Everything You Wanted To Know About GTA IV (So Stop Asking!)

Everything You Wanted To Know About GTA IV (So Stop Asking!)

Got questions about Grand Theft Auto IV? We've maybe got some of the answers! In an effort to address some of the frequently asked questions about the game, its two console versions and the particular quirks of each, we're compiling a handy reference guide which we hope you find informative. If your question isn't answered, ask in the comments and we'll hunt down an answer for you. We'll update the FAQ as questions come in, so you don't have to dig through the comments for your answer.

We're trying our best to avoid spoilers, so some questions may go unanswered in the interest of letting you discover on your own. On with the questions...

1. How's the game? Any good?
Yes, yes it is. Check out our GTA IV review. It's spoiler-free and almost totally free of "teh biases"!

2. Should I get the PlayStation or Xbox 360 version?
That's up to you. They're nearly identical and it's hard to go wrong with either version. We found the feature set to be better on the 360, but the PS3 holds up a bit better technically. Check out our PS3 versus 360 GTA IV comparison piece.

3. Is there split screen multiplayer? What about local multiplayer via LAN?
No, multiplayer for both systems is only online.

4. Whats the deal with the PS3 hard drive install?
Installation is mandatory and kicks off when you insert the disc for the first time. We timed the 3.4 GB install at 7 minutes and 20 seconds.

5. Does the Xbox 360 have a hard drive installation?
No. There is no required installation, nor is there an optional one.

6. Can I remap the controls? Is there a control option for lefties?
Controls can't be remapped, but you can choose between Standard and Classic modes. Switching between the two will switch shoulder buttons for aiming and firing, among other changes. There is no special consideration for left handed players.

7. Is there an option for custom soundtracks?
No, the game's radio stations will have to suffice. Xbox 360 owners can still stream music from their hard drive or an iPod, but music played via the Xbox 360 Guide will continue to play over cell phone calls and cut scenes. If you're just going out for a stroll in GTA IV, it's still an option.

8. Does the PlayStation 3 version have any kind of achievements or accomplishments?
Outside of the standard stat tracking, which tallies up your kills, deaths, arrests, distance traveled, passed missions, stunt jumps, and other extracurricular activities, there are no Xbox Live Achievements-like features for the PS3.

9. How's the online performance?
Solid. We played for a pretty long, 16-player session before release via Xbox Live and were impressed. Microsoft says it's ramping up in anticipation of the release, adding hardware and hoping for smooth sailing. We have yet to go online with the PlayStation 3 version. Sony and Gamespy declined to comment about the status of the PlayStation Network.

10. How many players does the online mode support?
Up to sixteen players, depending on the game type.

11. Can I have sex with prostitutes?
In the game? Yes!

12. When can you trigger the "bullet-time"? Is it only while driving, or can you do it when walking around/shooting too?
You can switch to "bullet-time" during stunt jumps. While driving, hold B/Circle (or toggle to it using the Back/Select button) to enter the cinematic view. While in the cinematic view, click the left analog stick to toggle bullet time on and off.

13. Is there a huh, "normal" menu as in, not the cell phone one? For things like stats, audio, HUD and controller options, or just ofr ismply leaving the game paused? Or is this handled all in our cellphone?
Yes, when you press the Start button, you'll see options like Controls, Video, Audio and more.

14. How does the game end?
A list of credits scrolls vertically, with an extensive list of contributors.

15. Do helicopters have weapons?
Some do. Good luck hitting anything with the mini-guns! You might have better luck taking out foes with the chopper's blades.

16. Is ammunition only obtained by purchase? Are there (oh, the shame) cheats in this game?
Ammunition can be purchased from gun shops or one of your gun-running friends. It can also be collected from the corpses of your enemies. There are cheats, but we've yet to use any.

17. Can Niko buy the different outfits we see him wear or are they unlocked via missions?
Niko can buy new clothing, but some of Liberty City's clothing shops aren't immediately available to you.

18. Can you ride bicycles or skateboards?
Not that we've seen. You also can't ride in shopping carts.

19. Can you swim, or do those damn sharks eat you?
Niko can swim.

20. Is there a saved film or replay feature? What about saved screenshots?
Nope! This is certainly something we'd like to see added in a future game or update, as some of the player deaths are begging for a replay.

21. Are there different camera angles the player can select while on foot?
Sort of. The camera will pan further out or in, depending on your preference. While in vehicles or on the train, you can choose a cinematic camera mode, which is more cool than it is playable.

22. What if me and a couple friends just want to wreak havoc in Liberty City, no game modes, can we do that?
Yes, there is a Free Mode in multiplayer that can be played however you want.

23. How does the save system work?
There is an autosave feature, which you can turn on or off. The game will save your progress after each successfully completed mission. You can also choose to save at any time in one of Niko's safehouses. You have twelve save slots available to you.

24. Does GTA IV have Feature X from Vice City or San Andreas?
Character customization isn't as deep as it was in San Andreas, so you won't be hitting the gym or tattoo parlor to shape your own unique Niko. You can't own property, fly planes or jet packs, customize cars or parachute off of skyscrapers. In multiplayer, you can choose how your character looks, with options for hair, hats, tops, pants, glasses and more. As you progress in ranked online matches, you'll unlock new looks for your character.

25. Are there subtitles? What about subtitle support for other languages?
Yes, and they come in handy, considering that Niko and his cousin will occasionally speak in their native tongue and characters like Little Jacob are nigh indecipherable. The game offers subtitles and menu translations in English, French and Spanish.

26. Is lock-on targeting in multiplayer? Doesn't that kind of ruin it?
Lock-on targeting is an option in multiplayer matches, set by the game host. Even with lock-on targeting, however, there is still a level of skill involved, as accuracy increases while crouched, analog targeting tweaking can increase your likelihood of headshots and "pray and spray" firing will decrease accuracy. There are many, many options available to you in multiplayer, from having other players show up on your radar, to weather, to traffic density.

27. How is the SIXAXIS used in GTA IV?
Not well, not well at all.

28. Can you run police, fireman, or taxi extra missions in GTA IV?
You can take on police missions via the LCPD computer. There's one in every cop car. You can earn taxi missions, but they're handled through one of your friends. We haven't seen any fireman missions, but we have taken the fire truck out for spin (and pedestrian hose-down).

29. What are the side-missions like? Worth doing?
In addition to the ones listed above, you can call up some of your other friends who will set up street races, package deliveries and assassinations. They may be less compelling (and more difficult) than the missions offered in the core story, but they're still a blast.

30. Is online multiplayer cross platform?
No.

31. How does death/getting busted work? Do you still lose your weapons?
If you're "killed" you'll respawn at the nearest hospital, with your weapons cache intact. If you're arrested, the LCPD will take your weapons and you'll have to re-arm yourself. For the record, I have yet to be busted by the fuzz.

32. Can you enter buildings in multiplayer?
Yes, you can access buildings that are open to you in single-player, at least as far as regular businesses like Cluckin' Bell or the TW@ internet cafe. You cannot, however, order food, play mini-games or use a computer. The most heartbreaking part is that you can visit a strip club, but there are no strippers.

33. Does the PS3 version support the DualShock 3?
Yes. We recommend it, for maximum enjoyment of thunder and cell phone rings.

34. How much does the phone tie into gameplay?
It ties in very heavily. Niko will use it to make and receive calls, remind him of appointments, take pictures, call cabs, phone in favors, and more. Need a cop car? Call 911, wait for the LCPD, then carjack it. The cell phone is also your entry point for accessing multiplayer games.

35. Does the PlayStation 3 version support in-game voice chat?
Yes, according to Rockstar reps.

36. Unless I'm missing something, the HUD doesn't show the in-game time. How to you view it? Cell phone?
Either via cell phone or by pressing the Start button.

37. I saw a video where it was raining and the street was all wet, does your car handle differently in the wet surfaces?
Definitely, during "rain" or "drizzle" weather settings, it can be much harder to steer. Don't set up your multiplayer games to said weather type or no one will like you.

38. Are there extra things to collect in order to gain bonuses?
There are 200 extra things to "collect", but we don't know what the reward is for finding them all.

39. How's the cover system?
Good! Press RB/R1 to take cover behind an object. You can take aim with LT/L2 without exposing yourself, quickly move to nearby cover with RB/R1 while aiming the analog to the side and blindfire with pretty good accuracy while covered.

40. Is the story connected to any other game, or can I just jump in?
It's completely independent. There may be the odd reference or two to previous GTA entries as fan service, but you can enjoy GTA IV without ever having played a previous game in the series.

Have a question we didn't answer? Leave it in the comments starting with a big, annoying all caps "QUESTION!" and we'll do our best to find an answer.