Games Of Summer: Grand Theft Auto IV

By Stephen Woodward
Special to the Herald Courier
Published: July 6, 2008

“Grand Theft Auto.”
The controversial franchise conjures vastly different feelings in kids, parents and politicians alike. And since the latest installment is appearing on next-generation platforms such as the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, the mature content is more realistic than ever.
While the game is rated Mature, for 17 year olds and older, it is important that parents realize the nature and content of the game.
I want to stress that even though the graphics, and therefore violence, of the game are more detailed and realistic than ever before, the story and its characters have also matured – in a good way.
No longer is the main character a faceless killer who mindlessly commits bad deeds when given the order, like in early installments. Now, he is a morally-conflicted protagonist who must weigh his actions and their cost.
Set in contemporary times, the story chronicles Niko Bellic, an impoverished immigrant from Eastern Europe who comes to America at the bidding of his cousin to achieve the American Dream.
The story is ultimately a tragedy, and its themes and quality of writing rival that of Hollywood crime dramas, like “The Godfather” or television’s “The Sopranos.”
Since the story and the virtual world of Liberty City are set in present day America, the game addresses America’s political and post-9/11 climate. Many parents will be surprised by the maturity that “GTA IV” exhibits now.
The gameplay in “GTA” is what is called “open-world gaming.” It allows players to interact with their world as they see fit, in a non-linear fashion. 
New York City has been recreated as a satire in the virtual Liberty City, and players can visit the visually stunning counterparts of Time Square or Ellis Island.
Players can also go to comedy clubs and watch comedians like Ricky Gervais do a stand-up routine. And since driving is such an integral part of the “GTA” experience, the radio stations provide many hours of music and hilarious talk radio for your enjoyment.
It is important for parents to realize that “GTA IV” is rated M for Mature, and young kids won’t understand the satire. It retails for $60 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 (Note, the Xbox 360 version will feature exclusive downloadable content in the future, unavailable on the PS3).