Let's just say it. GTAIV rocks on almost every level. The story is better. Rockstar gives players choices on whether to execute mission orders or not, thereby allowing more than one ending. The main character, Niko is more likable than any other character in GTA history including Tommy. Niko is a very funny guy and has a well defined personality. Although technically, he's still an illegal immigrant like these ladies, unless getting off a cargo ship at night to meet your cousin somehow counts as US Customs.

What does an immigrant do when he arrives in America? Apparently, become a contract killer and thief. Niko's cousin helps out in a few missions, but it's easier to do the missions alone. Niko will meet the best of the worst of Liberty City in his quest for American riches. Luckily, Niko's background as a soldier helps him out. The first few missions involve driving a taxi. Niko will have to find people to work for while resolving personal problems that will become apparent to you later as you keep playing.

Liberty City, the same one as the original GTA3, has been redesigned from scratch. It's a much larger and more detailed city, although the city is still an industrial wasteland of empty buildings. The people are more varied, and Niko can actually have a social life around a few of the women he meets in the city. They'll even call and want Niko to do things for them or go play pool or bowling (the mini-games). Niko receives gifts from the women if he wins their heart similar to San Andreas.

Yes, there are more buildings you can enter, but there's not much more to do in these buildings other than look at the nice details. The shooting mechanics have changed from GTA3. You can now take cover and Niko can do more things than any other GTA3 character. One problem is that the cover system makes the game very easy, since you still have auto aim, so it's just basically duck and lock until all your enemies are dead. The police chases are also much easier thanks to the automap which flashes red when you're in an area the police are active. Just leave this area and stay hidden and your wanted level will disappear.

The graphics are solid next-gen, but not great by 360 standards, mainly because of the textures and low polygon count for the characters. However, it's a huge city with a great deal of things to do and see. The soundtrack is huge and varied just like previous GTAs. You'll definitely find something you like. Niko has a cellphone that he can use to make calls or download stuff, and there are a hundred webpages he can surf for fun in the game.

The single player is great and lasts around 30-40 hours. You can play it a second time and make decisions that will change the missions and endings. Or you can go online and play multiplayer with 16 friends in races, cops and robbers, or 13 other modes including a few coop missions. The entire city is yours to go crazy. Grand Theft Auto IV has proven that it is as much real as hype, thanks to solid gaming elements, storyline, and a huge multiplayer. It truly is the best game on the 360.