GTA 4

GTA 4 was a breakthrough for a series of crime action games with an open world and almost complete freedom of action. It was noticeably different from the previous parts both technically and plot-wise, setting a new level of quality for the genre. The fleet of vehicles and weapons of that time feel heavier than in modern units, and this adds tension. The game's radio stations are still recognizable from the first chords. The story turned out to be more mature than before: immigrant Niko Bellic comes to Liberty City to visit his cousin in the hope of a better life, but ends up with debts, showdowns and disappointment. Side characters and random encounters gradually add up to a dark chronicle of the city. Side quests and calls from acquaintances reveal the stories of minor characters, many of which end sadly. The physics and engine of that time were amazing: cars were crumpled, people grabbed the hood and did not let them press the gas, and the shootouts looked real. The city lived without days off: taxis, police, metro and walking along the streets provided something to do even without tasks. The police behave more strictly than previous units: it is not always possible to hide in an alley, but the search comes quickly. Network modes added races, battles and joint freestyle fun to the single-player campaign, which extended the life of the project for a long time. The additions “The Lost and the Damned” and “The Ballad of Gay Tony” diluted the drama with dark comedies. The additions shifted the focus to other areas of the city and added new types of vehicles and weapons. For anyone who wants to go through the classic crime saga, this part remains a must.