Day 1 in Liberty City

So I made the mistake of popping in GTA4 today. I wanted to make sure that I didn't have any problems loading that game which is a problem that some people are having. So I jacked around with my roomates for awhile to see what kind of cool things have been added. I have not yet touched the missions but I have definitely seen some really cool new features. Here is what I have seen in my first day in the new and improved Liberty City:

1.) The new physics engine is amazing. Natural motions makes for truly unique effects. I hit a car head on at full speed and watched as the other man was thrown from his windshield. I now know what journalists were talking about when they said that it finally feels real when you hit people. Bodies will react realistically based on where you hit them and how hard.

2.) Rockstar has obviously taken complaints from previous games into account. Instead of having instant access to any car you find, Nico will look around and then break the window with a well placed elbow before hotwiring the car and driving away.

3.) The level of pedestrian interaction is impressive. People will get out of their cars and try to help people who have been hit. They talk on cell phones and will try to pick fights.

4.) The new driving mechanics feel real smooth and fitting depending on which cars you get into.

5.) The moment I realized this game was going to be great: I pulled a man from his car and jumped in. As I started to take off, the man grabbed the handle and opened the door but continued to hang on as I drove. He hung onto the door for about 100 yards or so before an oncoming car ripped him and the door clean off my car. It was amazing...

I only jacked around for a little bit and these are all very basic elements of the game. I will get back to you when I have delved deeper into the game. Look for full impressions on this weeks podcast.

-Nick