New Grand Theft Auto 4 details revealed

In a 10-page feature in Game Informer magazine, Rockstar has revealed a sizeable amount of information on the eagerly anticipated return of Grand Theft Auto.

The game revisits Liberty City, the stage of the first 3D outing for the series, though the game world will be considerably bigger. Though not as vast as the San Andreas map, and apparently without the huge rural areas, the new city will be considerably more detailed than previous games.

Set in 2007, Liberty City is clearly based on New York and neighbouring New Jersey. It features boroughs such as Broker (Brooklyn), Dukes (Queens) and even The Statue of Happiness (Liberty). The game’s main protagonist is an Eastern European immigrant called Niko Bellic, who is in search of the American dream.

The PS3 and 360 versions of the game are reportedly identical, although some form of exclusive episodic downloadable content will be available for the Microsoft console. However, previously it was revealed that both versions will receive downloadable content.

Apparently this time around the emphasis on the voiceovers and soundtrack will not be on big names, but on output that Rockstar believe fits the feel of the game.

With regard to gameplay, although you will still take orders from crime lords as you climb the ladder of the underworld, there will also be other ways of interacting with NPCs, through cell-phones and first person conversations that filter information to the player. At present more details on these elements are not available.

It has also been confirmed that after the boot-up loading time, there is absolutely no loading throughout the entire game, even when moving between interior and exterior areas.

Perhaps the most surprising omission is aeroplanes, which have become standard features of the most recent GTA titles. In pursuit of realism Rockstar has decided to shun the idea of aircraft as the game is set in only one city. Despite internet speculation, there will also be no roller blades or unicycles, and it’s unlikely we’ll see a reappearance of San Andreas’ Jet Pack.

Multiplayer will feature, but any myths of GTA4 as MMORPG have been dispelled, and it seems likely that any multiplayer elements, while certainly developed somewhat, will only compliment the main game rather than supersede it.

Finally, the game also boast improved physics and pedestrian behaviour models which will see them sit at benches, smoke cigarettes and read books. The terrain below Niko’s feet is also reported to possess physical details and textures that will affect characters when they walk, run, and presumably drive.

What is certain is that GTA4 will be an immense game. Dan Houser of Rockstar suggests that the leap from GTA3 to GTA4 will be equivalent to the leap fro GTA to GTA3. If this is the case, the gaming community is in for a treat.