Latest news with #NikoBellic
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
6 GTA protagonists that deserved more closure than Rockstar gave them
(Image via Rockstar Games) Rockstar knows how to write unforgettable protagonists. From street hustlers to war veterans, every GTA lead has vibes . But not all of them got the closure they deserved. Some just vanished. Others died without a payoff. A few? Just left us hanging. Here are 6 GTA protagonists who deserved a better ending 1. Claude (GTA 3) Silent, deadly, and low-key iconic, Claude walked so others could run. But even after building a criminal empire in Liberty City, he just… disappeared. No post-game cutscene. No word on what happened. Did he run the city? Did Catalina's betrayal haunt him forever? Rockstar gave us zero closure and that's criminal. Why Is Niko Bellic SO Memorable? | Grand Theft Auto IV 2. Niko Bellic (GTA IV) Niko's story is straight-up tragic. War survivor. Betrayed cousin. A man trying to leave behind a violent past—but the game forced him back in. Depending on your choices, he either loses his girlfriend or cousin. And after that? Nothing. No mention in GTA V. No closure. Just pain. 3. Victor Vance (Vice City Stories) Victor was one of the most grounded and relatable GTA protagonists, trying to survive while protecting his sick brother. He worked his way up through blood, sweat, and smuggling… only to get gunned down in the first cutscene of GTA: Vice City. He deserved a longer legacy, not a two-second death cameo. 4. Johnny Klebitz (The Lost and Damned) Johnny went from biker gang VP to leading The Lost MC. His arc in The Lost and Damned was gritty and intense. But what does Rockstar do in GTA V? Makes Trevor stomp his face in like he's a disposable NPC. The disrespect was wild. He deserved a send-off, not a shock kill. 5 REASONS WHY MICHAEL DE SANTA IS GTA 5'S BEST CHARACTER 5. Michael De Santa (GTA V) Yes, Michael survived —but that doesn't mean he got closure. His family's still a mess, he's clearly depressed, and even his dream of directing movies turns into chaos. GTA V ends with him pretending everything's okay. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo But you can tell: the man's not at peace. Rockstar left his arc… open-ended. 6. Toni Cipriani (Liberty City Stories) Toni went from mob errand boy to Don in Liberty City Stories , but then… poof. No major mention in GTA 3. No real payoff. We saw the grind, but not the reward. He deserved a real kingpin moment—and Rockstar ghosted him. GTA gives us chaos, crime, and epic stories, but not always closure. And sometimes, the silence after the credits hits harder than any explosion. Here's hoping GTA 6 gives its next protagonist the ending they actually earn.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
4 things from GTA 4 we hope return in GTA 6
As Rockstar Games gears up for the long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI , fans are buzzing with excitement, and a fair bit of nostalgia. While GTA V brought us a sprawling San Andreas and three playable characters, many still look back at GTA IV with fondness. Liberty City wasn't just another sandbox; it was gritty, immersive, and dripping with personality. Here are four standout GTA IV details we seriously hope make a comeback in GTA VI . 1. Realistic Physics and Car Handling GTA IV nailed vehicle physics. Cars were heavy, clunky, and sometimes hard to control… but that's exactly what made them feel real. You couldn't take a 90-degree turn at 100 mph like in GTA V without crashing into a hot dog stand. The suspension, weight, and momentum of each vehicle in GTA IV brought a grounded, almost simulator-like feel to the driving mechanics. In GTA VI , with Rockstar pushing next-gen realism, we hope they blend that weighty feel of GTA IV with the smoothness of GTA V . The PERFECTLY Intertwined Story Of Grand Theft Auto IV And It's Spin-offs 2. Deep and Gritty Storytelling Niko Bellic's journey was unlike anything we'd seen in the series before. A former soldier chasing the American dream while haunted by his violent past. GTA IV delivered a story that was darker, more personal, and emotionally complex. Every decision, every betrayal, and every character felt grounded in reality. While GTA VI seems to be leaning into a modern Bonnie-and-Clyde narrative with Lucia and Jason, we hope it doesn't sacrifice the depth and nuance that made GTA IV such a standout in storytelling. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Irving: Stunning New Apartments for Retirees (Take A Peek Inside) Apartments for Retirees Undo 3. Immersive World Details Remember the little things? The way pedestrians would pull out umbrellas when it rained? How NPCs reacted to your actions with actual facial expressions? Or how the weather affected your car's grip on the road? GTA IV had an incredible attention to detail — radio DJs reacted to story missions, taxi rides were interactive, and the city just felt alive. With GTA VI 's Leonida State rumored to be Rockstar's most ambitious map yet, we're crossing our fingers for that same level of dynamic realism in its world design. Grand Theft Auto 4 Is Still A Masterpiece 4. Interactive Friendships & Choices One of the most unique mechanics in GTA IV was the relationship system. Whether you were grabbing a beer with Roman or playing darts with Little Jacob, those hangouts weren't just filler — they built real connections. Plus, the choices you made (like who lived or died) impacted the story in meaningful ways. GTA VI would benefit from bringing back this kind of emotional interactivity, especially in a game expected to revolve around loyalty, betrayal, and crime partnerships. GTA IV may be over 15 years old, but its legacy still looms large. As we prepare to dive into the sun-soaked chaos of GTA VI , we hope Rockstar remembers what made GTA IV special — its realism, heart, and gritty depth. If GTA VI can revive those elements with modern graphics and gameplay evolution, we might just be looking at the best GTA yet.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 themes from older GTA games that GTA 6 could modernize
(Image via Rockstar Games) The GTA VI Trailer 2 dropped on May 6, 2025, just days after the game's development delay was confirmed. But despite the wait, fans are more hyped than ever. With Vice City making a grand return and Rockstar teasing deep social commentary once again, one question lingers—which classic GTA themes could Rockstar revamp for the modern era? Here are 5 old-school GTA themes that GTA 6 could upgrade for a new era. 1. The American Dream (GTA IV) Niko Bellic's pursuit of the American Dream in GTA IV was one of the franchise's most grounded story arcs. His journey exposed the myth of success in a corrupt system. In GTA 6 , Rockstar could take this theme further, exploring how today's American Dream is warped by social media, influencer culture, and crypto-fueled illusions of success. Imagine a character chasing wealth and status through Instagram likes and tech scams, only to crash into the same disillusionment Niko faced. All Gangs in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition - Facts and Curiosities 2. Gang Culture and Loyalty (GTA: San Andreas) GTA: San Andreas gave us unforgettable narratives around gang loyalty and betrayal. In GTA VI, this could evolve into modern crime syndicates, social-media-fueled turf wars, and even politically charged activist groups. With Lucia and Jason operating as a duo, loyalty might once again take center stage, with brutal consequences. 3. Weird America (GTA V) From alien conspiracies to doomsday cults, GTA loves its oddballs. Now throw in crypto bros, AI start-ups in swamps, Flat Earthers, and "Florida Man" headlines, and GTA 6 has the ultimate playground. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Rockstar could go all-in on modern absurdity—and it would still feel grounded in today's America. 4. Identity and Dual Lives (GTA V) Michael lived a double life as a retired criminal and family man. Trevor was chaos personified. Franklin wanted legitimacy but was stuck in the underworld. These identity struggles remain relevant, but GTA 6 could take it further. Think characters juggling criminality with social media personas, or navigating identity in a polarized world. How far can you live a lie before it breaks you? GTA 6 Trailer 2 Nightlife, Missions & Gameplay Leaks Confirmed! 5. Party Scenes Rebooted (GTA: Vice City) The neon-lit nightlife of 1980s Vice City was iconic. Now, imagine that reimagined with modern music festivals, TikTok dance challenges, underground raves, and the influencer club culture of Miami. GTA VI could blend that vibrant energy with dark undertones of crime, drugs, and identity crisis in the social media age. Rockstar knows how to reflect society's madness through chaos, crime, and comedy. With GTA VI, they're not just modernizing gameplay—they're updating the cultural mirror. And we can't wait to see what stares back.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Niko Bellic deserves a comeback in GTA 6: 5 reasons that prove it
Source: Rockstar Games As Rockstar prepares to launch GTA 6, fans are abuzz with speculations about future characters and plots. Amidst the speculations, one name keeps cropping up: Niko Bellic, the legendary hero of GTA IV. Despite his seeming finality, there are good reasons why reviving Niko, either as a protagonist, advisor, or guest star, can add GTA 6's storytelling richness and fan engagement in thrilling ways. 1. Niko's narrative had loose ends to tie While GTA IV wrapped up much of Niko's personal arc, questions remain about his life after Liberty City. GTA 6 could explore how his past shaped him further or show his impact on the criminal world. This continuity would reward longtime fans and deepen the series' lore. 2. He brings a depth of feeling to GTA 6's narrative GTA games tend to balance destruction with instances of somber narration. Niko's down-to-earth, tormented personality would add emotional depth to GTA 6, particularly if the game explores subjects such as loyalty, redemption, or violence consequences. 3. His Eastern European origins comply with recent GTA 6 speculations Rumors also indicate that portions of GTA 6 will feature multicultural cultures and international crime syndicates. Niko's Eastern European heritage could easily fit into that environment, introducing new opportunities for storytelling and gameplay with real, complex characters. 4. Fans demand nostalgia with new twists Nostalgia runs deep, and Niko is still one of the GTA protagonists most adored. A nicely written comeback, as a friend or antagonist, would thrill audiences while enabling Rockstar to add new spins and conflicts to suit contemporary sensibilities. 5. He might mentor or challenge new protagonists GTA 6 will include several playable characters. Niko's experience and cynicism would make him an ideal mentor character or a nuanced antagonist, providing rich interactions and deepening the game's character-based storyline. Niko Bellic's return in GTA 6 is not merely a fan service, it's a chance to infuse narrative substance, emotional depth, and continuity into the series. Whether he plays a big part or a quiet cameo, Niko's inclusion would remind the playerbase why he is still one of the most memorable and relatable characters in GTA. Rockstar can seize the moment to mix the old and new and craft an enhanced, richer GTA universe for all. Also Read: No GTA 6 on Xbox store yet – Is PlayStation taking the lead?
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Niko Bellic's fate explained: what happened after GTA IV?
Source: Rockstar Games Niko Bellic, the war-torn hero of Grand Theft Auto IV, made a lasting impression on gamers with his rich personality and moral conflicts. Players have speculated about his destiny ever since the game was released. Although GTA IV ends with Niko alive, his later life has been a mystery. But there are some hints in subsequent games that Niko is alive and retired from his criminal life. What GTA V reveals about Niko's fate GTA 5 - Best Niko Bellic Easter Eggs! (TOP 8) There are a number of references in Grand Theft Auto V to Niko's survival. A notable one is on Jimmy De Santa's computer, where the player can see Niko's LifeInvader page, suggesting he's still online. Furthermore, in the mission "Casing the Jewel Store," Lester Crest says something about an "Eastern European guy making moves in Liberty City," which is thought to be a reference to Niko. Lester observes that this person has "gone quiet," which means that Niko has kept away from his previous life. Another piece of evidence comes in the form of Packie McReary, a GTA IV character who is featured in GTA V. When he is recruited into a heist, Packie talks about the past, stating that he has not heard from Niko for years, indicating that Niko has led a low-key life. GTA IV endings provide various outcomes, but in either case, Niko survives huge personal setbacks. These experiences probably urged him to withdraw from his criminal past. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The LifeInvader profile indicates that Niko is working for Roman's taxi company, indicating a return to his everyday, legal life. Though Rockstar Games itself has not officially stated Niko's fate after GTA IV, the references within the game and absence of contradicting evidence make it plausible that he is indeed alive, keeping a low profile from the mayhem that previously characterized his life. Niko Bellic's saga in GTA IV enthralled gamers with its complexity and authenticity. Despite his tale ending years ago, covert references in later games imply that he is still alive, having rejected notoriety for obscurity. With GTA VI on the horizon, and fans clamoring for more, the prospect of Niko's return, even if just in a supporting capacity, remains a draw and a subject of speculation. Also Read: GTA 6 on PC vs console: What the ultimate experience might look like
