Grand Theft Auto IV vs. Grand Theft Auto V

Attribute	Grand Theft Auto IV	Grand Theft Auto V
Release Date	April 29, 2008	September 17, 2013
Setting	Liberty City (based on New York City)	Los Santos (based on Los Angeles) and Blaine County (based on Southern California)
Protagonist	Niko Bellic	Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips
Map Size	6.8 square miles	49 square miles
Number of Missions	88	69
Multiplayer	Yes	Yes

Graphics

One of the most noticeable differences between Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V is the graphics. GTA V, released in 2013, features much more detailed and realistic graphics compared to GTA IV, which was released in 2008. The environments in GTA V are more vibrant and lifelike, with improved textures and lighting effects. Characters in GTA V also have more realistic facial expressions and movements, making the game feel more immersive.

Gameplay

When it comes to gameplay, GTA V offers a more diverse and expansive experience compared to GTA IV. In GTA V, players can switch between three different protagonists, each with their own unique abilities and storylines. The game also introduces new activities such as yoga, golf, and hunting, adding more depth to the gameplay. GTA IV, on the other hand, focuses more on a single protagonist, Niko Bellic, and his journey through the criminal underworld of Liberty City.

Map Size

Another significant difference between GTA IV and GTA V is the size of the game map. GTA V features a much larger and more diverse map compared to GTA IV. The map in GTA V includes the city of Los Santos and the surrounding countryside, mountains, and ocean. Players can explore a variety of different environments, from bustling urban streets to serene beaches and dense forests. In contrast, GTA IV's map is limited to the fictional city of Liberty City, based on New York City.

Storyline

The storyline in GTA V is more complex and interconnected compared to GTA IV. In GTA V, players follow the intertwining stories of three protagonists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Los Santos. The game's narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of the American Dream. In contrast, GTA IV's storyline focuses on Niko Bellic's quest for revenge against those who betrayed him in the past.

Multiplayer

Both GTA IV and GTA V feature multiplayer modes, but GTA V's multiplayer component, Grand Theft Auto Online, is much more robust and expansive. In GTA Online, players can create their own characters, complete missions, participate in heists, and engage in various activities with other players in a shared open world. The multiplayer mode in GTA V continues to receive regular updates and new content, keeping the experience fresh for players. GTA IV's multiplayer mode, on the other hand, is more limited in scope and features compared to GTA V.

Soundtrack

One aspect where both GTA IV and GTA V shine is their soundtracks. Both games feature a wide variety of licensed music across multiple radio stations, offering players a diverse selection of songs to listen to while driving around the game world. GTA V's soundtrack includes music from a range of genres, including hip-hop, rock, electronic, and pop, catering to different tastes. GTA IV's soundtrack is more focused on rock and hip-hop music, reflecting the gritty and urban atmosphere of Liberty City.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V are both excellent games in their own right, each offering a unique and immersive experience for players. While GTA V surpasses GTA IV in terms of graphics, gameplay, map size, and multiplayer features, GTA IV still holds up well in terms of its storyline and soundtrack. Ultimately, both games have their strengths and weaknesses, and fans of the series are likely to enjoy both titles for different reasons.