Liberty City

So after all this ranting and raving from Melissa, I have finally finished GTA IV. It took about a month of sustained play, but I am the king of Algonquin (and Broker, Bohan, Dukes & Alderney). I often got sidetracked going on the kind of killing spree that would make Dave Koresh proud, but I stuck to my guns (literally) and brought Nico Bellic to the top of the crime world. What have I taken from all of this?

1. I don't want that month back. So many times, we see a movie, play a video game, go to a concert, whatever, and say "I want that _____ [insert arbitrary amount of time] back." For example, the movies "Underworld" and "Blade: Trinity" (I guess I set the vampire flick bar pretty high), and almost any live theatre I've ever seen in my life. Not GTA4. Yes it took forever, but there is a pretty legit feeling of accomplishment. I actually wanted Nico to track that/those sonnabitch(es) down and exact revenge, Balkan style.

2. I should download some Fleetwood Mac. Of all the songs in the game, I never thought I would like the "Edge of Seventeen" best. There's even a punk radio station and some great rap/hip-hop, so I assumed those would be my favorite. However, listening to Stevie Nicks' shrill voice whilst slaughtering a pack of Slavs is therapeutic. Maybe other Fleetwood Mac songs are good. Shit. I actually saw them in concert with a friend once and didn't even like it as much as I did when set to me roaring through Middle Park East with an Uzi out the window of my stolen Turismo (Ferrari F40).

3. I actually know NY much better now. Sometimes when I am trying to figure out where to go, since playing the game that is, I actually envision the Map you use in the game in my mind, and zoom in from there. Pathetic? Yup. Useful as hell? Damn skippy. I think I hit rock bottom this morning when I accidentally told a co-worker that I enjoyed my bike ride through Middle Park last night.

4. Nico Bellic is my halloween costume (shotgun!). If I get a buzz cut and don't shave for a couple days, I can totally pull it off. Mrs. Blogtari can go as Lollipop Girl. If I continue being a fat ass, I'll have to go as Roman.

5. Now I know why they call it Liberty City. Because the game holds you hostage until you beat it, and the reward is regaining your liberty.