Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition

The graphics of "Grand Theft Auto IV" have received mixed reviews, with many players acknowledging that while the visuals were impressive for their time in 2008, they now appear dated compared to modern standards, particularly when compared to "GTA V." Players often report significant optimization issues on the PC version, including problems with frame rates and the inability to adjust graphics settings properly, especially for those with higher-end graphics cards. However, with the use of mods, many have found ways to enhance the graphics, making the game visually appealing and immersive despite its age.

The gameplay of Grand Theft Auto IV is characterized by a mix of engaging storytelling and varied mission types, but it is often criticized for its clunky mechanics, particularly in driving and shooting. While many players appreciate the realistic physics and immersive world, others find the gameplay repetitive and frustrating, especially due to issues with the PC port and the lack of modern quality-of-life features. Overall, the game offers a rich narrative experience, but its gameplay mechanics may not hold up as well compared to more recent titles in the series.

The optimization of Grand Theft Auto IV on PC has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Despite the game's compelling story and engaging gameplay, the port is considered one of the worst optimized in gaming history, often requiring extensive modding and tweaks to achieve a playable experience. While some users have found success with community patches and performance mods like DXVK, the overall sentiment remains that the game suffers from significant technical shortcomings that detract from its enjoyment.

The music in "Grand Theft Auto IV" is widely praised for its diverse and eclectic soundtrack, which enhances the game's immersive atmosphere. However, many players express disappointment over the removal of over 50 songs due to expired licenses, particularly from the beloved Vladivostok FM station, which has significantly impacted the overall experience. While some players recommend using mods to restore the original music, the ongoing licensing issues and the forced use of the Rockstar Games launcher have led to frustration within the community.

The stability of Grand Theft Auto IV on PC is widely criticized, with numerous users reporting a plethora of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players experience game-breaking bugs, particularly during critical missions, and frequent crashes or freezes, especially when using modern hardware. While some have found workarounds through mods, the overall consensus is that the game remains a frustratingly unstable experience, making it difficult to recommend without significant caveats.

The humor in "GTA IV" is a blend of dark comedy, sharp satire, and absurdity, often delivered through memorable characters and witty dialogue. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance serious themes with comedic moments, particularly through the interactions between characters like Niko and Roman, as well as the hilarious radio stations and in-game events. While some reviews note a shift towards a more somber tone compared to previous titles, the humor remains a standout feature, with many players finding joy in the game's quirky physics and unexpected glitches.

The atmosphere of Grand Theft Auto IV is widely praised for its dark, gritty realism and immersive depiction of Liberty City, which feels alive with dynamic environments and detailed NPC interactions. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a melancholic mood through its weather effects, soundtrack, and narrative, making it a standout entry in the series. While some players find the atmosphere too oppressive or dull, many appreciate its unique tone and depth, considering it a defining feature that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the lack of checkpoints that forces them to replay long missions after failures. Achieving 100% completion is often described as a grueling task filled with monotonous side quests and collectible hunts, leading to a gameplay experience that feels more like a chore than enjoyable. While some appreciate the story and overall gameplay, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding elements detract significantly from the overall experience.

The emotional aspect of Grand Theft Auto IV is highlighted by its rich narrative and complex characters, particularly the protagonist Niko Bellic, whose journey of seeking redemption in a harsh environment resonates deeply with players. Many reviews praise the game's ability to evoke strong feelings through its choice-driven storytelling, impactful voice acting, and memorable moments, although some comparisons to other titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 suggest it may not reach the same emotional heights. Overall, players find the story to be both touching and immersive, often leading to heartfelt reactions and a lasting emotional impact.

Grand Theft Auto IV is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its expansive open world, diverse missions, and engaging multiplayer modes. Players appreciate the depth of characters and the variety of activities available, which provide countless hours of entertainment beyond the main storyline. However, some users note that replay value diminishes after completing the main story and side missions, particularly in the poorly optimized PC version, where mods significantly enhance the experience.

Character development in "Grand Theft Auto IV" is widely praised as one of its standout features, particularly through the complex portrayal of the protagonist, Niko Bellic, and his moral dilemmas. Reviewers highlight the depth and uniqueness of the characters, noting that the game's storytelling and character arcs set a high standard for the series and influence future open-world titles. While some critiques mention occasional weaknesses in character depth or repetitive missions, the overall consensus is that the character development is exceptional and integral to the game's immersive experience.

The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the absence of microtransactions and in-game purchases, which contrasts sharply with the monetization strategies seen in other titles like GTA V. Players appreciate the clean experience and immersive storytelling without the pressure of additional costs, while some criticize the misleading advertising and lack of ongoing support for the game. Overall, the sentiment leans towards favoring games that prioritize gameplay and narrative over aggressive monetization tactics.