Highly-anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) IV has received a string of near-perfect reviews ahead of its worldwide release on Tuesday. The game is expected to break records for the fastest-selling game of all time and many shops are opening their doors at midnight for gamers. The game has been classified as 18 in the UK and Mature for US gamers. In the US, regulators have reminded parents that the title is not designed for children under 17 years old. In a joint statement the ESRB and the National Institute on Media and the Family urged parents to check ratings on games for their children.

It said: “With the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series… parents need to be reminded to make sure their kids are playing games appropriate for their age and level of maturity. “It is critical that parents consider the assigned rating carefully.” The GTA series has proved incredibly popular and almost equally controversial in the last few years. More than 70 million copies of the franchise’s titles have been sold worldwide but the series has also been criticised for glorifying violence. Needless to say, the game was leaked to the internet last week and quickly became one of the most popular console torrents in the history.

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Great game, but the aiming system has been a bit dodgy from my experience playing so far. However, the level of immersion and graphical upgrade from previous GTA titles is incredible.