GTA IV: A social phenomenon

Published on April 1, 2007 By BlueDev In Gaming

I have to admit, I just don't get it.

I tried GTA III (Grand Theft Auto). Didn't do much for me. Tried GTA Vice City. Same thing. I liked the sandbox nature of the game, but I guess I just don't really like playing the anti-hero. I guess I am just too much of a goody-two-shoes. Probably the same reason I maxed out my Light Side nature in KotOR I and II and swung all the way to the Open Palm style in Jade Empire.

Despite that all, though, I still don't see what made the games such a huge social phenomenon. Sure, there was the controversy, but even that doesn't explain just how huge these games have become.

And with the frenzy started this last week with the release of the GTA IV teaser trailer, I have no doubt IV will create just as much of an impact.

Comments

SanChonino

on Apr 01, 2007

Why do they even bother putting "RP" on the end of the trailer? Is there a doubt in anyone's mind that (if it's anything like the last two) it will be a strong "M" rating?

Huh. I guess it looks nice; other games look better. Gears, anyone?

joeKnowledge

on Apr 01, 2007

I think the basic of all reasons is that it involves cars and the ability to drive anywhere you want to. Yeah there have been some other games like that, but this game does it with radio stations, an interesting plot, and plenty of gun play.

I like it, although I do wish it didn't go so far sometimes. I don't think the gun shots should sound so real nor do I think the cursing should be all over the place.

Makes me wonder if they will get the AO rating this time.

OckhamsRazor

on Apr 01, 2007

In GTA, there's a really nice mix between "you have to do this" and "Nah, you can do what you want."

In fact, I'd say it's unique - to some extent.

World of Warcraft originally announced that it was focusing on "the world as a toy" but really, it's GTA that accomplishes this. You can go wherever, do whatever, and it doesn't really matter.

BlueDev

on Apr 01, 2007

In fact, I'd say it's unique - to some extent.

I don't disagree that it is unique in that respect. But I just don't know if that is enough to warrant the rabid love for the series. There is something else there, something I don't quite get.

Zoologist03

on Apr 01, 2007

I am a GTA fan...perhaps I just like the insane violence, swearing, and myriad of parodies and sexual humor. I suppose it's like any other game...there are people that like it, hate it, or just feel "ehh" about it. The only thing I hate about GTA is some of the racing stuff...never have been a fan of racing games...bleh. Other than that, a top notch game in my opinion. I just wish people would quit bitching to the media about it....if parents don't want their kids to play those kinds of games then they shouldn't freakin' buy the game.

~Zoo

Campaigner

on Apr 02, 2007

I played GTA 2 and I thought it was very funny. I think my brother didn't know about the missions and stuff as he just killed as much as he could. Then GTA 3 I didn't play until two years after its release since I had no interest in it and I wanted a bugfree, updated version. Vice City was no different, didn't play that long but I guess these games where you're so free isn't for me. I much prefer a structured environment with objectives that you have to complete as successfully as possible.

I guess I got that from the NES & SNES times though when there wasn't much in the games. You do this and here are your weapons. Now go do it.

ermcool

on Apr 02, 2007

Yeah, in GTA its more of 'Oh, hey look he has a weapon, maybe I can grab that' and proceed to beat them up. Haha, eventually you can stomp them to death. Actually, I don't mind the vicious nature. I don't think kids should play this, that being the case I only have it out when no children are around.

Sean Conners aka SConn1

on Apr 03, 2007

GTA is one of my ATF games. for me, the yare like starring in your own mob movie or somethin like that. plus, like mentioned before, there is a perfect mix between the missions part of the game and the exploring and doing what ya want part of the game. i also like how many of the missions kind of give you a 'taste" of what other games are about in how they are like little replicas of other games (like taxi driver, the dancing and music games, etc...) with a GTA flare. the violence gives it it's edge, and occasionally it is fun to just go round gratuitously kicking computer animated ass, but for me, that game is about the story and depth of the game.

and yeah, i can't wait for GTA IV...it will be the reason i buy either a PS3 or 360 then. till then, i'll probably be giving vice city stories a try soon.

and i thought bully was really well done and had some originality to it. bout the best out of the so called "gta clones" i've seen.

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