Radio :: The BloG ver. 1.5

I could go on and on about why Grand Theft Auto IV is one of the best games we've ever seen and why even folks who are easily offended should play it, but that would be pointless. The only thing you need to know is that you have to play this game. Period.

 - IGN.com : 10 Out of 10

Expectations were so high for Grand Theft Auto IV that one of the biggest surprises is that it's managed to meet them. That it's also gone on to confound these is truly a marvel, and the game's Liberty City is nothing less than one of the greatest videogame worlds yet conceived.

- IGN UK : 10 Out of 10

None of these little flaws take away from Liberty City's breathtaking vistas, incredibly varied scenery, and lived-in look (the PS3 version has the slightest visual edge, plus motion-control support -- but then it's missing Achievements and the eventual downloadable episodes exclusive to the 360 game). The city just feels alive.

- 1up.com : A+

Almost everything you do in Liberty City would be good enough to drive its own game, and the best parts would be good enough to outrun the competition, but the reason it works so well is that Rockstar has made a game that requires no patience to play. This, as much as its usual coherency and the best script in the series, is what makes GTA IV the best openworld game yet, and why it will take something miraculous to rob it of game of the year status.

- EuroGamer : 10 Out of 10

The very nature of the American Dream is the central theme in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV, a gaming masterpiece that is a picture-perfect snapshot of the underworld of today's big cities. This is not only the finest title of the generation thus far, it is one of the best games of all-time.

- Gamespy : 5 Out of 5

It's got a world you believe in, a cast you care about and a script stuffed with brilliant moments... Utterly stunning in every resepct. [May 2008, p.79]

- Official XBOX Magazine UK : 10 Out of 10

It's amazing that a sequel that keeps the core gameplay concepts of its prior incarnations can do so much to change itself into something new. Cabs are awesome, as is the cellphones capabilities. But perhaps the biggest innovation is the notion that you can create a game that's as valid a piece of art as any book or movie. Is this our "Citizen Kane" moment?

- Team XBOX : 10 Out of 10

I now know how film critics felt after screening "The Godfather." It's been days since Grand Theft Auto IV's credits rolled, yet I can't seem to construct a coherent thought without my mind wandering off into a daydream about the game. I just want to drop everything in my life so I can play it again. Experience it again. Live it again...Grand Theft Auto IV doesn't just raise the bar for the storied franchise; it completely changes the landscape of gaming.

- Game Informer : 10 Out of 10

Grand Theft Auto IV lives up to its grand expectations by weaving a Hollywood-ready "American Dream" plotline with a finely-tuned game experience -- taking the tried-and-true GTA formula and plugging it into a living, breathing version of Liberty City.

- Game Daily : 5 Out of 5

Considering the fact that it's been a target of political and media pundits who keep harping on the infamous "Hot Coffee" incident, it's understandable to think that Rockstar might tone down the adult themes in GTA IV. But thankfully, that didn't happen. This is a mature game, and a devilishly good one at that.

- GamePro : 5 Out of 5

GTA IV is richer, deeper and more involving than its predecessors. By the time the story threads start to tie up, the mission trees shake out, you're totally invested in the characters and their world. I'm actually jealous of everyone about to experience it for the first time. The greatest testament to GTA IV's brilliance is that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since putting the pad down. [May 2008, p.88]

- PlayStation Official Magazine UK : 5 Out of 5

The light cast across the spectacuarly detailed facades, the slick road affecting car handling and causing footsteps to kick up splashes, the imposing skyscrapers, the flashing neon, it all changes wiht each passing street, and weather system...That's what you'll take away from GTA IV, along with the multiplayer gift that will keep on giving. [June 2008, p.36]

- PlayStation Official magazine USA : 5 Out of 5

Grand Theft Auto IV is the sex, drugs, and rock and roll of video games. It's a little less brave and intimidating this time around, but it?s also the most refined and polished game in the franchise?s history. This kind of sheen is generally reserved for titles with a much smaller scope.

- Gametrailers.com : 9.8 Out of 10

발매 이전부터 가장 말이 많았던 게임 중 하나가 바로 Grand Theft Auto 4가 아닐까 싶다. 제작사인 Rockstar의 발매일 연기 발표, E3에서 MS의 'GTA 4 독점' 발표(후에 Rockstar가 'PS3로도 나온다'라고 발표), 얼마전 있었던, Rockstar의 퍼블리셔인 Take 2의 EA 합병건에 대해 'EA가 GTA 4를 노린 것이다'라는 기사 등등 어마어마하게 말도 많고 탈도 많았던 게임이 아닐까 싶다.

현재 예약 주문을 받고 있으며 정식 발매는 오는 화요일인 29일이다. 덕분에 리테일러들(EB Games, Bestbuy 등)은 29일 새벽 12시에 매장을 오픈하겠다고 발표까지 하였는데..
첫주 판매량이 매우 기대된다. 과연 얼마나 팔릴까...