Xbox Exclusive: GTAIV DLC News

[StrainedEyes]

http://kotaku.com/5093975/gtaiv-dlc-announced-lost-and-damned-out-in-feb-09


A USA Today report is the setting for the announcement of Grand Theft Auto IV's long-awaited piece of downloadable content. Titled "Lost and Damned", the DLC will be available on February 17, and will leave Niko's story behind (though he will make a few cameo appearances) to follow the exploits of Johnny Klebitz, a member of the Lost biker gang that the game's radio channels liked to talk about so much. Rockstar's Dan Houser:


Johnny is a very different character than Niko, with a very different background. I can't go into too much detail on the story, because we try not to give away too much plot before the game is released. But I can say that the story will show you a different side of Liberty City.
The USA Today report also says the expansion will "let you download more sandbox time", Houser elaborating "We feel like we've only scratched the surface in terms of the depth and detail in [Liberty City]".


http://kotaku.com/5094332/first-screens-of-gtaivs-lost--damned-dlc

Rockstar Games Announces its First Episode of Downloadable Content for Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned

New York, NY – November 20, 2008 – Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that the eagerly anticipated first episode of downloadable content, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, will be coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system via Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network. Available exclusively on Xbox LIVE worldwide on February 17, 2009, The Lost and Damned will feature all new content and is the first of two episodes announced for Grand Theft Auto IV on Xbox 360.

“Making these episodes has enabled us to expand the narrative and the experience of interacting with a game world in really innovative ways,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We hope fans of the game enjoy the new way of experiencing life in Liberty City contained in this first episode.”

Since its launch in April, Grand Theft Auto IV has garnered unprecedented praise and acclaim worldwide. Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, The Lost and Damned features a new main character and plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV; new missions that offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles; and a diverse soundtrack with additional music – all with the incredible production values that are the trademarks of Grand Theft Auto.

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned requires players to have the full version of Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE membership to download. Further details, including pricing, will be announced soon. For more information, please visit www.rockstargames.com/IV.



Another shot can be found here, you can sort of make out the characters face.
http://www.eurogamer.pt/gallery.php?game_id=6125&article_id=310249#anchor

 

[StrainedEyes]

Let us celebrate our exclusive goodness. This is only one of the 2 episodes we are going to get! t:

 

[ProjectPat2280]

Well its good to finally get some news, i thought this wasnt gonna make it out until late 09.

Im a bit confused tho, is it gonna add more to Liberty City or just this new narrative? What about once wev finished this story? Will we be able to free roam with Johnny?

Its cool to see we are gonna get new music, vehicles and weapons, but i kinda wish they woulda stuck with Niko, ah well, im sure this will be interesting.

 

[Addendum]

I like the idea that it's another character instead of Niko. I just hope they haven't put more hidden packages in the DLC.

I also wonder about free-roaming after it's done. Maybe we could choose whom to free-roam with

 

[StrainedEyes]

I like the idea that it's another character instead of Niko. I just hope they haven't put more hidden packages in the DLC.

I also wonder about free-roaming after it's done. Maybe we could choose whom to free-roam with

I'm trying to think of a realistic way to switch between characters. Maybe the new guy would be added to Niko's phone, and you call to set up a meeting or something, and you switch once the meetings over.

Or maybe a bar gets marked on your map, and you go and there are overlapping cinemas where Niko and the biker cross paths, and you switch afterwards and can go about your business.

Something like that. Who knows. Rockstar is smart I'm sure it will all make sense.

 

[DIRECTOR]

i want the PS3 to get this

 

[hippie_hunter]

Let us celebrate our exclusive goodness. This is only one of the 2 episodes we are going to get! t:

I have a feeling that like the Grand Theft Auto III series, that this DLC is only timed exclusive. Sony paid big bucks for timed exclusiveness in the days of the PS2 and I wouldn't be surprised to see the same thing here.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

It's about damn time that some news came out about DLC.

 

[ProjectPat2280]

I have a feeling that like the Grand Theft Auto III series, that this DLC is only timed exclusive. Sony paid big bucks for timed exclusiveness in the days of the PS2 and I wouldn't be surprised to see the same thing here.

Possibly, but 50 million is a lot to pay for a timed exclusive.

 

[StrainedEyes]

The trailer for the DLC! t:

[YT]mkGSttRwAVk[/YT]

 

[StrainedEyes]

Also, here are 2 scenes from GTAIV which feature the main character from the dlc.

[YT]6QYXrz8WNoM[/YT]

 

[Dom]

a diverse soundtrack with additional music http://www.eurogamer.pt/gallery.php?game_id=6125&article_id=310249#anchor

I'd rather have a custom soundtrack feature.

 

[jdlynch1]

You kinda have a custom soundtrack, you can play music while in the game from an Ipod or from your computer. Just set up a playlist and play away.

 

[Dom]

Does that work the same as when you pull up the blade and select music from your 360's HDD?

 

[jdlynch1]

Yeah, use the media connect thing with windows media player and you can play music from your computer on your xbox. You can still hear the sound effects from the game, so it doesn't ruin the gameplay.

 

[Dom]

I'm a little wary of that, actually. My 360 worked fine until a few days after I started doing that (I would play music while on Halo 3 multi) and then it RRODed. Probably coincidence, but I'd rather not find out.

 

[Addendum]

I've done that with my mp3 player and 360. The only thing that annoyed me was that the music kept playing even when I left the car or fell off a motorcycle.

I just wonder what the price will be. 15 bucks (1200 points) or so?

 

[Fading]

I'm kinda mixed on this. I wasn't going to be able to play it anyway as I don't have a 360 (and even if I did, I wouldn't want to buy another copy of GTA4 just for DLC). However I was hoping they'd tie up Niko's story, he had a lot left open.

At the same time starting a new character does sound like fun. However the DLC content won't add up to a full game length, so you may not get as much out of this character as you did with Niko.

Not trying to ruin the moment, good for those of you getting it. I guess I was just expecting something else. Of course this could mean Niko's story was left open on purpose, maybe for a sequal, expansion pack deal that will appear on both systems.

A side note, it could also be because of the dual ending. They might be introducing a new character so they don't have to write a story that doesn't mess with either of Niko's endings.

 

[StrainedEyes]

I'm kinda mixed on this. I wasn't going to be able to play it anyway as I don't have a 360 (and even if I did, I wouldn't want to buy another copy of GTA4 just for DLC). However I was hoping they'd tie up Niko's story, he had a lot left open.

At the same time starting a new character does sound like fun. However the DLC content won't add up to a full game length, so you may not get as much out of this character as you did with Niko.

Not trying to ruin the moment, good for those of you getting it. I guess I was just expecting something else. Of course this could mean Niko's story was left open on purpose, maybe for a sequal, expansion pack deal that will appear on both systems.

A side note, it could also be because of the dual ending. They might be introducing a new character so they don't have to write a story that doesn't mess with either of Niko's endings.

The episode was said to be 15 hours of content. No, that's not a full GTA game, but that's longer then most games now-a-days. There will be plenty of story. Plus, for all we know both of the exclusive episodes could follow this new character which would give a 30 hour story to this new guy.

 

[ProjectPat2280]

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/947/947252p1.html

New "Lost and Damned" Hands On!

L&D stars Johnny Klebitz (aka Johnny the Jew), Vice President of a motorcycle gang, The Lost. Since Billy, the president of the gang, has been in rehab, Johnny's been running things. However, when Billy returns, a power struggle ensues. Billy enjoys random acts of violence and selling dope; Johnny thinks there are better ways for the gang to be successful. It seems that, inevitably, these two are going to clash. However, in the three missions I played, the two were still struggling to stay friendly.

The thought of playing a dozen hours of GTA IV with a focus on bikes had me a little worried before picking up the controller. However, Rockstar made a number of fixes for L&D that should dissipate any frustrations. You really have to work hard to get knocked off your bike. In fact, it took me plowing head-first into a fence to finally get thrown. Bikes are easier to control overall, but even if you bump cars, nudge walls, or slam against the occasional light post, you will most likely stay on your seat.

With bikes as a focus on L&D, you'll see more on the streets as you're driving around. A few new vehicles have been added to GTA IV's roster, none more important than Johnny's customized ride. This special bike is Johnny's and Johnny's alone. You won't find others riding it on the street. Don't worry about riding safely to avoid nicking the paint; you can call Clay for a replacement anytime you destroy or lose your ride.

While the gameplay in L&D sees no drastic changes, there is a different feel to Johnny's story. Niko was a lonely guy, fresh off the boat, trying to get his bearings in the big city. Johnny's been in Liberty City a long time. He has friends, established hang-outs. He doesn't have a funny accent or any of Niko's naiveté. In the three missions I played, I was never alone. There was always at least one other biker along with me for the ride. This is a gang, after all.

Though there is conflict between Johnny and Billy, there's also a war raging between The Lost and the Angels of Death. In "Action/Reaction" Billy demands retribution for an earlier transgression by the Angels of Death. He leads the gang, with Johnny in tow, to one of the AoD's hangouts. As with GTA IV, you're going to have to drive yourself to the objective. However, Rockstar is attempting to spice this up a bit. At various times throughout the ride, you'll see the Lost & Damned logo appear on the ground. If you position Johnny inside the logo for a few seconds, the gang rides in perfect formation, with your reward being some additional dialogue.

Theres more at IGN.

 

[Addendum]

Just read the article. They answered my question about switching between Niko and Johnny. Reminds me of Half-Life for PC, where you still have to load up Half-Life but in the main menu, you select what map set to use

 

[chaseter]

Depends on how much it is if it will be worth it.

 

[ProjectPat2280]

depends on how much it is if it will be worth it.

$20.

 

[Addendum]

So 1600 points. I still got enough

 

[Cunning Stunts]

I don't know the extent of the truth of these statements, but I've been hearing rumors that the military (including the tanks and apache choppers) will be making a return with the DLC.

I hope so, but at the same time, that'll make life hell online if some little griefing kid gets ahold of the apache.