The reason peds are a bit more intelligent this time round is because of Natural Motion’s Euphoria Engine that not only fuels the game’s physics but also controls the AI’s (artificial intelligence) behavioral patterns. Unlike previous physics engines like HAVOK, Euphoria generates player movements in real time, meaning diverse and varied animations for NPCs (non playable characters) as well as the player.
This engine also adds in a high sense of "self preservation" to the AI, which means both pedestrians and other NPCs will fiercely guard their lives. For example, if during a firefight you shoot someone on the hand or the leg, not only do they crumple to the ground in a most realistic manner, if they aren’t fatally wounded they’ll try and limp their way toward a weapon. Nothing is more satisfying than following these poor saps for a while, only to bludgeon them to death moments later.
But GTA is so much more than just killing, robbing, carjacking and maiming people; it offers players a highly robust and enthralling storyline that’s brilliantly executed thanks to some stellar, (yet relatively unknown) voice acting. As most of you already know, GTA IV chronicles the journey of Serbian immigrant Niko Bellic who’s just arrived in Liberty City to experience the American Dream and enjoy the good life that’s apparently been promised to him by his cousin Roman.
Unfortunately, when he lands up in LC, he realizes his cousin is a big pile of lies and the only reason he’s been called to LC is to help Roman clear his debts. One thing leads to another and before Niko knows it, he’s involved in some serious sh*t that has both him and Roman fighting for their lives.
In true GTA tradition you’ll come across tons of 'interesting' folk, but before we discuss the nutjobs of GTA IV, I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to the game’s protagonist, Niko, who unlike previous GTA leads comes across as a very likeable fella immediately. Even though he does joke around from time to time and has a wicked sense of humor, he doesn’t mess about when it comes to getting the job done. He’s always there for his friends and family, and will go to great lengths to ensure their safety. Here’s one guy you really want to sit down and share a beer with... pity he’s fictional.


