Grand Theft Auto IV/Features: Difference between revisions
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== Game Mechanics== | == Game Mechanics== | ||
[[Grand Theft Auto IV]] is powered by Rockstar's own [[RAGE]] (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine), along with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphoria_%28software%29 Euphoria] run-time animation engine developed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NaturalMotion NaturalMotion]. Euphoria uses a procedural animation technology called Dynamic Motion Synthesis instead of pre-recorded animations to facilitate player motion, allowing more natural, unscripted movements. DMS animates fully interactive 3D characters "on the fly" through real-time simulations of human motor functions, giving each character a "central nervous system." NPCs exhibit different actions and reactions in every scene, so each player's experience is unique and, as a result, more realistic.<ref>Euphoria. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphoria_%28software%29</ref><ref>NaturalMotion. Wikipedia, the free encylopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NaturalMotion</ref> | |||
[[Grand Theft Auto IV]] is powered by Rockstar's own [[RAGE]] (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine), along with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphoria_%28software%29 Euphoria] run-time animation engine developed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NaturalMotion NaturalMotion]. Euphoria uses a procedural animation technology called Dynamic Motion Synthesis instead of pre-recorded animations to facilitate player motion, allowing more natural, unscripted movements. DMS animates fully interactive 3D characters "on the fly" through real-time simulations of human motor functions, giving each character a "central nervous system." NPCs exhibit different actions and reactions in every scene, so each player's experience is unique and, as a result, more realistic.<ref>Euphoria | |||
Characters can cleanly dodge punches, limp away with gunshot wounds, and even get ejected through their vehicle's windshield, all in fluid motions with subtle transitions. Explosions send people flying further than ever before. There is also a new damage system that assesses cosmetic damage to vehicles and objects in the environment through more accurate measures of the force and location of impact. The game uses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_Metrics Image Metrics] middleware for facial expressions and lip-synching. | Characters can cleanly dodge punches, limp away with gunshot wounds, and even get ejected through their vehicle's windshield, all in fluid motions with subtle transitions. Explosions send people flying further than ever before. There is also a new damage system that assesses cosmetic damage to vehicles and objects in the environment through more accurate measures of the force and location of impact. The game uses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_Metrics Image Metrics] middleware for facial expressions and lip-synching. | ||
The bump maps used to generate landscape topography are much more detailed than in previous GTA eras, allowing the contours of the gamespace to have more texture and depth. Also, the relative speed of in-game [[time]] is decreased. Every two seconds of play represents one minute of in-game time, so the time it takes to complete a full day is doubled from that of the [[GTA III Era|GTA III era]], from 24 minutes to approximately 48 minutes. There are also no load times during exterior-interior transitions in GTA IV, adding significantly to the continuity of the game. | |||
The bump maps used to generate landscape topography are much more detailed than in previous GTA eras, allowing the contours of the gamespace to have more texture and depth. Also, the relative speed of in-game [[time]] is decreased. Every two seconds of play represents one minute of in-game time, so the time it takes to complete a full day is doubled from that of the [[GTA III Era|GTA III era]], from 24 minutes to approximately 48 minutes. | |||
==Graphics== | ==Graphics== | ||
GTA IV's graphics largely benefit from the high-definition capability of the seventh-generation consoles it runs on and the new game engine. New sunlight and weather effects give the environment a vividly realistic appearance as the time of day progresses. Volumetric lighting effects allow sunshine to stream into dusty interiors and fog to darken distant horizons. Modern pixel shaders reflect light in the body panels of clean cars and the glass windows of skyscrapers, and water appears staggeringly wet. | GTA IV's graphics largely benefit from the high-definition capability of the seventh-generation consoles it runs on and the new game engine. New sunlight and weather effects give the environment a vividly realistic appearance as the time of day progresses. Volumetric lighting effects allow sunshine to stream into dusty interiors and fog to darken distant horizons. Modern pixel shaders reflect light in the body panels of clean cars and the glass windows of skyscrapers, and water appears staggeringly wet. | ||
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==Content== | ==Content== | ||
Many fans criticized Rockstar for the omission of many features from GTA IV that made [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|San Andreas]] so much fun to play.<ref>The streets hit back: a review of Grand Theft Auto IV. http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2008/05/gta-4-review.ars</ref> Most of the complaints were about the removal of RPG-like features and customizable elements that were present in SA, such as building muscle or becoming fat; the variety of clothing and tattoos to wear; the modification of cars; and many of the more amusing gameplay elements like the jetpack, parachutes, highly destructive weapons, planes, bikes, and impractical vehicles. Other gamers commended Rockstar for adding realism, saying the believability benefits the game and enables more focus on the story.<ref>Xbox Review: Grand Theft Auto IV - Official Xbox 360 Magazine. http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=3993</ref> | |||
Although the size of the map is only about one-sixth the size of [[State of San Andreas|San Andreas]], the scale is no different, and the smaller worldspace is detailed to a greater depth. There is very little "wasted" space, and every inch of the city tells a story.<ref>Grand Theft Auto IV - Overview: Platforms, Features, Release Dates. http://www.gta4.net/overview/index.php</ref> | |||
Although the size of the map is only about one-sixth the size of [[State of San Andreas|San Andreas]], the scale is no different, and the smaller worldspace is detailed to a greater depth. There is very little "wasted" space, and every inch of the city tells a story. | |||
Airplanes have been sacrificed as well, which makes sense as there is only one airport; however, helicopters still exist. The lack of airplanes is also rumored to stem from Rockstar not wanting a reenactment of the events of 9/11 in the game, as GTA IV takes place in a recreation of New York.<ref>Citation needed.</ref> It has also been said that Rockstar removed planes because in NYC flight is restricted, so it should also be restriced in [[Liberty City in GTA IV|Liberty City]]. The driving model has also been strongly tweaked, giving a very strong sense of realism. Cars no longer feel as if they are gliding on rails. Every shake of the steering wheel or bump in the road now has very realistic feedback. Moreover, players do not find the parachute anymore. | Airplanes have been sacrificed as well, which makes sense as there is only one airport; however, helicopters still exist. The lack of airplanes is also rumored to stem from Rockstar not wanting a reenactment of the events of 9/11 in the game, as GTA IV takes place in a recreation of New York.<ref>Citation needed.</ref> It has also been said that Rockstar removed planes because in NYC flight is restricted, so it should also be restriced in [[Liberty City in GTA IV|Liberty City]]. The driving model has also been strongly tweaked, giving a very strong sense of realism. Cars no longer feel as if they are gliding on rails. Every shake of the steering wheel or bump in the road now has very realistic feedback. Moreover, players do not find the parachute anymore. | ||