**Why *Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition* Is the 2nd Best GTA Game Ever, Why Niko Bellic Is Rockstar’s Best Character, and Why It Needs to Be on GOG**
*Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition* stands as one of Rockstar Games’ greatest achievements—second only to *GTA: San Andreas* in scope, storytelling, and emotional depth. What sets GTA IV apart isn’t just the leap to a new generation of graphics and physics, but its maturity. It’s not just about chaos and crime; it’s about consequence, choices, and the immigrant experience through the eyes of *Niko Bellic*—arguably the most human, complex, and tragic protagonist in Rockstar’s entire catalog.
Niko is the heart of the game. A war-scarred Eastern European trying to outrun his past while chasing the American Dream, only to find that it’s just another lie. His dry wit, moral ambiguity, and emotional vulnerability make him stand out in a series often known for satire. He’s not a caricature—he’s real, flawed, and unforgettable. The supporting cast and expansions (*The Lost and Damned* and *The Ballad of Gay Tony*) only deepen Liberty City's dark, layered world.
Technically, GTA IV brought realistic driving physics, the Euphoria animation engine, and a gritty, lived-in version of Liberty City. It’s a game that feels grounded, raw, and cinematic—unlike anything else in the franchise.
It deserves a DRM-free release on **GOG** not only for preservation, but for giving fans a version that isn’t shackled by launcher conflicts, missing music tracks, or broken online services. *Grand Theft Auto IV* is more than nostalgia—it’s a landmark in storytelling, and it needs to be experienced fully, forever.