GTA IV DLC: First Impressions

I downloaded The Lost and the Damned GTA IV DLC today. It clocks in at 1.78 GB but only took about 45 minutes to download. It costs 1600 Microsoft Points($20). I've only played a few missions(I'm apparently 8.6% done), but I thought I'd give my initial impressions.

First off, maybe there should be a little onscreen tutorial or hints as to how to play because I have apparently forgotten how to control my character in GTA IV. I died a few times in the first gunfight because I had to relearn how to do things in the game.

Secondly, my character seems extremely slow. Even when I hold down the run button. Was Nico this slow? He didn't seem to be, but maybe Saint's Row 2 spoiled me.

I also seem to have a problem being in a gang. My problem being that all the bikers look the same to me so when I'm in gang warfare, I sometimes shoot my own guys or I don't shoot the enemy because I think they're in my gang. I'm a lone wolf, baby! I can't handle this gang life! (And when I spend time looking for the red carrots above enemies I tend to get shot a lot more.)

The bikes seem to control better in the DLC than the game so my character isn't flying off every two seconds. You can still get thrown pretty far, but I think the handling for bikes has improved.

So far, it does have a pretty good GTA IV feel to it. The areas are the same. I have contacts. I have a base of operation. When I sleep, it saves my game and advances the timeline six hours. I can watch TV or surf the web.

I think I'll like it when I play more, but the beginning definitely didn't suck me in.

GTA IV DLC Release Date Confirmed

Microsoft has confirmed the rumors that the new DLC "The Lost and Damned" for Grand Theft Auto IV will be available on the Xbox Live marketplace beginning February 17th.

This addition will allow players to play the character of Johnny Klebitz, a member of the motorcycle gang The Lost. It will also introduce new multiplayer modes, vehicles, weapons and music.

No official word yet on the price for this DLC, but I wouldn't expect it to be cheap.

The DLC will be exclusive(at least for a time) to the Xbox 360. DLC is expected for the PS3 in the future, but it may not be the same. Microsoft paid to get the first DLC for GTA IV.

GTA on DS, I Kid You Not

According to Edge Online, Rockstar has a press release stating they have begun production on a GTA game for the DS titled, Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars.

"It’s set in a modern day Liberty City, and will feature the gameplay that 'players expect.'"

I can't imagine the DS putting out enough power for this to resemble any form of the 3D environment GTA. It could possibly be the top down version, but I have to say that I'm excited to see some screens. Sadly they had none.

GTA IV First Impressions

So I picked up GTA IV after work today and played it for about 7 hours. Overall, I am enjoying it and will waste a lot of time on it. Here are some of the problems I've had though...

Every once in a while it freezes. Usually on a loading screen. If the letters are still flashing, it's not actually locked. Sometimes it just takes a LONG time to load. However, if the letters aren't flashing, it's locked.

Sometimes Niko loses his hat. I believe it's when he gets into a car. Sometimes the hat returns. Other times you have to go home and put the hat back on. I paid $8 for that hat! I want to wear it!

Tried to play one game of deathmatch and the loading screen after the host started was up for so long I gave up.

I also spent a couple hours with Charlie in party play free roam. Now, hopefully this is not the "co-op" of the game. It's just running around with a bunch of free weapons and vehicles. While we enjoyed ourselves, it won't have lasting entertainment value.

I actually don't think the co-op is working right now. I couldn't find an option for it on my cell phone(how you access multiplayer). The manual says to consult Rockstar's website about multiplayer. And their website under co-op says "Coming Soon."

Bully Patch Coming Soon

With the torrent of 360 issues with Bully: Scholarship Edition, Rockstar has announced that a fix should be released within the week. The problems seem to be occuring with later models of the 360 and involve freezing, audio and achievements.

I've been playing the game a lot since its release on Tuesday, and I haven't encountered many problems. The only real problem I had was the game locked up on me the first night when I hadn't saved my game in forever. Stupid no auto-saves. And there's a little stuttering when moving fast like in races.

GTA IV Coming in April

Rockstar Propaganda has sent out emails and press releases that Grand Theft Auto IV will be released April 29th, 2008.

Want to Be in GTA IV?

The first radio station has been announced for GTA IV: WKTT Radio, which stands for We Know The Truth. And developers are giving the fans a chance for their voices to be heard... literally.

In what can best be described as a contest, developers are letting anyone call in and voice their opinion on what "is wrong with Liberty City, America, Liberals or your health."

The number is (212)360-2368, but I suggest going to the website to get all the details. And you'll probably want to read the terms and conditions as well. I scanned through the terms and conditions quickly and mostly they state that Rockstar can do whatever they want with your voice recording and you won't be compensated.

The developers will pick their favorite calls and include them in the game. So there's your chance to be an angry caller on a GTA talk radio station. Bring out the funny, people!

GTA IV Trailer 2 is Out

GTA IV has released their second trailer: Looking for That Someone Special. This trailer has a LOT more to get excited about. There's a lot more action and dialogue. The graphics are very nice, and it looks awesome.

But one thing bothers me. Niko Bellic's facial hair.


At some angles, it looks fine, but then at others it looks like there's too much space between the facial hair and his mouth. Is he shaving around his mouth? Usually it just seemed distracting to me when he was doing a lot of movement.

Why the 360 Needs a Required Harddrive

Rockstar Veep Dan Houser told the Official Playstation Mag that the Xbox 360s without harddrives is creating limitians and challenges for GTAIV. Thank god a developer is saying this. I don't know how many times Chuck and I have had this conversation at lunch that Xbox made a big mistake by offering a sku that didn't come with a harddrive.

Will Rockstar dumb down GTAIV to make it easier for consumers who don't want to buy the harddrive? Only if they want to see a shelf full of GTAIV at local stores.