Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony review (Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 12/23/09 PrintEmail
With Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto IV: Lost & Damned under its belt, Rockstar, definitely had set the stage for an epic conclusion. Sure enough, they have delivered once again with the release of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony. The storyline in Gay Tony revolves around the main protagonist named Luis Lopez. Lopez is working for a close ally Tony Prince (who just happens to be an owner of a nightclub). Much akin to the previous adaptations GTA IV and Lost & Damned, Gay Tony’s narrative is engrossing. Unlike GTA IV, there is no narrative about a man going from zero to hero. Instead, Lopez is pretty much immersed in a lifestyle of extravagance and glamour from the start. Along the way, Lopez will encounter various unique individuals. Without spoiling too much, gamers will finally know what transpires with those coveted and elusive diamonds from GTA IV.
The gameplay boils down to similar GTA IV games, but that by no stretch of the imagination means that the gameplay is insipid. What are new this time around are the mini games that entail dancing, drinking, participating in a Fight Club-like atmosphere and of course the parachutes. Furthermore, there is even a golf mini game for those who are interested (no word yet from Rockstar about any Tiger Woods mistresses on the golf course). The overarching theme with the gameplay in GTA IV: Gay Tony comes down to one word, and that word is undoubtedly explosive. There are so many explosives that you will almost feel like you are in a Michael Bay film (well at least in a film that has a strong plot). There is even a shotgun that literally shoots explosive ammunition. Albeit the mini games are just optional, they can be overwhelmingly enjoyable. The parachuting aspect itself entails plenty of hours of amusement. When you are airborne and manage to execute an immaculate landing from the sky, it is extraordinarily astonishing. The site from atop a skyscraper is brilliant. The multiplayer is more of a rehash of the modes that were available in GTA IV, so there is little to say without sounding redundant. One conspicuous addition is the parachuting mode that keeps track of statistics.
In regards to the art direction, the visuals can somewhat of a disappointment. There is nothing tremendously egregious, yet there could have done something to spruce up the engine that is over a year old.
The audio is as flawless as ever, and the zany characters are what make the game so memorable. Music is headlined by an upbeat techno pop song by Eric Prydz called Pjanoo.
Overall, this is Rockstar’s fitting end to the GTA IV franchise. Its story arc has traveled a long way. From Niko’s humble beginning to a biker gang to Lopez’s luxurious lifestyle, there are a plethora of places to visit, activities to partake in, and people to do.
Art Direction 8 In regards to the art direction, the visuals can somewhat of a disappointment. There is nothing tremendously egregious, yet there could have done something to spruce up the engine that is over a year old. Audio 10 The audio is as flawless as ever, and the zany characters are what make the game so memorable. Music is headlined by an upbeat techno pop song by Eric Prydz called Pjanoo. Gameplay 9.5 The gameplay boils down to similar GTA IV games, but that by no stretch of the imagination means that the gameplay is insipid. Replay value 10 Multiplayer is still excellent, and the base jumping is enthralling. Presentation 10 Much akin to the previous adaptations GTA IV and Lost & Damned, Gay Tony’s narrative is engrossing.
With Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto IV: Lost & Damned under its belt, Rockstar, definitely had set the stage for an epic conclusion. Sure enough, they have delivered once again with the release of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony. The storyline in Gay Tony revolves around the main protagonist named Luis Lopez. Lopez is working for a close ally Tony Prince (who just happens to be an owner of a nightclub). Much akin to the previous adaptations GTA IV and Lost & Damned, Gay Tony’s narrative is engrossing. Unlike GTA IV, there is no narrative about a man going from zero to hero. Instead, Lopez is pretty much immersed in a lifestyle of extravagance and glamour from the start. Along the way, Lopez will encounter various unique individuals. Without spoiling too much, gamers will finally know what transpires with those coveted and elusive diamonds from GTA IV. 
