By Daniel Grant 
The Grand Theft Auto series has always been known for its immersive gameplay and attention to detail. Among the entries in the franchise, GTA 4 stands out for its realism and engaging features. As we look forward to GTA 6, it’s essential to reflect on what made GTA 4 special and how those elements could enhance the upcoming game. Here, we discuss 20 features from GTA 4 that should make a comeback in GTA 6. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
One of the most immersive aspects of GTA 4 was the realistic engine sounds. In GTA 4, the engine continues to run even when you step out of the car, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. This feature allows players to feel more connected to the game world. In contrast, GTA 5 has a less immersive engine sound mechanic where the engine turns off when exiting the vehicle. GTA 6 should definitely bring back this element for a more realistic feel.
2. Interior Audio System
In GTA 4, when you exited a vehicle with the radio playing, you could still hear the music from inside the car. This detail added a layer of realism that many players appreciated. It reflects real-life scenarios where music can still be heard from a car even when you are outside. The inclusion of this feature in GTA 6 would enhance the immersive experience.
3. Advanced Driving Physics
The driving physics in GTA 4 were often praised for their realism. Players could feel the weight of the vehicles, and the game accurately simulated acceleration, braking, and turning. In contrast, many players found the cars in GTA 5 to be too light and less realistic. Balancing the driving physics between both games in GTA 6 would create a more authentic driving experience.
4. Realistic Vehicle Damage
Vehicle damage in GTA 4 was much more pronounced and realistic than in GTA 5. A significant crash would result in visible damage to the car, affecting its performance. In GTA 5, cars often look intact even after serious collisions. For GTA 6, incorporating a more realistic damage model would enhance the game’s realism and player immersion
5. Accessible Hospitals
GTA 4 allowed players to enter hospitals, offering a unique exploration opportunity. Players could interact with the environment and experience the game world more fully. In contrast, GTA 5 has limited access to interiors, including hospitals. Expanding access to various buildings, including hospitals, in GTA 6 would add depth to the gameplay.
6. Police Computer Access
In GTA 4, players could access police computers while in a police vehicle, allowing them to check criminal records and track suspects. This feature added a tactical element to the game that was missing in GTA 5. Including this feature in GTA 6 would provide players with more options for gameplay and strategy.
7. Food Vendors and Restaurants
GTA 4 featured various food vendors and restaurants where players could interact and eat to enhance their character’s health. This level of interaction with the environment was limited in GTA 5. Reintroducing food vendors and restaurants in GTA 6 would enrich the game’s world and provide players with more activities to engage in.
8. Toll Booths
In GTA 4, players had to pay tolls when crossing certain bridges, adding a layer of realism to the game. This feature was absent in GTA 5, where players could freely drive without any such interactions. Bringing back toll booths in GTA 6 would enhance realism, especially in a game that may feature multiple cities.
9. Disarming Enemies
GTA 4 allowed players to shoot weapons out of the hands of enemies, providing a strategic option in combat. This feature added depth to the gameplay, allowing for less lethal approaches in confrontations. GTA 5 lacked this mechanic, and its return in GTA 6 would provide players with more variety in combat scenarios.
10. Object Interactions
In GTA 4, players could pick up and throw random objects, adding an element of fun and creativity to the gameplay. This feature allowed players to interact with the environment in various ways. Incorporating similar mechanics in GTA 6 would encourage exploration and creativity within the game world.
11. Realistic NPC Interactions
GTA 4 had a more immersive NPC interaction system. Players could engage with NPCs in meaningful ways, including humorous dialogue and unexpected reactions. While GTA 5 improved on character models and animations, the depth of NPC interactions could be enhanced in GTA 6 by incorporating elements from GTA 4.
12. Parkour Mechanics
The parkour mechanics in GTA 4 allowed players to grab ledges and navigate the environment fluidly. Although GTA 5 improved climbing mechanics, the grabbing ledge feature was not present. Reintroducing this mechanic in GTA 6 would enhance exploration opportunities and make navigating the game world more dynamic.
13. Cyber Cafes
GTA 4 featured cyber cafes where players could access the internet, reflecting the era’s culture. In GTA 5, mobile phones replaced this feature, eliminating the need for such locations. Including cyber cafes in GTA 6 would provide players with nostalgic gameplay elements and a chance to explore a different aspect of the game world.
14. Email Response Options
In GTA 4, players had options to respond to emails with different tones, affecting the game’s narrative. This feature added depth to character interactions and allowed players to shape their story. GTA 5 simplified this interaction, and reintroducing varied response options in GTA 6 would enrich storytelling.
15. Random Police Checkpoints
GTA 4 included random police checkpoints where players could be stopped for checks. This feature added a layer of realism to the game, mirroring real-life scenarios. Including similar checkpoints in GTA 6 would enhance the game’s realism and unpredictability.
16. Homeless NPC Interactions
In GTA 4, players could give money to homeless NPCs, adding a layer of moral choice to the game. This interaction provided a sense of community within the game’s world. Reintroducing this feature in GTA 6 would deepen the player’s connection to the game world and its inhabitants.
17. Realistic Weather Effects
GTA 4 had dynamic weather effects that impacted gameplay, including rain that affected driving and visibility. While GTA 5 improved graphics, the weather effects could be more immersive. Enhancing weather dynamics in GTA 6 would create a more realistic and engaging environment.
18. Character Customization
GTA 4 offered various customization options for characters, allowing players to express themselves. GTA 5 expanded on this but could benefit from the depth of customization found in GTA 4. Bringing back more personalization options in GTA 6 would cater to players’ creativity.
19. Unique Side Missions
GTA 4 included unique side missions that were often humorous and engaging. These missions provided a break from the main storyline and added variety to gameplay. GTA 5 had side missions but could benefit from the quirky and entertaining side missions found in GTA 4. Including such missions in GTA 6 would enhance the overall experience.
20. Enhanced AI Behavior
The AI behavior in GTA 4 was more reactive and engaging than in GTA 5. NPCs had more varied reactions and interactions with the player, creating a more immersive world. Improving AI behavior in GTA 6 would make the game world feel more alive and responsive.
In conclusion, as we anticipate the release of GTA 6, it’s crucial to remember the features that made GTA 4 a standout title. By incorporating these elements, Rockstar can create an even more immersive and engaging experience for players. The return of these features would not only honor the legacy of GTA 4 but also enhance the gameplay of the upcoming installment.
Why were these features from GTA 4 so popular?
These features added depth, realism, and variety to the gameplay, enhancing the overall immersion and player experience.
How could these features be implemented in GTA 6?
Rockstar could use advanced technology and design techniques to recreate these features while adapting them to modern gaming standards.
Are there any challenges in bringing back these features?
Technical limitations, gameplay balancing, and maintaining consistency with the overall game’s direction could be potential challenges.