Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto IV
$19.99
Contrary to what many people say, this game isn't as hard to install, or play, as they would have you think.

Everything needed to run this game was included on the Dual-DVD set, so all you have to do during installation is switch the DVDs, accept the terms of each software, and click next a lot. The SecuROM is virtually invisible after installed. My computer's performance is the exact same after SecuROM was installed, as before and it has had absolutely NO negative effects thus far. Anyone who uses MSN messenger (which is a large population) should have a Windows LIVE account, so that aspect shouldn't be an issue. If it is, it takes 3 minutes to do (I timed it). The Rockstar Social Club took 5 minutes to set up, select an avatar, and link my Xbox Live and Games for Windows LIVE account. The Games for Windows LIVE is no different than an Xbox Live account; just like you have to set up an Xbox live account to use your Xbox to it's full potential, you must set up an Games for Windows LIVE account. On top of that, the Games for Windows LIVE will act just like an Xbox live account, as you will see your friends, gamerscore, and messages all from your LIVE account (if linked) and you will receive achievements similar to those on the Xbox version of the game.

Now, on to the performance. On a system with a Q6600, 8800GT, and 4GB of RAM, this game runs amazingly. My settings are as follows:
Texture Quality: Medium
Reflection Resolution: Very High
Water Quality: Very High
Shadow Quality: Very High
Texture Filter Quality: Highest
View Distance: 18/100

With these settings, on my system (Not Overclocked) I get a solid 35-40 FPS and the game looks and runs as good as I could expect from an 8800GT. I've experienced absolutely no video lag while running these settings.

All in all, most everyone here is fear mongering when they say this game will install a bunch of invasive software. If you have half a brain, you will be able to set up and run the game as intended. As for the people with relic systems, they should have read the minimum system requirements before purchasing this game. I've emulated the process, and honestly, it should take no more than an hour to install, set up, and start playing the game, if done correctly. If you don't have an hour to spare setting this game up, then don't buy it. The one hour set up time is a small price to pay for limitless hours of play.

Grand Theft Auto IV
$29.99
This game is OK...not what I expected. I love all the other grand theft auto games. My most favorite was San Andreas and Vice City. In this game (GTA IV)...it's hard as hell to drive the car. When turning corners, its slids all over the place and even when you brake you still go into the cars. I wouldn't buy this game for anyone you would be a bit disappointed.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
$39.99
When this was first announced I was a bit skeptical given the DS's limited power. I enjoyed the PSP's GTA games but I couldn't imagine something this great on the DS. First of all it's amazing how they managed to put all of GTA IV's Liberty City on a tiny DS cartridge. Even though it returns to the top down view of the early GTAs, it's still a blast to play. The combat is fun but not really challenging since the auto aim system makes it easy to aim and take out your targets. I also like the new cop evasion system that that allows you to loose your wanted level by disabling the cop cars. Oh and her parents just because this is on the DS which is usually a child friendly system does not mean this is kid friendly, this game has everything that gave the console GTAs an M-rating. There's graphic violence(although cartoony) including violence against police, frequent profanity, drugs, and explicit sexual references. Do not buy this for your child if you don't feel comfortable with them being exposed to the above things.

Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
$19.99
I just passed this game last weekend. THe only disappointment I have is that when I stopped playing it after passing the last mission "END OF THE LINE" and went to bed, the next day when I uploaded it to play all the other extra-curricular missions I haven't done yet, it wouldn't upload and I had to start from the beginning but oh well. At least if I play it again and I do have the game guide for it, I have a big overview what to do. But over all this was a good game.