SuperMan Mod for GTA IV

Is it a bird? Is it a plane...?

Grand Theft Auto IV is available on numerous different devices, but one of the biggest advantages the PC version has over console versions is that it can be 'modded'. This means that gamers are able to download and install modifications to the game, which alter certain gameplay aspects and give it a far longer shelf life.

As the name suggests, the Superman Mod for GTA IV aims to provide players with the ability to fly around Liberty City, very much in the style of Superman. So does it succeed in this task? Does it significantly change the gaming experience? And what, if any, are the mod's limitations or weaknesses?

Up, Up and Away!

Given that both GTA IV's Liberty City and Metropolis, the fictional home of Superman, are based on New York City, the concept behind this mod seems rather fitting. However, the first thing to point out is that the mod does not alter the main character model, it merely adjusts the in-game physics and controls, allowing for flight.

What this means is, the game's main character, Niko, will not resemble Superman in appearance after installing the mod, but he will be able to fly like him. That said, there are a number of other mods out there, which do change Niko's appearance to that of Superman's, and two mods can be used in tandem, for the full superhero experience.

Once the mod has been installed, players will be able to make use of their new superpower easily enough. In fact, there are two different ways to fly: Pressing F5 will cause your character to take off and allow him to be controlled by the same keys used to steer a helicopter, while F6 allows flight to be controlled via the mouse instead.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Taking to the skies provides a whole new way to experience Liberty City and offers superb freedom, effectively replacing the need to travel around the city by car. Certainly, when coupled with a Superman skin mod, it is easy to suspend disbelief and get into full Superman character, making GTA IV a completely different game.

The flying aspect itself is actually very easy to control, making use of acceleration and brake physics utilised in other parts of the normal game. In addition to flying around aimlessly, the mod allows players to take out and fire weapons while in the sky, giving them the option of carrying out a full blown aerial assault.

As any comic book fan will know, Superman's main weakness is Kryptonite and unfortunately, this Superman mod has a a big weaknesses of its own. Namely, the mouse-controlled flying mode has no collision physics whatsoever. This is not necessarily a major problem, however, as flight can be controlled via the keyboard.