There's no denying the power of the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar's controversial franchise is one of the most recognizable and well-known brands in modern gaming, and its next installment is going to be unquestionably huge. For Microsoft, Grand Theft Auto IV is not just being treated as an important game, it's clearly being treated as one of the most crucial of 2008.
Microsoft's Shane Kim has recently commented on the impact GTA's had on Sony hardware in the past -- most notably the revelation that was GTA III on the PS2 -- and how Microsoft is looking to harness that impact for itself by making sure that the Xbox 360 is seen as the definitive home of Liberty City. Kim is confident that Microsoft already "owns" GTA IV, but that gamers need to realize it.
"We already own it, I believe, from a content standpoint, because we have the exclusive episodes ... but we have to make sure the customers know that ... if you look back, again, to the role of GTA III and what that played in terms of PS2's development - in Europe as well, because it was huge in Europe. That's a great opportunity for us. We need to take advantage of it."
Kim admits that Microsoft's job isn't going to be a cakewalk, and recognized Sony's potential to steal some of the glory for itself, especially in Europe, where Sony products have always been successful. Kim realizes that if MS becomes complacent, the potential is there for gamers to simply associate
GTA with Sony based on past experiences and not buy it for the less traditional Xbox. Kim is determined, however, to let the people know his opinion that the 360 is where the "greater experience" can be had. What say you, the people themselves? Are you getting this for the 360 or PS3, and do you think downloadable episodic content is key to the "ownership" of
Grand Theft Auto?
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
9:49 AM on 02.08.2008
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If it feels like a full game i'm going to be buying it on whichever system it performs better.
It's total bullshit. From the get go we're basically given the middle finger with pre-planned DLC that, if it's so important and great, should've been slapped onto the disc and not used to rape our wallets.
And Fire is good.
Its my understanding the DLC is just missions, and that's not the time-killing sandbox gameplay I want from GTA.
Then again, considering the way Rockstar has sucked money out of me with the previous games, I'm not gnawing on the edge of my desk in anticipation of this one either. I'm actually going to wait for a review.
GTA IV is based in NYC.
Unless your implying that you live in the LBC. Then totally different story.
MS has to be extremely excited that they got dibs on DLC. That means more sales in the US, where GTA sells WAY BETTER than in Europe, since just about every country there bans the freakin' game.
Microsoft IMHO is making a mistake by trumpeting their DLC as the first thing that comes to mind is..Is that really neccesary? Aren't thses games huge enough? I already paid 60 bucks..how much more do you expect me to pay for some episodes? Now if the DLC was offered free to paying LIVE customers..NOW THAT would be an interseting proposition. And one they can shove in Sony's Face.
Sadly, I don't think MS will do a great job of getting this news out to the public, anyway. I mean, they sat and watched while Sony advertised such games as Assassin's Creed as if they were PS3-exclusive.
huh anybody? :P
I totally agree, I usually play like 1/2 of the missions and go nuts. I have yet to date, beaten a GTA.
I've pre-ordered the PS3 GTA IV CE, but solely because I don't like the noise my 360's disc drive puts out and this is the type of game that I'd rather spend listening to the soundtrack while I play. I can live w/o the extra content.
-DLC
-Xbox Live is where my friends are, and it will have multiplayer
-Achievements
-I like to chat between games and the sandbox style of play will be perfect for that... I could even get into the game just to dick around while I wait for an invite on another game
-Rumble
-It won't look or play any better on the PS3
-I don't own a PS3 and won't own one until I can get one for $400 with a dualshock3 in the box
-I like the 360 controller better (except on games that heavily use the D pad)
I'm sure those 2 packs won't be the only content, so we'll probably see content that both consoles share.
Will be getting it on the 360, Achievements + better controller. The Sixaxis is fucking painful to use for more than a half hour.
I seriously doubt I'll buy the extra "episodes" or whatever unless there's something mindblowing in there, or maybe some extra turf. I've never really "finished" a GTA game. I play the shit out of 'em, and spend hours screwing around, but by the time I feel done with one and move on I've only completed a portion of what the game wants you to. I play this particular "sandbox" series strictly for the sandbox, the actual objectives take a back seat...
Besides, I've grown to really hate my 360 and I want to use what little time it has before breaking again to play any decent 360 exclusives which mostly seem to be xbla games like RES HD and castle crashers if that one ever comes out.
Also, its possible that the PS3 version may get delayed...
The majority of people have played on PS2 (excluding me) and that's what they remember. Who knows, though. If Microsoft pushes they may be able to steal some of Sony's fans who haven't made the current-gen jump.
Me? I've never beaten a GTA game, like most people here I play enough to unlock the good weapons and vehicles then I just cruise around town.
I also agree with Necros and Jim that if they are planning DLC this early, they should just put it on the disc. That would make the 360 version better by leaps and bounds.
I have games that have DLC and I have never been convinced to get them. There is no reason why I should spend 60$ to get the game, then $5, $10, $20, $30 for additional content to get "More experience" out of the game.
If you support DLC your only opening the gates to games coming out unfinished and then purchase the missing parts which makes you end up paying way too much money. and honestly, the gates of hell are already opened and wont close.
DLC = MMO like charging. It is never ending, over charging, and continuous way to milk the gamers wallet. It is to evily brilliant... Hmmm, May be I should get on the gaming business and do DLC games and charge $10 per chapter so I can be rich quick. I already have the avatar to do it!
If MS wants to really profit from it, they should release the exclusive DLC around 2-3 months after the GTA4 release, and they should have added a clause in the deal that would make any PS3 DLC come out at least 3 months after any MS DLC. That way the people that own the game and crave more, will see that one console has that DLC and one doesn't have it (yet).
But MS will probably fuck it up for themselves anyway, yay!
"Achievement Unlocked: Fly Plane into Skyscraper"
Doubtful, yes. Me = Hopeful.
- Custom soundtracks: Liberty City in GTA III had pretty good radio stations, but after a while I just wanted some Biggie, Jigga, Nas, G-Unit, etc.
- Achievements
- No lengthy installs. Now that DMC4 has set the precedent, I'm willing to bet that a lot of big upcoming PS3 games will also mandate a huge, multi-gigabyte install process before you can play. And I wouldn't be surprise if GTAIV is one of those games. Blu-ray FTL.
And then there are the usual reasons like Xbox Live, the 360 controller being super-comfortable, etc.