Previews are previews and videos are great, but reviews are the final decisions and in the case of Grand Theft Auto IV, whether it's worth the hype or not.

The list below is updated as often as possible, with release of the game we won't be posting reviews from every single website.

IGN

"Grand Theft Auto III was a revolutionary title, one that inspired a whole new generation of 3D action games. Grand Theft Auto IV is just as big a leap forward, though perhaps in subtler ways, and sets a new benchmark for open-world games. Everything in GTA IV works in harmony. The story would be nothing without the city; the city gains realism from the physics engine; the physics compliment the improved AI; the AI would make no sense without the new cover system. And on and on. There is no one major weak aspect.

A "10" is not a score we give out very often. In fact, the last time we gave a 10 to a console game was Soul Calibur in 1999. A 10 doesn't mean a game is perfect -- it means a game is pushing boundaries, expanding a genre, and doing many things to a level so far above and beyond its competitors that they overshadows any flaws. Certainly, GTA IV has some issues, the most noticeable being the occasional flaw in the cover system, but there are many more pieces of GTA IV that are better than anything I've seen from a game in the past decade. We don't give 10s often -- just to games that merit the score."

- IGN

Electronic Gaming Monthly

EGM's June 08 magazine will have among other things, a review of GTA IV. Here's there thoughts:

Good: World, relationships, story
Bad: Some missions canned, control takes getting used to.
PS3 or 360 version: 360 for DLC, PS3 version looks slightly more vibrant and sharp.

PlayStation World Magazine

Another review, another 10/10 rating for GTA IV.

Jeux Vidéo Magazine (France)

• The other characters will be very natural.
• Graphics aren't amazing, but they are very good (some flutters)
• General atmosphere of this game is excellent (production, noises, etc.)
• Multi-player is very good, but cooperation is medium.
• The content (size of the town, vehicles, weapons, minigames, etc) is rich and various.
• The gameplay is not so easy at the beginning.

- Source

PSM3 (France)

PSM3 France called Grand Theft Auto IV the "best game ever made."

Official Xbox Magazine (US)

Not much is known from the review so far, except some details:

"They awarded the game 9.5 out of 10 for its "wonderful environment", "deep multiplayer" and for offering over 90 missions in single player. They say that multiplayer includes a 'Party Mode' where you're free to switch among gametypes with friends without having the game disconnect or split players up.

They say that you'll also be able to progress through eleven different ranks online and that it's possible to call the other team using the game cell phone during multiplayer. The only problem which the magazine feels the game has is that it has too many "filler missions" which don't develop the story at all."

- GTAGaming

Games Aktuell

* Graphics: 9/10
The gigantic size of the city makes you forget the few graphical imperfections of the game.

* Multiplayer: 9/10
Great concept and innovative integration with the single-player mode.

* Gameplay: 10/10
We can't score it 11/10...

* Conclusion
GTA4 is by far the best action game ever created.

Official Playstation Magazine (UK)

A few of the specific details from the OPM UK Review:

• One of the reasons Niko goes to Liberty City is to track down the man who betrayed his old army unit.
• Hidden Packages and Stunt Jumps are back
• Cars no longer catch fire at the slightest provocation.

Official Xbox Magazine (UK)

• Amazingly realistic world.
• Stunning action set pieces.
• Genuinely engrossing storyline.
• Hugely entertaining multiplayer.
• Vast in every respect.