Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.
Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
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Xbox 360
MSRP:
$19.99 (Xbox Live Download, 1600 Microsoft Points)
$39.99 (Episodes From Liberty City retail disc, includes The Lost And Damned)
ESRB Rating: Mature
All Ballad of Gay Tony Content
Videos | Previews | Screenshot Galleries | News Stories
What kind of game is it?
It's a standalone expansion to Grand Theft Auto IV
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<span class='tooltip2 PS3'><div class='tooltip-name'><a href="http://g4tv.com/games/ps3/35421/grand-theft-auto-iv/index/" title="Grand+Theft+Auto+IV">Grand Theft Auto IV</a></div><hr /><span class='tooltip-column'><ul>
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<span class='tooltip2 PC'><div class='tooltip-name'><a href="http://g4tv.com/games/pc/53099/grand-theft-auto-iv/index/" title="Grand+Theft+Auto+IV">Grand Theft Auto IV</a></div><hr /><span class='tooltip-column'><ul>
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, much like its predecessor expansion The Lost and Damned
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. Many view the GTA series as the epitome of open-world game design, with rich characterization and 3D action that varies between shooting and exploration. It is also possible to steal cars, and then drive them.
Who's the Developer?
The bio on Rockstar Games is worth an entire feature story by itself, but we'll be brief: the New York City-based company was founded in 1998 by a group of developerse, most notable of which are the brothers Dan and Sam Houser. Their three marquee game franchises are Grand Theft Auto, Midnight Club, and Max Payne, while other offerings include Red Dead Revolver/Redemption, The Warriors, Manhunt, and State of Emergency. Besieged by the mainstream media for the "Hot Coffee" incident, Rockstar Games is no stranger to controversy. (You may now hand me the award for "Understatement of the Year.")
What's the story?
"Gay Tony" Prince is the owner and proprietor of Liberty City's finest nightclubs, but on his way to the top of the social pecking order, he made enemies and incurred massive debt. As his bodyguard Luis Lopez, you're in charge of keeping Gay Tony safe and profitable. Explosions, mayhem and death ensue. It's Grand Theft Auto, whaddya want? Expect to see references to GTA IV and its first expansion The Lost and Damned.
What's Episodes From Liberty City?
It's a retail disc that features both The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. It doesn't require the original Grand Theft Auto IV in order to play it, but unfortunately for PS3 owners and PC gamers, it's still exclusive to the Xbox 360.
What'd we say?
Sterling McGarvey reviewed The Ballad of Gay Tony and gave it a score of 5/5:
"Ultimately, the credits genuinely encapsulate the fifty-odd hours I’ve invested in Grand Theft Auto IV over the past 18 months, and I’m confident that fans will feel the same way. Life goes on for these characters -- even if we’re not going to see new tales from the city -- and it’s a rewardingly upbeat celebration of the time you’ve invested in the world. The Ballad of Gay Tony serves as a great send-off for the Liberty City story arc, and provides good structure for Rockstar North’s next foray into the Grand Theft Auto universe."
See it in action:
Comments
Displaying 1–17 of 17
SiK
Weres the Review?!?!
silentnard
When is playstation getting the add on content for GTA IV
ConDAWG
For all of you people like me who like Gta games check out apb.com its going to be a mmo and its alot like gta = D!
DPsx7 ShowHide(5 Replies)
For that much money I wouldn't buy half a game,it's too much for a little expansion. Let the 360 kiddies keep it. PS3 has more than enough FULL games to keep me occupied.
SmarterThanYou
@ DPsx7
Is someone sad that their one-time Sony exclusive isn't coming to their PS3rick anytime soon? Call the whambulance.
nebrad
Don't quote me on this, but I'd always held that the GTA series was developed in Scotland by Rockstar North, rather than the parent company in New York.
Krypton
To the PS3 Fanboys:
The 2 GTA stories games never left the Playstation console. It eliminated both PC & Xbox users and til this day, those 2 games have stayed Playstation exclusives. These 2 DLC episodes will remain on the X360 just as those 2 stories did on the PS.
rbee90
rbee90's comment is abusive and has been removed.
RRODisBack
RRODisBack's comment is abusive and has been removed.
BONERJAM
I cant wait. I already read reviews on Kotaku and IGN and both were very good. I hope its on XBL before I leave for work tomorrow so I can start playing right when I get home.
rbee90
hmmmm..tis game needs more LOVE FIST!! YEAHHHHH!!!!
sealab10
I'll pass on this one im not a big fan ill just wait till the next GTA somes out.
FaroDemon
wow.......this looks like a good game.........
why don't you understand that gamers are 99.5% guys......straight guys. so anything with the name gay......is not going to be bought. you guys are the stupidest people in the gaming industry.
OMG_WTF_BBQ
@FaroDemon
Your an idiot for not knowing that it will say Grand theft Auto before it. Not just something that has GAY! written in big rainbow letters. Your probably just a whiny PS3 fanboy.
lucidity
A 91 from metacritic, looks great sitting next to Forza's 92.
SgtPepper09
Cant wait to buy it. Gay Tony will be the perfect way to end the game's DLC. Skydiving anyone?
pixelpushr
Really looking forward to this one! Kind of sad that this is the last episode though. I feel like there was still so much more they could have done with Liberty City.
Displaying 1–17 of 17
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