So I didn’t make it to the midnight release of GTA IV over at my local GameStop, but I did get my hands on it during my lunch break today. All i can is…well worth it.

Enter the world of Liberty City, an almost exact replica of New York City. Your character this time around is Niko Bellic. Along with your cousin you will get into constant trouble, make some money, and smash/grab/punch your way to the top in this nitty gritty city.

As far as game play goes I can only say that Rockstar has outdone themselves this time. Although it takes place in one City, Liberty City appears to be the most expansive GTA world to date. Not to mention the various activities that you can engage in, like dating. One of the best new features I’ve found in this one is the GPS. It tells me where to go and how to get there in the most appropriate fashion. Along the technology lines, I’m also loving the cell phone. It adds a nice touch to this installment of the series.

On the flip side, I feel like something is lacking in terms of the graphics. After all of the hype I expected to look at the characters and feel as if they were true to life, but it almost feels like we’ve taken a small step backwards. Of course, the details more than make up for the slight down turn on the graphical front and I’m sure that the longer I get to know this game, the more I will grow to love it.

I give GTA IV an 8.5 out of 10. Were it not for the graphics, it would get the full 10. However, as my girlfriend so proudly pointed out, comparing this long awaited title to the likes of Dark Sector, Timeshift, and even Heavenly Sword, I would say that the graphics are falling lower on the totem pole. That said, I highly recommend this game to just about everyone, except for the kids of course; Put them to bed for this one.