Ever tried going back to GTA 5 after playing GTA 4? It’s HARDER than you think! 😱 Here’s why GTA 4 still holds up!

After the wild ride of GTA 5, going back to GTA 4 might feel like a big step backwards… but is it really? 🤔 Find out why GTA 4 still delivers a unique experience that GTA 5 just can’t replicate.

The Grand Theft Auto series has always been a cultural phenomenon, and GTA 5 took the franchise to new heights when it was released in 2013. With its vast open world, multiple protagonists, and more polished gameplay mechanics, it became the standard for modern open-world games. However, for many long-time fans of the series, going back to GTA 4 after playing GTA 5 can feel surprisingly difficult.

Despite the improvements and massive success of GTA 5, GTA 4 still holds a special place in the hearts of many players. Its gritty, realistic tone, its emphasis on story, and its immersive world all set it apart from its successor in ways that GTA 5 struggles to replicate. Here’s why it can be hard to go back to GTA 5 after playing GTA 4, and why GTA 4 is still so beloved by fans.

1. The Gritty Realism of GTA 4’s Story

One of the most significant differences between GTA 4 and GTA 5 is the tone of the narrative. GTA 4 tells the story of Niko Bellic, an immigrant from Eastern Europe who comes to Liberty City in search of the American Dream, only to be pulled into a world of crime, betrayal, and violence. The story is heavy, emotional, and grounded in a way that GTA 5 doesn’t quite match.

While GTA 5 certainly has its own story of betrayal and power struggles, the overall tone of the game feels more satirical and over-the-top. The outrageous characters and their increasingly absurd escapades make GTA 5 a fun and chaotic ride, but it lacks the raw emotional depth that GTA 4 offered.

In GTA 4, Niko’s journey is filled with moral dilemmas, personal loss, and a deep yearning for a better life. The game’s story is more introspective, and the relationships you develop with the characters feel more personal and authentic. Players are often drawn to Niko’s desire to escape his past and start anew, even though Liberty City continues to drag him into its criminal underworld. This emotional realism is hard to forget and makes going back to the more lighthearted GTA 5 feel a little less impactful.

2. The Immersive, Detailed World of Liberty City

When it comes to creating a living, breathing world, GTA 4’s Liberty City is one of the most immersive cities Rockstar Games has ever built. The city feels dense and alive, with every street corner, alleyway, and building contributing to the overall atmosphere. The environment is gritty and dark, and it’s impossible to ignore the sense of oppression that permeates every part of the city.

In contrast, while GTA 5’s Los Santos is beautiful and expansive, it doesn’t quite carry the same weight as Liberty City. Los Santos is vibrant, sun-soaked, and full of life, but it can feel more like a playground, with its picturesque beaches and sprawling countryside. While it’s a stunning city in its own right, the carefree atmosphere of Los Santos doesn’t have the same visceral impact as Liberty City’s harsh, unforgiving environment.

Liberty City’s grimy streets and narrow alleys reflect the harsh realities of the characters living there. It’s a city of desperation, where people are just trying to survive, and the sense of urgency and danger is palpable. Going back to the cleaner, more polished Los Santos after experiencing Liberty City’s immersive atmosphere can feel like a jarring shift, and many players find themselves missing the intensity of GTA 4’s setting.

3. The Weight of Decision-Making in GTA 4

One area where GTA 4 excels is its decision-making mechanics. While GTA 5 does offer a few key decisions (particularly towards the end), the weight of the choices in GTA 4 is much more impactful. In GTA 4, you’re faced with tough moral choices that shape your relationships with the characters and ultimately determine how the story unfolds.

For example, during the mission “The Cousins Bellic”, you’re given the choice to either help or betray a close family member, which has a lasting impact on the narrative and Niko’s relationships with others. Additionally, the choices in GTA 4 lead to multiple endings, allowing you to feel the consequences of your actions and the toll it takes on Niko’s psyche.

In GTA 5, the narrative is a bit more streamlined, and while there are still choices to be made, they often feel less consequential. The multiple protagonist system in GTA 5 allows for more action-packed and varied gameplay, but it sacrifices some of the depth of the storytelling and character development that GTA 4 focuses on. The moral weight in GTA 4’s decisions, especially when it comes to loyalty and betrayal, is something that’s hard to match in GTA 5.

4. The Sense of Loneliness in GTA 4

One aspect of GTA 4 that sticks with players long after they’ve finished the game is the pervasive feeling of loneliness that Niko experiences. Niko’s journey through Liberty City is not just about crime and power — it’s about finding connection and redemption in a world that is often indifferent to his struggles. Despite his efforts to form relationships, Niko is often left isolated, which adds a layer of depth to his character.

This loneliness is emphasized throughout the game, with Niko frequently expressing his dissatisfaction with the superficial relationships he forms. His struggle to connect with others, coupled with his longing for a sense of purpose, creates a character who is complex and deeply human.

In contrast, GTA 5 feels more chaotic and action-packed, with three protagonists whose stories intertwine in a whirlwind of heists, betrayals, and conflict. While the game does offer emotional moments, it lacks the sense of solitude and introspection that defines GTA 4’s story. After experiencing Niko’s loneliness, it can be hard to return to the more fast-paced, action-driven narrative of GTA 5, which often leaves players feeling less connected to the protagonists.

5. The Realistic Driving and Combat in GTA 4

One of the most discussed aspects of GTA 4 is its more grounded and realistic driving and combat mechanics. The cars in GTA 4 handle differently from those in GTA 5 — they feel heavier, less responsive, and more grounded in reality. While some players found the physics and driving a bit frustrating, others appreciated the added challenge and realism it brought to the game.

The combat in GTA 4 also feels more deliberate and tactical, with a focus on cover-based shooting. The slower, more methodical combat system contrasts with GTA 5’s more fluid and fast-paced firefights, and many players miss the intensity and challenge of GTA 4’s approach. The more realistic mechanics make GTA 4 feel like a more immersive and harder-hitting experience.

Conclusion: GTA 4 Still Holds Up, Despite GTA 5‘s Success

While GTA 5 is undoubtedly a masterpiece and has set the bar for open-world games, GTA 4 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many players. Its emotional story, gritty world, and sense of realism offer a deeper, more introspective experience that GTA 5 struggles to replicate. The realism, decision-making, and moral complexity of GTA 4 make it hard to go back to the more action-oriented and lighter GTA 5.

For those who grew up with GTA 4, revisiting it after GTA 5 might feel like returning to a more personal, gritty world. While GTA 5 may offer more dynamic action and flashy gameplay, GTA 4’s emotional depth and immersive atmosphere still make it one of the best games in the series. In the end, both games have their merits, but GTA 4 remains the more nuanced and compelling entry for many fans.