The Deepest GTA Character Ever Developed

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Is there any other underrated, deep GTA character? And are they better than Niko? CORRECTION: 10:03 The flag is in fact the Serbian flag. I for some reason flipped the colors in my head but the order is correct

[@Lufefe]

If the main criteria is being “deep”, then there’s not too many. You’d have to look to the Red Dead Redemption series for anything near Niko. This is the first time R* delved into a truly tragic character/story, probably since Vic Vance, but there wasn’t as much depth as there was with Niko Bellic. The Lost & Damned tried to get close (it’s almost a speed run of Red Dead 1 & 2), but unfortunately, it was too short, so we didn’t get enough of Johnny Klebitz, to compete with Niko either in terms of depth. But Klebitz & Vance are definitely special mentions for sure.

[@xxJoeDog93xx]

I think after Niko Bellic probably the next morally ambiguous most complicated character there is in the GTA games would probably be Victor Vance in Vice City Stories because he's generally an upstanding citizen he starts the game off as a member of the National Guard and he's kind of thrown into a life of crime and forced to become a worst person by the end of the story

[@alkhoaja]

Maybe Victor Vance? From Vice City Stories.

[@gunnation3497]

Actually CJ...somehow most people the depth of a character growth he experienced during SA...

[@alkhoaja]

@@gunnation3497 I mean his mother got killed, soo.

[@neilhannan5112]

War is where the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other -Niko Bellic

[@pyroAdapt]

This is one of my favorite quotes in all of fictional media and I often quote it when I'm talking with people about current wars or when I'm trying to talk someone out of joining the military lmao.

[@vercettinguyen9063]

I was very young. And very angry. - Niko Bellic.

[@yak-machining]

That's my quote

[@IvanCuklin]

Dumb quote used by softies

[@dark_hood7]

@@vercettinguyen9063 maybe that is no excuse,... Roman? ROMAN!

[@BoshPage]

As someone that grew up in Serbia and spent half my life in North America , I can't begin to explain how this game makes me feel. It's not often Serbians get our own protagonist, let alone in a game made by Rockstar... and GTA IV is one of the best. Niko was such a raw and authentic character, someone who experienced first-hand the horrors that took place in Eastern Europe during the 90's and never at any point took a political side when talking about it, because deep down he knew damn well it was all BS. Great vid, man. Tutto bene!

[@edindjc8735]

Fellow Montenegrin chiming in. Agree to all the points. I was 9 when GTA IV hit shelves and was mind blown that the protagonist was Serbian. I love the length Rockstar went to portray this disillusioned man who has seen the horrors of the Yugo wars. It hit close to home because growing up I’d hear all sorts of stories from my family and friends, sometimes people who fought in the war. And like you said Niko never took a side, the horrors of the war were objective to him. There was no right, only wrong. The little language inclusions, butchered as they may be, did so much to immerse me. I’m sure anyone who played GTA IV would enjoy the story and come to love Niko as a protagonist but man for us Balkan people getting to play as one of our own and being able to relate to him because we knew what background he was coming from was nothing short of amazing.

[@charles_the_conqueror]

Niko put Serbia on the map before Nikola jokic 😂👌🏾

[@ManuR-l4m]

As a german who grew up with kids from yugoslavian families who fled here during the 90s i was really hyped for this protagonist. As teens we first were a bit disappointed by this very serious guy. But as we took our time for a deep dive into Nikos whole story we were just in awe. Now as an adult Niko is for me one of the best if not the very best written character in a video game. At his core he is a good man. But he got thrown into a horrible world. Many of his actions are really bad, those of his past may be irredeemable. But he doesnt want this anymore. His ultimate goal is to get out of this. He isnt a completely lost soul like many of the other criminals we see in this story. They want this, they dropped all conscience and embraced the demons who devour them. Nikos redeeming selfless quality is his ability to listen to other people, to care for them and to take action by helping them defeating their demons. He didnt stop caring and that takes alot of strength because he faces the consequences of his actions and doesnt ignore them. The wild thing is that compared to the other GTA protagonists Niko did the worst things as a stupid young man. But for me he is the best person among them for a reason. The completely ignorant and sadistic villains Claude and Tommy are the kind of irredeemable criminals i mentioned before. Michael is an arrogant piece of sh*t. A bad, failing father and he only really cares for himself. Trevor is completely lost to his demons. And Franklin also only cares for himself and also does crime and murder for money without a second thought. CJ at least cares for his family and that he failed them in the past. But murdering innocent construction workers and even bury one of them in concrete without hesitation is really f*cked up. Niko on the other hand doesnt go after innocent people. He questions all of this, wants out of it and most importantly: He cares for other people. Niko is an absolutely amazing anti-hero who can teach a young guy who pays attention to the cutscenes some life lesseons. 10/10.

[@charles_the_conqueror]

@@ManuR-l4m I’m black and polish so going from CJ to Niko felt somewhat familiar 😂

[@dread9030]

At the time, people were saying that GTA 4 was taking itself too seriously and they preferred the antics and wackiness of Saints Row. That's why when they made GTA 5, they went waaaay overboard with the silliness. Story wise and style wise, 4 is better than 5. I feel it in my bones when Niko says, "You ruined me, you fuck!" Liberty City is also more Iconic than the empty hills outside Los Santos.

[@gangsterbroccoli]

such an emotional line for sure and it’s so bitter because he obviously doesn’t care about what suffering he has caused

[@Rachit8070-zv3of]

@@gangsterbroccoli He doesn't even care about living or dying as well so surely a person who doesn't care whether he is killed or not, can't understand the suffering he causes to people but he might not understand that he is causing suffering to people but he understands that what he is doing ain't right for sure because he himself say in 'that special someone' to Roman that killing is the only thing open to him, he is nothing good at acknowledging that he is just a killer and knowing that he ain't right. In one of the Derrick mission he also acknowledges that He robbing the good hardworking people of America of their money. None of the other GTA protagonist are like this and their will no GTA protagonist like this.

[@XpertGreekGamer]

Our SA fanboism blinded us too much, judging IV for what it isn't rather than what it is. That childish mindset has been left in the past. (by most of us anyway) Johnny being killed in V felt like the biggest spit in the face of everything IV achieved. Clearly R* was done creating that sort of groundness, until they weren't again and created their other masterpiece, RDR2. If we're lucky (which looks like we are) R*, like the kids who play GTA Online, are craving an experience like what came before and after V. Which is not some revolutionary news after 12 years of experiencing the same game, but I'm at least happy that they're willing to admit how mid it actually is. In comparison to other companies it may as well be a masterpiece but for R*...eeeh I'm just glad VI will follow in RDR2s footsteps. It remains to be seen how good it may be, gameplay, map, physics and AI i think may be a guaranteed W but the writing is the only thing that has me worried after so much talent left. Only time will tell

[@TDUShelby]

What annoyed me was that all the shade people threw at GTA4 was seen as remarkable in Red Dead Redemption, only a few years later. Don't get me wrong, GTA4's tone is different to the other entries in the series, but the entire game was Rockstar capturing lightning in a bottle twice. GTA3 showed the world what games could finally do. GTA4, likewise, was a demonstration of what the next generation could achieve. We threw it all away for visual fidelity, rather than tiny interactions and subtle details. The irony being, RDR2 was praised for that exact thing, while having both. GTA4 was beaten so RDR could run free. I'm overjoyed that people have been coming around to see what Rockstar was trying to do 16 friggin' years ago.

[@Rachit8070-zv3of]

@@TDUShelby Almost every R* game is better game with them becoming better and better of themselves GTA IV was a monstrous release of R* in 2008 many problems and factors overshadowed it's huge potential and that why it couldn't achieved the heights that it could. Even same with RDR1 and RDR2 they almost everything you can expect a game can have. but GTA V had easily been compatible to even weakest PC which was not case with GTA IV and RDR2 and sadly RDR1 doesn't even have a PC version till date this all are reasons that GTA V has shadowed every single game in whole R* games series.

[@broski8911]

"So this... is what the dream feels like, this is the victory that we longed for" - Niko Bellic

[@keynation1712]

I can't believe some people believe Niko is poorly written

[@RealMakarov]

ppl will say anything

[@a6pukoc113]

Yes, they're correct.

[@saber2802]

@@a6pukoc113 how

[@TheRandomLetsplays]

@@a6pukoc113 Put more effort into your bait next time.

[@a6pukoc113]

@@TheRandomLetsplays It's called having different opinion.

[@immaric9]

One thing Rockstar did really well when they conceived Niko as a character is they really got the balkan personality right. Nikos outlook on life, general pessimism and dark humor is something you will often find in that part of the world. As somemone with roots from the balkans Niko spoke to me so much as a character because i have seen his story (or some version of it) so many times in real life. I dont know if Rockstar were just lucky to get it this right but i dont think they were because the way Niko is just a darkely poetic person and the way he speaks as someone from the balkans is just too good to be lucky (despite the terrible serbian pronunciations from the actors)

[@XpertGreekGamer]

Definitely not lucky since they do their research, it's a major part of what Niko clicked so much with so many. It'd be BEYOND foolish to have his character not resembling the place where he grew up in and the circumstances surrounding him...sometimes i like to think that he'll have a cameo in Vice City. A tavern or smth where he's just happy, but i mostly wanna see if they'd butcher his character like how they did it with Johnny in V (literally)

[@СерафимТоманов]

And suprisingly Rokstar did a great job at portraying russians and all slav, not just balkans. They speak like humans most of the time (sometimes pronunciation is off but very rarely) and don't sound like americans who try to speak russian or serbian for the first time.

[@immaric9]

@@СерафимТоманов gotta disagree on the pronunciaton. At least the Serbian. It is genuinenly suprising how bad it is considering the funds they have and research they do that the couldn’t get som sort of language coach in. I have to pay attention to actually get What they are saying. Anyway its an overall Small flaw in mu opinion

[@BoshPage]

@@immaric9 To be fair, the game was marketed mostly to English speaking audiences. What would you say is the percentage of Serbian speakign players in the world? It was most likely negligible to them and not worth the extra effort to bring an actual linguist in. Al da su im smesni naglasci, tu nemam argument. Ajde Roman mozda i ima smisla jer je lik u Americi 10 godina i ne prica ni sa kim srpski, ali naseg Nikolu su posrali xD

[@greysoul8109]

The story/character are mostly an homage to eastern european gangster films. Rockstar definitely studied their subject and had some solid points of reference

[@dlbutters7164]

Yep, playing as Niko when i was a teenager, observing the way he treats his family and friends, it actually tought me to be more mature and to avoid the people "full of crap" in my life.

[@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity]

I still feel sorry for Roman though… all the times people have pressed decline, and all Roman wanted to do was go bowling, or play darts… 😔

[@thirdhandlv4231]

The problem with that is that you decide who is full of shit and who isn't just like Dutch in red dead 2 decided that Arthur was full of shit and Micah wasn't.

[@dlbutters7164]

@@thirdhandlv4231 Nah, i've learned how to read people's intentions just by looking straight into their eyes while they talk to me, their actions etc... It's simple, but very effective.

[@thirdhandlv4231]

@@dlbutters7164 Right...

[@ivanbro1208]

@@dlbutters7164i do that too

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Fun story, Michael Hunter, the composer for GTA4, his theme tune for GTA4 was praised by John freaking _Williams_ on his blog. Imagine waking up to finding out John Williams thinks you write a mean title drop.

[@the_sam_strong]

"We want things because we think they could make us happy. But there's a void in us that can never be filled" ~Niko Bellic to Kate McReary

[@pyroAdapt]

One detail i noticed about niko that i always found amusing is how every time he is offered a drink in cut scenes he never takes even a sip. The only time he does is when Faustins wife gives him a cup of tea. But in every other instance he just ignores it, almost sips from it but puts it down or just declines it all together.

[@gangsterbroccoli]

I wonder why exactly

[@RealMakarov]

@@gangsterbroccoli In my country, when ppl wanna talk serious business they go to a fancy restaurant and order lots of dishes but only takes a few bite and trashes the rest. I can understand why they would do it

[@BoshPage]

It's weird, but drinking is almost a specific branch of socializing in Balkan culture. I think that's why he has no problems getting shit-faced with his friends or Cousin, but will refuse to drink with people he doesn't truly like or respect.

[@andreivanatoru2549]

There is only one cutscene where he accepts - at the strip club in Alderney in the mission "One last thing" with Pegorino. I think the reason Rockstar made Niko like this (not accepting alcohol) is the same reason they made CJ not accepting drugs. They kinda want to make these protagonist an example for us. Remember, it's our choice as players to do bad things in free roam (kill, steal cars etc).

[@renatolaranja52]

The reason he isnt drinking in cutscenes is because he's a professional focused on the job.

[@FlymanMS]

The good thing about GTA4, while it has its whacky moments and crazy GTA stuff, it takes itself serious enough for us to care. Even in the whackiest of DLCs, TBOGT, we care about Luis and his boss/friend. GTA 5 doesn't take anything seriously and can't commit even once, so there's no motivation for us to care about the characters that much.

[@AlphaGarg]

GTA V also has too many characters. Each protagonist's roster of side characters could have an entire game devoted to them. Like, how much do we know about Ron? Quite a lot, but most of it is from Online, or entirely optional hangouts, or worse yet, mission fail alternate dialogue. *Most characters in V are like this*. They just straight up don't get the time to be fleshed out.

[@manualofalternativemusic]

Oh guys I didn’t know you had that opinion on TBOGT ); I know it’s a little shinier than gta iv story and TLaD, but I think it fits the storyline perfectly with the other two stories and characters 😅 I mean, it’s got some funny moments in it, even some unexpected characters like Luis’ mama, but if you think about the main story line in TBOGT it’s actually pretty dark. It’s the story of a businessman in LC whose drug addiction and bad habits made him contract debts with the mob, surrounding himself with slick people that don’t care about him, and pretend to be his friends - and he tries to fulfill his existence with these people and drugs. Luis is actually in a pretty tough spot, having to clean up a lot of mess around him. I really like it (: anyway, hope you guys try to have another look at the game hehe. Cheers

[@theShoop]

I think you're wrong about GTA V, - while the tone is a lot more light-hearted, than GTA IV, it was essential for the city, where game takes place, AND, there are still moments, when some characters'' depth start shining through. For example, Michael is clearly a psychopathic individual looking to prove to himself that he is still capable of something due to his midlife crisis. He thinks that his family doesn't appreciate him, but in reality they just see him for who he is, - a narcissistic jerk, a tyrant and a criminal, who never cared for anyone in the first place. Such details are not handed out to the player and can only be revealed gradually. Some information can only be found in certain optional dialogues and notes, like how Michael was first to cheat on Amanda and how he is in open relationship with her (but was pissed, because she broke their agreement and had an affair with tennis coach in their house). I see a lot of comments about how Trevor is just crazy and uninteresting, but I disagree also. He's in fact the most interesting character of all, since he's actually a caring and loyal friend but, due to no exposure to proper human connections, he has absolutely no idea how to behave himself in the right form. He was outraged by Michael's staged death, because everyone close to him betrayed and abused him: his parents in particular. There are implications of him being verbally and sexually abused constantly in his childhood and that's what drove him insane. His actions perfectly reflect how he was shaped into something that broke him, - he belittles and strictly controls Ron and Wade simply because he is afraid of them leaving him. As he himself said: he has horrible "abandonment issues". If I'm not mistaken, there's even a dialogue of him crying, saying that he's afraid of the world, himself and his thoughts and his craziness is way to cope with his issues. This comment is long enough already, but I actually like how GTA V treated it's characters. It's similar to The Sopranos in a way (Michael is no doubt based on Tony), in which humourous tone is mixed with serious messages and they work together well. I think, it's just that GTA Online fogged people's minds and they simply forgot (or were not attentive enough) how well the main game storyline was done

[@theShoop]

I forgot to add that, sure, GTA IV is more "conventionally" mature, because it involves the themes of war, PTSD and how tragic criminal life is, which are all considered thought-provoking, GTA V is still mature enough for the messages it conveys. I've met people like Michael, Trevor and Franklin and these characters are more relatable for masses, than a war veteran and an immigrant.

[@AlphaGarg]

​@@theShoop Interesting points. I think OP is still correct in his assessment, and that you should replay V if you haven't in a while (perhaps with what I said in my reply in mind). Most of what you say is pretty much speculation or conjecture based on one or two lines of dialogue here and there. If you take the story at face value, what it presents you and wants you to pay attention to, there's.. really not much there. There's a reason so many people disagree on Trevor and Michael's characterisations. Trevor to some is actually a good person because he's loyal (even though he starts off his section by killing off his local biker friends), and that Michael is a worse person because he betrayed Trevor and Brad (even though Trevor said he wanted to kill Brad himself at some point + Michael wanted to protect his family). While others believe Trevor is a completely worthless person for how he treats the few people close to him, and that Michael is actually a good guy of sorts. You can probably tell which side I lean more towards, though I do think Michael is still a bad person, just not worse than Trevor. Meanwhile, with IV, there's.. pretty much none of that. The closest you get is people questioning Dimitri's personal motivations and why exactly he betrayed Niko. Everything else is just so clearly laid out and with just as much if not more depth than what you described. It helps that the three characters' stories are given way more time and individual focus to develop their roster and plots compared to V's tangled mess, as I mentioned in my first reply. So I'd also recommend replaying IV if you haven't in a while, might help you see what we mean.

[@FidelIsaacVargas]

Can't believe Max Payne made a great video about GTA 4 and made it so great. Congrats, Payne!

[@FlymanMS]

It's actually Pax Mayne, a license free version of the character.

[@alkhoaja]

@@FlymanMSmaximum pain.

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Can't believe we got Max Payne reviewing GTA 4 before GTA 6 even comes out...

[@FlymanMS]

@@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS imagine if that was also a collab with GTA 6 Lucia voice actor.

[@disgruntled4627]

@@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS Max! It's Pathos bro, I got a job for you lined up down in Sao Paolo.

[@Realacide]

You didn’t touch on it in the video, but if you go onto the in game email site Niko actually has an ongoing email conversation with his mother that reveals more back story on his life before going to LC. Offers more insight as to why he is the way he is.

[@davidfraga191]

thank you for allowing you knoledge to be passed of the secrets of the internet ingta whild place

[@Robocop_1987]

Excellent work on the video man , listening to Niko's words at the end of the video with theme OST playing right after gave me goosebumps . Niko is and always will be the best character Rockstar has ever made .

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Same for me. Loved editing that part. Him and Arthur Morgan will always have a special place in my heart

[@amazanta1605]

The theme always gave me a sense of dread idk why well made vid btw

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Yeah its one of the hardest GTA themes. The orchestra goes heavy when playing this bad boy

[@amazanta1605]

@@ObviousMalcolm_PLUSdefinitely

[@makavelithadon1224]

Honestly being niko is depressing, hes so alone

[@party4lifedude]

One of the biggest advantages Niko Bellic had over the GTA 5 protagonists was that he wasn't sharing one short game with 2 other protagonists. He is right there 100% of the time instead of 33% of the time. You have a lot more time to connect with and empathize with the character, and serious moments aren't immediately followed up by the game forcing you to switch to another character that is riding a moped in his underwear or harassing homeless people. And all of the side characters in Niko's life were more than just a gimmick or a chore, and they had more of an actual impact on the game. I could say more, but I'm sure other people could put it to words better than I can.

[@saber2802]

that's genuinely one of the biggest issues I had with GTAV, like I honestly couldn't care less about micheal's family situation or whatever else, but was really interested in the gang subplot line with Franklin. Like it honestly feels like a starfield vs cyberpunk comparison, or even a reflection on marvel's writing style from more mature with some funny moments but generally the dark and more impactful moments landed and stayed, vs modern day where it feels like I'm watching American Dad.

[@PursuantMusic87]

Dwayne is a gigachad and playboy x is the screaming wojak for wanting him d34d

[@Entolyfik]

I first played this game the same year it dropped; I was 25. I went in with a "it's another good GTA title" mindset...I was not prepared for the emotions that I would get from watching Niko's story...it's still the same now, only deeper. I hope VI will be close to "getting near Niko's ankles," but...There will never be another GTA IV, or Niko Bellic.

[@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity]

6, and the last couple of GTA games (minus the TBoGT & The Lost & Damned) have felt very shall we say samey samey, whilst feeling different at the same time. 4,5, and seemingly 6’s story are all based around doing a major heist. 4 was Niko doing Liberty City Bank, 5 multiple heists, and 6 is Bonny & Clyde-esc. Whatever happened to just following the train, CJ? 😂

[@Entolyfik]

@@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity "Aww s**t here we go again!" lol! I would agree, they all have that same arc when it comes to the feel, the presence, the structure (mostly), and the format (mostly), but they feel different because of various reasons, from the obvious graphic differences, to the stories, to characters, to every individual's look on their own gameplay experience...I like it! Yeah, I know we're all anticipating how 6 is going to perform...I mean, they took WELL over 10 years to develop it, and put so much emphasis on it that they kept 5 going (through micro....I mean "shark cards," (lol), and DLC's), and almost completely disregarded RDR2's online mode.

[@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity]

@@Entolyfik RDR2 is what gave me insanely high hopes that GTA 6 will have the next level feel. More interactive buildings, more gore, and a huge map. As GTA 5 it’s like a 8 minute drive from bottom to top of the map. Now they’ve got the next gen consoles to pander to, and with how smooth things can run I don’t think GTA 6 will have any problems looking insanely realistic. Even in gameplay.

[@Entolyfik]

@@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity I can see that; RDR2 (i just got on PC a few days ago...mods??) was a milestone in Rockstar's entourage of open-world games. Man, they hit the nail on the head...giving you so many things to do, from the large things like being given an honor level to change Arthur's outcome, to something so small as sitting in a chair and letting the world play out around you...yeah, if they botch 6 up, it's because they forgot their best titles (RDR2, San Andreas, etc.). San Andreas was what changed it all, including a 15 minute drive from top to bottom of the map, and ALL the awesome treats we got like body changes and needing to eat, aspects they brought BACK in RDR2! You know, back then (RDR2 and before), it was all placed on discs, so they were limited (7 Gb. DVD and 20 Gb. Blu-Ray, i think) to how much could be put on it. Now it's digital, they can add as much as they want, which is why games are so big now (110 Gb. for RDR2 on my PC just for the install). These games were HUGE inspirations for me to learn how to make games (Unreal Engine)!

[@Entolyfik]

@@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity Also, about those interactive buildiungs...i can't WAIT for the first game to have ALL buildings fully interactable, FULLY explorable, and MAYBE even FULLY destructible! (I know...I'm reaching a bit...but a guy can dream!)

[@junaidunar9148]

Imagine a DLC on Dwayne's past life, man Rockstar should have done that.

[@nikobellic8002]

Maybe Packie too. And Little Jacob! "one love me breda"

[@andreivanatoru2549]

I have one interesting fact about Niko's family name - Bellic. The word "bellum" means war in latin. In the Balkans where the Roman Empire had lands a lot of words remained in our languages even today. I don't know about former Yugoslavia but in Romania we use the word "inter-belic" to describe the period between WW1 and WW2 (it literally means between-wars). So basically his name is Niko the Warrior. And I think it's intended by Rockstar given his participation in the Yugoslav wars and his whole character as he portrays a constant struggle. I love Niko, my favorite character alongside CJ that is also really deep. Play GTA SA again and pay a lot of attention to him and his anti-drugs attitude.

[@andrewlekhnovskyi]

has a slavic root word "belyi" which means "white"

[@shadedproductions4956]

What makes Niko tragic and deep in my opinion is that he's the most sane, but at the same time, depressed and goal driven. No matter what, Niko keeps living. Whether he wants to or not. He's a criminal, but he keeps pushing forward, and it's inspiring. Obviously the story has to go on because he's the protagonist- but we get to see him actually help people in these "Random event missions". We see him interact with people like a normal person. Niko is a sign that if you're still alive, you can keep pushing on. Niko could be horrible, or he could be on his path to being better. That's just how I feel.

[@oblivionspartan]

I always felt that Niko is the "creature" that killed those kids. Seeing it again, he could just be referring to humanity.

[@miku-rt4dr]

My interpretation of it is he actually saw it, among many other atrocities that happened during very violent Yugoslav conflicts, but he wasn't the one who did it because he "walked into village" meaning he wasn't there when it happened.

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

@@miku-rt4dr Yes this is what I thought. Despite Niko being flawed I don't think he had it in him to cut off the hands & feet of children and line them up, even under orders. I think what he saw made him realise the type of monsters that existed in war, and felt like he was one of them just by being part of it

[@2diefor]

I don't think Niko did it himself, but the people he was forced to work under are who did.

[@akibro113]

Niko is one of the best video game protagonists and GTA 4 even though it isn't much liked by people, it's definetly my favorite GTA game and one of my favorite games ever. The story is emotional, dark but very much real No happy endings, fewer true friends. True crime story.

[@RealMakarov]

Victor had similar vibes but the difference is he walked out of his sorrow

[@NoRestEffect]

Whenever someone asks me what the difference is between GTA 4 and GTA 5 - I normally say, GTA 5 feels more like a Quentin Tarantino film - As GTA 4 feels like a Martin Scorsese film. Or if A24 made a film about the dark world of the drug/human trade. It’s music, even in the pause menu - you feel this.. despair, as i listen; i imagine the horrors Niko has spoke about. I love how GTA 4 was more of a realistic approach to how that world is.

[@DimitriTacoEater]

I love the fact that GTA IV, my favorite game of all time, still gets great content a decade and a half later

[@essanjinho]

Love seeing Portuguese creators man. Especially when the video is deep and well made💪great content and awesome video bro🗣️

[@zakbrown9256]

The crackhead guy says the serenity prayer recovering addicts say at AA/NA/CA meetings! That’s actually an amazing detail! The serenity prayer it’s called 😊 I didn’t notice that before going into recovery! What an excellent detail! 😎 amazing video by the way, consider me subbed 😊

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

@@zakbrown9256 amazingly I saw this exact saying in the Flashpoint Paradox movie as well right after I published it. Its a beautiful saying that can apply to so many aspects of our life. And thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@disgruntled4627]

IV's side characters feel so real, like you'd actually meet them around the NYC area.

[@FlymanMS]

@@disgruntled4627 better not meet Eddie Lowe tho.

[@Vorrimade]

24:15 THAT NPC DIALOGUE WAS SUCH GOOD TIMING LMAOO

[@killerbouquet3220]

My man, this was amazing. Your explanation of Darko and what it means to Niko to spare him actually made me tear up. Not to mention your editing and production quality is excellent. I had to subscribe. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@chocolatemuffin8617]

This game is so underrated. It has so much to offer - the story, the depth, the questions, just like a really good movie that one won't get to see really. Oh, and the main theme that portrays the feeling, the emotions of the main character - literally gold. Great video man, thank you.

[@thiagohenriquepereira1846]

What I can say is that what makes niko unique in comparison to all the other GTA characters is that Niko is a good person doing bad things, he never liked killing people, he only got used to it, but this gradually destroyed him internally. He even says that everything good and innocent in him died in the war. Now if you take a look at other gta characters, you will see that many of them are just cold blooded psychopaths who have some sorta evil in their hearts. I'd say the next gta protagonist who is the closest to niko in this sort of way is vic vance, he did not have ptsd or anything but he was also a protagonist who was serving people but he was also always trying to avoid trouble and doing bad things, yet trouble found him anyway. I know that some people will disagree with me on this and say that CJ is also a good person doing bad things, but the San fierro mission where CJ buries a construction worker alive just for calling his sister a whore says otherwise.

[@BlackSmith6969]

nice video i am actually playing gta 4, you have my heart you are so underated, when will you stream again?

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

I appreciate that. Still dont know when ill stream again but ill try to warn through community posts

[@kyntraz7018]

Gta 4 is my favorite. Thank you for this analysis 💚

[@LuvDesss]

niko is the best gta character in my opinion

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Same thought. Serious but still hilarious in his comebacks

[@ryder5297]

What bout me

[@mikepalmieri4989]

​@ryder5297 nah man I'd buy niko a beer anyday

[@365_Pussycat]

💯

[@idropNukes999]

​@@ryder5297 "ryder! You sherm head"

[@saltycastform2932]

As a combat veteran and now a felon for smuggling I connect with Niko even more now. I loved this game as a kid and it’s a crime that this hasn’t been released

[@OnlyTheFinest125]

This was my outlet. The forbidden fruit. For this game gave me new light in the dark world I lived in. For at the time I was lost. I had not real friends to talk to. And Niko Belic was a man in pain. A man that kept his shit together. Who fought like hell to keep going every day. He was the Soviet Pawn that destroyed his Joy in this world. He killed people, burned people, smuggled people, Sold people. It was the passed that scars him. For how naive he was. And has and forever will haunt him. YET, I looked up to him. For he was a man that never stopped fighting. "Welcome to America" I played this game blind as a kid. Not understanding what was right from wrong. But it was the forbidden fruit that made me love this game so much. And it was this very game that helped me and my brother take our anger out on. Chaos and destruction. So we didn't do it ourselves. I made the wrong decisions in this game. I believed in the wrong people to trust. And in the end on top of being a terrible friend to his family or family that he thinks....You lose your Cousin Roman. A annoying cousin that keeps calling you. Bothering you. A happy man in the city of darkness. It was my decisions of the one thing that Roman didn't understand. Money does NOT give you happiness. But I listened to Roman. Because he was my cousin. A man that I loved hearing. From their conversations. To the love that he kept for his fiance. Through thick and thin. And a man that I knew would double cross me I decided to "be the bigger man for Roman" After the wedding the man that you knew would and DID. You lose your cousin in a drive by. You lose your gf that can't understand. So she leaves you in darkness. And the one man with a HEAVY Jamaican accent. Risks his life with you no matter how bad of a friend you were to him. He understood. He understands why you were such a bad friend. But regardless, He rides with you. And you make sure the man that took everything from your new American dream. To a broken wasteland. But that's the thing..... I learned. ( Music plays in the background) I did the story again. I made the right decisions. I played the game the CORRECT WAY Life....... the Game of LIFE. I learned MONEY does not buy you happiness. It's the people who are in your life. That make it special. And to move on from the pain of the past. Niko Belic saved my life. He took all my anger. And he taught me that the people who are in your life are going through there own battles. There own wars..... He kept me fighting in my war. And showed me TRUE PAIN. Long live Niko Belic. I've had friends like him. And I do once again.

[@jimspock]

This has as much depth as the game itself. Well done!

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

i appreciate that. with the amount of notes i took, this could have been a full hour video ahah.

[@NevermindHDx]

10/10, one of the best video essays I've seen about GTA 4. ❤

[@Ronuk1996]

Niko, Arthur morgan, John Marston, Cole Phillips, Maxpayne, Joel, Kratos are amazing. GTA4 does have some gteat choices one thing i do love in RDR2 is Arthurs Chracter Devlopment changes slowly based on your choices in the open world his chracter motivation really changes. I think taking the choices of GTA4 and the ability to impact the chracter like RDR2 is what GTA6 should Build on.

[@geantbaguette]

That's a lot of work here! Excellent video, well constructed and well developed Keep going ! "Life is complicated"

[@sesad5035]

At 10:07, that's not a Russian flag. It's a Serbian Yugoslavian flag during the Bosnian war.

[@chemicalbrucey157]

"you have to have the serenity to accept the things you can't change, the courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference" Is genuinely profound

[@odalebeckhamjr.3417]

This production value is incredibly good

[@TetsuyukiClips]

On the subject of spare Darko After the convo with Roman, Niko called Florian/Bernie about what happened and what he did. Florian said that "you've won. Niko" and Niko closed the call with calling Florian/Bernie with his new "name". Signaling the new change within Niko. It was beautiful

[@saltsasher1656]

very well made i fw it keep it up

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Ayyy i appreciate the love

[@evilhi4life]

Well done, excellent video bro! Recently started replaying GTA 4 and saw this popped up in my feed. Keep it up!!

[@patrickmarcello5103]

What an amazing video 👌🏻Thank you for making this! GTA4 is the best GTA by far

[@ZenSei03042]

The dramatic piano entrance was gorgeous. Epic🎉

[@dhemereon2915]

Damn good video. Thank you for making it!

[@bachtruongson9408]

"After you walk into a village and you see fifty children, all sitting neatly in a row against the church wall, each with their throats cut and their hands chopped off, you realize that the creature that could do this... doesn’t have a soul" -Niko Bellic, Rigged to Blow

[@ivandjordjevic6025]

this was in response to fautins wife asking him if he worries about his soul, i am pretty sure hes saying HE did that.

[@Snajper4PL]

wow, very nice video!

[@Sage_Orias_YT]

The pause menu theme for GTAIV perfectly matches Nikos actions and mental state toward the end of the game its one of the most haunting pieces of music ive ever heard when paralleled with nikos entire storyline. Then you realize hes burning in hell. Its so painfully tragic. How you want to feel bad for him, but most don't. To an extent, even he cant feel bad for himself. It gives an air of accepting what you cannot accept. All that comes with it.

[@Jo-Wilbe-Dina]

_"We see a man that gives Peace a chance, as Hope, that realizes that Life isn't about Death."_ It's official, Niko Bellic is Kratos reincarnated as a GTA Protagonist. 2 of the most well written protagonists in 2 of the most popular franchises in the gaming industry, just so happens to have 2 similar main characters that aren't even americans with the same backstory, pain, character development, and both are foreigners who sailed the sea to start a new life on a new land only to wind back up in the same lifestyle they try so hard and desperately to avoid.

[@JotaPe_Ap]

Caralho, um BR com esse nível de qualidade, massa! Muito foda esse detalhe do Niko inicialmente não beber no serviço durante o inicio do jogo e no final ele estar pedindo vodka kkkkkk. Parabéns pelo vídeo, GTA também é uma das minhas franquias prediletas, junto com Metal Gear e Mortal Kombat.

[@Tomzit0]

Ver você falando português por um momento agora que descobri seu canal me fez gostar mais ainda do vídeo. Bom saber que tem mais um brasileiro (eu acho. vai que é português europeu) fazendo conteúdo de qualidade

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

@@Tomzit0 é mais português europeu mas estava perto ahah

[@chris.pedroso]

Que vídeo maravilhoso! Descobri teu canal hoje, gostei muito do que tu fez aqui. Me lembrou um pouco os vídeos do NakeyJakey hahah GTA 4 com certeza tem um tom muito mais sério que o 5. Isso não se reflete só na história, mas também na gameplay, sendo o 4 mais realista e o 5 mais "arcade" (vulgo tu conseguir desvirar o teu carro para que ele não exploda). Para mim, GTA 4 + as DLCs tem a melhor história da franquia, não tem como não amar o Niko e os garotos da EFLC. Eu espero que GTA 6 possa ter uma história tão profunda quanto a do 4...

[@Jo-Wilbe-Dina]

I saw someone made a comment before and complained how GTA IV's main goal is simple and it's for Niko to get his revenge on the man who betrayed him and somehow it gets dragged on for countless missions that had nothing to do with it. I don't think they understand Niko at all if all they think about him is a mindless seeker of revenge and going on a rampage killing people in Liberty City and could've done it in a few days, and not someone who also prioritizes his family that he has to take his revenge plan on hold for something more important than vengeance which he still needs to go through a great deal of effort if it means finding Darko, it's the same thing that happened in SA when CJ realized Smoke betrayed him, but he couldn't just get back at him and get his revenge in an instant, it also took him until the final mission to finally meet with the man who he saw as a homie once, and had betrayed him. He who also works to help Roman earn an easier life for the both of them which you see him do in missions as it also progresses the story, and also kills people if he has to and those who deserves it even if he doesn't want to in order to protect those he cares about, and even after looking to have a fresh new beginning, he still winds back up to the life of criminality because of the pesky criminals and horrible people that that surrounds him and plagues the city in which he landed on.

[@Messiisthebest724]

Niko is the most well written GTA Character and shows how much in depth Rockstar put for Niko

[@calincretu335]

Niko has always stuck with me. One of the best characters in Games in general. GTA 4 was and is truly good and a memorable experience

[@deaddenied92]

This game was ahead of its time

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Absolutely. This game being the first in the HD universe... It was revolutionary

[@ralfsfilips4154]

I am not Russian . - Niko Bellic

[@junaidunar9148]

He is Serbian

[@1738-l1j]

​@@junaidunar9148no niko is albanian

[@junaidunar9148]

@@1738-l1j No he Serbian. Events he share in game happend in Serbia in real life, and even when he arrives in liberty city, roman tells him "better than my serbian" he was reffering to the language they speak back in home country.

[@1738-l1j]

@@junaidunar9148 wrong

[@junaidunar9148]

@@1738-l1j Niko is African.

[@cyrusmufc2914]

Well done video

[@Armi1P]

So much epic quotes and conversations from a single game, the story is much better than any movie ever.

[@BKazunori]

Excelente video. Por enquanto GTA 4 ainda é o meu GTA favorito. E eu to jogando gta desde '97 (não que eu tinha idade para jogar)

[@XpertGreekGamer]

The missions being repetitive is smth i forgor 💀 about being a critique of this game, i was too focused on bullying people about their skill issue with driving that i forgor. 💀 I view that similar mission structure as a plus than a negative since it's the best part of any Rockstar game. The shooting and driving are such a massive flex that i don't care about it being the only thing i do most of the time. It's just the core gameplay being some of the most satisfying and brutal thanks to the screaming and ragdolls and just that, no gimmicks, no base managing, just Niko doing what he does best, in the most well built and level designed map and interiors out of any open world game. The DLC is more of that same goodness but with more weapons, features, vehicles and interiors. If it was just similar situations and shooting galleries things would've been different, but there's always difference in scenery, there's never a dull moment which is why i still come back to drive mindlessly, either replaying missions or going on hangouts while also participating in mass violence. GTA IV is basically 3D Hotline Miami to me, which is why my latest video is what it is. (I never get tired of Hotline Miami (and Bloodborne) either, it's my healthy cope adrenaline addiction...if we compare it to my other unhealthy addiction at least, whiskey))

[@pedropierre9594]

GTA 4 story is the best had me walking around the city acting like Niko would

[@UnknownEASTT]

This is what makes this game truly my most favourite game of all time in front of rdr2

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

Yeah its shockingly deep for a GTA game

[@tylersticker]

Niko in gta 4 seemed like we already had 4 games with him, bro already had his character development when we played with him, *his life*

[@ManuR-l4m]

As a german who grew up with kids from yugoslavian families who fled here during the 90s i was really hyped for this protagonist. As teens we first were a bit disappointed by this very serious guy. But as we took our time for a deep dive into Nikos whole story we were just in awe. Now as an adult Niko is for me one of the best if not the very best written character in a video game. At his core he is a good man. But he got thrown into a horrible world. Many of his actions are really bad, those of his past may be irredeemable. But he doesnt want this anymore. His ultimate goal is to get out of this. He isnt a completely lost soul like many of the other criminals we see in this story. They want this, they dropped all conscience and embraced the demons who devour them. Nikos redeeming selfless quality is his ability to listen to other people, to care for them and to take action by helping them defeating their demons. He didnt stop caring and that takes alot of strength because he faces the consequences of his actions and doesnt ignore them. The wild thing is that compared to the other GTA protagonists Niko did the worst things as a stupid young man. But for me he is the best person among them for a reason. The completely ignorant and sadistic villains Claude and Tommy are the kind of irredeemable criminals i mentioned before. Michael is an arrogant piece of sh*t. A bad, failing father and he only really cares for himself. Trevor is completely lost to his demons. And Franklin also only cares for himself and also does crime and murder for money without a second thought. CJ at least cares for his family and that he failed them in the past. But murdering innocent construction workers and even bury one of them in concrete without hesitation is really f*cked up. Niko on the other hand doesnt go after innocent people. He questions all of this, wants out of it and most importantly: He cares for other people. Niko is an absolutely amazing anti-hero who can teach a young guy who pays attention to the cutscenes some life lesseons. 10/10.

[@alzara3425]

I just finished GTA 4, i picked the revenge ending even tho im quite happy with the result but knowing the one that can lead him to a normal life died, i can`t help but to feel a bit empty and a bit sad for Niko ngl

[@aboutsoundandvision]

I see a GTA IV retrospective and analysis and I click, simple

[@averymcgrath7959]

After digging the game out and doing a play through not long ago - my recommended has a tab for it now

[@gunnation3497]

I like that R* gave us a character that we can grow with! Some how this prepared me for real life better than school..

[@ecek4671]

GTA 4 is super specific, many people disliked it for the lack of freedom (like GTA:SA) but it's surely the best one in terms of realism, scenario, characters, journey and also change. The setting although not as colorful as '90 California with rising gang violence is so real in terms of American culture while doing an outstanding job of parodying the whole of it. The depth in certain conversations (I really recommend doing friend activities and listening to those or watching the cut scenes), descriptions and scenarios are mind blowing. Can't wait for a new generation remake.

[@seshmacintosh]

Amazing video!

[@Luka-ty4qr]

This is why I want some sort of continuation/conclusion with Niko's story if Roman dies does he take care of his and Mallorie's child? Disappear? Or if Kate dies does he live a normal life (I know there's a reference in V that he's a cab driver for Roman) I need something that tells me where Niko is now 😂

[@junaidunar9148]

You are not alone in this, i loved Niko bellic then as much as i love him now, he is my most favorite video game character of all time..

[@DialthebarSoap]

9:46 helluva arm you got there kid

[@TonyG8992]

Literally, everything, but I mean EVERYTHING from GTA IV and it’s episodes: The Lost and Damned & The Ballad of Gay Tony, I FREAKIN ADORE! From the characters, missions, radio stations, music, even how the pedestrians react to the whether and the city itself, Liberty City feels so alive than V’s Los Santos. For me, Grand Theft Auto IV was so unique. The only GTA that took a darker turn with its atmosphere and story, and yet, IV was one of the funniest installments of the series. 😂

[@deedeewinchur]

No wonder GTA IV is seen as boring or lame by many. It's too deep. My all time favourite game.

[@neuronkilladnb]

im glad that i played gta 4 later like 2-3 years ago and finished 4-5 times,and i was able to understand the story better,it is the best gta for me and the best story so far.The atmosphere and the city,story characters music.......just perferct

[@Rogue_Wanderer]

It’s not that other GTA protagonists are bad. Although Claude is ironically stilted for a silent protagonist. But Niko is somehow relatable in a way that doesn’t quite make sense to me. I feel the same about CJ. I can’t choose who I like better.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

There's one valid criticism of this game that was made when it was released and know it's not the bowling with Roman. It's the dichotomy of Nico trying to start a new life, generally not really wanting to be a hitman and stealing a police car, mounting the kerb and playing how many pedestrians can i drift through.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

For me, apart from accidentally, I really tried to not make nico a psychopath. I'd feel too guilty! 😂 As soon as I was able, I changed into a smart black suit agent 47 style and tried to not even scratch my nice sports car!

[@ranggasetya1984]

no matter how cliche hope as a concept is, it is still a very powerful thing to add to a story, for real

[@necronancy22]

This is literally the only character in GTA with literal depth you feel his story throughout those 20 hrs 😮‍💨

[@geordiejones5618]

GTA IV and Episodes From Liberty City truly have the best blend of weird, absurd and brutally grounded. Niko offers the immigrant experience of America and the actor/writers just absolutely nailed the disassociated and numbed soldier. Then they manage to pull you deeper into the world with Johnny and Luis, who aren't as tragic as Niko, but they're a lot more tethered to LC which makes the city feels so much deeper and even more alive than the base game. By the end of all three you get an amazing cast of crazy, tragic and often endearing characters who are all stuck in the same bullshit. I think GTA V in part wasn't as layered or nuanced bc they high key knew it didn't need to be since they were also working on RDR II and played that very close to the chest. GTA IV with RDR II detail/interaction would just be incredible and makes me want Bully 2 so much more. GTA VI reveal trailer was enough to convince me that they want it to be the best one, which demands this level of characterization. I won't be playing it until the 2030s to get my family and career where I want it to be, but I think they know where GTA V disappointed core fans and aim to rectify that.

[@f1ightsSuper]

Nobody has seen more than niko in the entire gta series. Hands down the most well written, I wonder why this game didn’t work as much as the others

[@rapidnetolicky7682]

When i was a kid I wanted GTA 5 but couldnt read romen numerals and got GTA 4 by accident best thing to ever happen to me

[@The_dead-guy]

That saved you my friend

[@Hostilethreat]

Not only is he the best written but I also think Niko may be the strongest GTA protagonist. He is a war veteran and canonically wiped out entire Organizations, even before the events of the game and an entire police force + the Yugoslav wars he grew up in. I could see him wiping out groups of gangsters like the Families, the Madrazos, The Lost, ect and making quick work of them. His hand to hand combat is also immaculate. He is my favorite character ever in any piece of media and gaming. Top 3 protagonists for me: Niko Altair from AC And Red from Pokemon Red

[@jonvia]

This calls for a replay of GTA 4 stat!

[@manlet_king]

Another thing that fascinated me about Nikos character is that he has no ambition. He does not want to be a criminal let alone a high ranking one which is unlike pretty much every other GTA protagonist. Besides getting revenge his only other goal is to have that which so many people take for granted and which he never had, a normal life

[@BMoney8600]

GTA IV was the first GTA game I ever played and Niko was, is and forever will be the greatest protagonist in the GTA franchise!

[@splashnskillz37]

CJ better still tbh

[@BMoney8600]

@@splashnskillz37 eh to each their own

[@blackjacket_]

I tried to finish the story of GTA V three times. Never made it through. GTA IV on the other hand, that´s what I love and finished many times.

[@Shanewayne9]

Hell yeah more gta 4 vidoes, Lets see it SHINE

[@iStaaaZy]

Great stuff man, love your videos

[@ObviousMalcolm_PLUS]

I appreciate that!

[@blackhammer5035]

Never liked the game for playing, but it’s a good story and this video was certainly far more enjoyable a reminder of it than trying to replay it.

[@detiab7155]

I was too young when I played this game to understand this fire ass quote 30:13

[@jamesporquez3682]

Fun fact: if you spare darko and call ulp he will congratulate you for letting go the desire for revenge told him to live a good life, I don't know if this was removed or in game

[@siuchaos2606]

I really forgot about how Grand Theft Auto IV actually forced you to make difficult choices to progress in the story. How no matter what choice you made, something awful would end up happening. Even if you chose to kill Dimitri, you would still lose Rose, if you do the deal with Dimitri, then Roman is the one who dies.

[@manlet_king]

Niko came to Liberty city a shell of a man. A shell filled with PTSD and survivors guilt. In the end he finally started to live again, at great cost, but at least he is finally free.