🚦 GTA IV Full Review (PC) – Story, Features, Mods & Why It’s Still Worth Playing in 2025

Welcome to Liberty City—reimagined. Grand Theft Auto IV, released in 2008 and later on PC, was a massive leap in realism, storytelling, and game physics. In 2025, it's still an unforgettable experience, thanks to its deep story, gritty atmosphere, and active PC modding scene.

🧠 Game Information

Game: Grand Theft Auto IV
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release Date (PC): December 2, 2008
Genre: Action-Adventure / Open World
Platform Reviewed: PC
Modes: Single Player, Online Multiplayer (via GTA IV: MP Mods)

📖 Story: The American Dream… With a Dark Twist

You play as Niko Bellic, an Eastern European war veteran who arrives in Liberty City chasing the “American Dream” promised by his cousin, Roman. But instead of luxury and success, Niko finds himself in a world of debt, gangsters, betrayal, and revenge.

Throughout the story, Niko works for:

🧨 Loan sharks and gangsters
💼 Corrupt politicians
🔫 Drug dealers and crime families

His past eventually catches up, leading to a tragic and powerful ending, with player choices that influence who lives or dies.

The game’s mature tone, cinematic presentation, and realistic dialogue make this one of GTA’s most grounded and emotional narratives.

🎮 GTA IV PC Gameplay Features

🏙️ 1. Liberty City Like Never Before

This version of Liberty City is a detailed, living version of New York City—with boroughs inspired by Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and more.

Every street feels alive with traffic, pedestrians, weather effects, and random events.

🚗 2. Realistic Driving Physics

Driving in GTA IV is slower and more weighty than previous games. Cars feel heavier, damage realistically, and handle differently depending on size and speed.

🔫 3. Cover-Based Combat System

GTA IV introduced cover mechanics, making gunfights more tactical. Shooting and movement feel more grounded and intense.

💬 4. Choice-Based Missions

Some missions let you choose who to kill, spare, or side with. These decisions affect the story and final ending.

📱 5. In-Game Cell Phone

Use Niko’s phone to:

Call friends or dates
Replay missions
Trigger side quests

Use cheats (via dial codes)

💻 PC Version Benefits

Playing GTA IV on PC gives you added control and better performance (with the right setup):

✅ Higher resolutions and widescreen support
✅ Mouse and keyboard controls for better aiming
✅ Advanced graphics settings (shadows, draw distance, etc.)
✅ Quick save/load via phone or menu
✅ Full modding support and community patches

🔧 Best PC Mods for GTA IV

GTA IV mods improve visuals, performance, and even gameplay in 2025:

GTA IV Complete Edition Fix Pack – Makes the game run smoothly on modern PCs
ICEnhancer – Stunning ENB graphics mod for realistic lighting and textures
Real Cars Mod – Replace vehicles with real-world models
OpenIV Tools – For custom content, textures, and scripts
GTA IV Redux – Total overhaul mod with graphics, sounds, and effects improvements
Multiplayer Mods – Re-enable online with community servers (e.g., GTA Connected)

⚠️ Always back up files and use trusted sources before installing mods.

🎶 Soundtrack & Audio

GTA IV features a licensed radio soundtrack across various stations:

🎵 Liberty Rock Radio – Classic and modern rock
🎵 The Beat 102.7 – Hip-hop (Kanye West, Nas, Busta Rhymes)
🎵 Vladivostok FM – Eastern European pop and dance
🎵 K109 The Studio – Funk and disco
🎤 Satirical talk shows and humorous in-game ads

Voice acting is top-notch, especially Michael Hollick as Niko Bellic. Conversations feel authentic and emotionally engaging.

📊 Pros & Cons

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Dark, mature story with moral choices	Performance issues on older PCs
Realistic physics and driving mechanics	Lack of car customization
Mod support for graphics and fixes	Slower pacing than San Andreas
Great voice acting and emotional depth	No airplanes or jetpacks
Unique atmosphere and tone	Some mods require technical setup

🏁 Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ 9/10

“GTA IV is Rockstar’s most emotional and grounded entry in the series.”
It might not be as wild as San Andreas or as flashy as GTA V, but its storytelling, physics, and realism make it a classic worth revisiting. With PC mods and patches, GTA IV still holds its own in 2025

📥 Download GTA IV (PC)

Get GTA IV from these official and legal platforms:

🔗 Rockstar Games Launcher
🔗 Steam – GTA IV: Complete Edition
🔗 Epic Games Store (availability may vary)

🛡️ Always avoid pirated copies to protect your PC and support the developers.

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💬 Comment Below

Did you love Niko’s story? Were you team Playboy X or Dwayne? Share your GTA IV memories, mission tips, or favorite mods in the comments!

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