Halo 3 aside, the undoubted star of Microsoft's conference at this year's E3 was the bombshell GTA IV announcement, in which the Redmond giant boldly proclaimed that the next GTA will not only be on 360 from day one, but that it would feature ongoing episodic content delivered over Xbox Live.
It was not only a great coup, but gave Peter Moore a chance to add to his impressive tattoo collection, but of course such an announcement could only leave us panting for more and the shutters came down swiftly as they'd risen.
Well first solid details have trickled through this morning via an IMDBlisting for the game, with Rockstar President Dan Houser and GTA and Manhunt vet James Worrall being named as the principle writers.
Also rather strangely listed on IMDB as 'crew' are Lazlow Jones, who wrote for GTA III and Vice City and starred as voice talent for Liberty City Stories and San Andreas. The final entry is writer Navid Khonsari who starred as the Porn Host in Max Payne 2 and has voice credits on all the GTA series as well as Manhunt.
Although the details are a little scant, it seems like Rockstar is getting on board some of its finest and most experienced writing and voice talent for GTA IV, which can only be a good thing. That's your lot for now, but more details will no doubt dribble through as the game progresses.
I feel I should just point out that anyone can post to the IMDB and can be accepted by the moderators. It's definately not written purely by industry sources. In the past there has been some ridiculous casting news found on the site so I would therefore suggest you take this news with a pinch of salt. Of course it might all be true but....
I just hope they make the city more of a living breathing one than just up the detail on the models etc (although they have done a good job with current gen GTA games).
It would be better to use that next gen power to have more cars and people shown onscreen at the same time.
I'm hoping they leave their comfort zone more this time. Let's have proper schedules for people instead of them wandering aimlessly down the streets, some reactive news station that will report on weather and crime (not just yours) as it happens around the city.
It would be good if it was set out of North America this time, even if for part of the game. A Mexico/South American version would be very interesting.
I have no idea what makes the GTA series stand out more than any other game. It really is just so fantastic.
I liked the idea of Vice City as it suddenly brought out the 80's in me (showing my age here ) and San Andreas has a great storyline - so much so I think it had too much.
But I agree - it needs to be more interactive and have more businesses to get your hands on and more assets to own.
Can't wait to get the new one - I'll pre-order now!
The idea of 'episodes' is great, lets hope they develop something a little more stable than STEAM if they decide to go down that route. Cant wait though
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) and San Andreas has a great storyline - so much so I think it had too much.
