Preview: Grand Theft Auto IV

Out: April 2008 (Please, God!)

Formats: PS3, 360

Certificate: Officially TBC, but we all know it’s going to be 18, don’t we?

There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that one  of the greatest moments in videogaming history was the release of Grand Theft Auto 3. GTA had always been an OK game. One of those titles which you never really noticed unless you were a fan and avid player of them. But then along came GTA 3 and, just as the turn of the millenium had ushered in a new age, a new era in videogames had begun.

The graphics were unparalleled, the plot immersive and the gameplay revolutionary. It was absolutely astounding. After this instant classic had brought the GTA series to the forefront of everyone’s minds, Rockstar had a lot to live up to. So, a few years later, Vice City was released. And while it was no doubt better than its predecessor, it just wasn’t as groundbreaking. And either was San Andreas when it was released to the greatest reception a game has ever recieved. But now Rockstar face their biggest test to date.

The last three GTA games, the 3D ones, had all been on the same console, the PS2, so they were never really confronted by the challenge of having to develop for new hardware and live up to the hype. This time, however, they not only have to develop a game for one new console, they have to do it for 2. And that is why GTA IV was postponed to April 2008 at the earliest.

So far, it looks exceptional. Rockstar have made a bold decision going back to Libery City (don’t worry, it’s been all modernised), but it looks like it’s going to pay off. It is clear to see they are trying to create something absolutely unbelivable. The best game of all time. And by quite a margin.

We’ve already seen the engine used. The RAGE, and it really is fantastic. But we haven’t had a lot of information other than that. From what we have seen, we know it is going to be the most realistic GTA to date, but whether that will make it the best is an argument that is going to rage for quite a while.

One to Watch Rating: 10