GTA IV – An Insiders Guide - OSCOT - Because Education Should Be Free

GTA IV – An Insiders Guide

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

In case you have lived under a rock for the past few weeks, you may have noticed an ad or two about Rockstar’s new blockbuster game, Grand Theft Auto IV. I mean if the NY Times is writing about a game, you know it’s serious. I personally am a fan of the series, my personal favorite being the Liberty City Stories release for the PSP what seems like not to long ago.

However, Rockstar seems to have outdone themselves this time around, receiving perfect 10 scores from major gaming players such as IGN. The game is still sitting next to me at this very second opened but unscathed by my XBOX 360 drive, yet. The setting is New York City in all of it’s grime and glory. More to come once I get into the game and see what’s really going on in this highly acclaimed game.

Till then, one of Rockstar’s testers was kind enough to provide our readers with the “Insider’s Guide to GTA IV”. Thanks Phil.

Well it’s here. And although I’m sure most of you have read preview after preview and interviews as well I’m going to leave you some tips without spoiling anything.

1. First off, setting up your system and tv. If you have an HD tv, HDMI should be what your running. If not, component is ok. Contrary to what any magazine or website tells you. The two versions of the game graphics wise are identical. 360 benefits from easy invitation of friends to online matches, that’s all. PS3 in this game also has the achievements 360 does, I’ll explain that later. If however your running the standard RCA (yellow, red, white only.) you want to turn up the Brightness and Contrast in the games Display menu 4 and 2 clicks respectfully.

2. TURN SUBTITLES ON IMMEDIATELY and on the PS3 TURN Flicker Filter OFF, some of the menu’s might flicker a bit depending on your tv, but it will make game play look amazing. Subtitles are somewhat on already but some there is too much Eastern European Language going on in this game with hilarious comments and responses that don’t get picked up by the normal ones. Also, it might help some of you understand certain characters better.

3. If you fail a mission, don’t worry you won’t be bored. There are at least 3 different conversations per car ride in each mission. That goes for friends activities as well.

4. At the very beginning, don’t drive to the blip right away. Drive around a bit, take your time, and listen to Roman’s reasons of way America is so great.

5. Yes, the Radio player feature on the phone was removed due to too many audio issues, trust me your better off.

6. The ZIT number to find music and song info is ZIT(948)-555-0100. This will then send you a text with song title and artist. It will also add your song to a list on your Social Club name, which you can then purchase from Amazon.

7. OK, now. You all know I’m sure of how massive this game is. But the fact that it’s main story is almost driven by the choices you help Niko make has skipped some of the previews and reviews. Choose wisely. Although some times letting a loser live is a waste of time, others it is a very helpful financial situation. If they’re in trouble once, they’ll be in trouble again soon. This means they would need your help.

Also note that when you are on a mission to kill someone important or that has a major role in some character’s life will allow you to perform an execution. You’ll learn more about this throughout your playthrough. Anyhow, as soon as you meet Gambetti and have done at least one mission for him, go to your safe house and save in a new slot. Trust me, the decisions coming Niko’s way soon after (depending on how your playing the game but it is roughly around this area that it happens) will be life changing and more so depending which one you choose. I’m sure your going to want to go back and play that part over to see the difference.

8. Rockstar Social Club. Sign up for it. It’s free online and the web site tracks EVERYTHING! How much you walked, killed, stolen, swam, and yes this is where you check your PS3 achievements. It even tells you where the world is having the most trouble with the Police on our Police Violence Blotter.

9. Lastly. Enjoy it. Enjoy the artwork that it is. Watch the credits and see how many people it took in a collaborative effort between almost 4 studios to get this to where it is. (also after the credits turn up your volume, Niko has one last sentence.). Notice the porn mag titles on the racks at the store, notice certain ethnic groups listen to certain stations in specific neighborhoods.

Finally, notice that there is not one single real world product advertisement in this game and trust me there was some that wanted in. It truly is a piece of art and will probably be the greatest independent title of our time. The way things are going with companies like EA and Viacom etc trying to be mass entertainment entities games like this will be far and few.

MOST IMPORTANTLY... Enjoy it guys and gals. There’s too much fun for everyone. Also, be honorable parents, god parents etc. This GTA is NOT for children. I felt bad handing out a “shocker” foam finger to a mom who then gave it to her 9 year old while they were waiting on line last night at Harold Square in NY.

Later guys, have fun staying up late, being late to work, driving and acting aggressively towards random people and having constant thoughts enjoy and take care.

Ps, the next time you go to get a lap dance, get 3 in a row and turn up the volume. You'll thank me.

Phil, we thank you very very much.

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