We're used to frequenting the pubs and clubs of Liberty City in GTA. But where Niko was a mere patron, The Ballad of Gay Tony's new gangster hero, Luis Lopez, is taking charge of the proceedings – in a hands-on kind of way.

In addition to being a semi-professional criminal, Lopez is assistant to Liberty City's numero uno nightclub owner, Tony Prince (aka Gay Tony). So club management is the latest addition to GTA IV's burgeoning portfolio of employment opportunities, with clubs like Maisonette 9 and Hercules available for some micro-management fun. Grand Theft Auto style, of course.

Or how about a rapper who's had such a great time in the club that he needs to hide his shame from the paparazzi? Then there's the drugs run that Lopez needs to make to ensure an actor is sufficiently 'stimulated' to be able to function on-stage. All in a night's work for Luis, with a big cash bonus if he gets it right.

But, as they say, all work and no play makes Luis a dull boy. What better way to shake the foam from his mouth after a heated exchange with a crooked reveller than to take to the dance floor and throw down some moves? Bemani games are back in, with beat-timed button presses for those moments when the entire dance floor goes all 'bus stop'.

 

And the reward for dancing well in front of a room full of girls? Some special attention in the club toilets, that's what. Being a partner in the business has its benefits you know – no-one's going to chuck Lopez out halfway through here. And this power is highly attractive to ladies looking for a good time.

If the girl likes Luis enough, she'll gladly hand over her number. With his connections, Lopez is a desirable proposition and there's no need for him to desperately search the dregs of Love-Meet.net when he feels the urge for a no strings attached liaison.

But perhaps the most promising addition of all is the prospect of self-inflicted blackouts. Having the power to simply go up to the bar and order free shots or play host to VIPs with champagne drinking games is too tempting to resist for Mr Lopez. Unconciousness. But where will you wake up? Handcuffed to a lamp post wearing nothing but a smile? We can't wait to see what Rockstar's got in mind…

The game is out on October 29. For more videos and information, click here.

The Ballad of Gay Tony will be available to buy on disc as one part of Episodes from Liberty City, which will also include the much celebrated first episode, The Lost and Damned. Episodes from Liberty City will be available in stores on October 29th, 2009 for $39.99/£34.99. You do not need to own a copy of the original GTAIV to play Episodes From Liberty City. The Ballad of Gay Tony will also be available separately as a download on October 29th, 2009 for 1600 Microsoft points.

15 Oct, 2009