Sizing up 'Grand Theft Auto IV' and 'Gran Turismo 5 Prologue'

"Grand Theft Auto IV"

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Genre: Action

Publisher: Rockstar Games

ESRB Rating: M, for Mature

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Maybe you've heard, but there's this game called "Grand Theft Auto IV'' that just came out. Really, you hadn't heard? Well, I hope that excursion to Siberia was worth it.

Honestly, what more needs to be said than, "Hey, the new 'GTA' is out. We've got to play it!" That's really all you need. But if you are in need of more convincing, I'll give it a shot.

First off, the story alone is worthy of cinematic genius. You play as Niko, an illegal immigrant (sorry, Lou Dobbs) with a skill for killing and not much else. Not that you need any further skills, because your touch with the steering wheel and the trigger of a gun are your best friends by far in "GTA4." The characters are compelling and well-defined. Everyone has a purpose, and a life that seems completely honest and real.

Next you have the game play, and while not much has changed since the previous editions, it still feels fresh. Niko can highjack cars, fire off a few RPGs and still have time to kick it with the ladies after a long day's work of being a citywide force to be reckoned with. The controls handle decently, though driving is still a chore because of the traffic and somewhat poor handling of the vehicles.

Finally, there is Liberty City itself. It's massive. And not just massive in that "Oooh, so cool to drive around" kind of way. No, Liberty City is a thriving metropolis, with great visuals (given its scope) and lots of interactions. It has bars, bowling alleys, eateries, clothing shops and tons more to keep you entertained even when not fulfilling mission requests.

When it comes down to it, there is just no reason for gamers to avoid playing "GTA4." It ranks among the most impressive franchises in gaming history along with "Halo'' and "Mario.'' To miss out on it would be to do a disservice to your console, your TV and your life. OK, maybe that's a bit much, but it's one heck of a game and you would be a fool not to play it.

"Gran Turismo 5 Prologue"

Platform: PlayStation 3

Genre: Racing

Publisher: Sony

ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone

Grade: 4 stars

My co-worker and fellow gamer, Paul, is huge on cars. Loves them in ways I normally think would be unhealthy considering the depth and reach of his knowledge on the subject. He races cars on tracks on weekends and he's always talking about tweaks he's made to his rides and comparing car specs with others around us.

For him, "Gran Turismo 5'' is certainly a standard-bearer for racing games. But while he awaits the full release of the game next year, his appetite must, for now, be satisfied with "Prologue,'' Sony's scaled-down version. It certainly lacks the depth of the full "GT" releases of the past, but since this is the PS3 debut for the popular franchise, most fans probably will not be able to avoid it.

There are only six courses to race on, so that's an instant limitation -- also considering that one of them was in the demo that was released with the PS3 originally. There are also much fewer cars to choose from, and beyond that, the inability to make custom changes to the cars will leave you feel shorted.

But if racing in stunning hi-def is what you were looking for, then "Prologue'' will satisfy. The franchise has always pushed the limits of photo-realistic environments, and this is no exception. The in-cockpit viewpoint is also amazing, and definitely the closest yet to feeling like you're in the car.

Paul and other racing fanatics will only pine longer for the full "GT5" release, but for now they should be spelled as "Prologue" is a worthy layover.

(E-mail Chris Campbell at game_on_games(at)mac.com)