Grand Theft Auto IV

Six games, ten years, 66 million copies and countless headlines – it is fair to say Grand Theft Auto has been successful. Its unique and original sandbox gameplay and trademark sense of humour have influenced many other games. And now, four years since the epic San Andreas, Edinburgh-based Rockstar North are gearing up for what they hope will be the media event of 2008; the release of the seventh game. Grand Theft Auto IV.

It is pitched to be as much of an evolution of the series as was GTA III in gaining its extra dimension. Many things have changed and been tweaked here to give a different experience. Coming full circle, in a fashion many a crushed krishna could appreciate, the game takes place in a re-born Liberty City. A much more lifelike city however than GTA III: photorealistic landmarks abound and a populous exist, apparently with more to do than wait to meet your bumper.

Aside from the obvious (and obligatory) visual boost the game has been given, the major innovation is that of 'Euphoria': an AI system which sees all animations in game being generated as-you-go, essentially meaning all animations are unique and dependent on the scenario. So, anyone you choose to shoot will react in a more realistic manner, supposedly so realistically that you will actually start to regret instigation of the random abuse of strangers. Er, just like real life.

Another change is the increased focus on the story. While in the past it has always been pretty excellently acted (Samuel L Jackson and Chris Penn as corrupt cops in San Andreas were brilliant) but more about linking together a series of unlikely missions, GTA IV is much more focused on the story of our protagonist: one Niko Bellic.

Aside from the sort of emotional maturation normally associated with the development of 'hair', Rockstar have been busy tweaking away at all the complaints about previous games and updating to suit this latest incarnation. One important refinement to the game system is that of the police. Gone are the omniscient hell-descending bastards of yesteryear. Now all police are thoroughly trained in reality and as such, will only react to and pursue crimes committed within their eyesight. Whilst the more heinous crimes will result in a more detailed check of the locality, leaving the vicinity without being spotted now will result in the removal of any 'Wanted' level by the coppers. Again, just like real life.

The bane of anyone's survival instinct in previous titles was always the targeting system. Thankfully however this has now clearly paid attention to the Gears of War school of control. GTA now also sports a one button cover system and a new improved just-flick-the-right-stick targeting system to provide a much more fluid shooting experience. Which is nice. As you will likely be doing a lot of this.

Other smaller changes include the removal of RPG elements from the game. Essentially what this means is that you can now eat whatever you want without getting a bloated captain Niko. You can however compensate for this loss by drinking. The only danger here being that your stick gets wobbly.

Driving has been improved with the inclusion of a GPS-style map navigation. Mission repeats can now be done instantly via your phone, and you can even scoot around town in a taxi if you don't fancy the wander.

As well as single player, IV is to offer an unprecedented level of online play: with up to 16 folk rampaging around the city in a variety of game modes. It is unknown yet how the majority of this will play out, but most people's money will be on the hectic awesome side of chilled.

Rockstar North do have a lot to live up to with the GTA series being so popular, but if the pat tells us anything (it does, just ask historians) then they can do it. Probably in a way which will blow all expectations out of the water. The excellent news is that there isn't that long to wait to find out. Grand Theft Auto IV comes out on 29 April.