Grand Theft Auto IV is finally here!
Entry from Gaming Expert - Johnny Minkley
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360) - Out Now, Β£39.99 (regular), Β£69.99 (special edition)
The most-anticipated game in history is here at last, and loads of you are already at home stalking through the streets of Liberty City having picked up the game at one of the hundreds of midnight openings that took place across the UK.
The release of GTAIV is nothing short of a cultural event - the buzz, hype and media interest are unprecedented. And for gamers, GTA is one of those rare titles that you know all of your friends will be playing as well, with everyone sharing stories about all the cool things they've seen and done.
The good news is, after years of waiting, GTAIV is everything fans could have hoped for and then some.
If I were to highlight the single greatest addition to the game it would be the mobile phone.
A masterstroke, this allows you to control your social and professional life while on the move. You can call friends, receive texts, make a date, even call a number that tells you the name of the song your listening to.
Bear in mind that this is an 18-rated game and not suitable for children. But for adults it is the most impressive, enjoyable gaming experience of this generation so far.
My Top GTA IV moments so far:
- The first time you're cruising around in a car when a song you love comes on the radio and you realise how much you've missed GTA.
- Taking your first cab ride around Liberty City, just staring out of the window at the sights and people-watching
- Climbing to the top of the game's version of the Empire State Building - and checking out the stunning views of the city.
Wii Fit (Nintendo Wii) - Out Now, Β£69.99
Pass the lycra - Wii Fit has beome a smash hit with families in Japan and finally stepped up in the UK last Friday. It's not a game in the traditional sense; rather a series of f.un activities designed to improve your physical well being
Exercises are split into four categories: Yoga, Muscle Workout, Aerobic and Balance Games. The brilliant, super-sensitive Balance Board (which comes bundled with the game) is used to track your centre of gravity, measure your weight and plot your BMI. Based on those results and your performance in selected tests, you're given a Fitness Age - it works in a similar way to your Brain Age in Brain Training on DS.
Does it improve your fitness? It definitely makes you a lot more aware of weaknesses in your body, and through cheeky coercion (you get your own virtual trainer) makes you feel guilty if you're not sticking to your regime. And I've ended up exhausted after long sessions on it.
It's not cheap at Β£70, but massively cheaper than having a real personal trainer. And far less embarrassing than going to a gym. Unless, like me, you don't have any curtains in your living room. It's also a great fun to do with friends, flatmates, partners and families. You can all compare notes, egg each other on, compete and just have a laugh together.
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