Xbox 360
ten / ten
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GRAND THEFT AUTO IV: THE LOST AND THE DAMNED Xbox 360
ten / ten |
Grand Theft Auto. Three words that in many people's eyes, represent the pinnacle of modern video games. Since the first game's release in 1997, the GTA series has set standards, broken records and shattered all preconceived notions of what a video game can offer a player in terms of sheer enjoyment. Once again, Rockstar Games has led the way in the video game industry, by releasing GTA IV: The Lost and Damned, a downloadable expansion pack for their groundbreaking 2008 release GTA IV.
Once again set in the infamous Liberty City (a fictionalised version of modern day New York), you control Johnny Klebitz, vice president of the vicious motorcycle gang "The Lost". When the groupÕs president is released from rehab the gang is immersed in conflict as his reckless behaviour and violent demeanour shatters a truce between "The Lost" and long-time rivals "The Angels of Death". While the story isn't as sombre or meaningful as that of the original GTA IV, it is still incredibly intriguing, with the relationship between Johnny and his "boss" Billy being extremely abrasive and constantly keeping the gamer interested. The voice acting is as good as it gets and the writing is nothing short of spectacular; the hallmarks of a GTA game. The most interesting aspect of the story however, is that it intersects with that of Niko Bellic (the protagonist from GTA IV) at various points. You'll see missions and set pieces from alternative perspectives, with certain unanswered questions being unveiled during Johnny's adventure through Liberty City's seedy underbelly.
In terms of gameplay, Lost and Damned does not reinvent the wheel. For those who played through GTA IV, the controls will come naturally, as will the handling of the vehicles. What L&D does offer however, is some new, very simple mechanics that offer the player new ways to play the game, thereby keeping it fresh. The 'bike gang' aspect is very well implemented, granting your character health boosts for riding in formation with his "brothers". In addition to this, you have the ability to call your boys for back up whenever you need it. Races now see you equipped with a baseball bat to knock your competition off their bikes, an experience every bit as enjoyable as it sounds. The most notable improvement is the finely tuned handling of the bikes in the game. This is vital, as the major gameplay alteration sees 90% of the game spent riding bikes and so this change was a necessity.
At just under 20 euro for nearly 10 hours of new content, L&D is a bargain and a must own for GTA fans. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned is proof, if it were needed, that Rockstar are masters of their craft, perfectly illustrating why the letters "GTA" are as iconic as they are in the gaming industry. Pack your bags and clear your schedule, because once again it's time to get Lost in Liberty City.
Barry Murphy
www.rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned
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