Grand Theft Auto IV/Features: Difference between revisions

{{toc}}In kicking off a [[GTA IV Era|new era]] in the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA IV is quite distant from its predecessors in many aspects of gameplay, most notably its physics and visual detail. The changes that usher in the newest GTA are described below.

 

[[Grand Theft Auto IV]] is powered by Rockstar's own [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine|RAGE]] game engine, along with the [[wp:Euphoria (software)|Euphoria]] run-time animation engine developed by [[wp: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 (software)". 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>

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 [[wp:Image Metrics|Image Metrics]] middleware for facial expressions and lip-synching.

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, bicycles, 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>

*The size of the map is only about one-sixth the size of [[State of San Andreas|San Andreas]], but 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>

*The player's [[phone]] has become an integral part of the game; many missions and friendships rely on its use, and it enables many other gameplay features, including the use of [[Cheats in GTA IV|cheats]].