Ohio Man Offers Pot to Pay Taxi Fare, But that's Only Half the Story...

Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all, there's always someone who will still surprise you, one way or the other. In this case, that special someone is an Ohio man who wanted to pay his cab fare with pot. But that’s only half the story…

According to a report from Fox8 Cleveland, the incident took place in Alliance, Ohio when 27-year old Nicholas Barker took a cab ride from Empire Taxi driver, Steve Rooza. "I picked him up and took him to his home but the doors were locked and he couldn't get in. He asked me if I would take him to another location, to which I explained to him was a separate price," said cab driver Rooza.

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Undead Nightmare Pack

Undead Nightmare Pack, is the next Red Dead Redemption downloadable content pack soon to be available for download via PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE.

This fall, prepare yourself for a shocking original experience introduced to the world of Red Dead Redemption
- with the Undead Nightmare Pack.

Unleashed upon the world of Red Dead Redemption, the Undead Nightmare Pack will feature an entirely new mostly single-player campaign that follows John Marston as he tries to find a cure for the highly infectious zombie plague that has spread across the frontier.

In addition to this epic new single-player adventure, The Undead Nightmare Pack also features brand new gameplay mechanics, weapons, zombie animals, mythical creatures and even a brand new secret location. All this, plus some exciting new multiplayer modes and much more to be revealed very soon.

The Undead Nightmare Pack will be available simultaneously for download via PlayStation®Network ($9.99) and Xbox LIVE® (800 Microsoft Points).

Official Teaser Trailer


Source: rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption

New Design Blog

Hey Im sooooooo excited I got a blog Make over from Tamie at Addictive Pleasures I really hope you like it I have been adding stamps and stuff to it all day lol and I hope change the text links to blinkies and a few other bits and bobs to add to it and then I will get back to adding wordart And nice goodies to my blog again


I really Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee my new look blog its sooooo lovely thank you soooo much Tamie you rock !!!!!! its soooo cool!!!! so goona eaty and get back to adding blinkies and stuff soooo excited.

Episodes From Liberty City

Rockstar Games announced that they will be releasing Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. The pack includes both The Lost and Damned, and The Ballad of Gay Tony together on disc exclusively for Xbox 360. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City will be available worldwide October 29th 2009 for $39.99 and will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV to play.

Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fall release of both the second episode of Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony - exclusively for download on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network, and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, which will include both episode one The Lost and Damned, and episode two The Ballad of Gay Tony together on a single disc exclusively for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Grand Theft Auto IV's second downloadable episode, The Ballad of Gay Tony injects Liberty City with an overdose of guns, glitz, and grime. As Luis Lopez, part-time hoodlum and full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince (aka "Gay Tony"), players will struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price.

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City delivers two games on one disc - the all-new episode The Ballad of Gay Tony and the first episode, The Lost and Damned - together on disc for the first time - for Xbox 360 for $39.99 and will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV to play.

Source: rockstargames.com/episodesfromlibertycity

The Ballad Of Gay Tony

Liberty City is about to get a little more fabulous. Rockstar Games has announced The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second episode for Grand Theft Auto IV. This episode's focus on high-end night life contrasts with the biker gangs portrayed in The Lost and Damned, whilst giving us a lot of new gameplay possibilities.

The Ballad of Gay Tony stars Luis Lopez, a "part-time hoodlum" and "full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince," better known as "Gay Tony." As usual, he'll have to juggle competing loyalties while also trying to determine who is "real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price."

Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fall release of both the second episode of Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony - exclusively for download on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network, and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, which will include both episode one The Lost and Damned, and episode two The Ballad of Gay Tony together on a single disc exclusively for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Grand Theft Auto IV's second downloadable episode, The Ballad of Gay Tony injects Liberty City with an overdose of guns, glitz, and grime. As Luis Lopez, part-time hoodlum and full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince (aka "Gay Tony"), players will struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price.

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City delivers two games on one disc - the all-new episode The Ballad of Gay Tony and the first episode, The Lost and Damned - together on disc for the first time - for Xbox 360 for $39.99 and will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV to play.

The Ballad of Gay Tony will release on Xbox LIVE this fall for $19.99 or 1600 MS points and requires players to have Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE membership to download.

Source: 1up.com, rockstargames.com/theballadofgaytony

Mr Wong's Laundromat

Rockstar Games finally released the new feature for GTA Chinatown Wars, Mr Wong's Laundromat. The newly opened webgame will allow Social Club members to earn and transfer cash/multiplayer skins back to their linked Nintendo DS.

Today, we’re excited to announce the grand opening of Mr Wong’s Laundromat on Rockstar Games Social Club. This webgame allows players of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars to log onto Social Club and test out their money laundering skills in an effort to win cash and unlockable multiplayer costumes that can then be used in their copy of Chinatown Wars for the Nintendo DS.

Players can earn up to $10,000 per day working for Mr Wong, a local Chinatown 'businessman' who's helped more than his fair share of cash trickle seamlessly and undetected through the streets of Liberty City over the years.

If you need to add your Nintendo DS Friend Code to your Social Club account (needed to transfer any money/multiplayer costumes you earn from Mr Wong back to your game) you can click here to visit the Social Club account linking page and follow the detailed instructions. You can also play Mr Wong’s without having a DS Friend Code linked to your Social Club account and submit scores to the top 50 leaderboard.

Once you have successfully linked your account with the Social Club, all you need to do to receive your rewards from Mr Wong is sync your Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars’ game save with the Social Club. To do this, visit any safe house and click on your “Pink Fruit Laptop”. Once in the “Pink Fruit Laptop” screen you will see an option to “Sync Stats” which requires a valid Wi-Fi connection. Any money and or costumes that you had accumulated in your piggy bank will be zero’ed out on the Social Club and added to your game save during the sync process.

As soon as your sync is complete with the Social Club, please make sure to save your game. If you have retrieved money and/or a multiplayer costume but do not save your game, they will be unrecoverable if your DS loses power or you reload your save game. Users can only accumulate up to $10,000 dollars within a 24 hour period from Mr Wong. Once this limit is reached, a user will no longer earn money that can be pushed back to the Nintendo DS for that day but will still be able to submit high scores to the leaderboard.

Finally, multiplayer costumes are earned in succession and if you earn a new multiplayer costume your old one will be overwritten.

Max Payne 3 Is Coming

Rockstar Games dropped a bombshell by announcing that May Payne 3 is currently in development and can be expected to be released as soon as winter 2009. There aren’t much information yet available about the game to speculate on, but many people would agree that it wouldn't disappoint. The official web site is already online so feel free check it out.

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Max Payne 3 is currently in development and scheduled for a winter 2009 release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC. Developed by Rockstar Vancouver, Max Payne 3 tells the story of a retired police detective embroiled in a world of corruption, turmoil and intense violence. The award-winning Max Payne franchise put players in the role of Max Payne, a hard-boiled New York City detective with a penchant for violence, out to avenge the death of his family. The latest installment delivers more of the classic elements and hyper-intense action that fans have come to love, while moving the story of Max in a new direction. "We're starting a new chapter of Max's life with this game," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "This is Max as we've never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever. We experience the downward spiral of his life after the events of Max Payne 2 and witness his last chance for salvation." Since leaving the NYPD and New York itself behind, Max has drifted from bad to worse. Double-crossed and a long way from home, Max is now trapped in a city full of violence and bloodshed, using his weapons and instincts in a desperate search for the truth and a way out.

Source: rockstargames.com/maxpayne3

GTA CW Reviews Are In

The first online reviews of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars are in. We are very proud to announce that as the dust settles, critics appear to be united in heralding Chinatown Wars as the best game ever to hit the Nintendo DS.

“On a system currently overpopulated by cake sims and puppy adoption, GRAND THEFT AUTO: CHINATOWN WARS IS THE EXPERIENCE EVERY HARDCORE HANDHELD GAMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR… the portable transition holds its own as a stunningly unique entry in the Liberty City canon, all the while harnessing its platform for everything it's worth. Shameless developers trotting out shallow minigame anthologies and SNES era RPGs should stand in embarrassment at just how much potential Rockstar Leeds managed to wring from a console this late in its lifespan. Gentlemen, it’s time to beg your girlfriend for that DS back.” - 10/10 (PERFECT SCORE) GAMESRADAR

“Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars demonstrates how a great concept can translate to any platform and still feel fresh. This newest installment of the drive and gun series isn’t just a great game for any fan of GTA, it’s A TITLE THAT ANY DS OWNER (OVER THE AGE OF 17) SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR COLLECTION… You’ll run into a world filled with drug-crazy cops, psycho family members, and practically everyone vying to become the new Triad boss… the DS hasn’t dulled GTA’s signature sharp wit or ability to mold interesting characters… This would make for a lengthy console game, let alone a handheld one… It’s a great comfort to know that Rockstar Games not only makes great games, but understands what makes them great. Chinatown Wars is the culmination of years of work as well as the spirit of ingenuity to bring one of the biggest series to the smallest screen. Nothing in the game feels half done or forced. If anything, the game feels like a development team having fun with a concept. Everything from being able to ram police cars, rampage missions, the touch screen mini-games, and even the story has this sense of fun underlining every bullet fired. Even if you are not a fan of the series, you will be doing yourself a favor by taking this tiny terror out for a spin.” - 5/5 (PERFECT SCORE) G4TV

“Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto game for the Nintendo DS is a masterclass in handheld video games design… a remarkable achievement. Chinatown Wars is a big fat raspberry to the competition; a masterclass in not only hand-held development, but video game design as a whole, exploring exactly how to craft Liberty City around the console’s unique strengths without compromising the series’ character… The missions in Chinatown Wars are some of the most imaginative the series has had… All the hallmarks of GTA’s world, with none of its pomp and excess lost in translation to the smaller screen… Rockstar have produced a game that isn’t just the DS’s premier technical achievement, but is a title that will stand as ONE OF THE BEST GAMES YOU’LL PLAY THIS YEAR. So, just how do they do it?” - 10/10 (PERFECT SCORE) THE TELEGRAPH

“This isn’t just a DS version of GTA; this is a fantastic game that advances the series by introducing a number of great new features… Perhaps what's most amazing about Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is that it doesn't feel like a scaled-down handheld version of a GTA game. Rather, it feels like a logical and somewhat experimental progression for the series, introducing a handful of great new features that seem destined to become standard in future iterations. …ONE OF THE BEST GTA GAMES YET.” - 9.5/10 GAMESPOT (EDITORS’ CHOICE)

“…can a GTA game on the DS, with all the attendant limitations and gimmicks, feel ‘real enough’ to people like us today, people who just a few months ago were deep in GTA4? Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars says "yes." Simultaneously constrained and elevated by the limits of its platform, Chinatown Wars proves that the heart of the sandbox experience can thrive outside of a big-budget blockbuster. My highest recommendation: Though I'm done with my review, I’M FAR FROM DONE PLAYING… I CAN’T GET ENOUGH of this crazy little unregulated dystopia where you can get heavy assault weapons delivered to your doorstep.” - 4.5/5 GAMESPY (EDITORS’ CHOICE)

“Citizens open umbrellas when it rains, run for cover when you let your guns do the talking, and become fruitful money-giving red stains when you “accidentally” park a fire truck on top of them... the city itself is gorgeously rendered with familiar locales and the smallest of details. You can see chunks missing from concrete walls, years of wear and tear on store signs, colorful graffiti in dark alleys, and beautiful landmarks like a dragon statue on a Chinese restaurant…Hardly any concessions were made in bringing GTA to the DS. THIS IS A FULL-ON GRAND THEFT AUTO EXPERIENCE. Don’t let the diminutive size or nostalgic look fool you, this is just as complete of a Grand Theft Auto experience as any of the console iterations.” - 9.25/10 GAME INFORMER

Source: rockstargames.com/chinatownwars

Chinatown Wars Site Launch

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is coming exclusively to Nintendo DS on March 17th 2009. The debut of the Grand Theft Auto franchise on Nintendo's handheld has been generating shock.

In less than one month's time, you will be able to get your hands on Chinatown Wars. Follow through on Huang Lee's search for honor, riches and revenge in the most dangerous and morally bankrupt city in the world, Liberty City. With epic storyline and missions, addictive mini-games and hidden collectibles, Wi-Fi head-to-head and co-op multiplayer mayhem, built-in replay feature, and much much more.

Make sure to visit the official site to see the brand new Official Chinatown Wars Trailer (the trailer can also be watched below), the first in a series of Game Feature Clips, set of new Wallpapers, an entertaining Screensaver that features the game's iconic original artwork and lots more.


Official Debut Trailer


Source: rockstargames.com/chinatownwars

GTA IV Sweepstakes Winner

About one year ago prior to the release of GTA IV last April, Rockstar Games Social Club website was launched and Grand Theft Auto IV Custom Portrait Sweepstakes was one of the very first competitions to be announced.

The potential winner(s) will be determined in a random drawing on or about 5/5/2008 from among all eligible entries received. The drawing will be conducted by Sponsor. Sponsor's decisions are final and binding. The potential winners will be selected at random from among all valid entries received. Potential winners will be notified by email on or about 5/7/2008.

One Grand Prize Winner will have their portrait illustrated by Rockstar Games in the Grand Theft Auto style. The winner will receive a digital copy of the portrait and a cropped version of the image will be used as the avatar for the winner’s Social Club membership. Winner will be required to prepare and submit a series of reference photographs upon which the portrait will be based. The winner’s reference photos will become property of Rockstar Games and may be used to publicize the Sweepstakes.

Some of you might have forgotten about it, but people at Rockstar Games Social Club didn’t. In fact one year later they actually came up with the winner.

Congratulations to Louis Bojko of Devon, England - our winner of the Grand Theft Auto IV Custom Portrait Sweepstakes. All early adopters of the Rockstar Games Social Club who registered accounts prior to the release of Grand Theft Auto IV last April were entered in this once-in-a-lifetime prize for true GTA fans: to have their likeness custom drawn by the same illustrators at Rockstar Games responsible for all of Grand Theft Auto's iconic character art. Louis received the final illustration digitally, as an exclusive avatar for use at the Social Club, as well as on canvas in a striking 34 by 44" print.

Source: socialclub.rockstargames.com

Lost And Damned Website

Rockstar Games has launched the official website for GTA IV: The Lost and Damned. The website now has two new mini-trailers ("Billy Grey" and "Malc"), over 30 new screenshots, a detailed character and game description, a list of exclusive features and an official box art.

Game Information

Johnny is a veteran member of The Lost, a notorious biker gang. Johnny has been creating business opportunities for The Lost in Liberty City, but his first loyalty must be to the patch he wears on his back and to Billy Grey, the club's President. However, when Billy returns from rehab hell-bent on bloodshed and debauchery, Johnny finds himself in the middle of a vicious turf war with rival gangs for control of a city torn apart by violence and corruption. Can the brotherhood survive?

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned features a new main character, Johnny Klebitz, and plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV; new missions that offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles; and a diverse soundtrack with additional music — all with the incredible production values that are the trademarks of Grand Theft Auto.

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned is the highly-anticipated first episode of Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable content for Xbox 360 and will be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE on February 17th, 2009 worldwide.

Exclusive Features

All-new missions and a new storyline that interweaves with the original story arc of Grand Theft Auto IV.

Play as Johnny, a member of The Lost Motorcycle Club. Experience Liberty City now with the perspective and lifestyle of a member of a biker gang.

Added range of weapons - including the all-new grenade launcher and sawed-off shotgun. New weapons will be available for use in single-player and in all new multiplayer modes.

New vehicles - featuring a collection of bikes that include Johnny's own customized heavy-duty chopper.

New and improved bike handling and physics.

Set of new action-packed multiplayer modes - details coming soon.

All-new in-game TV, internet and radio content featuring new radio shows and original music.

Plus new side-missions and Xbox 360 Achievements...

How To Buy

Starting February 17th, 2009, simply go to Xbox LIVE Marketplace with your connected Xbox 360 console and purchase the Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned download for either $19.99 or 1600 Microsoft Points.

Note that to play Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned requires a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV release for Xbox 360 - but you can play it even if you haven't finished Niko's story.

If you haven't registered an Xbox LIVE account, you can do so online here.

If you need a copy of the original Xbox 360 release of Grand Theft Auto IV, you can browse online retail options here.

Source: rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned

Lost And Damned Previews

Gaming sites across the web and around the world recently got a chance to ride with Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned.

"The new levels not only extend the appeal of GTA IV as a game, but also widen the possibilities of storytelling within the video game format." - Telegraph

"Rockstar Games, having already taken a sawed-off shotgun to single-title sales records with last year's Grand Theft Auto IV, has figured out how to save downloadable gaming content" - Esquire

"If our time with "The Lost and Damned" taught us one thing, it's that we just can't spend too much time in Liberty City... we feel like we were born to ride with The Lost." - Gamespy

"..the first downloadable episode looks like a sound investment at just $20." - Kotaku

"Liberty City returns in all its impressive glory in this first
Grand Theft Auto 4 downloadable episode for Xbox 360" - 1Up

"This is what DLC is supposed to be! Rockstar, who over the last decade have consistently stood at the tip of the gaming spear as it thrusts ever forward into bolder and broader areas, has yet again delivered a landmark moment in the evolution of our gaming culture." - Gameplayer

"Downloadable content is about to get a major kick in the ass. The release of GTA IV: The Lost and Damned on February 17 is going to change the way people think about DLC." - IGN

"Everything from the presentation to the content is up to the standards Rockstar established with GTA IV. In some ways, it's even better." - Game Informer

"GTA 4's first downloadable episode, The Lost and the Damned, is the most epic DLC weve seen yet." - UGO

"The Lost and Damned gives you a chance to go back to this virtual place you love and see it through fresh eyes." - Team Xbox

Source: rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned

Chinatown Wars Previews

Several gaming websites had a chance to be the first to try Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars, the next installment of GTA for the Nintendo DS. Strong hands-on impressions across the board from the gaming sphere... A selection of quotes below...

"Stay tuned, because this game is going to be a hot one... The city is sprawling, massive and fully explorable... the game will be as in depth and ambitious as any Grand Theft Auto game has ever been." - IGN

"Chinatown Wars is packing an absurd amount of gameplay into the tiny machine... With the vastness of Liberty City contained inside of Chinatown Wars, it already seems a bit bigger than any Nintendo DS game has a right to be... Chinatown Wars feels like a Grand Theft Auto bounty." - Gamespy

"This is GTA, people, and it looks like Rockstar's doing it right... This game has jumped to the top of my most anticipated DS games list." - UGO

"The thought and energy that has gone into creating an experience that's unlike any other DS game is instantly noticeable." - Game Daily

"Chinatown Wars' stylized look immediately grabbed my attention... Simple, memorable, and satisfying in a twsited way... From what I've seen, developer Rockstar Leeds has put big-time effort and thought behind this release." - 1Up

"We've played Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and it's our new favorite game." - Games Radar

"If one of the main aims here was to combine the best elements of various GTA titles, then based on our first in-depth hands-on, Chinatown Wars may just pull it off." - Kikizo

Along with some new screenshots and information Rockstar Games released three new characters artworks.

GTA Chinatown Wars Update

The official Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars website was updated with a new artwork. It’s believed that it could be the box art for the game when it will be released. The artwork also reveals a small piece of information. Since the box art for Grand Theft Auto III, every single GTA game (excluding GTA Advance) featured an image of a helicopter in the left top corner. This isn’t a case here. Instead of a helicopter there’s a motorbike, which suggests that there’ll be no aircrafts or helicopters specifically, in Chinatown Wars.

Source: rockstargames.com/chinatownwars

The Lost And Damned Update

Rockstar Games updated the official The Lost And Damned website with debut trailer, which was revealed yesterday on Spike TV, and eight never seen before screenshots. Looks like the first downloadable episode available exclusively on the Xbox 360 has a lot to offer.







Official Debut Trailer


Click here to download the High Definition version.

Source: rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned

GTA IV PC Reviews Are In

The game is out and reviews are in. This year's biggest and most critically-acclaimed console game is now available on the PC platform - and garnering no shortage of accolades in its new, fully optimized Personal Computer incarnation. Check out what some of the gaming industry's top outlets are saying about the PC version of next addition to the Grand Theft Auto crime family.

"...GTA4 has debuted on the PC. It's a good thing, too, since this is one of the finest titles of the generation thus far... an instant classic, a game unlike any we've played before." - 5/5 (PERFECT SCORE) GAMESPY EDITORS’ CHOICE

"...from the glitz of Liberty City's 'Times Square' to the grime slathered over the industrial areas, Rockstar has produced one of the most authentic, believable settings ever seen in gaming... If you've so far neglected to enter Grand Theft Auto IV's stunning modern metropolis of Liberty City, by all means get this game." - 9.2 “OUTSTANDING” IGN EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD

"...a genuinely ground-breaking blockbuster in videogame history. There were moments playing GTAIV that I thought back to my initial experiences with games, and realised exactly how far we've come. There's never been anything quite like GTAIV in the world. That there makes me genuinely happy to be a gamer." - 9/10 EUROGAMER

Source: rockstargames.com/IV

1UP Multiplayer Preview

The closer we get to the PC release, the more new information revealed. People at 1UP had a chance to play multiplayer on a PC version and reflect on it. They also confirmed a lot of rumors about the gameplay, so many of you will be pleased.

What happens when you throw 32 thugs into the same neighborhood? We find out ourselves during a PC multiplayer session.

If you've ever wondered what might happen if you dropped nearly three dozen people into a neighborhood in New York, gave them automatic weapons and vehicles, and left them to fend for themselves, well, Grand Theft Auto 4's multiplayer might prove to be a decent simulation. While the upcoming PC version sports the usual array of improvements (snazzy resolutions like 2560x1600, general visual polish, a new radio channel called Independence FM that lets players listen to their own music, and a new video editor), multiplayer's getting a significant improvement: 32-player support. Anthony Gallegos and Thierry "Scooter" Nguyen got to jump right into a multiplayer session with personnel from Rockstar Games' various studios (fun fact: Rockstar Lincoln is not located in Lincoln, Nebraska, but in Lincoln, England) to experience some 32-player hijinks. Here's what they had to say on the subject of multiplayer vehicular homicide.

Scooter: Turning a 16-player game into a 32-player one sounds like a dorky bullet point for the back of the box, but in the case of GTA4 multiplayer, it officially amps up a multiplayer session from "crazy" to "f***ing nuts" on the Scooter Intensity Dial. No matter which of the numerous modes you play (we checked out two of the 15 modes), the addition of more players -- plus the new keyboard/mouse controls and the accuracy they grant -- results in some interesting matches. I can say one thing for sure: Padawan Anthony is damn good with the mere pistol due to his superior keyboard/mouse skills.

Anthony: It's true -- a keyboard and mouse definitely makes the pistol a viable weapon. It wasn't terrible in the console version, but it works fantastically for headshots if you have a steady mouse hand. But even an awesome mouse hand doesn't mean that you're going to wipe the floor with your opponents, since there's little that mouse hand's going to do when 12 cars are barreling down the street at you while four thugs are popping shots off at your head. Scooter's right: It's accurately described as "f***ing nuts" most of the time. Whether it's a free-for-all match or a mode with four teams of eight, you can be pretty sure that something's always going down close to you.

Scooter: Yeah, our first 32-player match was in an 8v8v8v8 Team Deathmatch session in the Bohan borough (GTA-speak for "the Bronx"). Even before jumping in, we noticed that the developers added a custom match browser, where you can search for an online session that fulfills specific criteria (gameplay mode, number of players, and so forth). It's a small but welcome touch, considering how the console versions pretty much just put you in a random online match. Like in the console versions, you can tweak your character's appearance a bit; Anthony rolled with a team that coordinated their outfits to be the same color while I had a sort of "what if Santa Claus was younger and a registered sex offender" look. The matches were pretty damn straightforward: You spawn in, run (or drive) around for a weapon or two, and just shoot the guys sporting other colors. Kills earn money, and the team with the most cash wins. Despite being constantly lost, a crazy firefight was always nearby due to the sheer number of players. Heck, even though I was crouching to up my accuracy, my assault rifle wasn't enough when Anthony rolled up with his whole crew?.

Anthony: It's true -- more so than when I played on console, I felt the need to run around with a posse. Being accurate is good, but having a group spray a wave of bullets is even better! And thanks to the spawning system that keeps placing you near your surviving teammates, I generally found that I was never far from friends or from the action -- despite playing in a large chunk of the city.
And while my teammates coordinated their outfits, I certainly never felt like it was a necessity. Between the minimap and the tags above players' heads, I never had trouble sorting out who deserved a bullet in the brain; in fact, besides the time when we played Team Deathmatch, this was never even a thought that crossed my mind, as everyone was a target in most of the other modes. I don't know about you, but when we tried out the GTA Race mode, the last thing I was concerned with was driving the proper course on the track.

Scooter: Oh, yeah, you want to talk craziness -- how about GTA Race mode? What's hilarious about GTA Race mode is how quickly it devolves into zany free-for-alls. It's actually kind of cool to be in a real, legit vehicle race with 31 (GTA Race also has a 32-player limit) other dudes, but cramming 32 people on a stretch of highway usually turns even a well-intentioned race into a bunch of guys hopping in and out of cars while trying to cap each other. Actually, since everyone starts out in a similar car, GTA Race mode ends up playing a bit better than Team Deathmatch for me. While it took me forever to find a car in Team Deathmatch, in GTA Race, because people kept on ditching their rides in an effort to take out other players, you have a lot of abandoned cars to choose from. Also, since each player in GTA Race respawns in a Faggio (the GTA name for Vespa scooters), you can see which spot is a warzone due to how many discarded Faggios litter the street.

Anthony: Yeah, I appreciated the craziness of GTA Race mode, but I worry that some people online will take it too seriously and end it within a few moments of when it starts. I guess, if nothing else, people who love to torment others can take pleasure in trying to derail those players from achieving a swift victory. And I completely agree with you that GTA Race mode is a great, as it not only still tracks your kills, but it also constantly gives people new vehicles when they respawn. Fighting on foot is fun and all, but there's something to be said about dropping grenades off the back off a scooter. GTA4 PC's multiplayer proved to me that, as far as the amount of players in a match, more truly can be better.

Source: 1up.com

New R* Social Club v1.1

Rockstar Games decided to refurbish their entire Social Club website before the PC release of Grand Theft Auto IV. First, the news on the ‘Video Editor’, then the announcement of the new ‘R* Social Club TV’ service to host all the GTA IV fan-made movies and now this. Rockstar Games obviously made all the preparations to make sure that PC release of the most wanted game in the world will be as sweet as possible.

Welcome to the New and Improved Rockstar Games Social Club.

You may notice a few changes around the house today - just a few elements redesigned to create a smoother user experience. Rest assured that all the original features you liked are still here - just a tad easier to reach now.

You can now access the Grand Theft Auto IV and Midnight Club Los Angeles areas through the Games section, available on the top navigation menu. Our News section has also been revamped and given a dedicated area, allowing for more in-depth coverage when called for.

Stay tuned for much more to come over the next few months - including unique community features like the Social Club Friends system and the Message Wall. More on that to be announced soon. Keep checking back for all the latest and greatest updates to the Social Club and make sure to stop by Social Club TV when it launches on December 2nd.

Exclusive PC Gamer Review

UK based magazine PC GAMER has reviewed GTA IV and it has received a score of 92% and been awarded their 'Must Buy' badge. The game looks great and the keyboard and mouse combination is effortless to use. Make sure to pick up a copy in your nearest shop.

Keyboard and Mouse feels effortless to drive with, there seems no issues with this combo in general (mouse obviously being brilliant to aim with).

Wall hugging bugs from console has made it to PC - When up against certain walls or cars you still sometimes can’t always peak around to shoot which causes some frustration to the player.

Bizarre decision has been made regarding multiplayer - You need to log into Rockstar’s Social club AND Windows Live to be be able to log into the game online.

Game looks amazing with a Dual Core and a 8800 card. It did have some major framerate wobbles, “nothing fatal though” insists the reviewer.

Source: gtaforums.com

The Lost And Damned

Looks like all the waiting and speculations for Xbox 360 owners are finally over as the very first installment of DLC has finally arrived.

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that the eagerly anticipated first episode of downloadable content, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, will be coming to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system via Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. Available exclusively on Xbox LIVE worldwide on February 17th 2009, The Lost and Damned will feature all new content and is the first of two episodes announced for Grand Theft Auto IV on Xbox 360.

Developed by Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, The Lost and Damned features a new main character and plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV; new missions that offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles; and a diverse soundtrack with additional music - all with the incredible production values that are the trademarks of Grand Theft Auto.

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned requires players to have the full version of Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE membership to download.

Dan Houser, vice president of creative development for Rockstar Games, gave some inside information about the main character in the upcoming episode.

Johnny is a very different character than Niko, with a very different background. I can't go into too much detail on the story, because we try not to give away too much plot before the game is released. But I can say that the story will show you a different side of Liberty City.

Source: rockstargames.com/IV, usatoday.com