Today is the big day that Grand Theft Auto IV is out and I actually did get it at midnight over at a nearby GameStop while waiting in a line for nearly three hours (I came early since the line did get pretty long around 10 pm). I woke up and booted up to see if it works and it does only to turn it off three hours later after doing some missions here and there. So far, I'm loving it a lot even though the missions themselves are not much yet till later in the game (probably when I start getting missions at Manhattan). The driving feels different than what you're used to in past GTA games, but it was worth getting used to. I haven't done much shooting yet since the missions at the beginning are not really focused on that. The story already feels like something special with Niko being the awesome dude he is even from the beginning (I stopped after rescuing Ivan, which is not much for now). I like the fact there are branching paths now as with the last mission I finished, so it is cool to explore different sides (or just having multiple saves). Then again, I died a few times already and the punishment wasn't much going to the hospital keeping my weapons and losing not much money. At the same time, I didn't get busted yet either. I can see why Niko is chasing the American Dream being at Liberty City for the first time and feels screwed by Roman telling him all those things, and I can relate to him in some ways of trying to make it in this society we live in.
Good thing my copy has not screwed up yet even though some folks over at NeoGAF seem to have some problems with their game (majority is PS3 version for now I think). The 360 version, meanwhile, looks great and pop-in appearing time to time. The casual activities like bowling, going to the strip club, and getting drunk are quite fun (especially drunk driving being all blurry and stuff causing me to drive conservatively since I was on a date with Michelle going to the bar). Even with 3 hours so far in this new Liberty City, I feel like I done a lot in that time with the cell phone system being an awesome addition and watching TV can kill some time since some of the shows (especially with San Andreas references from Las Venturas) commercials can be interesting at times. I already encountered good moments already with people hanging on your front door of your car after u steal it from them while listening to Flashing Lights.
I'm probably done for the day playing GTA IV (maybe later which is pending). I love the Special Edition and how it is all packaged in one small box. The duffel bag is not as big as I thought, which is okay, and the lockbox is cool too. Let's just say it is going to be a while till I done with this one and Mario Kart Wii is already pushed to the side due to GTA IV's awesomeness (shockingly GameSpot gave it a 10 too).
We start with a new song from Coldplay called "Violent Hill" for their new album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. I only listened to this song once and it seems different from previous stuff, but I approve of change. Coldplay's albums are pretty good, specifically A Rush in the Blood of the Head. X&Y wasn't that bad, but it could of been better. Well, this is another album I'm looking forward to this year I guess.
Lastly, I'm talking about GTA IV again, mainly its amazing soundtrack. Rockstar delivers again with this one being a mix mash of old and new. For now, I have been listening to the hip hop and R&B radio stations since I know the songs. The soundtrack CD that comes with the Special Edition contains the exclusive songs when I couldn't find them to download. Sure, you will find certain hits like Flashing Lights, Ne-Yo's Because of You and R. Kelly's Bump & Grind. Then there's the other genres of music u will find, which are good stuff too. I'll probably mention more about the music in my review, so wait till then.
