Grand Theft Auto 4 is set to be released next week and game analysts are suggesting that it is not only the biggest release of the year but also the game that could really push on the sales of the next generation consoles. Unless the game is a disappointment which with all the buzz and early information seems unlikely it could potentially be the one of the biggest next generation games yet easily. Rarely before have stores stopped taking pre-orders as early as two weeks ago because they had fully allocated all of their stock.

The Grand Theft Auto series has always been popular and also very controversial. The first game encountered all kinds of problems with the BBFC and all the games since have also suffered from problems with getting a rating for the game. The games however are always stylish and usually good fun.

Rockstar have released Grand Theft Auto 1 and 2 for free on the website linked below so users can relieve the original Grand Theft Auto experience before diving into the new GTA (if you can get a copy).

Grand Theft Auto as a series has sold 70million copies of the game since 1997 which places it in the top 5 selling video games of all time. This means that the publicity may not be as intense as some of the newer Wii products because Rockstar know that this game will sell and gain hype just via the name alone.

The game has been set back various times and information was scarce about the latest installment for a while but now videos and trailers can be seen everywhere and it is save to say that early reviews are suggesting this game will be massive and by far the best installment yet with it being the first one to feature online facilities.

Some of the best features have been the voice acting such as Ray Liotta and Samuel L Jackson and whilst details are still scarce about the acting it is known that comedian Ricky Gervais will play a part in the game at a comedian in one of the clubs your character can visit. This time round you don't play a 70s character or Hood Gangsta but a middle eastern character in once again Liberty City.

It has certainly created a lot of buzz for Rockstar and got video game fans excited and we shall see next week if the hype is justified.

The game is released next week and we shall have a full review once it is out.