Graphically, it is indisputable, GTA4 takes advantage of the power of PS3 and 360, even if the "gaps" in the own kind to the series are still available. Then there is the blurring in the background of pronounced aliasing, a frame rate limit, crash bugs ... no, this is no exception. But besides, there are also models increasing significantly against San Andreas, effects of beauty (explosions, weather, smoke), of bluffing animations, many displayed items and especially a huge city without download.
In the end, GTA4 is quite impressive to see turn while it is not particularly beautiful, this is the paradox of the GTA for many years and it is still true here.
The Liberty City GTA4 has more to do with that too of GTA3, although the model, New York, is the same. Besides, more than a model, New York becomes almost reality in this GTA4 since in districts and monuments are greatly inspired. Note that Algonquin and Alderney are not available initially but with Broker-Dukes + Bohan, there's already enough to get started.
The city teems with life, passersby are many, varied and animated very credible way. Traffic is dense (the caps are not uncommon) and more "intelligent" than in the past. Nothing to explore Liberty City, one can already spend several tens of hours. Some say it is smaller than San Andreas, but also more interesting (and desert plains as in SA, is the "vacuum" actually). By paying attention to all the little details, you realize how Rockstar period sign a big feat and that competition does not risk the noise abroad (especially not St. Rows 2 for that matter).
The hero Niko Bellic is a Serb came to the US to enjoy his (rich) cousin Roman. Except that in reality was not a Roman round and lives in a shabby apartment. Niko must stooge for LC thugs before leading the high life. In appearance as "basic" than in the past, the scenario of this GTA4 is more subtle and captivating throughout the adventure. Rockstar has kept the atmosphere of the game (and the cut-scenes), it's like watching a movie at times.
Besides the main and side missions, Niko must manage the "relational". We already had "girlfriends" in SA but here we must also take care of his friends, what is new. Everything is done via the mobile from which invites, accepts or declines ... we can cut mobile when you want to be safe, I assure you! Do not neglect (too) relations, they are useful for some things more easily. The Internet also exists in GTA4 with sites to see and its own e-mail box.
Driving is in line with that of SA but much more demanding. It takes a little time to adapt and control missions are not as easy as in the past (mind the rain!). Personally, I find this rather amusing touch of realism.
Another aspect changed, gunfights, with a revised aiming system and the ability to take cover at the Killswitch (Gears Of War or more recently). It really is the day and night at this level with SA, playability walk from GTA4 becoming almost more interesting than in the vehicle.
Note multiplayer, a first in the GTA, which significantly extends the lifetime (already very substantial) of soft, either on the Live or PSN, we enjoy!
Overall, the game has a more mature touch than in the past, which should appeal to a vast majority of players, even if the coup controversy (often touted) becomes stronger around him. I recall that GTA4 is not recommended at least 18 years, so the parents to take responsibility and there will be no worries, it's as simple as that!
Just one thing on the PS3 version (which I have), it requires installation on the HDD 3,3Go and I highly recommend installing the 1.01 patch without which the connection to the PSN may block the game (even solo) . Other than that, no difference between the 2 PS3 and 360 versions, so the choice is yours!