Take-Two Interactive is wrapping up its Grand Theft Auto IV franchise with two new games for the Xbox 360…although neither require GTA IV to play. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City contains two complete games: The Lost and The Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony on a single disc—although The Ballad of Gay Tony is also available as a standalone download frmo Xbox Live Marketplace. The two episodes round out the story of Grand Theft Auto IV, while introducing new characters, new vehicles, new weapons, and—of course—new entries in the GTA soundtrack universe.
“We’re thrilled to share the final chapter of this epic Liberty City tale,” said Rockstar founder Sam Houser, in a statement. “The team at Rockstar North has exceeded every expectation with The Ballad of Gay Tony, creating an explosive conclusion to the Grand Theft Auto IV saga.”
To play The Ballad of Gay Tony, players take on the role of Luis Lopez, confidant, bodyguard, and majordomo to Liberty City’s nightlife king Tony Prince. Lopez gets to struggle with running Tony’s clubs while money and vice test his loyalties. The game also introduces base-jumping to the GTA franchise, and supports multiplayer features.
The Lost and the Damned focuses on the character of Johnny Klebtiz of The Lost motorcycle club, and features a darker story line, a lot more hard rock, and gang warfare.
Both games are rated M for “Mature” by the ESRB; The Ballad of Gay Tony runs 1,600 Microsoft points in the Xbox Live Marketplace, and the two-game disc is now available from retailers for $39.99.
