So GTA IV come out next week

It's sort of a theme-park, minaturized New York, but the landmarks are so well done and well-positioned in relation to eachother that a new yorker can really get around. Coney Island... hey, there's the little street where they have the Siren Festival, with the Cyclone on the left and Astroland on the right. Hop on the BQE, head north, there's the Citibank building, even the P.S.1 gallery in Long Island City, then northeast to Flushing Meadows park, where the old New York Pavilion is so accurate it's actually a little scary... like they took photos of the chipping paint, red-and-white stripes and slapped them on there. There's a lot to love. I wish it were all a bit bigger, less condensed, but what the heck.

If I never go in-game bowling again, it will be too soon. That whole first date made me feel like a loser. It's not what I care to simulate. I thought I was buying a murder simulator!

(actually, I've felt really bad about the two pedestrians I've run over so far)

I also think the reviewer who bandied about the term "Oscar-worthy" should have their movie-watching license revoked. The dialogue is similar to how it's always been... good for a video game, often a little embarassing. For Sam Hauser to compare the game favorably to Eastern Promises betrays some serious delusion.

Having that first in-story chase lead to a nice reveal of the nighttime Manhattan skyline was a real treat.

I apologize for hand-wringing over review and producer comments. It's a great playground, looking forward to more time with it.