Rockstar began collaborative development on the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV - between Rockstar’s New York, San Diego and North (Edinburgh) studios, way back in November 2004. The game will be available for PS3 and Xbox 360, when it is released worldwide; on April 29 (God willing and the creek don’t rise).

The following is based on information released by Rockstar, which could turn out to be some valuable, essential knowledge about GTA IV:

Technically Speaking:

1 - Timing is Everything: An in-game hour actually translates to approximately two minutes of real-time.

2 - There will be no annoying loading interruptions or action-breaking pauses, when entering and exiting buildings.

3 - Online multiplayer will be accessible ’’through the phone.’’ It is not clear exactly what that will entail.

4 - Gameplay will be enhanced with easy switching to the Cinematic Camera at any time, by pressing B/Circle on the controller. While in a vehicle pursuit, the Chase Camera automatically centers the viewpoint on whatever is being chased, through the button trigger.

5 - It will be possible to set waypoints on the map.

6 - The targeting system has been revamped. A mere partial squeezing of the left trigger enables free-aim, to control the reticule with the right stick. When fully depressing the trigger, the reticule will lock-on to whatever Niko is aiming at. When in the locked position, it is also possible to flick the right stick to aim at any specific body part.

7 - Players can save at any of the safe houses in the city, and the game auto-saves after every mission or major activity, which is handy for all of those unanticipated interruptions.

8 - Two new episodes of the story will be available as downloadable content, exclusively for Xbox 360, not too long after the game’s release, with "hours of entirely new game play,’’ according to Microsoft.

9 - A targeted enemy’s ’health’ is represented by a ring of segments on the inside of the aiming reticule.

Locations, Locations, Locations: Just as in the real estate world, the location of a game can be one of the most important aspects of its success. So here is what is known about the locale in GTA IV:

1. ’’Liberty City’’ has been redesigned and consists of five decidedly urban-esque locales, all based upon real locations. The four from the eastern region include: Brooklyn (Broker), Queens (Dukes), Bronx (Bohan), Manhattan (Algonquin), and New Jersey (Alderney - after the Channel Island area). Apparently, Staten Island wasn’t cool enough to be included. Hey, what about ’’Great Kills Park?’’ The name alone should make it worthwhile! Also absent, are any of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’ wide open deserts.

2 - As in most big urban metro areas, the street landscape of Liberty City will change substantially after sundown, with different pedestrians, and many more dangerous situations to encounter.

3 - Various landmark buildings appear, including: the MetLife building (the hilarious ’GetaLife’ building), Brighton Beach (Hove Beach), Hell’s Kitchen (the more hopeful version, depending on how you look at it, is now ’Purgatory’), Times Square (Star Junction) and the Statue of Liberty (Statue of Happiness, on Happiness Island).

4 - The ’’Liberty Ferry Terminal’’ appears as a new locale.

5 - Fair rides including ’’ the Screamer,’’ (patterned after Coney Island’s Cyclone), ’’Corpse Ride’’ and ’’Liberty Eye,’’ (like Coney Island’s ’Wonder Wheel’) appear in trailers and screen shots.

6 - Even virtual life characters can have fun, at the Internet café’s ’Gamer’s Corner.’