10 Things to do before the release of Grand Theft Auto IV
By Gaetano Prestia
To say that XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 owner's have been waiting impatiently for GTA IV to hit shelves would probably be the understatement of the decade. Not only is GTA IV the most anticipated game of the year, but maybe even of all time. You've all read the previews, watched the trailers and heard the rumours, but now, with 14 days until its release, a sense of excitement and hype has filled online gaming forums and public circles around the world.
With the game set to hit shelves in Australia on Tuesday, April 29th, there's so much time until we can all sit down on our lounge chairs and bask in the glory that is a virtual NYC and gasp at the realistic experience that is the Euphoria Motion Engine.
So, what exactly do you do in that short, yet arm-nawingly long time? Well, there's plenty you can do, starting with:
14 Days Remaining
Playing and finishing Saint's Row
Saint's Row from THQ and exclusively on the XBOX 360 was a great sandbox, mission based title that looked great and played rather well. Many other free-roaming titles have failed to live up to the quality that GTA has set over the years, but no one game has come as close as Saint's Row. It did so well, both critically and commercially, that Saint's Row 2 is due out later this year on both XBOX 360 and Playstation 3. The original is worth checking out if you have a 360 and haven't already done so, and should tide you over if you're looking for a good, current-generation GTA-esque title.
12 Days Remaining
Host a Live/PSN Party
Both XBOX Live and Playstation Network offer exceptional online gaming experiences, and if there was any way to prepare for the online carnage that will be GTA IV's multiplayer, then it's with some online matches. Whether it's COD4, Halo 3 or UT3, online matches with friends pass the time quickly.
10 Days Remaining
Be a forum whore on MyPS3 and My360 (without spamming, of course!)
There's nothing better (except for GTA IV) then a nice, healthy, flamming inducing, ban influencing debate on the MyPS3 and My360 forums. You can post a hell of a lot without spamming, as long as your posts are influential to the discussion at hand and have some genuine insight. Honestly, is there a better online community on the WWW?
9 Days Remaining
Take your dog for a walk/get some outside exercise
Long gaming sessions don't do much for your posture and/or health. Especially when your consuming large amounts of caffeine and sugar. We suggest going outside for some exercise and taking in some fresh air...because you won't see daylight for at least a month after GTA IV is released.
8 Days Remaining
Play Grand Theft Auto III - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
We know there is a lot to get through, but GTAIII through to GTA:SA are the games that put the franchise where it is today, and that's high on the pedestal. You can pick up the trilogy for both XBOX and PS2 in stores and on eBay for reasonable prices and if there is any one of the three you haven't finished/completed, now is the time!
6 Days Remaining
Make a video montage of all current GTA IV footage
There isn't much (or any, for that matter) actual gameplay footage of GTA IV but there are plenty of trailers to keep you pleased. In the mean time to add a little more excitement you can download all of the available trailers and make your own mock-trailer for your own enjoyment. The GTA IV trailers up until now have all been very cinematic, mimicking current-day blockbuster movie trailers, so put your editing skills to the test and create your own!
5 Days Remaining
Watch Scarface
If ever there was a movie that resembled the basic aspects of a GTA storyline, it would be Scarface with Al Pacino. A thoroughly enjoyable rags-to-riches story about a Cuban refugee who leads a Cocaine revolution in a booming Miami. If Scarface doesn't get you in the mood for GTA IV, nothing will.
3 Days Remaining
Stock up on snacks and soft drink
The launch of GTA IV will bring body neglect and malnutrition to an all new high around the world. Why not fuel that with plenty of sugar-filled snacks that will keep you going through the long GTA IV sessions.
2 Days Remaining
Disconnect your phone and organise a trip for your parents/wife/husband/partner/children
You're going to need time alone. Period. Disconnect the phone to avoid nagging calls from relatives and in-laws and send the kids/partner/parents (or all) packing.
1 Day Remaining
Set-up camp outside your closest game retailer or where ever your have a pre-order/s
We know there are some die-hards out there who are preying for a midnight release. For those of you who won't get one in your area, invest in a sleeping bag, pack a toothbrush, beer and PSP/DS and set up shop outside a store. No time can be wasted! Go...NOW! (or when there is 1 day remaining. Whatever tickles your fancy).
Launch Day
Play until your thumbs are sore, your throat is red, your eyes are bleeding and your limbs are void of any blood circulation.
As above.
14/04/2008
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