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Grand Theft Auto IV


Grand Theft Auto IV - first hands-on

Kicking back, killing time and looking for hookers in Liberty City

We arrive at the Broker apartment block where the safe house is located and head inside. No loading. Just straight through the door and into a dirty hallway lit by a single, naked bulb. Even in this transient space the level of detail is astounding. We climb the stairs and head into the safe house apartment. Again, no loading. We instantly recognise the place from one of the trailers. It's Roman's apartment and it's an absolute shit hole. A beat-up radio plays an 80s rock classic. Cockroaches scurry about on the floor.

In addition to the save point there's a yellow marker indicating a wardrobe where Niko can change clothes. Apart from the mess, there's not much else to see. Or, rather, there is, but we're given strict instructions not to talk about it. So we're not. Sorry.

Back outside - no loading - we head to the nearby Native Autoparts Pay 'N' Spray. Was it our imagination, or wasn't it suggested that these paint job places weren't going to be in the game? Anyway, they're in and they work exactly as they always have done. The big difference is in the detail. Rather than being an anonymous hole in the wall, it looks like a genuine working garage. We decide to get a re-spray. For old time's sake.

Another incoming call turns our attention back to the cell phone. We dick about scrolling through the menus and sampling different ringtones before being reminded that Niko can use it to make calls. We dial 911.

An automated response asks us to press 1 for police, 2 for paramedics or 3 for the fire department. We press 1. An LCPD operator comes on the line and asks Niko for his location. He answers, "South Slopes," which is exactly right. Apparently Niko will respond accordingly whatever his location. The operator says an LCPD peacekeeper will be dispatched there as soon as possible. Seconds later we hear the sound of sirens. A police car pulls up carrying two officers. One of them gets out and has a general mooch about to see if anything is amiss. Time for more shooting.


 
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The Knowledge

Grand Theft Auto IV

Genre: Action
Release date: 29 Apr 2008
Published by: Rockstar San Diego
Developed by: Rockstar
Franchise: Grand Theft Auto
Multiplayer Modes:
Online
16 player VS
4 player CO-OP
10 INCREDIBLE
Read the review
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