The best GTA game made to date imo, the world, the characters, the writing, the physics and THAT ending are yet to be topped - this is Rockstar's magnum opus. Probably my 4th or 5th playthrough over the years.
The 4 year jump from San Andreas being the previous mainline entry in 2004 to this is actually insane because now, 4 years will not see much difference - but man everything truly felt next gen with this game in comparison to its predecessors, and that is saying something because San Andreas is one of the best games ever made for its size and just pure fun.
This is a much more muted, dull and dark story set aptly in Liberty City - and feels much more grounded and more cinematic with its incredible cutscenes and narrative.
So many cool features in this game that didn't even make it into GTA V such as dating, bowling and other activities, internet cafes, the friendship mechanic is also brilliant, PHYSICS - it's incredible man - and helps give this game a truly timeless feel alongside its mature story and the strongest written main character in Niko Bellic.
I could say so much more and talk about the various characters such as the hilarious but loveable Roman, the cringe but funny Brucie, the idiot that is Vlad or the best bro of all - Little Jacob - you can just see the effort leaking out of this game, Rockstar fired on ALL cylinders with Grand Theft Auto: IV, and lets not forget they also gave this TWO great expansions.
Do yourself a favour, and play this game RIGHT NOW. Also, wanna go bowling?
