A gritty tale of Liberty City
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition blends open-world action and narrative depth, centering on Niko Bellic’s pursuit of a new life in Liberty City. The game's grounded tone, rich dialogue, and lifelike city design immerse players, while two included expansions offer fresh stories, characters, and gameplay styles that deepen the overall experience without straying from its gritty core.
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition thrives on immersive detail. From dynamic weather to ambient radio chatter, Liberty City feels authentic. Players can follow Niko’s morally complex story or branch into optional missions, revealing the city’s depth and darker narrative tone.
The narrative remains one of Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition’s most notable strengths. Unlike the cartoonish tone of later entries, the game presents a more nuanced, somber world. Niko is a compelling character, war-weary, blunt, and emotionally scarred. His relationships with cousin Roman and others feel genuine, enriched by strong voice acting and cutscenes that emphasize character development over spectacle and chaos.
A gritty, grounded world
Combat and driving are more physics-driven than in earlier titles. Gunplay feels slower and weightier, while vehicle handling leans into grounded realism. These mechanics may seem restrictive at first, but ultimately support the game’s darker, more grounded tone. The expansions introduce biker gangs, nightclubs, and new vehicles, adding welcome variety while keeping everything cohesive within Liberty City’s immersive, atmospheric urban environment.
Despite its strengths, the game shows its age in several areas. Character movement can feel sluggish, and the cover system lacks the polish of modern titles. The PC version has had persistent performance issues that have been patched, but not all eliminated. Additionally, the game’s somber tone and grounded realism may not appeal to those expecting the over-the-top energy of other franchise entries.
Still worth the ride
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition delivers a gritty, character-driven narrative that sets a new standard for open-world games. Set in a realistic Liberty City, it explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the American Dream through Niko Bellic’s journey. Though some mechanics feel dated compared to newer titles, its emotional storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and morally complex choices continue to resonate with players and define its legacy.
