14 DAY TRIAL // Rockstar and Microsoft have partnered up to offer Grand Theft Auto IV through the Games on Demand service, which is part of the Games for Windows Live Marketplace. The game costs just 29.99 dollars but it is not clear whether this is a limited time offer or whether this will be the standard price of the Games on Demand version of GTA IV.
The PC version of the Rockstar hit offers quite a few enhancements over the version released on the Xbox 360 from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 from Sony. There is support for full multiplayer matches featuring 32 gamers and a new video editor tool has been included, allowing players to get in-game footage and then quickly edit it to their liking and upload it to the Rockstar Social Site.
As is always the case with PC ports of titles initially launched on consoles, there are also more customization options linked to the graphics, including better resolutions, and to the music that can be listened to in game, via the Independence FM station, which allows for custom soundtracks.
Those who plan on getting GTA IV through Games on Demand should be warned that the download is quite big and that a good solid connection is required. The game also needs Internet access to log into the Games for Windows Live service and to the Rockstar Social Club. The downloadable version also includes SecuROM protection.
Since its release, GTA IV has received two expansion packs from Rockstar, The Lost & Damned, and The Ballad of Gay Tony, which were initially exclusive for the Xbox 360. Starting with March 31, all the content can also be obtained for the PC, unfortunately, only by buying a disk at retail. It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft will offer the game at a reduced price, as it has done with Batman: Arkham Asylum.