Shippin' Out April 27-May 2: Grand Theft Auto IV

Rockstar Games' highly anticipated open-world action game finally arrives at retail, scares off most of the competition.

While Mario Kart for the Wii and a big-budget movie tie-in like Iron Man might headline the Shippin' Out column on any other week, the end of April belongs to Rockstar Games' much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV.

Arriving three and a half years after the last major installment in the series--Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas--Grand Theft Auto IV is the franchise's current-generation debut and takes place in a warped re-creation of New York City called Liberty City. Set for a Tuesday release, many locations of retailers like GameStop and Best Buy will be opening their doors at 12:01 a.m. for midnight release events.

The competition appears to be giving Grand Theft Auto IV a bit of breathing room. The aforementioned Mario Kart Wii enjoyed a traditional Nintendo Sunday launch, and the other big release of the week, Sega's Iron Man, comes out on Friday to coincide with the Robert Downey, Jr. feature film.

Beyond that handful of offerings, SNK Playmore has a compilation of Neo Geo arcade games coming out on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, while Konami launches Let's Yoga and Let's Pilates on the DS. Even the downloadable services are lighter than normal, as the Xbox Live Arcade will go without a release of any kind, and the Wii Virtual Console will welcome only one title this week--the NES beat-'em-up Double Dragon--instead of the typical two new games.

APRIL 27, 2008 (Sunday)
Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

APRIL 28, 2008
Double Dragon (Wii Virtual Console)
Let's Pilates (DS)
Let's Yoga (DS)

APRIL 29, 2008
Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3)
SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1 (PS2, PSP)
Baseball Mogul 2009 (PC)
Toy Shop (DS)
Brain Voyage (DS)

APRIL 30, 2008
There is no Xbox Live Arcade game scheduled for release this week

MAY 1, 2008
Great War Nations: The Spartans (PC)

MAY 2, 2008
Iron Man (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS)

66 Comments

  • ssbb_haller

    Posted May 7, 2008 2:13 pm PT

    awesome

  • markimsoad

    Posted May 6, 2008 12:24 pm PT

    the week will be show

  • Guitar-Dunnie

    Posted May 4, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    uh epilepsykid, there is online play in gta iv last tiem i checked

  • wyldcard6

    Posted May 3, 2008 10:29 am PT

    EpilepsyKid,
    Awesome points thank you.

  • ElementalSoljer

    Posted Apr 30, 2008 2:39 pm PT

    SNK all de' way!

  • dragonsama

    Posted Apr 30, 2008 7:39 am PT

    the SNK Collection is Awesome pick it up while you are picking up GTA it will be money will spent!

  • EpilepsyKid

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 3:21 pm PT

    I meant San Andreas doesn't have....

  • EpilepsyKid

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 3:19 pm PT

    online

  • EpilepsyKid

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 3:01 pm PT

    Hey "robnwogangsta" I think you are one of those typical trouble making teenagers who love the gta series because that's what the game mostly attracts. Man with those kind of games, there are a lot more violent and ignorant people nowadays. Anyways like I said there is no way gta4 will ever be game of the year (no online play). When San Andreas was out, it didn't win game of the year. That belonged to Knights of the Old Republic, and this year will belong to SSBBrawl. To put it bluntly, gta is a disgrace to videogames. I would be happy if Jack Thompson would put an end to the gta series.

  • cooldude03

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 2:52 pm PT

    Mario Kart Wii and Grand Theft Auto 4 too good to be true. I hope Nintendo finally fixed the Wii racing games. If not I'll have to break out my Wii Classic Control to play Mario Kart. Now to decide GTA4 on Xbox360 or PS3, I think I'll go 360 since it has better online service and achievements.

  • flawless_blade

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 2:23 pm PT

    Yeah... there could not have been a worse week to choose releasing those games. Seriously, what's up with the dudes scheduling those releases? (Boss Man) "Alright let's release it... this month." Later - (random employee looks at calender) "Hey GTA4 comes out that week." (Boss Man) "Crud."

  • _em_

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 1:50 pm PT

    lol, "Let's Yoga" & "Let's Pilates"? I've been wanting to try yoga, but I do think it would be a lot better, and easier to do in "real" life.

  • ctg867

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 12:46 pm PT

    Sorry, but a god awful looking, mediocre playing Mario Kart game most likely won't get any recognition this week. GTA IV FTW!!!!

  • Esteban011487

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 10:35 am PT

    Don't Celebrate yet, GTA Fan boys, I myselft I'm a fan of GTA. GTAIV is a "Fantastic Game", but wait until Metal Gear Solid 4 comes out!. You will see what Gameplay, Graphics and Story telling is about!.

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 10:18 am PT

    Looks like Iron Man picked the wrong week to come out. You'll see. Everyone will be at home playing GTA IV instead.

  • King_Chozo

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 9:34 am PT

    @SethandJeremy:
    Because if you release a game the same day as it, people are going to look right past it and get GTAIV. It's just not a smart business decision to compete with something that has had this much hype.

  • Dualmask

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 8:59 am PT

    With so many people getting GTA IV through pre-order, it's only a matter of time until a multitude of used copies appear. That's when I'll pick it up. It can wait, even though I'm sure it'll be a fine game experience. Nothing mind-blowing, but fulfilling enough.

  • mad_mercenary

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 6:46 am PT

    I'll be outside Gamestop at 12:01 to get my much anticipated and pre-ordered version of Brain Voyage! I do hope they don't sell out.

  • nparks

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 5:47 am PT

    Woohoo! Baseball Mogul '09!

  • SethandJeremy

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 5:26 am PT

    Why wouldn't you want gta to have competition

  • rockutd

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 4:52 am PT

    Its a bit early now to talk about GOTY dun u think guys?Mean while lets indulge in GTA 4 and wait for MGS 4.Then we'll see...

  • twistedhades

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 3:21 am PT

    For those wanting to know which version looks better, the edge goes to the PS3. The textures and framerate are comparable, but the PS3 has far less pop-in. The 360 has richer colors, but the PS3 has better anti-aliasing making it look a little cleaner. Because GTA IV can preload onto the PS3 hard drive, the in-game loads are faster. Don't worry Xbox owners, the load times are rarely more than 30 seconds and don't occur very often. The slight visual edge goes to PS3, but the 360 is no slouch. Either version will do you proud.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 2:36 am PT

    Yay, already back with my copy of GTA IV!! I can understand if Mario Kart doesn't even see a top ten list for a while, it is damn near invisible in comparison to the launch of GTA IV.

  • YoungDab

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 11:03 pm PT

    Got it early at 8:30PM on the 28th itz hot,real hot.

  • Dark_Lord777

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 10:59 pm PT

    damn!!! i only preordered the normal edition of GTA4. Shoulda got the collectors ed for only $30 bucks more!

    Didn't know that it came with the soundtrack!

  • exedeath

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 9:31 pm PT

    I can't see Smash bros, or Grand theft getting game of the year. They are both great games, but they cannot hold a candle compared to Metal Gear Solid 4. In tearm of graphics and gameplay MGS4 will blow them out of the water, and thats not even including the story.

  • Citan76

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 9:14 pm PT

    Yay I hope there are more stories about angry film makers blaming video games for their poor ticket sales.

  • robnwogangsta

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:34 pm PT

    hey people !! just half hour left for midnight release and its going to be incredible. it will surpass everything we knew or know about gaming. ssmb will NOT win goty and as far as gta IV, it remains to be seen if ANYTHING in this year will be able to beat it. i usually never comment on here but for GTAIV it IS an exception !! good luck to everybody and i gave u most thumbs up besides epilepsykid...im sry bro u make no sense ! GRAND THEFT AUTO hahahahahahhaa

  • ocdog45

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:34 pm PT

    mario kart and GTA IV. thats all you need for the next couple months. this is when i hate gamefly cause i fell like im wasting money.

  • peacenutman

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:26 pm PT

    No competion here, GTA4 wins by a million miles

  • Shomb22

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:23 pm PT

    Wow thats bad timming for iorn man. Not that it matters tho. It seems it will be out on Blu Ray in four months anyway.

  • XJRockcrawler

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:20 pm PT

    Thank god I have a wii AND a 360. I'll be playing MarioKart and GTA4 while all you fanboys bicker amongst yourselves.

  • airg6

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:12 pm PT

    Its funny how many nintendo fanboys are bashing this game because they cant get it. No site ive seen has rated this game below a 9.5. Most people are saying its the bestgame in ten years and probably win game of the year. But only time will tell.

  • threedown

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 8:00 pm PT

    starfoxmcleoud So can anyone tell me what's so fun about running around and killing anyone you want for absolutely no reason at all?

    are you serious or joking? every review says the story and writing in this game is amazing, you dont just go around shooting people for no reason... if your only going around killing people mindlessly in the game then your not enjoying the full GTA experience

  • redskinStu

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:41 pm PT

    Have to mention that Mario game first, don't you?

  • jasonbarbour

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:37 pm PT

    "Mario Galaxy was last year, so it can't be Game of the Year in 2008, can it genius? And Brawl is junk. Broken online play, no use of the Wii Remote's innovations at all, lame edge-hogging/smash ball grabbing gameplay... If GTAIV doesn't make game of the year, there's no way in hell the title is going to Brawl."

    I'mnot sure even GTA4 can snatch game of the year for 2008 with all of the smash hits coming out this year. especially since its coming out so early so hype will have died down when these awards are finally given out. Games like Gears of war 2, and resistance 2 will probably have better chances (asuming they hit their release deadlines) ... not to bash on GTA4 as ?I love the franchise and will probably pick up a copy this friday (sorry cant make it launch day)

  • mjc0961

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:32 pm PT

    "the Wii Virtual Console will welcome only one title this week--the NES beat-'em-up Double Dragon--instead of the typical two new games."
    Heh, the typical two new games. Anybody else remember when it was three new games?

    "GTA4 will be huge as the analysts say, but it's not good enough to be game of the year. That belongs to Smash Bros. Brawl or Mario Galaxy. Just got Mario Kart Wii and the game rocks!"
    Mario Galaxy was last year, so it can't be Game of the Year in 2008, can it genius? And Brawl is junk. Broken online play, no use of the Wii Remote's innovations at all, lame edge-hogging/smash ball grabbing gameplay... If GTAIV doesn't make game of the year, there's no way in hell the title is going to Brawl.

  • FF6fan

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:31 pm PT

    Epilepsykid GTA is a contender for it but yes i agree no it won't win. I disagree with you on SSBB will not win goty and SMG was 2007. Man its amazing how nothing wants to compete with GTA its kinda hilarious(well other than Mario Kart).

  • EpilepsyKid

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:23 pm PT

    GTA4 will be huge as the analysts say, but it's not good enough to be game of the year. That belongs to Smash Bros. Brawl or Mario Galaxy. Just got Mario Kart Wii and the game rocks!

  • starfoxmcleoud posted Apr 28, 2008 7:19 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    starfoxmcleoud

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:19 pm PT (hide)

    So can anyone tell me what's so fun about running around and killing anyone you want for absolutely no reason at all?

  • AriChris

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 7:17 pm PT

    yes i cant wait! 30 mins!!!!!

  • slickvic1990

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:53 pm PT

    i think ill be buying mario kart. and no, its not because i only have a wii. lol

  • Psychosisrain

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:52 pm PT

    Toy shop all the way fo sho

  • jmdude

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:42 pm PT

    GTA IV FTW!!!

  • Adam_the_Nerd

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:40 pm PT

    BOOYA! HOORAY! WOOHOO! GTA!

  • sweet1234

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:37 pm PT

    YEA GTA TOMORROW! and every one is hyped except for the lame people.

  • LivingDeadNinja

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:34 pm PT

    Mario Kart Wii is in my hands, and GTA IV SE will be tomorrow!

  • sleepwalker533

    Posted Apr 28, 2008 6:32 pm PT

    Thank Rockstar for not making us wait any longer...cause the next couple weeks look pretty lame if you ask me. I mean Lets Yoga might be fun.......Yeah right!!

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