Grand Theft Auto IV

GTA IV is structured similarly to previous games in the series. The core gameplay consists of elements of a third-person shooter and a driving game, affording the player a large, open environment in which to move around. On foot, the player's character is capable of walking, running, swimming, climbing and jumping, as well as utilizing weapons and basic hand to hand combat. Players can steal and drive a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles.

The open, non-linear environment allows players to explore and choose how they wish to play the game. Although storyline missions are necessary to progress through the game and unlock certain parts of the map and content, they are not required, as players can complete them at their own leisure. When not taking on a storyline mission, players can free-roam. However, creating havoc can attract unwanted and potentially fatal attention from the authorities. The more chaos caused, the stronger the response: police will handle "minor" infractions (attacking people, pointing guns at people, stealing cars, killing a few people, etc.), whereas SWAT teams, the FBI, and the military respond to higher wanted levels.

The player can also partake in a variety of optional side missions. The game will take roughly 100 hours to complete, according to Rockstar.

Following a partnership between Rockstar Games and Amazon.com, players will be able to purchase real world mp3s through GTA IV's in-game mobile phone. If the player hears a song they like on the radio, they will be able to 'mark' the song by dialling ZIT-555-0100 on Niko's phone. They will then receive a text message providing the name of the song and the artist. If the user is registered on Rockstar's 'Social Club' website, they will also receive a real world email with a link to an Amazon.com playlist where all of the player's marked songs will be listed and available to purchase for roughly $2 each.

This service will only be available in the US.

I suggest pre-ordering Grand Theft Auto IV. In the past, popular new games sell out the first day they are released (April 29th). The only way to ensure your copy the first day is to pre-order it.

Amazon.com is selling it for $59.99 and will ensure that you get the game on April 29th...they also will ship it to you for free!

GTA4 for XBOX 360

GTA4 for Playstation 3

There will also be special editions released for both platforms. They contain:

A customised metal safe deposit box.
A Rockstar keychain for the safe deposit box keys.
A limited edition Rockstar duffel bag.
Production artwork in the Grand Theft Auto IV Art Book.
Selected soundtrack CD from Grand Theft Auto IV.
A specially packaged version of the game.

Those will cost a bit more, but again, pre-order them from Amazon:

Special Edition for XBOX 360

Special Edition for Playstation 3

and be sure to pick up some strategy guides...
Grand Theft Auto IV Signature Series Guide (Brady Games)

Niko Bellic is Eastern European, between 28 and 32 years of age and has come to Liberty City to pursue the "American Dream". Niko was persuaded to move to Liberty City by his cousin Roman, who claimed in multiple e-mails to Niko that he was living a fabulous life, with a mansion, women, hot tubs and sports cars. Roman's claims turn out to be lies to hide his own failures, however, and in reality he only owns a small taxi business, which he wants Niko to work for.

Roman is the only person Niko knows in Liberty City to begin with, and is one of his major connections in the first part of the game. Niko is a tough character, whereas Roman is friendly. Roman is heavily in debt and a lot of people are after him. He desperately needs Niko's support, hence the reason he deceived Niko into travelling to Liberty City. They are constantly bickering. It is later revealed that Niko has also been avoiding other, as yet undisclosed, problems at home.

Major characters
-Niko Bellic
-Roman Bellic
-Elizabeta
-Playboy X
-Little Jacob
-Vladimir Glebov
-Manny Escuela
-Brucie
-Phil Bell
-Patrick "Packie" McReary
-Francis McReary
-Mikhail Faustin

Minor characters
-Tom Goldberg
-Bledar Morina
-Lola
-Karen
-Mr. Gravelli
-Kenny Petrovic
-Mallorie
-Bernie
-Raymond
-Bryce Dawkins
-Thomas Stubs III

The Rockstar Games Social Club has opened for pre-registration. The Social Club tracks registered users game stats and has leaderboards.

One Grand Prize Winner will have their portrait illustrated by Rockstar Games in the Grand Theft Auto style. The winner will receive a digital copy of the portrait and a cropped version of the image will be used as the avatar for the winner's Social Club membership. Winner will be required to prepare and submit a series of reference photographs upon which the portrait will be based.

Click Here to Sign Up