If you’re not buying into the hype of Grand Theft Auto IV or you believe it’s not up your alley for gaming, that’s perfectly fine. However, there is something the reviewers aren’t telling you–this is the ultimate casual gaming title.

GTA IV has many of the big aspects of a popular casual game of its time, mini-games (bowling, pool, darts, etc), it can be played in ten or twenty minute sessions if you desire and contains a good deal of laid back content which can be worked at your own pace.

GTA IV is best described as TheSims meets the Russian Mafia. You’ll find you can spend a good amount of time going on virtual dates to play darts, grab a burger or hanging out with your friend at a strip club or playing pool. When not driving around town on missions you’ll be simulating life to the fullest experience possible, including sitting on the couch and channel surfing, watching infomecials, cartoons or perhaps hitting the cafe to use the Internet.

Does this sound like an action packed shooter? Not entirely, no.

The fact is, there is something in GTA IV for every gamer of mature age. Granted, it doesn’t have the content-building capabilities of a Second Life for 18+ but it does simulate life in many aspects in both a hardcore and casual manner. I’m leaning more towards casual than hardcore in most aspects with a mature content wrapper.

If you replaced the adult situations in GTA IV, such as spending money at the strip club, shaking down a payment from a restaurant owner or the “occasional” need to shoot at a police officer, you’d have a great life simulator for all ages. Although some folks at rockstar might be afraid of casual games, they sure do use the recipe for success in GTA IV!

The game does have ground breaking graphics, physics all wrapped in a real world environment with creative missions and intense action. However, it also simulates life so well with side quests that mix RPG aspects with casual gaming aspects that it’s no wonder why the title received a perfect 10 score.