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Grand Theft Auto IV impressions: A stranger in Liberty City
The PlayStation 3 has forced us to become accustomed to having to endure lengthy installations prior to being able to sit down and play a game, a fact made all the more aggravating for Grand Theft Auto IV, both because of the already overflowing anticipation as well as the aftertaste of having been up for multiple hours elbow to elbow with fellow players waiting for the opportunity to play the game. But there's little use in complaining at this point, so I took the opportunity to make me some tea and a sandwich as I prepared for what was to be a memorable evening that would mark my first visit to Liberty City ... ever.%Gallery-3442%
Grand Line Auto: A diverse gathering (Broken Arrow edition)
Given the nearly unquantifiable level of anticipation building up to the midnight unveiling of Rockstar's opus, it seemed prudent to roll up to the local Broken Arrow, OK Gamestop well in advance of the game's release. All of the preparation went for naught, however, as the store kept its doors open all night as enthusiasts congregated inside, joked in the secret language that only we nerds can appreciate, and not-so-quietly chatted about the game they would very soon be playing.
PSA: GTA IV early release letters not real
We truly appreciate all the tips about the early release letters allegedly sent by Rockstar and Take-Two telling retailers to just go ahead and release GTA IV to the public ... problem is, it just ain't true. That's it, no need to get into details. The letters are nothing but fakes.Trust us, if GTA IV was given the green light to release early, the country planet would certainly know about it within an hour. The deceitful documents can be found in their entirety for perusal below. Gallery: Forged GTAIV Release Date Change Letters
SCEE confirms: Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 bundle headed to Europe
Just in case a cameo on some Swedish e-tailer's site wasn't enough proof for you, Sony has confirmed that all of our hopes and dreams are coming true... in Europe. Yep, the blokes and dames across the pond will be able to snag a special edition PlayStation 3 bundle with Grand Theft Auto IV (and a SIXAXIS wireless controller) bundled in for €439 ($696). Beyond that (and the way cool box), everything else looks to be the standard fare -- pick one up if you wish on April 29th.[Via Joystiq]
Best Buy's GTA IV midnight opening list
As our coverage continues on the second mega-release this year, Best Buy has posted its list of midnight store openings for the Grand Theft Auto IV launch. We've placed the list after the break, and the Best Buy site has maps to the locations for those who need it.We don't have explicit details how the Best Buy midnight launch should go -- like we do for Wal-Mart -- but it's best to show up early Monday evening. Plus, the company states that there'll be "Grand Theft Auto-related giveaways, but quantities will be limited." And just to prove how non-highfalutin of a site we really are, this blogger will be standing in line at the Dedham, Mass., store taking pics and waiting to get his copy just like everyone else.
SCEE confirms Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 bundle for Europe
We knew it was coming, but now we have a fancy press release in our inbox confirming it. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has officially announced a Grand Theft Auto IV bundle "exclusively" for the PlayStation 3. As you might expect, the bundle's release will coincide with that of the carjacking, city-wrecking romp on April 29th. The €439 (RRP) package will contain a 40GB PlayStation 3, a Sixaxis controller and ... we forget what the other thing was.
Chicago transit bans GTA IV ads
Using Chicago's street violence as a springboard, the city's FOX affiliate aired a piece about Grand Theft Auto IV ads on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Thanks to the report, all the GTA IV advertising will now be removed. As GamePolitics points out, the ads do not depict any scenes of violence and it's currently unknown what the CTA's policy is on advertising R-rated movies; the CTA also stopped an ad campaign back in 2004 for GTA: San Andreas. Boston, Denver and Portland, Oregon, have had similar issues with GTA ads on its public transportation system. Ironically, the FOX affiliate promotes alcohol on its website (picture after the break). Wonder how many people died of alcohol related incidents in Chicago this weekend?[Via GamePolitics]
Rumor: GTA IV DLC may include entirely new cities
We're vehement followers of the logic that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is -- still, in cases like these, that doesn't stop us from wishing and hoping hard enough to make our noses bleed. The latest, Microsoft-endorsed, Grand Theft Auto IV special edition issue of Computer and Video Games magazine suggests that the 360 DLC is to the perfect scoring GTA IV as "Vice City or San Andreas were [to] GTA III," and later, in simpler terms, "Rockstar is clearly hinting at new downloadable cities" for the title.While this infinitely awesome feature might be technically and fiscally possible, we must keep a firm grasp on our cynically-tinted monocles until official confirmation arises. Still, it's tough not to wonder what cities Rockstar could build knock-off replicas of to add to their latest title -- perhaps an Atlantic City clone? A geographically-appropriate rendering of New Jersey? A mock-up of the bustling metropolis of Mud Lick, KY? The possibilities are endless!
GTA IV is gold and 'en route' to stores
Grand Theft Auto IV has gone gold and is "en route" to stores, which means any fears of an eleventh hour delay for the game can be squashed like a snitch's head in a vice. Take-Two's CEO, Ben Feder, stated during the shareholder's meeting last night that the game is in production and should arrive at retailers soon.GTA IV, expected to have a massive launch on Xbox 360 and PS3, won't be available to purchase until April 29. So, if you've got a friend working in retail who's got access to the stock room -- now's the time to tell them how much you love them!
Rockstar Social Club open for pre-registration
Rockstar Games' Social Club is now open for pre-registration before the site fully launches on April 29. All the site requires is your email address to sell to third parties, age (kids, make sure to lie) and zip code. As a bonus, those who pre-register will automatically be entered in a drawing for a drawing portrait to be created of their likeness in the GTA IV art style. Admittedly, that sounds cool enough to risk opening ourselves up to a mountain of spam. Time to make dummy email account #210.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Variety: GTA IV expected to make $400M in first week
Variety has been told by "sources close to publisher Take-Two Interactive" that Grand Theft Auto IV is expected to earn $400 million in its first week on sale, handily trumping Master Chief's $300 million space hoop slam dunk. Reportedly based on retailer orders, the prediction sees six million gamers purchasing Rockstar's latest during the week of April 29 and contributing to "possibly the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product." Unsurprisingly, this matches the positive outlook shared by several analysts, with Michael Pachter predicting 9 million sales by Halloween. Our recent (thoroughly unscientific) poll found that more gamers were leaning towards the Xbox 360 version.As for Take-Two's alleged predictions, such results will likely prompt the publisher to invest in a moat around its castle -- perfect for warding off pesky invaders.
Poll: For which platform are you buying Grand Theft Auto IV?
In case you've been living under a very large rock surrounded by an even larger rock structure, Grand Theft Auto IV is expected to come out at the end of the month. (Barring any accurate Pachter predictions, of course). We're conducting a network-wide poll with our friends at X3F and PS3 Fanboy to see for which platform you're planning to purchase the game. Be sure to tell us your reasoning in the comments below. GTA IV: Which platform are you buying it on? PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 You can only vote once, even if you visit all three sites. The poll closes Sunday night and we'll announce the "winner" on Monday morning.
Rockstar stands behind Australian GTA IV edits, calls for '18' rating
Rockstar has assured Australian gamers that the edited version of Grand Theft Auto IV, chopped up to better fit the country's highest possible rating of MA15+, will not alter the experience in a "significant" way. Rockstar explained, "While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience." As incredible as said experience is, the controversial company still recommended that Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification implement an R18+ rating in order to avoid these allegedly insignificant edits. "We strongly support the OFLC and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary," said Rockstar. Once the game finds its way into Australian hands, we're sure to discover just which aspects of the game wound up on the chopping bloc.
GTA IV 40GB PlayStation 3 bundle surfaces in Europe
If you're still licking your lips while gazing at that limited edition GTA IV Xbox 360 Elite, you may have the opportunity to make your GTA-branded console ownership dreams come true in a slightly different manner. Out of seemingly nowhere, a Grand Theft Auto IV PlayStation 3 bundle has popped up on a Swedish retailer's website, offering a 40GB PS3, a copy of the game, a decorated box and little else (DualShock 3?). Judging by the package art, we're guessing there's no suave paint job waiting on either side, and Webhallen has the unit priced at 4,499 SEK (or about $755). Before you ask -- there's no telling whether this thing is headed stateside or not, but surely Sony / Rockstar Games wouldn't let such a moneymaker swim around the US of A, right?[Via N4G, thanks John]
GTA IV 'better than all the hype suggests' according to first person to complete the game
We've seen our fair share of previews on Rockstar's crime drama opus, Grand Theft Auto IV, but we've yet to hear from someone who has enjoyed the bullet-riddled adventure in its entirety -- until Xbox World 360 editor Rob Taylor, after 24 hours of play time, triumphantly viewed the ending credits with the knowledge that he was the first person on the planet (aside from a gaggle of Rockstar employees, we assume) to finish GTA IV. Can someone be envied to death?Fulfilling his civic duty as a gaming journalist, Taylor gave his impressions of the complete work in a spoiler-free interview with GamesRadar -- unsurprisingly, he was a fan. The fourth installment apparently "craps on all the others" in the franchise, and the main character, Niko Bellic, is "most amazing protagonist in any game [he's] ever played." We suggest perusing the remainder of his colorful commentary to help pass the remaining twenty-three days and nine hours until the game lands in our quivering, anticipatory laps.
Rockstar acquires Mad Doc Software, forms Rockstar New England
There's a brand new face for us to lovingly stick into our Take-Two Family Album -- Rockstar New England. Take-Two's Rockstar Games has announced the formation of the studio following the acquisition of Andover, MA-based Mad Doc Software, "one of the premier independent development studios in North America." The praise release continues with Rockstar founder, Sam Houser, weighing in on the purchase."The team at Mad Doc Software is extremely talented," he said. "Bringing them within the Rockstar Games family will enhance our core technology and further support our commitment to creating progressive and innovative gaming experiences."C'mon everybody, let's join in singing the praises of the studio that most recently worked on the Xbox 360 version of Bully: Scholarship Edition! What's that? We can't hear you! We seem to be experiencing audio difficulties! Hello?!
Brand new GTA IV video captivates, then reminds you to pre-order
Did you think last week's trailer would be the last Grand Theft Auto IV footage you'd be seeing? Well, it's not. Here's one more. This time, the clip comes from a Gamestop video ad. You might have seen it if you've walked into a Gamestop store recently. If you haven't, then now is an excellent time to check it out. Learn even more about Liberty City: city of big dreams, beautiful women, and bold entrepreneurs.
Grand Theft Auto IV gets 18 certificate from BBFC
This bit of news is going to have an extra special meaning for all you Rockstar fans in Britain. After the whole debacle with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) versus Manhunt 2, many of you may have worried about history repeating itself -- this time with the upcoming and equally controversial Grand Theft Auto IV. However, your worries should stop here for the BBFC has already passed Grand Theft Auto IV with an 18 certificate and with "no cuts made." This is excellent news for all those gamers in the UK looking forward to picking up GTAIV this coming April 29. As it stands, there shouldn't be any other snags barring the game from its expected release date. [Thanks enfo! Via MCV]
Rumor: GTA IV coming to DS
A French retail site has listed Grand Theft Auto IV for Nintendo DS on a sheet of upcoming releases. Tucked inconspicuously in between titles like Kung Fu Panda and Harvest Moon, it's most likely that the listing of the game for DS is a slip-up, and not indicative of any "OMG"-worthy news. The possibility for a slip-up seems even more likely when Guitar Hero: On Tour is erroneously labeled as Guitar Hero 3 on the same list.What stands out as a bit odd, however, is the listed release date of June 15, 2008, a far cry from the international release date of April 29 for the actually-real console version. It's enough to give us pause, but not enough to keep us from breaking out the skeptical sauce. As awesome as a classic, top-down GTA on DS would be, we've got a feeling that it's just not in the cards.
Introducing the Joystiq Grand Theft Auto IV page
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Joystiq_s_Grand_Theft_Auto_IV_central_hub'; Need a refresher on Liberty City? Check out our game page for all things Grand Theft Auto IV. Seriously, this is everything we've written on the game. Bookmark the page, as we'll be constantly updating.
