Grand Theft Auto IV

The video game Grand Theft Auto IV hit stores in April 2008 to the joy of fans and the complaints of some parents. The Grand Theft Auto series has always been the “bad boy” of video games. This version of Grand Theft Auto is staged in Liberty City, which is designed to feel like a mirror image of New York City. The main character comes to America to visit with his cousin and live the American dream. However, his cousin and seemingly everyone around him is somehow deeply immersed in gang activities, the drug trade, crime, prostitution and every other kind of dirty corruption you can think of.

The game has a complicated, well thought out plot for the player to follow if they so choose. However, one of the greatest features of the Grand Theft Auto series is that the player can also venture out on their own to explore the city and interact with characters on the street in either a passive or very violent manner. One of the biggest reasons the game got an “M for Mature” rating is that, at any time, you can bludgeon or kill any person on the street. You can car jack innocent victims and beat them up before you take their car. You can fight, steal and smash whatever or whoever you choose. There is some reality in that when you do bad things, you bring the eye of the law down on you. The worse your crimes, the more cops come after you. If you kill a police officer in the game you are guaranteed a full on police assault to take you out.

The story line is interesting with funny moments that may remind players of scenes from Pulp Fiction or other films. Overall the popularity of Grand Theft Auto IV stems from its bad boy appeal, profanity and intense game play.