Grand Theft Auto IV Comparisons
It's widely known that the Liberty City that we've come to know and love is based on the American metropolis of New York City. Unfortunately, the Liberty City that was first implemented in GTA3 only vaguely resembles its real-world counterpart. Rockstar intends to wipe the slate clean with GTA IV, bringing forth a new and improved Liberty City that should make any New Yorker feel right at home. But just how far has Rockstar come in creating a New York doppleganger? We've assembled a concise listing of visual comparisons between Liberty City and New York. Take a look for yourself. (Also be sure to visit the Laying out Liberty City thread at our forums for further Grand Theft Auto IV comparisons.)
Astor Plaza
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This building was completed in 1972 (replacing the famous Astor Hotel) and was originally called the W.T. Grant Building. It houses the MTV studios and is also the headquarters of Viacom. Situated in Times Square, Manhattan.
Bertelsmann Building
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Located in Times Square, Manhattan - the Bertelsmann Building is home of the Virgin Megastore, Planet Hollywood's Official All Star Caf�, a valet parking garage and a four-plex movie theater.
Brooklyn Bridge
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This bridge was completed in 1883 and took thirteen years to construct. It was the first ever steel-wire suspension bridge to be made, and at that time it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
Chrysler Building
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One of New York's most famous buildings. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1930, but it was surpassed by the Empire State Building one year later.
Conde Nast Building
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This building was completed in 1999 and is located in Times Square, in the centre of Manhattan. The spire on the top of the building is used as a communications antenna.
Coney Island Cyclone
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One of the most famous roller coasters in the world. It was opened in 1927, and in 1972 a campaign was launched to save it from being demolished.
Crowne Plaza
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The New York Crowne Plaza is a modern 46-story hotel situated in the heart of Times Square and the theater district in Manhattan. Construction was completed in 1989.
Doubletree Guest Suites
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A 43-story hotel located in the heart of Times Square, next door to the theaters of Broadway.
Empire State Building
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Arguably the most famous skyscraper in the world, the Empire State Building has been visited by more than 117 million people. It was completed in 1930 and became the tallest building in the world at that point.
Erie Lackawanna Terminal
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This terminal is situated in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ferry here takes you over to Manhattan in New York City.
Exchange Place Center
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The Exchange Place Center was the tallest building in New Jersey for one year until it was surpassed by the Newport Tower. It was built in 1989 and contains 30 floors.
Flatiron Building
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The Flatiron Building has become a famous landmark in New York City since its completion in 1902. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Hearst Tower
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The Hearst Tower was completed in 2006 and is the first office building in New York City to achieve the US Green Buildings Council's "Gold Rating" for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Helmsley Building
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This building was constructed in 1929 and is situated directly infront of the Met Life building in Manhattan. It originally served as headquarters of the New York Central railroad companies.
Manhattan Bridge
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The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge which was constructed in 1909, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. It carries seven lanes of traffic, and has four seperate subway tracks.
Marriott Marquis Hotel
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The Marriott Marquis Hotel was completed in 1985, and at that time contained the world's tallest hotel atrium at 400 feet. It has 1946 rooms and suites, and is located in Times Square, Manhattan.
MetLife Building
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The MetLife building was completed in 1963 but was originally called the Pan Am Building. MetLife purchased the building in 1981 for $400 million but didn't replace the Pan Am logo until 1993.
Morgan Stanley Building
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1585 Broadway is the world headquarters of Morgan Stanley. This building was completed in 1989 and contains 42 floors.
Paramount Building
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This building housed the Paramount Theater, with a seating capacity of 3664 before it closed in 1967. The globe and clock on top of the building are illuminated at night. It was built in 1927.
Plaza 10
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Harborside Plaza 10 is the home of Charles Schwab Capital Markets' east coast headquarters. It is situated on the river in New Jersey, and construction was completed in 2002.
Rockefeller Center
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The Rockefeller Center consists of 11 buildings in total, which were all constructed at different periods. The highest building contains 69 floors. The project gave employment to almost 4000 New Yorker's.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
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The largest decorated Gothic catholic cathedral in the US. The cathedral was completed in 1879 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It is situated in Midtown Manhattan.
Statue of Liberty
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The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States given from France in 1886. It has become a major icon in America, and represents freedom and liberty. It is located on Liberty Island.
Times Square
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An intersection at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Times Square has become a major symbol of New York City.
Times Square Tower
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A 47-story Class A office tower in Times Square, Manhattan, designed by David Childs. The building was completed in 2004, and every floor has panoramic views of New York City.
Wonder Wheel
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Built in 1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company using 100% Bethlehem steel forged right on the premises. Named an official NYC landmark in 1989. It stands 150 feet high, has a diameter of 140 feet and holds 144 people at once.
World Financial Center
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Four towers comprising eight-million square feet of office, retail and public space located on fourteen acres of land in the center of Battery Park City. It was built between 1985 and 1988.