Grand Theft Auto IV

About the game

Grand Theft Auto IV is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and released in 2008. The game is set in a fictional version of New York City called Liberty City. The protagonist is Niko Bellic, a war veteran from Eastern Europe who arrives in America at the invitation of his cousin Roman. Roman promised a life of luxury, but in reality is deep in debt to criminal figures.

The narrative revolves around Niko's search for a traitor from his military past, but branches into numerous storylines as the game progresses. Players encounter politicians, gangsters, drug dealers, and ordinary citizens. Liberty City emerges as a living organism with its own rules: pedestrians react to events, radio stations comment on story developments, and police operate under realistic protocols. The physics of vehicles became noticeably heavier compared to previous entries, with cars reacting realistically to damage.

Gameplay combines third-person shooting, car chases, mission-based work, and free exploration. A cover system was added, allowing players to fire from behind walls and vehicles. The game supports single-player campaign and multiplayer for up to 32 players. Two story expansions were later released — The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony — with new protagonists and intertwining storylines. GTA IV is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.