Update: Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)

Grand Theft Auto IV is a mere five weeks away from hitting retail, ready to thrust gamers back into the seedy underbelly of a criminal lifestyle. Recently, we took a closer look at new information from the game, which we're happy to share with you.

One interesting new aspect to GTA IV is the ability to use a police computer to your advantage. To do this, you'll have to steal a police vehicle, which isn't as easy as it looks. If a cop leaves it simply sitting there, you'll have to hightail it away from him before finding a spot to hide and utilize the in-vehicle equipment. Of course, if you're a little more violent about it, you can test your luck taking out the cop in order to obtain the vehicle. The computer search works by putting in the name of a specific person. As a result, you'll find precious information that comes in handy during your mission, such as an address or other details. You can then mark the location on your interactive map and use the in-game GPS system to get there – if the cops don't happen to take up pursuit first.

Rocket launcher, for the win.

Speaking of vehicular pursuit, Grand Theft Auto IV utilizes a "chase-cam" system that makes it easier to keep an eye on your target while keeping an eye on the road. You simply lock onto the target that you're chasing and stay on their heels with a fixated camera lock-on. It never really drifts off to the point that you lose sight of the road, though, so you don't have to worry about careening into another car (unless, of course, you have a destructive tendency to). You also have a free-moving targeting reticule that you can swivel around the car, rather than stagnant views from the front and sides used in previous games. Another notable addition is in-car guidance through a GPS system. Not only does it give you verbal directions, but it also does so in different voice tones, depending on the make and year of the vehicle.

Another cool option in Grand Theft Auto IV is hitting the rooftops without needing to run up several dozen flights of stairs. In one particular mission, Niko Bellic (the anti-hero you control in the game) has to work his way up to the roof of a specific building, with thugs scattered across the roof. To get there, he can work with an ally – in this case, a man known as Playboy X – to operate a window-cleaning lift to scale the side of the building. These are more commonplace throughout the game, so you can reach rooftops with ease. Once you dispatch enemies from above, nothing beats watching a dude take a header several floors down into a van's windshield.

Niko also utilizes a new cover system throughout the game, hiding behind objects so he doesn't take damage as easily as, say, Tommy from Vice City or the nameless thug from GTA III. This could change the dynamic of Grand Theft Auto in general, especially where multiplayer is concerned. Unfortunately, Rockstar still hasn't spilled the beans on how this'll operate, but we do know that it supports up to 16 players. Maybe we'll see some awesome co-op missions against other criminals...?

Party on the roof, here's my candle!

As for weapon targeting, Niko has a better sense of control than previous thugs from other Grand Theft Auto games. You can free-aim by holding the trigger button halfway, moving around the butt of your gun to various targets. However, if you hold the trigger in all the way, you lock onto an enemy directly. Even then, however, your options aren't limited. You can aim and specific body parts, such as an arm, leg, or, our personal favorite, right in the head. This is an awesome feature, especially if you have a more powerful weapon such as a rocket launcher.

Finally yet importantly, this free range of control isn't just limited to gunplay and driving. Even during smaller activities, players feel the full effect of controlling Niko through his misadventures. Even when he's doing something as simple as getting drunk in a bar, you'll struggle with a waverly camera and slower controls, feeling the full effects of his intoxication. This may prove to be a disaster if you're facing off against enemies or cops, so you may want to lay off the drinking until you're completely safe.

Overall, these sound like vast improvements to the Grand Theft Auto universe. We can't wait to see how they work in the final game, which we'll be reviewing upon its release next month.

Related Links

Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360 Game Guide

Grand Theft Auto IV PlayStation 3 Game Guide

Rockstar Games