Why GTA IV is one of the best games of all time

It takes a lot to make a game playable for weeks or months after purchase, let alone years. But that is exactly what GTA IV has done for me. It released on 29th April 2008, and I bought it about a year later. Now we're in 2011 and I'm still playing it at least weekly, if not daily. But how has it been so appealing that I just can't stop playing?

A huge, living playground
GTA IV, like most GTA games, features 3 large islands (you could argue there are 4 in IV). Each one makes up a borough of New York City, so already it feels slightly familiar. But unlike a few free-roaming, sandbox games, Liberty City feels truly alive in every sense. There are constantly people bustling through the streets and the roads are filled with cars getting from place to place. Even if you stopped completely, the city continues to live around you. And the fact that random things can happen at any point always keep me interested and involved. Unlike Red Dead Redemption (newest Rockstar game) with scripted 'random events', random events in GTA IV are really random indeed. I could be casually driving down the pavement when an explosion could go off. I'd rush to the scene to see a car blown up and an ambulance crew already on site. Nothing to do with my antics at all. Just life in Liberty City.

There is also the fact that Liberty City is a deep playground. It isn't just filled with solid towers and houses along the streets. A few are actually fully fleshed out buildings with interiors to explore and play in. After a year and a bit of playing, it was only the other day that I found a 4 storey building that I could enter and mess around in. I instantly got the cops on me, lured them into the building, and challenged myself to shoot my way out of the building, like creating my own 'mini mission'. Even though I've been playing for so long, this showed me that I surely have more to get out of Liberty City.

Amazing DLC
Downloadable content for games are usually just a few maps, a couple of skins and/or weapons, and the odd additional mission or two. GTA IV on the other hand gave me two full new stories to play through, each around 6 hours each! "The Lost and Damned" and "The Ballad of Gay Tony" both introduced a new character to play as and a new story to go through. Each story had its own feel to it, and felt vastly different to the main GTA IV story, but in a good way. In both DLC's, you are put into an entirely different situation than you were in within the GTA IV story, and it's this that kept it fresh. It was like being in a new setting, even though it is still set in the same Liberty City you've been in all this time. The missions were also more tailored to the character. For example, in TLaD, you play as Johnny Klebitz, a member of a biker gang. So many more of the missions are performed on a bike with a gang to back you up. This obviously wouldn't happen very often with Niko in the main story.

There is also the fact that each DLC brings with it new weapons, vehicles, online modes and game mechanics. A light machine gun is always a lot of fun, smacking a person with a baseball bat off a bike while driving along side them is very entertaining, and an APC Tank is pure badass. But probably the most enjoyable mechanic for me was the return of parachutes from previous GTA games. By implementing parachutes, the invisible ceiling was doubled in height, massive drops were now possible and its use in missions made it a crucial and great addition to an already awesome game. And having these new game mechanics made the entire game even more fun...

Online
Online modes in games usually take the game mechanics, put you in a small or medium sized stage and make you perform certain actions (e.g. kill each other). GTA IV on the other hand simply lets you loose in Liberty City. That's it. Just go wild with your friends! There are some set modes like Deathmatch, Race etc., but all are within the huge city. Personally, I just play free-mode with friends, and it's exactly what it says on the tin: free to do whatever the hell you want...mode. It is just like free roaming in single player but with more people. Also, since there are options for police and friendly-fire, things can get even crazier without consequence!

Unfortunately you can't play the story co-op, but there are a couple of missions to perform together. There is also a Cops N' Crooks mode where a group of player controlled cops aim to take out the main criminal boss whilst the lesser criminals have to defend the boss and get him to his escape vehicle. A rather unique mode which works very well with the open city. It is the online aspect of GTA IV which keeps the game going for a long time, much like it has done with me.

Swingset Glitch

Hours of fun.


Of course there are many things to love in Liberty City: the wacky radio stations, the borderline insane characters, random fist fights/ fire fights in the street. But you really have to be there to experience the world fully. Forget the stereotype - you don't just kill hookers and murder innocents (albeit that is a fair chunk of the fun).

Happy New Year!!

First things first - Happy New Year everyone! Here we are; a year closer to 2012. But never mind all that doomsday rubbish, hope you all had happy holidays and got all you wanted out of it. Concerning the New Year, I have actually made a new year's resolution: Post more on my Blog. But, like most resolutions, how well that goes is yet to be seen. But I'll try to post at least fortnightly. Forgive the small, insignificant posts that are sure to come.

Last post I talked about my difficulty choosing between a controller and a headset. In the end, I went for neither. The controller is made for pro competitive gaming, and I came to the conclusion that I just don't play competitively anymore. Single player gives so much more freedom to the player, in my opinion. And the headset; I've heard that it has a rather short cable, and I can't really have that. I don't have a huge room, but I do move around a lot. A short cable would significantly restrict me.

I did get some things though. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (Xbox 360), Sonic Colours (Nintendo Wii), a wired controller for my newest hobby of PC gaming (and to replace my dying wireless controllers) and an assortment of chocolate. T'was a good holiday indeed. I'll probably speak about the games at a later date, but it's safe to say I am thoroughly enjoying both of them.

Seeing as its January, I have to deal with the hell that is January Exams. I have to get them done well since I have now got offers from all my chosen universities. It was probably rather bad of me to only think "meh" when I got all my offers! I'm laid-back like that. I have 4 exams over three weeks to complete. Wish me luck!!

That's me done for the time being. With any luck, I shall be posting a lot more from now on, with more than just text for you to read!

Well this blog is quickly dying....

Hello once again. I know, it's been a month but what can I do? College is overwhelming and applying for university is hellish. I want to post more, but things are just too unclear right now.

About the Halo: Reach review I was planning... well, it's not coming now. I think after 2 months of release, it's a bit late to review it! Might post it one day, just for the sake of it; we'll see. Long review, short - A great game to tie up the series (for now). Enemy AI is great and ally AI are appalling. Story is very explosive and also tragic, but not on par with Halo 3 in my opinion. So many games modes to play and constant support from Bungie updating challenges and playlists is outstanding. So much to do in fact, I'm still playing it! 9/10

Who is looking forward to Christmas? I am! Sort of.... Don't really have many plans for what I want. I'm stuck between the Razer Onza controller and a SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB Headset. The Razer Onza is a pro Xbox controller with features such as adjusting tightness of thumbsticks, additional shoulder buttons mapped to whatever button you wish, and a GOOD d-pad. The SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB Headset is a comfortable headset made for the Xbox, with very durable parts, noise reducing ear cups, and a nifty little gadget that balances party chat (when you're chatting with friends) and game noise.




What to choose...




...what to choose?



Why not both, you ask? Well the normal Xbox controller has 2 additional slots beside the 3.5mm jack. This is needed for the headset's gadget. The Razer does NOT have these additional slots, only the 3.5mm jack. I'm leaning towards the headset, since I already have an Xbox controller. I also used the headset at EuroGamer Expo 2010 and loved it! But the Razer will make be play much better (in theory).

I'll let you know when I get either, if I get either. Comment what you think I should get out of the two. That's it for this time, will post something else as soon as possible.... I hope.

Very busy life!

Sorry for the weeks of no posts! I've been swamped with college work and other distractions. Second year of A-Levels require so much work, it's ridiculous! I've also been very busy on Halo: Reach! It is a stunning game, meeting and exceeding my expectations. I'll be posting my own personal review on it eventually.

In other life news, I'm heading to the Eurogamer Expo 2010 tomorrow! It's an annual expo where you play both new and yet to be released games. Highlights of the expo are Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, LittleBigPlanet 2, Infamous 2, Crysis 2, Killzone 3 and various other highly anticipated games. There will also be various PS Move and Kinect games there for people to try. I can finally give Kinect a go and say it's rubbish with prior experience! But it would be a nice suprise for it to actually be good. Here's a link for more information: http://expo.eurogamer.net/ Tickets will be sold at the door after 3pm, so try to go if you can!

That's all for this time, just a post to say I'm still planning to post in the future!

Back to College and REACH!

I'm finally back in college...just great. But I suppose things aren't too bad. My college has recently completed its new building, so I've got a new place to explore. At first I thought it would be an effort to find my way around, but the layout is rather simple! Different areas (West, northeast etc.) are clearly signposted and make it easier to find your way around. It's even easier for me since I only need to get to the East and West areas for lessons. The whole look and feel of the college is fresh and slightly reminds me of those high schools/colleges you see on American TV shows. Whether that's a good or bad thing, I'm not sure, but either way I like the new college.

I'm especially like the new college year because of my timetable. Last year, I was faced with long days that usually had one or two lessons early, a one or two hour break and a lesson last. It was very long because during that time, I usually had nothing to do. Not even homework, since I finished it too soon. I couldn't go home either, since by the time I got back home, I'd have to leave for college again! But this year is totally different. I have one early start on a Monday, then the entire Tuesday off! The rest of the week consists of late starts, early leaving, and minimal breaks! I'm actually in one of those breaks now, writing this up at college. The timetable is a lot more forgiving this year, so that may help with the harder work I have to face.

On the note of games, Halo: Reach is out next week!! It comes out on the 14th September, a Tuesday, which I now have off! Seeing as this is the last Halo game by Bungie, I felt that I wanted the whole package, so I forked out the cash for the Legendary edition. The price? £100. I know, very steep, especially for a college student, but this is something I have wanted for so long! The contents of the Legendary Edition are:

• Exclusive Noble Team statue from McFarlane Toys. Individually moulded, hand-painted and numbered
• UNSC-themed custom packaging
• An exclusive in-game Spartan armour effect- a flaming helmet

• Game disc and manual in custom case modelled after a recovered ONI data module
• A custom in-game Elite armour set for use in Reach's multiplayer modes
• Artifact Bag containing a brand-new piece of the extended Halo universe - the personal notes and documents of the creator of the SPARTAN program: Dr. Catherine Halsey.
• Dr. Halsey's ONI Security Badge
• Embroidered Spartan II Patch

There is a lot of gear there that's simply awesome for any Halo fan! But I must say the price is steep, and should only be bought if you are a big fan of Halo. There is also the limited edition for £60 which includes everything in the second set of bullet points. Then of course there is just the game for £40. Make your choice.

I have to say the main thing I'm excited about in Reach is not the competitive multiplayer, but the Campaign. It looks to be a lot darker than the rest of the Halo series, and more explosive! There's also the very cool feature of making the main character you play as, Noble-6, look exactly like your online Spartan. So all the awesome gear you buy in-game with your credits can shine not only online, but in the Campaign (including in the cut-scenes). This same character model is used in every aspect of the game, from Campaign, to Firefight, to Forge and Online! It really makes you feel that YOU are Noble-6. A small feature, yes. But an effective one.

The Firefight is also a really fun mode I look forward to. Basically, waves of enemies are thrown at you and you have to fight through them, all while 'Skulls' are activated, making the game play harder (e.g. less ammo, stronger enemy shields). This was a popular mode introduced in Halo 3: ODST, but it has returned for Reach. The main appeal of the mode to me this time around is the customisation implemented into the mode. You can change which enemies appear, their weapons and behaviour, which skulls activated, what skulls actually do, time limits, number of waves....I could go on for hours. The depth of customisation is immense and will keep Firefight fresh for years!

I could talk about Reach for days, but I'll spare you. If you have an Xbox 360, buy Halo: Reach!! Ok, that's me done for this post.

...

Buy Halo: Reach.

Nothing to do and loving it! Also, "LeoZeo" - what does it mean?

Wow, the summer holidays can be really boring! I guess that's why I haven't posted in a while. There's nothing going on really. But in all honesty, I would much rather this boredom than going back to college. My holidays are numbered - I go back on the 7th September. Urgh, I've complained about this before, but I really don't want to go back! All of 3 or 4 friends there, one person I absolutely HATE and just a lot of work! Rather be bored at home.

At least all this boredom has given me time to watch a few new anime and manga series. My list keeps on growing! Seriously, I have a list. Maybe I'll post it one day, when I can be bothered.

Just for the sake of it, feel free to look for me on various mediums:
http://www.youtube.com/user/LeoZeo2?feature=mhum -YouTube
LeoZeo - Xbox LIVE
Leo-Zeo - PlayStation Network
ANBU_Leo - Steam
ANBULeo - Twitter
Sanjay Pattani - Facebook

That last one felt weird...no 'Leo' in it. If you're wondering why I use Leo/LeoZeo mostly...well it's an embarrassing story. I may as well tell it now. When I was a child, I loved Power Rangers. I felt the need to use all the leaders' names as my own nickname. I would name examples but I can only think of Jason from the first series. Anyway, eventually it got to a series where the main character was Leo, so I took the name. This was also the point in time where I was getting into gaming. This led me to use 'Leo' in all profile names and high score lists. It worked well since I could put 'Leo' where your initials would go. I didn't go off Power Rangers until a while later, but Leo just stuck. As for 'Zeo', he was a character on another show I watched, 'Beyblade'. You know, spinning tops, rip cords, "Let 'em RIP!" Well his name went well with my nickname. So I called my imaginary friend 'Zeo'. Yes....imaginary friend. We've all had one! So anyway, eventually I started to add that on to my nickname 'Leo'. So now we have 'LeoZeo'. There's the story. Rather odd, I know.

ANYWAY... since I don't have much more to say, I'll just leave you with a video which is, quite frankly, hilarious! Be sure to subscribe to this guy! See you all next time.

I FORGOT A GAME!!

AH DAMN! Just remembered another great game I'm really, REALLY looking forward to! I have to post it!

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

A lot of sequels in my list! Force Unleashed II continues the story of Starkiller, Darth Vader's apprentice, after the end of the first games events. The story is set between Episode III and IV of the main Star Wars canon. The story mainly revolves around Starkiller's search for who he is, due to the fact that he was...

[Spoiler alert!]

...'killed' at the end of the last game. The main point about the gameplay is the extensive use of the force you can utilize during combat. Force push to push enemies out of the way, force lightning to shock enemies, force grab to throw objects or enemies at other enemies, or a new force mind-trick, where you can trick weak-minded foes to turn against their allies, or just end their own lives!

This is all well and good, but Starkiller also has his basic yet awesome weapons to use - TWO lightsabers! I suppose it marks the 'II' part of the game's title as well. He can use multiple badass-combos in addition to his force powers to destroy his enemies and learn the truth.... but mainly kill enemies.

Two of them! Look! TWO!!

I spent 12 hours on the first game's demo alone and plenty more on the actual game (which I only just got recently O_O) so I know this is going to be an amazing game to play! Here's a quick video for you to admire.



Sorry about forgetting this! It's looking to be a stunning game and I simply cannot wait for this and all the other games on my list. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is due out October 2010.

Games, games, games!

Ah... Why is 2010 looking so good for the gaming world?! I don't have the money to keep up! Already had gaming gems this year like Red Dead Redemption and Mass Effect 2, and now the games coming in the autumn and winter months look amazing too! (At least to me it does.) Let me run down a small list of what I'm looking forward to.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood 

Ezio with some new friends

The next in the Assassin's Creed series, the story returns to Ezio as he starts to settle down after the events of Assassin's Creed II. But his past can't escape him and he is dragged back into the assassin world. He must gather a brotherhood of assassin's (hence the title) and overthrow Rome from the Borgia, his enemies who he spared at the end of AC II. This is also the return of Desmond in the present day. He has gained the skills of an assassin through re-living Ezio's tale and although not a lot has been revealed about his role in the game, we have been promised it will be far different than the basic 'walking around then lie down again' we've played in the last two games.

The big thing about this game, and what has me the most excited, is the new multiplayer mode. You have to hunt another player who looks like many NPCs, but must keep a good cover as you yourself is being hunted. A hunts B hunts C etc. This mode sounds like a tense and fun game type that is much more unique than recent games. Due November 2010.

LittleBigPlanet 2

The sequel to the amazing LittleBigPlanet. The first was a platformer with an insanely in-depth level designer. So in-depth that the levels for the main story (if you want to call it that) were all made out of that design mode. The sequel promises even more variety for customisation and will allow for many types of gaming genres like shooters, puzzlers, platformers etc. to be created in the new level designer. It also allows not only for levels to be created, but entire games!

I haven't actually used the designer myself other than to make a couple of rocket-powered cars, but the community are sure to make some amazing levels which I am very much looking forward too.

Halo: Reach

Does this really need an introduction? The final Halo game by the devs. Bungie, this is a prequel to the Halo story. Set on the planet Reach, it tells the story of Noble team as they fight the Covenant on the doomed planet. You play a Noble-6, the new member of the team and see the story through his eyes.

Not only does the story sound amazing, but the Forge mode (level editior) is getting a huge boost as well. With a HUGE canvas called Forge World, players can build almost any type of structure and level to use in multiplayer. This will also be a lot simpler than the Forge mode in Halo 3, where it first debuted.

Just a glimpse of the huge Forge World

It also has an improved Firefight mode, where you and up to 3 other players can face wave after wave of Covenant forces of a variety of stages. The waves, weapons, time limits and more can be customised to your liking. Want to face wave after wave of grunts with only a pistol? Go for it! The customisation is the main pull for me about this game. Between Firefight, the Campaign, Forge World and multiplayer online, this game will keep me busy for a long time. Due 14th September 2010.

That's right. You can drive a forklift. Badass.

And finally, my most anticipated game of 2010 is...

I bet you weren't expecting that! Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is the sequel to one of my best games of all time. It runs through the story of Naruto during the Shippuden arc. right up to the tense battle against Pain. For those who don't know, Naruto is an Anime/Manga series that tells the tale of the ninja Naruto. The game is set just as Naruto returns from his 2 and a half years training with his sensei, Jiraiya. To say any more would be spoiling things, and it would take me far to long to tell you.

Boasting beautiful visuals that are true to the anime, the easy is play, hard to master fighting style and having over 40 characters to play as, this game is just what I wanted from a sequel to Storm 1. It's hard for me to explain why I love this game, so just have a look at the video below.



As an avid fan of the Naruto series, this game has my hype meter through the roof! As you saw, the demo is out soon, so give it a go and see what you think.

Well that's my list. But I'm also looking forward to 2011! Gear of War 3, Dead Space 2, Batman: Arkham City, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword... gaming is looking good! That is, if you ignore Kinect and PS Move...

My first post

Well due to utter boredom during summer holidays, I've decided to write a blog. I'll start with saying who I am and what I'm like.

My name is Sanjay Pattani. I'm a second year student in England studying A-Levels - Maths, Computing and Economics. My hobbies are reading manga, watching anime, playing video games and playing guitar. I like to think I'm intelligent, a little morbid, rather quiet, shy and generally a nice guy. I aspire to become a games developer, mainly programming the games and constructing the A.I.

Now where to begin... gaming! I own all the major consoles; Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii and a PC. For the record, I do not see the iPhone/iPod Touch as a console. I would say my favourite it the Xbox 360. Although you have to pay for the majority of online features, it is very much worth it. Cross game chat is by far the most important feature in an online console these days, something which the PS3 has yet to adopt. It is easy to use, even for newer gamers, and has a wide variety of games. My favourite game on the Xbox 360 is most probably Halo 3. I'm not a fan of C.O.D. at all. Far too easy to die and just plain boring. My Xbox Gamertag is LeoZeo and my PSN name is Leo-Zeo. I don't know my Wii Friend Code, it's far too long and pointless to give out. No game chat at all? Seriously, Nintendo?

Anime and Manga. For those who don't know, this is Japanese animation and Japanese comics. No, I don't speak or read Japanese (yet!) but anime and manga are very popular, leading other fans to translate the comics and add English subtitles to the anime. I know I watch far too much anime, and have a list to prove it, but I just love the detail and depth to each different series. It's a lot more interesting than... I don't know... SpongeBob SquarePants. My favourite series are Angel Beats, Deathnote, Naruto and Bleach. The last two series are still going, with well over 250 episodes each!

I should mention my guitar playing. I play an electro-acoustic guitar, since I prefer the relaxed sounds of an acoustic guitar over an electric one. I know I'm not very good at playing, but I just like playing it on my own and relaxing. I hate playing in front of an audience of any size. That's all I've really got to say on that matter.

I'll wrap things up here for now, I've talked too much. My next posts will dabble a little into my hobbies more, but will mainly be about my current life and the events in it.

Thanks for reading.