There have been a lot of truly amazing games to come out lately. The one that stands out the most as an example of art is, in my opinion, Grand Theft Auto 4. The game has certainly attracted loads of controversy on its themes and supposed messages, but a meaningful and wonderfully orchestrated story and experience lie beneath.
As many of you know, the story centers around an immigrant attracted to America by its promise of opportunity and riches. Amidst all of the hookers, guns, drugs, and violence lies the story of a man trying to leave behind a torrid past and make a new life for himself, no matter what the cost. Niko Bellic is a complex character, and one that is easy to get attached to and care about.
The story is a sprawling tale of Niko’s relationships with his family, friends, enemies, and bitter rivals. There are jaw-dropping moments that truly made me realize I was witnessing what video game narratives are becoming and should become. The following paragraph contains some spoilers, but if you haven’t played the game yet, I strongly suggest you stop reading and pop the disc in.
The game’s element of choice is also something that games are in dire need of these days. It helps players feel like they are having an effect on their game world. Unsurprisingly, it is when players are given those choices that the greatest moments in the game are created. When Niko’s cousin or his wife are shot to death on their wedding day, choosing whether or not to kill your age-old enemy from the homeland, and whether or not to put your differences behind and work with an enemy. Video games need moments like this to keep things fresh and keep the player interested and in awe of the game.
The game’s environment is artful as well. The city doesn’t exactly change according to your actions, but it is a huge game world that is beautifully made. The city has its rich and poor districts, and the behavior and appearance of its citizens respond accordingly. Graphically the game is awe-inspiring, and I can’t help from thinking about the dedication and effort the game’s developers put into crafting this game.
GTA 4 is an excellent game, and the true art of it may be lost in the minds of some people by the negative stigma surrounding the game. It is a mature game, for mature people, and perhaps it takes someone mature to truly appreciate the game for what it is. You can get this kind of experience nowhere else.
Merin on 
Captain Z on 
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Storyline, characters and plot turn me off, unfortunately. I have to accept from others that, looking past the subject material, the games themselves are very impressive.
You have to take my biases into account – I can’t even enjoy the Godfather movies. Therefore it’s a personal preference more than any actual judgment based on the game’s merits.
Wait, your annoying cousin can get killed?
I never got into GTA. The driving section of it just feels… wrong. And it’s such a big part of the game, the fact that it controls so badly just throws me off too much.