First GTA IV details surface

The latest edition of Game Informer features extensive GTA IV coverage and fortunately for us the first details leaked. Some guy on some forum got his hands on a copy and the first details and scans are slowly finding their way around the internets. We’ll be updating this post as soon as any new info hits so keep that F5 button firmly pressed.

The first big scoop is that the game will feature no planes. It’s not clear whether or not this has to do with hardware issues (Saints Row developer Volition blamed the 360’s lack of harddrive for the absence of planes) or with the fact that the game is set in New York. The tragic events of 9/11 caused Rockstar to scrap planes from GTAIII, which was also set in Liberty City, so this might very well be the reason.

Game Informer played the 360 version.

If you were getting your hopes up for visiting each of the 3 areas from the last-gen GTA games then you’re going to be in for a let down, the game’s entirely set in Liberty City. However, the game is going to be even bigger than San Andreas.

The game’s storyline is going to offer more freedom than before, you’re no longer a slave to the people that issue you missions. You’re free to draw your own path. The character you’re playing is called Niko Bellic and apparently you won’t be riding unicycles.

“Ballic is not going to be riding a Unicycle or Rollerblading around, we’re giving a choice of variety that feels right for the character. We are not suddenly saying there will be no more motorbikes, were keeping all of that stuff, we are keeping the same range and diversity that we had it’s just going to fit the character.”

Apparently the pedestrians aren’t just lifeless props that are just aimlessly wandering around anymore; “a big part of New York life is walking the streets and meeting lunatics”, says Rockstar founder Dan Houser. He said that they were definitely going to try to incorporate this into the game.

The Game Informer issue with all this and more is on stands on April 18th. And don’t forget to refresh for updates.