Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition vs Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition is an action-adventure game that takes place in the fictional city of Los Santos and its surrounding areas. Players control three characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. The game features a vast open world, engaging storyline, and various side missions and activities.
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition is an open-world action-adventure game that follows the story of Niko Bellic, a war veteran who comes to the United States in search of a better life. The game features a vast open world, engaging storyline, and improved gameplay mechanics.
- Engaging storyline with complex characters and multiple endings
- Vast open world to explore, complete with a richly detailed environment
- Variety of side missions and activities to engage in
- Stunning graphics and realistic sound effects
- Engaging storyline with well-developed characters
- Improved gameplay mechanics and graphics
- Large and detailed open world to explore
- Variety of multiplayer modes and co-op missions
- Mature themes and content may not be suitable for all players
- Some players may find the game's controls and mechanics to be complex and difficult to master
- Online multiplayer mode can be affected by server issues and lag
- Mature themes and content may not be suitable for all players
- Some players may find the game's satire and social commentary to be off-putting
- Steep system requirements may make the game difficult to run on lower-end hardware
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Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition
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Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition
View all →Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGTA V: Special Edition offers newer graphics, three-protagonist gameplay, and a richer multiplayer experience at a higher price, while GTA IV: Complete Edition is cheaper, available on more platforms, and includes co‑op modes.
Key differences
- •GTA V features three switchable protagonists; GTA IV has a single protagonist (Niko Bellic).
- •Multiplayer: GTA V includes online missions with friends; GTA IV offers both PvP and co‑op modes.
- •Platform reach: GTA V is limited to PS3 and Xbox 360; GTA IV adds PC support.
- •Price: GTA V MSRP $59.99 vs. GTA IV MSRP $29.99.
- •Critical reception: GTA IV scores 98/100, slightly higher than GTA V's 96/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Three unique characters and varied side activities give GTA V broader gameplay variety.
Platform availability
GTA IV runs on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, while GTA V is limited to consoles.
Price & value
GTA IV costs $29.99, half the MSRP of GTA V's $59.99.
Multiplayer / co‑op
GTA V's online multiplayer lets friends complete missions together; GTA IV offers PvP and co‑op but less integrated.
Content & replayability
GTA V's multiple endings, extensive side missions, and achievements boost replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
GTA IV's single-protagonist focus and simpler mechanics are generally easier for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
GTA V boasts newer graphics and realistic sound effects, noted as a standout feature.
Choose Grand Theft Auto V: Special Edition if…
Buyers wanting the latest visuals, three‑character story, and robust online play.
Choose Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition if…
Buyers seeking lower cost, PC availability, or co‑op missions.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
GTA IV: Complete Edition MSRP is $29.99; GTA V: Special Edition MSRP is $59.99.
Can I play on a PC?
Only GTA IV: Complete Edition lists PC (Microsoft Windows) as a platform.
Which title has better multiplayer options?
GTA V offers online multiplayer missions with friends, while GTA IV provides PvP and co‑op modes.