When I say GTA IV is #1, I really mean #1. No video game on any platform has received such widespread and unanimous critical praise. Gamerankings.com has posted an aggregate score of 99% from assorted media outlets. Scan a couple of the reviews linked from Game Rankings, what is being said is that GTA IV marks a moment in entertainment history, a moment in which interactive fiction has become truly compelling as a story telling medium and possibly even on par with film. It is being reported to be a quantum leap in the medium. It's easy to think back to when Half-Life was released and remember the way that it revolutionized the first person shooter, but this is bigger and the grades are even better. So what do I think? Is GTA IV really all that? I'd have to answer, "mostly yes." The game is mind boggling in its scope and detail. The writing is beyond superb. The humor is spot on. It's fun. The medium has obvious ways that it can mature and develop, but in essence the vision of a believable and open fully interactive game world has been brought forth. The future of interactive fiction looks bright.
Published by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto IV is a violent, intelligent, profane, endearing, obnoxious, sly, richly textured and thoroughly compelling work of cultural satire disguised as fun. It calls to mind a rollicking R-rated version of Mad magazine featuring Dave Chappelle and Quentin Tarantino, and sets a new standard for what is possible in interactive arts.
