5* for GTA IV alone, Niko is one of the best protagonists in any game I've played.
Episodes from Liberty City are OK. TLAD is the inferior of the two, TBOGT is much more energetic and fun. I think it sets itself apart from the other 2 games on this basis. TLAD was more depressing narrative while also being worse written than the base GTA experience and TBAGT. This, along with the gameplay being a little worse, makes The Lost and Damned a dud. You fly a golden helicopter in the Ballad of Gay Tony, and drive around in an APC!
Episodes from Liberty City are OK. TLAD is the inferior of the two, TBOGT is much more energetic and fun. I think it sets itself apart from the other 2 games on this basis. TLAD was more depressing narrative while also being worse written than the base GTA experience and TBAGT. This, along with the gameplay being a little worse, makes The Lost and Damned a dud. You fly a golden helicopter in the Ballad of Gay Tony, and drive around in an APC!