More Fun Than IV
The Lost & Damned stars Johnny Klebitz, and focuses on conflicts with and within 'The Lost' biker gang. The clubhouse is a nice addition, with activities like arm wrestling and a high/low card game. When riding in a gang, sticking to the formation repairs the vehicle and restores health, which is a nice touch. But the highlight is undoubtedly The Ballad of Gay Tony, bringing comedy, glamour and sheer fun back into the formula. Elements that were occasionally lacking in GTA IV. Fantastical side missions make a welcome return. Base-jumping, cage fighting and club management are nicely done, and helps keep gameplay varied.
On a similar note, the weapon set has received some tweaks. Explosive shells and sticky bombs are great additions to the arsenal. The quality of mission design has only improved, with one notable addition, sure to drive completionists wild. Each mission is graded, based on specific criteria, awarding a percentage when passed. The trophy for getting 100% on every mission will take some hardcore commitment. Sadly, there is no new Platinum for this title; instead trophies expand the GTA IV list. Radio stations and TV content seem completely new. No developer is as culturally aware as Rockstar, and here this shines through. A typical example are references to social networking, with Twitter amusingly renamed Bleater. The `Electro Choc' stations play-list includes some choice dubstep tunes, reflecting the genres rise this last year. WKTT's John Smith, and shows like `Midgets on Meth' or `The Annual Trimester Triathlon' (Are you pregnant? Think you can run a Triathlon?) are bitingly satirical and absolutely hilarious, showing the developer hasn't become complacent or lazy with its mega franchise.
There are issues. Graphics can glitch, especially when flying helicopters, and the difficulty spikes unfairly. The generation-old issue of stupid police remains. They can ignore horrendous crimes at point blank range, whilst giving chase for seemingly nothing. And garages can still lose your hard-earned vehicles. But after all, this is GTA. Slight inconsistencies are forgivable when it gets so much right. Episodes from Liberty City is simply a joy to play.