#4: Mafiya
Possibly the hidden gem in GTA IV’s multiplayer, the differently spelled Mafiya (or Team Mafiya if you prefer playing co-op) involves desperate races against time - and each other - in order to fulfill a range of clandestine objectives that pop up on your mobile. Whether it’s whacking traitorous goons, offing informants, stealing cars or collecting and dealing wads of marijuana, the potential for comedy and major bragging rights is here...

Rob: This was my personal favorite part of the day, though it was also arguably the trickiest. Once the call comes in from your boss, it’s imperative you flag down a ride and get over to the scene of the action ASAP - because your rivals get the same call, are heading to the same destination, at the same time.

Tim: Basically, it’s about stealing a march thanks to blindingly good driving. Since time is of the essence, it’s also a good chance to get to grips with GTA IV’s intuitive waypoint system. Bring up the map, then zero in on the crosshairs, which show you where the next target is. A quick button tap and you’ve set yourself a waypoint - this is vital, particularly if your target is on the move. Now follow the green line.

Rob: Ah, well that’s probably why I sucked at this one! There’s a touch of luck involved too: when the call comes, you could be slap-bang on the target - or you could be miles away on the other side of the city. The fun really starts to kick off once rival players are close and converge on the target.

Tim: One time, the target was a snazzy SUV, which I managed to snag… eventually. It was hidden behind a fence, and - brilliantly - I’d managed to crash my car close by. With no traffic around, and the target a block away, I decided to make a dash for it on foot. When I got there, there was no way past the fencing, other than to try to climb over. Then, one of the Rockstar boys crashed through the fencing, overshot the SUV, and hit a wall. I dashed in, and nicked the SUV - thanks very much! Even better, I got to keep it for the next mission.

Rob: That SUV was nails.

Tim: Yeah, it was. I totally wrecked it, it had the bonnet and bumper falling off, smoke coming out of the exhaust... but it was still a great ride. Plus, you could crush other cars with it.

Rob: My own personal glory moment came when, lagging behind as usual in this mode, I fortuitously arrived at the tail end of a massive shootout between the seven other guys - during which they had all but rubbed each other out. It was a simple task to wade in there with my shottie, mop up the remnants and make it away with the marijuana. Yum yum.