Grand Theft...of all my free time

Well there have been about a billion game critics reviewing the game Grant Theft Auto IV already and the reviews range from very high praise to all-out worship. Most critics have been unable to compare the game to other games, choosing instead to reference the brilliance of CITIZEN KANE or the feeling of first seeing THE GODFATHER.

For my two cents I would offer this: the reason I have found GTA4 to be so wonderful is that it is a completely adult experience. It has to be. Playing in virtual worlds like this at least in these early years of virtual life, have to be escapist. Killing and stealing with impunity, or at least without really hurting anyone or yourself is the ultimate escapism experience. This shrugging off of responsibility even extends to the ability to dodge phone calls and blow off social responsibility, a brilliant inclusion in the game.

This game is not for kids, and it doesn't have to be. A creation like this game which took 1,000 people and 100 million dollars should not then have restrictions placed on it to make it safe for all ages. But the feeling of that much talent and resources going into an entertainment experience which I can access for 50 bucks is unreal. Literally.