Visually, the first 'GTA' game on the new generation of consoles also lives up to its billing. The weather effects in particular are rather impressive — whether it is the way in which the clattering rain transforms the streets into something cold and noire, or the way in which the late afternoon sun can give the park a strangely peaceful feel.

"Peaceful" is not, however, a word that you'll find yourself using to describe the events and possibilities open to you. "Violent", "lustful", and "immoral" are all words that will come to mind sooner or later.

Of course, it is possible to play through the game without indulging in too much gratuitous violence and other immoral behaviour, but only with care. The possibility and temptation to do otherwise is just too prevalent.

One of the great things about the game is how the combination of day-night cycles and choice of radio stations can introduce a random element into the experience. For example, it can happen completely by chance that a soulful jazz track is playing in your car, while the lightning crashes outside, all just as you are speeding away from a particularly bloody crime scene with the cops on your trail.

Though above standard, some of the game's cut scenes do let things down a bit. The character Roman in particular feels a bit flat. But then again, with the production values as high as they are, it almost feels as if this B-rated overacting is a necessary part of keeping things light.

Put another way, by reverting to some stock characters the game might be making the rather harsh and dark world of crime a bit more accessible. And in this, as in its central gun-and-run-and-drive gameplay, 'GTA IV' isn't really taking any risks or doing that much that is pushing the boundaries.

Thankfully though, in just about every other aspect Rock Star has taken 'GTA' as far as, and beyond, what fans would have been hoping for.

From the glistening streets of Liberty City in the evening after some rain, to wild car chases that send water faucets spewing fountains high into the air, to things like playing pool with Michel, or getting drunk and stumbling around embarrassingly, 'GTA IV' really does offer one of the most engaging game worlds yet created.

Above all though, it is the passion and care with which this world has been constructed that makes 'GTA IV' stand out head-and-shoulders above just about anything else out there.

So, unless something like 'Oblivion II' falls from the sky, chances are we have our game of the year.