How to Play Grand Theft Auto IV

You played San Andreas, Vice City and every previous Grand Theft Auto game and you rocked them all. That will help, but nothing can fully prepare you for the experience that is Grand Theft Auto IV. Having trouble making it in the new Liberty City? Here's a few survival tips.

Instructions

1. Watch for the white sedan. Cops always drive the same cars and they will hunt you down like a dog. The best way to avoid them is by keeping your nose clean, but that's not always possible. Try not to mug random people and keep your weapons hidden in public. Getting busted costs you your weapons and some of your hard-earned cash. The cops chase you longer and harder than they ever have, and this time, they're coordinated. Watch yourself!

2. Brake sooner than you're used to. Driving in GTA IV is much more realistic than it's ever been. Cars don't stop on a dime, not even good cars like the Banshee or the Blista. Get used to stopping ahead of time and remember to use the hand brake for extra-hard stops.

3. Use the brake to corner. This helped before, but is practically essential now. Most cars, particularly the ones you start out with (like Roman's junker cab) have a terrible turning radius. Using the brake when cornering will make your life a lot easier.

4. Drive carefully! Colliding head on with a solid object at high speed WILL propel Niko through the windshield of the car! If you're low on health after a gunfight, this could cost you a trip to the hospital! Careful driving also keeps the cops away.

5. Remember where the hot dog vendors are. Food restores your health in GTA IV, so if you're finding yourself in some bodily trouble, find the nearest hot dog vendor or restaurant! Restaurants are marked on your map.

6. Use the waypoint system. The map now includes a waypoint system that gives you GPS (global positioning system) directions to your destination via the minimap. This tool is invaluable throughout the game, but particularly so if you're learning a new area or have a lousy time with street names.

7. Check your map. While the in-game map is helpful, the paper map you got with the game provides you with the subway routes and street names of every street in the game. Yes, the streets are actually named! Learning your way around is easier than ever now!