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The depth of Liberty City makes GTA IV a masterpiece worth replaying
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What makes a game truly stand the test of time? In this episode, George and RGT dive deep into the enduring appeal of Grand Theft Auto IV, a game that's potentially better than its successor in ways that matter most.
Liberty City comes alive again as RGT shares his experience revisiting Rockstar's masterpiece on PlayStation 3. Though the driving mechanics and camera initially feel jarring to modern sensibilities, they quickly transform into appreciated features that add weight and realism to the experience. What sets GTA IV apart is its immersive world—from watching Space Rangers on Niko's TV to maintaining friendships and relationships, the game creates a lived-in atmosphere that some argue even GTA V couldn't match despite its technical improvements.
The conversation shifts to George's passionate rediscovery of Lord of the Rings: Third Age on PS2, where the surround sound alone creates a stunning 360-degree soundscape that places you directly in Middle-earth. The borrowed Final Fantasy X combat system works brilliantly, and the game's seamless integration of movie footage creates an experience that still impresses today.
Along the way, the duo discuss gaming news including Sony's potential MLB The Show mobile game and rumors of Starfield coming to PlayStation 5, raising questions about Xbox's strategy of releasing former exclusives on competing platforms. Could the PS5 versions with DualSense features become definitive editions?
Whether you're a gaming historian or simply looking for forgotten classics worth revisiting, this episode highlights what truly matters in creating memorable gaming experiences. Follow us on Twitter and join our Discord community where we're playing through GTA IV together and sharing our discoveries!
Chapters
1. Welcome and Introductions (00:00:00)
2. Revisiting GTA IV on PlayStation 3 (00:12:51)
3. The Appeal of GTA IV's Immersive World (00:32:20)
4. Lord of the Rings: Third Age Review (00:51:42)
5. Gaming News: MLB Mobile and Starfield on PS5 (01:14:36)
6. Patreon Tiers and Subscriber Shoutouts (01:35:11)
7. Closing Remarks and Gaming Plans (01:35:50)
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