Grand Theft Auto IV: Our Favorite Things — Part I

There’s so much to do and see in Liberty City — but some pieces stand taller than others. Read on for some single-player elements that really warmed our criminal hearts…

(1) “Deconstruction for Beginners” — A definite highlight of the game, this mission is where you first realize the scope of what awaits you. As you and Playboy X drive to a construction site (where your job is to eliminate some union leaders), you pass through a beautiful re-creation of Times Square, complete with flashing tickers and giant billboards. It’s a visual feast, followed by an elaborate mission that starts with a bang — well, three of them, actually, as you ride a window-cleaning platform to the top of a building, then snipe three sentries perched atop cranes…and watch them dramatically fall to their death. From there, you use the new weapons Playboy gives you to tear through the throngs of workers guarding the construction site. Seeing them go flying when your grenades explode is a joy thanks to Euphoria physics.

(2) Dwayne — This embittered ex-con is a small strand in the tapestry of GTA IV, but we found him incredibly poignant — the rare game character with timeless, memorable dialogue. We were startled by his conversation with Niko where he laments his feelings of isolation now that he’s back in society; they’re enough to have made him ponder suicide, he says, “But I ain’t there yet.” Even Niko, with his hardened heart, feels sorry for Dwayne — making the following mission (“Ruff Rider”), where you decide whether or not to execute the felon’s straying girlfriend, all the more gripping. Eventually, when we had to choose between killing Dwayne or Playboy X, we didn’t hesitate for a second — Playboy had to go!

(3) Ricky Gervais — Visiting Liberty City’s comedy club is an absolute delight thanks to a performance by actor/comedian Gervais (Extras, The Office [British version]), who voices his in-game look-alike. We were surprised enough to see him; what surprised us more is how seriously funny his skit is. Whether you’re a fan or you’re seeing him for the first time, you’ll love his riffs on being “rotund” and on the doctor giving him a very personal exam. It's great stuff.

(4) Pedestrian and Radio Comments — If you’ve played GTA III, Vice City, or San Andreas, you expect authentic, engaging, often hilarious dialogue from pedestrians and DJs. And Rockstar didn’t let us down here. Whether they’re talking to the air or chatting on cellphones, citizens banter about all kinds of topics — from pregnancy to politics, drugs to real estate — in the same random way that real folks do. Snarky quips abound, too, like a driver telling you “I really hope Roman realizes you’re a free-rolling s**thole so I don’t have to drive you again,” and a mock right-wing radio personality saying, “Science is good when it shows you how to convert a million foreigners into glass.” It’s cutting, clever commentary that makes Liberty City an exaggerated New York City, just like it’s supposed to be.

Check back tomorrow for Part II of our "Favorite Things" list. And to tell us about your own adventures in Liberty City, click here.