By Brian Perry

After the fantastic Grand Theft Auto IV, the announcement of downloadable expansions from Rock Star were immediately heralded as a great thing. Now, after both downloadable episodes are completed, they have been compiled together into a single stand alone expansion disk for those who may not have internet access or no longer have access to an original GTA IV disk.

The most important thing to know about Episodes from Liberty City is that if you enjoyed GTA IV, you will definitely enjoy these episodes. Both stories circle around the original GTA IV story, as you take on the roles of characters who cross Niko’s path and shine light on some of the rest of the story.

The first of the episodes, The Lost & Damned, is probably the better of the two if you are coming for the metaphor-laced look at the American dream that the original GTA IV brought to the table. You follow the story of Johnny “The Jew” Klebitz, a hardened biker, criminal, and vice president of the “The Lost” motor club. The episode draws Klebitz through a war with rival bikers, has him participate in a jewel heist, and culminates in a explosive finale that, while slightly unbelievable, will enthuse Rockstar’s fans.

The second episode, The Ballad of Gay Tony, falls shorter, however. It’s story is of Louis Lopez, bodyguard, criminal, and business partner for the titular troubled night club owner Tony Prince. Louis’s story again intersects with both Johnny’s and Niko’s, and his actions will directly effect some of the original game’s plot, filling in the occasional plot hole. However, the story is a more direct tale, dealing less on the satirical overtones that GTA IV thrives on, and instead plays the straight man for the series following Louis’s efforts to dig Tony out of debt to mobsters and maniacs alike. Gay Tony’s one major highlight comes from the over the top character Yusif, a Middle Eastern tycoon man-child with a penchant for military hardware.

My major disappointment with these expansions was the lack of storytelling magic that Rockstar managed to bring to the original. Grand Theft Auto IV was a story about the American dream and an immigrant’s failed attempt at making his way in America. It was a statement about how what we take with us can hold us back from achieving our dreams, and about the cost of revenge on the soul. This was done all the while shining a satirical light on the American culture and how the melting pot society isn’t necessarily mixing as well as we like to think. While The Lost & Damned comes close, neither story manages grab the storytelling threads and weave them into the epic tale that preceded them.

Being a compilation of downloadable content, it’s no surprise that all of the faults of GTA return in Episodes from Liberty City. The vehicles will still control awkwardly and in an exaggerated fashion, and the combat controls feel sluggish and rough. The graphics, while impressive for the scope, will still seem dated with fuzzy textures. The Lost and Damned does stand out for it’s improvements to bike control, however, making the motorcycle driving actually enjoyable.

If you are a diehard GTA IV fan, or merely just an enthusiast for the series, Episodes from Liberty City will be an enjoyable adventure, if somewhat lacking from the larger-scoped original. At it’s discounted price of $40, it definitely is worth the investment. However, if you weren’t happy with the original’s experience, these episodes don’t deviate far enough from that to change your mind.

Score: 7/10