Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition

Last updated: 2025-10-09

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Summary
  • Exceptional story and characters
  • Masterpiece and timeless classic
  • Immersive, realistic Liberty City
  • Groundbreaking physics and realism
  • Terrible PC port optimization
  • Repetitive missions and poor checkpoints
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition header

Categories

Open-World ExplorationSingle-player StoryThird-Person ShooterDriving SimulationMoral Decision-MakingCharacter Relationships & RomanceAction-adventure

Emotions

Satisfaction28%Frustration16%Disappointment11%Admiration10%Appreciation5%
Reviews
(sample size)
2000
Helpful reviews
52%
Unhelpful reviews
47%
Protest reviews
1%
Positive points
4440
Negative points
2334
Gameplay points
917
Perf. points
263
Rec. points
882
Misc points
654
Point
Exceptional Story & Characters
Description
Players consistently praise the game's deep, mature, and emotionally resonant narrative, often citing it as the best in the series. The characters, especially Niko Bellic, are highlighted for their complexity, realism, and compelling personal journeys, with strong connections to the game's themes.
Importance
99%
Masterpiece & Timeless Classic
Description
Many players consider the game a masterpiece and a timeless classic, often stating it's the best GTA game ever made. It's praised for its enduring quality, innovative storytelling, and overall impact on the open-world genre, holding up remarkably well years after its release.
Importance
85%
Immersive & Realistic Liberty City
Description
Liberty City is frequently described as a living, breathing character itself, with unparalleled detail, atmosphere, and realism. Its gritty, chaotic, and often melancholic portrayal of a New York-inspired metropolis deeply immerses players, making exploration and interaction highly engaging.
Importance
82%
Groundbreaking Physics & Realism
Description
The game's Euphoria physics engine is lauded for its realism, particularly in vehicle handling, collisions, and ragdoll effects. This focus on weighty, authentic physics significantly enhances gameplay, making driving and combat feel more impactful and unique compared to other titles in the series.
Importance
71%
Impressive Graphics for its Era
Description
Despite its age, the game's graphics are frequently praised for being ahead of their time at release and still holding up well today. The art direction, lighting, and detailed environments contribute to a visually appealing and atmospheric experience.
Importance
55%
Excellent & Varied DLCs
Description
The included expansions, 'The Lost and Damned' and 'The Ballad of Gay Tony,' are highly regarded for their quality, unique perspectives, and seamless integration with the main story. They add significant content, new mechanics, and diverse tones, enriching the overall Liberty City experience.
Importance
55%
Solid Gameplay & Missions
Description
The core gameplay loop, including missions, combat, and exploration, is consistently described as fun, engaging, and well-designed. Missions are varied, cinematic, and often involve meaningful choices, contributing to a dynamic and replayable experience.
Importance
47%
Great Value for Money
Description
Players frequently mention the game's fair price, especially for the complete edition which includes both highly-rated DLCs. This makes it a cost-effective purchase, offering hundreds of hours of high-quality content.
Importance
20%
PC Port Improvements & Mods
Description
While the PC port initially had optimization issues, many players report that it now runs smoothly on modern hardware, especially with community-made fixes and mods. These improvements allow for enhanced visuals and a more enjoyable experience on PC.
Importance
15%