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I bought GTA IV on the first night it came out.
The GTA series is usually portrayed as interactive gang life that’s full of utter mayhem. This recent GTA IV trailer from Rockstar Games is an example of what I’m talking about.
Well, that’s part of it. But what is not portrayed enough is how funny the games are. That’s actually why I like the GTA series so much.
All of the games feature hilarious cut-scenes with with weirdo characters. But in addition to the cut scenes, the games contain a lot of intelligent satire. Everything is made fun of, from hypocritical, conservative isolationists to the snobby, hybrid driving, liberal elite. The satirical humor happens at all times during the game, such as when the main character listens to the radio or even just overhears the conversations of people walking down the street.
That satirical humor isn’t a coincidence. Satire is the point of GTA.
The GTA series forms the ultimate satire of American life. It’s a life that at times can be violent, individualistic and full of hypocrites. More than anything though, it’s a life where a taste of opportunity can make people do crazy things. More than anything, that’s what GTA satirizes.
The newest installment, GTA IV has the humor of previous titles, but is also more serious in some parts. The characters are more three-dimensional, and the story is a little bit more nuanced. I find myself caring more about the fate of characters met in the game.
The open-ended violent sandbox is what made the GTA series famous. It’s the quality of writing though, in combination with that sandbox that really sets GTA IV apart from other console titles currently being released.
1 response so far ↓
1 Allen // May 9, 2008 at 10:46 am
Maybe this is the conversation Ian had with someone just before he shot them. ;>)
Seriously though, I’d like to see this game. I’ve seen the ads everywhere, but as I’m not much of a game player, I barely aware of the in your face aspects, let alone the subtleties, nuances, and story.
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