Yep, this is GTA alright, but with little more than a new look and some tacked on bonus games.
GTA4 is the newest chapter to the Grand Theft Auto series, and while it doesn't do much more than it's predecessors, it still offers up an interesting and sometimes challenging twist on an old formula.
If for some reason you haven't heard the plot, possibly due to living under a rock or suffering from a concussion that has wiped your memory, GTA4 is the story of Nicco Bellic and his 'make the best out of a somewhat hopeless' situation. Though he mentions his past alot, this isn't a story about redemption, nor is it quite about revenge. It's about surviving in the concrete jungle of Liberty City, quite the counterpart to GTA's typical rise to the top style stories.
The gameplay is fun... sorta. The shooting parts have adopted the cover system previously seen on other popular games (this is not to say the cover system is exactly the same, but it is obviously derived from previous title). Shooting generally involves pulling out your strongest weapon and unloading it onto enemy gangsters, with a bit more depth.You can throw grenades and of course you have a variety of the usual weapons. Driving, when compared to previous titles, has been made more realistic, and difficult. It takes some getting used to driving in liberty city, but once you get the feel it will be as natural as breathing.
Technically speaking, GTA4 looks and sounds good. Weapons sound as they should, car engines rev and even shift gears appropriately. Radio stations and television are humorous, albeit biased in opinions. GTA4 captures the gritty and dirty feel of the urban area of cities, while still having plenty of humor.
GTA4 does the series justice. It is fun, but doesn't stray away from the gameplay and moments that the franchise is known for. While many argue that it is this new, yet familiar charm that makes the game perfect, I feel other than wall hugging and a few tweaks, this is the same game with a new image. Niko is amusing, but definitely not the best character to carry this series. To put it simple, the game is fun, not perfect.