dying, or getting arrested. It's damn annoying, but if you can suspend your disbelief the realism is excellent - because the game looks so damn good!

 

The one thing I really miss is the tank though. And we've had it since GTA I so I give half a point deduction for not including it this time. I certainly hope that R* amends this omission in the next installment, which I am already eagerly awaiting because I trust that they will...or else!

[SaintJimmy]

Of course, every game will go stale. But its the truely good companies that can keep it on the edge of stale the longest.

Unless the game developers have an idea of when to STOP.

[unopescio]

Well of course it will go stale. They all do. The "Half Life" franchise is proberley next to go. I love HL, but its going to happen. It always does.

oh hai paddy

[WolfenVic]

All I see reading this is another thread about spoilt Gamers. You were SPOILED with GTA VC and GTA SA. Car Customization wasn't until SA. The car export wasn't till VC. GTA 3 was one of my favorite GTA's to date and it would still be if it didn't have loading. Another thing we were spoiled with. Back in GTA 3 it had the core of the game, shooting and driving, exactly what I remember from the original GTA.

 

What were most of you doing before GTA IV came out? Most likely playing around the cities Shooting and Driving. Now that GTA IV is out all I hear is how this certain feature is left out after the game is completed. I mean it Must of been left out since I hear SO many complaints of NOTHING to do after the game is finished.

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

All I see reading this is another thread about spoilt Gamers. You were SPOILED with GTA VC and GTA SA. Car Customization wasn't until SA. The car export wasn't till VC. GTA 3 was one of my favorite GTA's to date and it would still be if it didn't have loading. Another thing we were spoiled with. Back in GTA 3 it had the core of the game, shooting and driving, exactly what I remember from the original GTA.

 

What were most of you doing before GTA IV came out? Most likely playing around the cities Shooting and Driving. Now that GTA IV is out all I hear is how this certain feature is left out after the game is completed. I mean it Must of been left out since I hear SO many complaints of NOTHING to do after the game is finished.

Yeah you're right. VC, and particually SA spoiled everyone. Whenever I play IV it makes me feel like I'm playing the originals, and GTA III again just very improved. That's not a bad thing either.

 

I still find driving around, and causing fights fun. I mean just tonight I was in Little Italy figthing with the Italians, then I went to Chinatown to fight the Triads, then to Hove Beach to fight The Russians. That's GTA to me.

 

I didn't mind some of the old features, but I haven't let them spoil me, and make me forget of GTA's roots.

[macorules94]

damn WiseGuyAv, you've stopped enjoying the game? what the hell are we all going to do, now knowing that you've stopped enjoying the game and are thinking of moving on... Also what is R* going to end up doing without having you as a customer?

 

I'm going to have to call the care police, before you single-handedly destroy the industry and GTA franchise!

oh stfu he is right and you know it this game is a dissapointment as i have said before but you all thought i was insane you fan boys get soo offended as if someone was killin your mother:rampage:

SHUT THE f*ck UP ASS HOLES IF YOU DONT LIKE GTA IV THEN STOP PLAYING IT AND STOP WRITING YOUR FAT ASS sh*t HERE OK OK

 

 

WE DONT WANT YOU ASSHOLES HERE

[WiseGuysAy]

I'm sorry but I recall noticing that the GTA franchise was all about open-world gameplay, something which GTA IV has little of. GTA: VC and GTA:SA weren't games that spoiled us; they gave us the true meaning of freedom in a video game. And with GTA IV taking a lot of those features from San Andreas away, the game is simply an improvement technologically, but it is far more linear thanks to that. When will developers achieve a great level of freedom and non-linearity in games? GTA III was so fantastic the first time it was around because it boosted a 3-D engine and had more freedom than most of the games out around its time. As for GTA IV, it doesn't stand up well to games like Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in terms of freedom, and it probably will say far less freedom than Fable 2 and Fallout 3. It will be long before GTA IV actually begins to offer lots of freedom, which will most definitely happen with the modding community, after the PC version is released. Other than that, GTA IV is a step backwards from non-linearity in video games, and with one installment within a franchise, the GTA franchise, such as this, it could mean a wrong step for the GTA games in the future.

 

Trying to bring in a great deal of realism into a video game shouldn't detract from having the lead game designer keep the same gameplay of the previous sequels (or at least change it up, but not remove it entirely) and even offer some newer features of gameplay. GTA IV's staff of game designers probably became too lazy to go with the idea of emergent gameplay (combining elements of other genres). What makes GTA:SA so unique is that it has the greatest variety in elements across various genres. It has action, fighting, driving, simulation, role-playing, and sports. Taking away one or more of those elements could really make a game look bad. If GTA IV seemed to big for R* North to go ahead and take GTA:SA's gameplay, then I wouldn't mind if the game was found on 2 discs (as long as there'd be one loading time on each disc). Now it seems to me that we'll never see a game full of as much, if not more freedom than GTA:SA has been able to bring. All that GTA IV was is just another GTA game. Great voice talent, cut scenes, linear storyline and missions, and some really basic gameplay. If R* North doesn't make any bigger changes, like removing the cut scenes (to add more immersion and player interactions, something which cut scenes aren't able to encourage), to offering more than just the same revenge stories, I don't see how many people will find a lot of amusement in this franchise.

 

I'm going to look at other non-linear games out there. There are games like Fallout 3, The Outsider, Elite 4, and Fable 2 coming out in the future, so I can look forward to those. Even Alan Wake, Prototype, and maybe even Mercenaries 2 might be worth checking out. At least these games' formulas won't be as derivative as GTA IV's.

Edited August 18, 2008 by WiseGuysAy

[spaceeinstein]

GTA3 didn't have all of GTA2's features. So I understand that GTA4 doesn't have all of the previous GTAs features. Role playing wasn't the basic feature of a GTA game. Driving and shooting is and Rockstar made that a priority for the first time. The next GTAs will build over it and you will see the improvements. Why be disappointed when there is nothing to be disappointed at?

Edited August 18, 2008 by spaceeinstein

[Ashhole820]

...and nothing of value was lost

[Algonquin Assassin]

What makes GTA:SA so unique is that it has the greatest variety in elements across various genres. It has action, fighting, driving, simulation, role-playing, and sports.

Eh GTA IV has this too.

 

Driving? check

Action? check

Fighting? check

Simulation? check

Role playing? check

Sports? check

 

[mrgypsie]

 

So true. I'm with you!

 

GTA IV doesn't deserve 10/10. It's one step forwards, yes, but two steps back.

When the story Is done It's just boring. Exactly like GTA 3 feels.

 

Maybe GTA IV is fun for new players, but for me, that have been following and playing the gta-series for eleven years It's disapointing.

A Neverending game will not happen. Of course games grow old and boring. Developing a game that will be new, fresh and fun no matter how much you play is impossible. To keep the old GTA players happy they need to remove old ideas & features to fit in new stuff. They can't keep producing the same game with a different story and different city all the time. They need too try different ways and ideas to keep the wheel spinning.

 

 

SHUT THE f*ck UP ASS HOLES IF YOU DONT LIKE GTA IV THEN STOP PLAYING IT AND STOP WRITING YOUR FAT ASS sh*t HERE OK OK

 

 

WE DONT WANT YOU ASSHOLES HERE

You apparently don't know what a forum is. A forum is a place where you share your thoughts and opinions and discuss them with others and their opinions. If all would just say "OMFG GTA RULES!!! IT'S THE BEST GAME EVAR!" then there would be no point of it all.

Edited August 19, 2008 by mrgypsie

[--Vega--]

So true. I'm with you!

 

GTA IV doesn't deserve 10/10. It's one step forwards, yes, but two steps back.

When the story Is done It's just boring. Exactly like GTA 3 feels.

 

Maybe GTA IV is fun for new players, but for me, that have been following and playing the gta-series for eleven years It's disapointing.

Damn right.

[WiseGuysAy]

As far as I'm concerned, GTA IV's storyline is not the greatest in a game set in a city filled with crime. It was Mafia's dialogue and script that impressed the most. The same man known for creating its story and dialogue will be working on Mafia II's script, so it'll very likely surpass the likes of GTA IV's story, especially since it'll have several endings and allow for players to make choices throughout the missions.

 

Here are some features which Mafia II will offer:

 

- Readable newspapers to learn about recent news between 1945 and the early '50s.

- A completely open-ended game map of 10 square miles. No restrictions are included from the start of the game.[5]

- Cars will play a central role, based on models of the time, and changing with the era.

- Laws, including traffic, must be obeyed, but the police interaction will be toned down compared to the original.

- Although fictional, Empire City will feature sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building.[6]

- The player can get "very high" in the city, adding a possible vertical element.

- The player will be able to buy a home where they can store gear and use as a home base.

- Restaurants will be accessible to buy food and drinks to increase health.[7]

- Stolen cars can now be upgraded at the "Empire -- Automobile Shop"; engines can be replaced, cars can be resprayed, and interior can be refitted, to name a few.

- Things such as sink faucets, switches, bottles, and chairs will all be interactive, as well as radios that the player can turn on to hear a few licensed period tunes.[8]

- Cars can suffer panel damage, get dirty and explode. They can also run out of fuel.[7]

- NPCs will smoke, read newspapers, and wait for buses, while homeless people search through nearby garbage bins.[8][6]

- Interacting with objects in the environment involves two action buttons- a standard and a "violent" option- used in context-sensitive situations.

- A map will be included as in the original.

- The checkpoint system has been completely overhauled.

- Gyms will be accessible to unlock new combos and fighting styles.

- As seen in screenshots, Vito will be able to hail taxi cabs and they will take him wherever he wants.[9]

- Trunks can open, and weapons and bodies may be stashed there.[8]

- The player will own their own car which comes with a personalized number plate.[6]

- Vito can go into clothing stores and purchase different outfits.[citation needed]

- Several period motorcycles are featuring in game.

 

It seems like it'll be the most realistic crime-based game ever, especially since the mood of this game will be even darker than the first one. If anybody here has played Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven before, then you'll know what kinds of talents there are at 2K Czech--the people who worked on Mafia and who are now working on Mafia II.

 

Also, just to display what Mafia II will be capable of, I'm going to post some screenshots of it below.

 

 

Edited August 20, 2008 by WiseGuysAy

[ExitiumMachina]

First step into next-gen...yea they didn't go into it extreme but given this is the first GTA of the next-gen gaming I think there is plenty of room to carry it from here. I actually appreciate the realism and enjoy it very much so, yea the game goes stale after the story...but it leaves so much to be desired from future releases.

[Algonquin Assassin]

As far as I'm concerned, GTA IV's storyline is not the greatest in a game set in a city filled with crime. It was Mafia's dialogue and script that impressed the most. The same man known for creating its story and dialogue will be working on Mafia II's script, so it'll very likely surpass the likes of GTA IV's story, especially since it'll have several endings and allow for players to make choices throughout the missions.

 

Here are some features which Mafia II will offer:

 

- Readable newspapers to learn about recent news between 1945 and the early '50s.

- A completely open-ended game map of 10 square miles. No restrictions are included from the start of the game.[5]

- Cars will play a central role, based on models of the time, and changing with the era.

- Laws, including traffic, must be obeyed, but the police interaction will be toned down compared to the original.

- Although fictional, Empire City will feature sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building.[6]

- The player can get "very high" in the city, adding a possible vertical element.

- The player will be able to buy a home where they can store gear and use as a home base.

- Restaurants will be accessible to buy food and drinks to increase health.[7]

- Stolen cars can now be upgraded at the "Empire -- Automobile Shop"; engines can be replaced, cars can be resprayed, and interior can be refitted, to name a few.

- Things such as sink faucets, switches, bottles, and chairs will all be interactive, as well as radios that the player can turn on to hear a few licensed period tunes.[8]

- Cars can suffer panel damage, get dirty and explode. They can also run out of fuel.[7]

- NPCs will smoke, read newspapers, and wait for buses, while homeless people search through nearby garbage bins.[8][6]

- Interacting with objects in the environment involves two action buttons- a standard and a "violent" option- used in context-sensitive situations.

- A map will be included as in the original.

- The checkpoint system has been completely overhauled.

- Gyms will be accessible to unlock new combos and fighting styles.

- As seen in screenshots, Vito will be able to hail taxi cabs and they will take him wherever he wants.[9]

- Trunks can open, and weapons and bodies may be stashed there.[8]

- The player will own their own car which comes with a personalized number plate.[6]

- Vito can go into clothing stores and purchase different outfits.[citation needed]

- Several period motorcycles are featuring in game.

 

It seems like it'll be the most realistic crime-based game ever, especially since the mood of this game will be even darker than the first one. If anybody here has played Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven before, then you'll know what kinds of talents there are at 2K Czech--the people who worked on Mafia and who are now working on Mafia II.

 

Also, just to display what Mafia II will be capable of, I'm going to post some screenshots of it below.

 

 

Yeah I agree. Mafia II is going to f**king rock. Alot of people think SR2 is going to give GTA IV a run for its money. I reckon Mafia II will be GTA IV's biggest threat along with The Godfather II.

[WiseGuysAy]

First step into next-gen...yea they didn't go into it extreme but given this is the first GTA of the next-gen gaming I think there is plenty of room to carry it from here. I actually appreciate the realism and enjoy it very much so, yea the game goes stale after the story...but it leaves so much to be desired from future releases.

It's already been 4 years in the making and now there are only around 3 more years left until we see an 8th generation console debut, so it's possible that there will only be one more GTA game in the making, not 3 games, which was possible in the 6th generation because GTA III came out in 2001, a year before the 6th generation started, so Rockstar North had the time to make 2 more sequels. But given that teams will need to be larger and that more features will need to be crammed in, I don't think that it'll be as easy as it was one console generation ago. All that I know is that GTA:SA has the greatest amount of gameplay features for a game, and ever since 2004, there weren't very many games filled with more freedom than that, so because of this, many open-world games have gone stale. However, I'm looking forward to playing Fallout 3, Fable 2, and Mafia II. After that, I probably won't play anymore open-ended games for a while (at least until they've got lots of features and realism), so I might have to wait one or two more console generations for that to be made possible.

 

I certainly hope that the video game industry will mature itself in one or two more generations because seeing cinema dominate it (particularly through the use of cut scenes) and having developers imitate everything that cinema has been doing is something that they need to go beyond in order to become innovative. And with more games leaving realism, emotions, and many actions to the gameplay rather than to the cut scenes, they'll finally become the most interactive, fun, and educational experiences ever. I'll be getting myself into this industry within a few more years (I'm about to start my 4th year of high school), so even if it doesn't evolve to my own expectations, then I'll just have to innovate it that much further myself. Too many developers and game publishers base themselves around making profits that innovation is such a rare thing these days. Very few developers have been/are innovating it further and I will join them in a few years.