Grand Theft Auto IV is, without question, one of the most highly anticipated games of 2008. Rockstar Games has shown us pieces of GTA IV on three different occasions. With each visit we saw the incredible potential for GTA IV, but not having the chance to play it, we could only assume these things would prove true. We knew there was a new dimension of verticality to the city, that our anti-hero Niko would be a down-to-earth anti-hero rather than an over-the-top movie spoof, that the new level of physics would bring greater realism to driving cars, and that it would be fun going bat$#!@ crazy running through the streets with a gun in hand (Martin Lawrence style).

It wasn\'t until Rockstar turned over the controller and let us play GTA IV that we could finally confirm that, yes indeed, these statements are all true. The next iteration in the Grand Theft Auto series isn\'t just a prettier version of San Andreas or Vice City. It\'s more cinematic, more realistic, and yeah, more fun. It\'s a whole new ballgame in Liberty City.

For the first time, Rockstar gave us hands-on access to both the PS3 and 360 versions of GTA IV. The good news is that no matter which system you prefer, you\'re going to have a great-looking game to play. There are only some minor visual differences noticeable between the two preview versions. The 360 build is brighter and has slightly more vibrant color while the PS3 build has less aliasing issues. Both display a solid, consistent framerate even during scenes with heavy pedestrian traffic and wild explosions. While graphics whores will find subtle differences to nitpick, the average Joe is going to be happy with either version.