Grand Theft Auto IV to be released tomorrow: Will this be the hit game for 2008?

If you're a fan of slick fast cars, driving like a maniac, a little bit of hit and run, and acting wilder than Lindsay Lohan on her 21st, then this is the game for you. The fourth installment of the uber successful Grand Theft Auto chain is due to be released tomorrow, and will no doubt be received with thunderous acclaim by the army of under 18's determined to flout the 18+ rule. Apparently the game is so realistic and violent that it's only suitable for the more 'mature' players, which is basically waving a red flag to kids everywhere.

The game features Eastern European gangster Niko Bellic driving around, completing missions, and generally creating havoc GTA style. It's a must for gamers everywhere with its slick production values, fast paced gaming and great visuals.

However Rockstar games have decided (with considerable pressure from the gaming police) to make the game an 18+ in the UK and 17+ in the states to prevent it from destroying younger minds. Whether or not this will actually be the case is yet to be decided, with the biggest issue now being how many discs they've actually made, as the game is guaranteed to be sellout of Wii-like proportions.

It can be argued that the game glamorizes violence and destruction, and has many adult themes, and this is hard to argue with, especially considering the 2005 incident. What I'm referring to is the X-rated sex game which was hidden inside Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and could be accessed via a simple to use hacking code. It was nicknamed Hot Coffee, and caused Rockstar considerable blushes. Their argument was that it was not meant to be [played by gamers, but c'mon, did the designer just leave it there for kicks??

Still, come tomorrow eager gamers everywhere will be queuing up to purchase GTA IV and will no doubt experience a sleepless night of playing it. I doubt they'll be to worried about sexy shenanigans, as they'll be more worried about beating their friends scores.

[GTA IV]

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