Riotguns GTA ELC Review: More than just two add-ons

What in 2008 was the long waiting until Rockstars flagship GTA IV finally appeared. Similarly long now had to wait for the Episodes from Liberty City fans of the series. The good news: the wait was worth it. Familiar quality, slanted characters, exciting missions ... the add-on offers all the qualities of the original game and requires more particularly with The Ballad of Gay Tony still an exclamation mark.

The Lost & the Damned
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TLD discussed the career of the cyclist and Alpha male as Johnny who needs desperately to watch as the laid-off straight from prison Chairman of bikers only a war with the gang rivaled instigates to then trigger a schism within the transition. Treachery, intrigue, lots of Easy Rider and firefights draw its way. All in all succeed Rockstar here a sloping, sometimes thoughtful portrait of a group of heroes who had been underrepresented in the GTA parts. Chopper (and lots of it!), Death Metal and leather clothes bring a breath of fresh air into the GTA universe, although the mission design begins to repeat itself, unfortunately, after the first couple of hours too often. The Gang Wars, which are really just shooting at different locations, and the bikers race with baseball bat (homage to the classic Road Rash!) Prove to be ultimately as sufficient rescue rope to help correct, but somewhat monotonous episode to 5 stars , The game time is on the order of about 8 hours, the attached Trophies are also turned out rather narrow with 5 pieces.

7.5 / 10

The Ballad of Gay Tony
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I just had to think about, when an add-on the original game has the last suspended time in terms of gameplay and style. I need to fit ... TBoGT is such a case. Many critical voices complained in GTA IV nor the repetitive and unimaginative mission design, which consisted mostly of the deposits chase, shooting, flight normally. This fantastic add-on now admits to it. Parachuting and infiltration, interrogations on the golf course, Fight Club-like steel cages and a triathlon race consisting of parachuting, boat and car races are unusual missions that come to mind right away and stick to the other side of the unit gray in the memory.

Even the setting is terrific. As a Puerto Rican Luis partners of gay nightclub king Tony Prince to iron out all sorts of blunders of his drug-addicted friend who particularly distinguished in the carts to go still deeper into the mud. Humor, satire and parody is very important here, and all sorts of allusions to classic gangster movies the player gets during the cut scenes set to music as always was amazing to see. Whose idea of ​​the original game is still fresh, the will can rejoice also that the episode sheds new light on well-known characters like Brucie. In some places the story crosses over even with the original game, Niko and Johnny Klebitz appear on the opposite side. Very charming! That has been the flavor of a good episode film à la 11:14.

9.5 / 10

Packing:
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Graphically has in Liberty City is not much done. The episodes are based still on the same graphics engine as the original game. Those who can not get enough of the social activities, can now also invite his friends to the air hockey. Bowling, darts, pool are also one of the party. The two add-ons present beyond individual new vehicles and weapons, so warete a fine Noose Anti-riot tanks after playing through the second episode and who want to sow chaos, will have a lot of joy to the detention grenades. By the way: In the game also the full-fledged online mode and multiplayer is included, a fair thing.

An ear lift got missed the radio stations. I would hardly say, but the quality is still below the LVEL of GTA IV. In the meantime the fifth title with its own musical accompaniment, the earwigs are increasingly rare. While still provides example Marillion "Kayleigh" for rhythmic rocking on the sofa, but even the formerly so good Liberty City rock station provides up to Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" little Recognisable, much that is unknown. So laudable efforts was to create new channels specifically for the two add-ons, so bitter it must be said now: the big hits such as still in VC and SA belong to the past. Still always worth a recommendation: The talk radio, which is still wonderfully wicked parody the American culture.

Conclusion
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Episodes from Liberty City is certainly one of the highlights of the year for Sony's console. In addition, both enhancements to real-time eaters develop. 25 thrilling, humorous, thrilling hours are at least included in the package. How do I find at a fair price. Want in a time when the Bioware 6 euros for a 45-minute Quest and a able Chest (Dragon Age), I put my money somewhere in this designed with love and understanding Bundle. Single Gay Tony would the money have been worth overtaken this episode the original in mission design, and fun setting. All fans can and should access.

Rating:
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8.9 / 10