At least that was the perception I gained when I used to read their site – I haven’t looked at a game review on IGN for some time.

I’d put much more weight in a review from a fan site like this than any one of the commercial ones, and IGN is pretty middling on any list.

For what it’s worth I’m 6 hours into it on my 360 (probably going to pick it up for PS3 for multiplayer soon) and have only had one problem. Playing QUB3D I entered the tutorial and when I tried to back out of it to get to the main game I was stuck with only start button working, I could get into the main GTAIV menu but not out of QUB3D until I loaded my last save. I went back to the club to try QUB3D again after and went straight into the game without a problem though.

Driv3r was one example of shady exclusive reviews, however when games get relativity the same marks from non-exclusive reviewers then I don’t see the problem.

The link to the blog site complaining about it sounds like a bitter writer that is upset he didn’t get the same chance as an established relatively respected site. That article even stated he would throw the wishes of the developers out the window just to avoid getting beat to the punch in a review. Not the best way to get up higher of the list for reviews.

Some exclusive reviews are based off personal relationships with writers and developers/publishers. Or completely fair non-spoiler review history. Doesn’t have to be guaranteed results.

You don’t want to spend 100m on development only to have someones first impression be from a second rate blogger who spends most of the time complaining about something.

Besides, today’s gaming scene you can’t base your buying decision on one review.

What if Rockstar chose IGN because they are arguably the most respected? Rockstar would benefit from getting a high rating from them. Early review status would make sure the IGN article was read first. It benefits both parties equally.

IGN giving such a high rating could also sway the other sites like Kotaku, Gamespot, 1up, Gamespy, Gamepro to go all out and give it a 10. They may have been on the fence about 9.5 – 10. Seeing one of the big boys go 10 makes them doing it much easier.

There is no conspiracy!

I honestly believe GTA IV is so much more “Next Gen” than anything else, that it deserves all of the praise. This is why I spent $2000 on an HDTV, $900 my game systems, and $1000′s more on Audio.

No game will ever be perfect. The overall experience is what is graded and the consensus is GTA IV is one of the greatest games of all time. I hope all of you get your copy and are blown away!