Grand Theft Auto 6is still ten months away, and it would make perfect sense for Rockstar to release something in the interim, like aGrand Theft Auto 4remaster. Recently, people noticed that the PlayStation 4 was listed as a platform forGTA 4onRockstar’s support website, and although that information has since been taken down, aGTA 4remaster seems more likely than ever. Rockstar remasteredRed Dead Redemptionin the same fashion for PS4, Switch, and PC, so why notGrand Theft Auto 4?
Currently, the only modern platforms you can playGTA 4on are the Xbox Series X|S (thebest platform to prepare forGTA 6) and the PC. It would be great for PlayStation fans to experience this incredible 2008 classic again, but there is one thing I’m concerned about for a potential remaster. As someone who spent over450 hours 100% completing everyGTAandRed Dead Redemptiongame, I’d be crushed if Rockstarremoved the incredibleGTA 4multiplayerin this new remaster, just like they did forRed Dead Redemption.
Cops ‘N’ Crooks Was The Best
While not as groundbreaking as the multiplayer forRed Dead Redemption,GTA 4’smultiplayer was stellar in its own right. You had your standard game modes to play, like deathmatch, races, destruction derby, and co-op missions, which were all fun. However,one mode stands out above the rest:Cops ‘n’ Crooks.
The Crooks had to reach a specific destination with the Boss intact, while the Cops tried to stop them. It was an exceptionally fun experience, leading to largely chaotic gameplay withGTA 4’smore loose physics.It’s a shame it never returned inGTA 5, and Cops ‘n’ Crooks was actually planned for the game at one point before ultimately being scrapped. Without the multiplayer,GTA 4would still be a great game, but online modes like Cops ‘n’ Crooks are what secure the title’s status as one of thebest games on the Xbox 360and PlayStation 3.
A Huge Omission
While including the online multiplayer in aGrand Theft Auto 4remaster would be the right move, Rockstar’s recentRed Dead Redemptionport makes the odds look slim. The PS4, Switch, and PC versions ofRed Dead Redemptioncompletely removed the online multiplayer. Asthe predecessor toGTA Online, this was a huge part of the game, allowing players could ride around the entire game map with others.
Red Dead Redemption’s multiplayer was groundbreaking for the time, and it’s still only available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Taking advantage of the Xbox Series X backward compatibility remains the best option for the originalRed Dead Redemption, as you get the 4K resolution along with the online multiplayer, and I feel likeGTA 4might end up the same way if the multiplayer is cut in a remaster. Every platform should be able to enjoyGrand Theft Auto 4’smultiplayer, but based on Rockstar’s recent track record, I fear for the worst.
