Grand Theft Auto IV – The Legacy Review

Grand Theft Auto IV – The Legacy Review

In 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV marked a shift in the series, as it was the first installment set in the present day. The year 2026, when revisiting the game, showcases a world before the smartphone era, with the internet being a destination, social media still a novelty, and radio alerts indicating incoming calls. Despite the 18-year gap, GTA IV feels less retro than its predecessor, Vice City, and more authentic than subsequent open-world games.

Liberty City in GTA IV lacks some features of its predecessor, San Andreas, such as a significant reduction in land area (around a quarter of San Andreas's), fewer vehicles, no customisation, and a limited skill system. Despite these limitations, the game garnered critical acclaim for its immersive city, which is more crowded, dense, and detailed than ever before.

The protagonist, Niko Bellic, is another key factor in GTA IV's success. Portrayed as an Eastern European war veteran, his journey through Liberty City elicits sympathy and understanding, making him one of the most likeable characters in the series.

The game's portrayal of Liberty City is remarkable, capturing the essence of a specific moment in time. Though not as strong as Vice City or San Andreas, it still stands out in terms of its sense of place and representation. Rockstar's attention to detail is evident in every corner of the city, from the individual storefronts to the architecture, and the lived-in grime. Despite the limitations of original hardware, the game's immersive qualities remain, making it a credible and convincing city even today.