What is the American Dream? More specifically, what is your American Dream? Posing that question to a million people would likely net you a million unique answers, as the term (and the theory itself) means something different to everyone. Do you want a big house and a flashy car, or would a comfortable job and meaningful relationship do the trick? For some, just surviving on the mean streets while trying to keep their nose clean is enough. The very nature of the American Dream is the central theme in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV, a gaming masterpiece that is a picture-perfect snapshot of the underworld of today's big cities. This is not only the finest title of the generation thus far, it is one of the best games of all-time.

Like E.L. Doctorow's "Ragtime," GTA IV presents a number of characters that are all chasing that elusive dream, be it finding true love, building a successful business, or just staying one step ahead of the competition. While the game looks like a fairly run-of-the-mill crime drama at first glance, it won't take long for it to get under your skin and stick with you even while you're not playing. You'll quickly come to realize that the nuanced storytelling and presentation is on par with the finest films by directors like Martin Scorcese or Francis Ford Coppola, both of whom know a thing or two about the criminal element of society and their American Dreams. Although it may not change the minds of non-gamers (we're looking at you, Mr. Ebert), GTA4 should be labeled Exhibit A in the "Games as Art" debate.


Grand Theft Auto IV tells the epic tale of one Niko Bellic, an illegal immigrant from an unnamed Eastern European country who arrives in Liberty City to join his cousin Roman. Things are rocky from the very start, as it's immediately obvious to Niko that his cousin has been less than truthful about his current lot in life. Still, our hero has no doubt that things in Liberty City are better than back home, where he's wanted by some shady characters for reasons known only to him. The story is more engaging and entertaining than any other in the franchise's storied history, mainly because it's impossible not to like Niko.

While the heroes of the previous games in the GTA series were basically hitmen and thugs (well, aside from San Andreas star CJ), Niko is more of a product of his environment than a straight-up sociopath. As you get to know him through the impressively directed cut-scenes and listen to the banter between him and the people he comes in contact with, it quickly becomes obvious that Niko is actually a pretty stand-up guy. Sure, he kills people for money and aids drug dealers, but he still comes across as a lovable shlub that doesn't have a way out of the life he's living. Besides, as Niko himself says during a conversation, it's not like he really knows how to do anything else.


The reason the game works so well is largely due to the fact that the writing is downright excellent, from the dialogue to the story to the expertly crafted cast of characters. Niko's character arc is so compelling that this is one of those rare games that is almost as fun to sit and watch as it is to play. The game is also loaded with quiet moments that help to flesh out the characters and unveil their motivations and histories. It's not a stretch to say that, were this a film, some of the "performances" would be Oscar-worthy. Yes, we're aware that the characters aren't real people, but they are still better actors than many of the people in the yearly crop of summer blockbusters.