Daily Marauder

GET RETRO: GRAND THEFT AUTO 4

It’s been a minute since our last Get Retro post and I think the launch of Grand Theft Auto 4 represents the perfect opportunity for our next edition. Earlier this morning, Grand Theft Auto 4 released to the delight of gamers in retail locations across the US.

The Review

When I say delight, that is to say Metacritic gave the game a glowing 100 out of 100 critical review with IGN calling the game, “The American Dream.”

Sales Forecasts

The first week sales forecast of the game is expected to hit $424 million stateside garnering attention from even the most self-absorbed Hollywood executive. In comparison, the top grossing U.S. weekend box office on a film was a cool $151 million as enjoyed by Spiderman 3. The domestic top grossing theatrical of all time?

$601 million stateside. Don’t hate. You know you cried when Jack left Rose on that 2 x 4. Oh crap. I need a tissue. . . And no, you cannot hate me for getting that insidious Celine Dion song in your head for the rest of the day.

The top-selling U.S.game title of all time is GTA4’s predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas pushing out 9.4 million copies in the United States alone. Some estimates put this newest edition at 10 million copies sold by the end of the year. And unlike its predecessor, this game is available on the Xbox as well as the PS3 giving the game an extended reach. If you’re looking to buy the game, click here or on the image below.

Where is the Retro?

Vs.

Unlike Halo 3 which focuses on the interstellar war between 26^th century humanity, GTA4 revolves around an Eastern European immigrant who comes to America in search of the “American Dream.” The game is set in a city called Liberty City but looking at the GTA4 photo above. . .it looks like another city I know and love. . .

Times Square, Manhattan

Real situations. . .ok, or at least based in a real world. Life-like characters. How very retro. . .

But wait! Isn’t this retro?

The Angry Video Game Nerd sizes up a title from Christmas’ past: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from Nintendo. When I say sizes up, he really just rips the game a new one while swigging a Rolling Rock. That said, he has given me an extended repartee of swear words to pony out in difficult situations. Please note: This video includes some extremely heavy language. Do NOT watch from your office computer monitor.

Retro does not represent old and lame. Instead, a return to retro demonstrates an interest in assimilating the qualities from our past we steam-rolled over in trying to make:

New doesn’t always mean improved. And in this case, old doesn’t always represent bad game design. So yes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is old. . .and lame, but not retro in the sense I’m going for.

Moving on. . .

Got Graphics?

The Nintendo Wii has sponsored a whole new segment of casual gamer, bringing those less interested in playing games until their fingers bleed, and more interested in having a few friends over for game night. For a hilarious review of a recently released Wii title, check out Yahtzee’s speedy sarcasm-filled review of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Again, not the best video to play at work but not quite as bad as the one above.

For all of the Wii’s casual gaming wonder, this image from Super Smash Bros. Brawl:

hardly looks as rich as this:

The Cliff Notes

• A return to better graphics
• A story based in the real world

Now that. . .is retro.

Get in the Mood

To help you properly wax retro on the gaming tip, I bring you an inspired music selection for your general enjoyment.

Special Thanks

To Nathan Gao for educating this little non-gamer and introducing me to the wild west of the gaming discussion boards.

Want More Retro?

Get Retro: The LaSonic Ghetto Blaster

Get Retro: Sensual Seduction

Get Retro: Be Kind Rewind