The media’s view on GTA4 and how wrong they are…..!
Its been said in various media sources about how outstanding GTA4 is, and im sure its going to be a generation defining game, setting new benchmarks. Although the one thing that has sullied its release build up its the talk of violence. The snake of cencorship has come back to bite GTA4 on the ass. With the previous releases, the media was quick to jump on its ultra-violent plots and gameplay. Although i have an opinion on this. They can blow it out their ass! The only reason that a game like this has been targeted, is its closeness to reality. Its set in a realistic environment, with believeable characters. Rockstar have made an awe-inspiring game, and this is its downfall.
Releases such as the Halo franchise, didnt have this problem, becuase it was set in a fictional universe, and your principle protagonist hasnt got a face to speak of. Yet i distinctly remember playing through Halo and its sequel to find myself shooting nasty little (and big) buggers in the face and groin, only to discover there was some sort of story going on. Its ok im shooting things in the face in a (frankly) violent setting, becuase its all make-believe. You see your told to shoot them, its kill of be killed. Whereas GTA series, only a small fraction of the game is to kill, other sections where you mow down people or pick up hookers, is purely by choice of the player. Its not essential they get their “Hot coffee” on (even when you have to hack it), its just something you can choose to do. Other such releases like Manhunt i agree is going a step too far, as for “shits and giggles” of some masochistic sadist, your forced to kill in ever more complex and spectacular ways. Why didnt games such as Splinter cell get pwnd for being violent, bearing in mind you go round bustin skulls and breaking necks? (albeit) skillfully. Its life-like violence, and this life like violence has a suitable 18 cert attatched.
Now if im not mistaken the previous GTA games in teh franchise have all had high age cert (15-18). The case of being a person of sound mind and being responsible can appreciate the beauty of such violent games, and if their not (their idiots for making a fuss), and if the parents are pissing and moaning, YOU SHOULDNT HAVE LET YOUR KID PLAY THE DAMN GAME!!!!. Parental responsiblity plays a key factor here, its their responsiblity to not allow any such game of a violent (and sweary - is that a word?) nature, to come anywhere near their child. I admit, yes a child shouldnt be subjected to early violent influences, but if they can understand the make-beleive aspect (reference Halo is make believe and violent, but hey it didnt get a warp becuase it boosted sales and the economy) then bobs your uncle, no problem.
Media sources have cried out to not allow such a game to be released (Manhunt was released, in a rather round about way), although it would help if people actually played the game before cruicifying it, as some instances in America have proven. A possible ban of a game of this magnitude could never happen by the way, its going to boost failing economies no end. Now i unfortunately havent got a next gen console, or any console as a matter of fact, but ill be eagerly awaiting a chance to play on a game, that has been given high praise allready. Happy gaming
April 28, 2008 at 1:10 pm