: Within the first few minutes, players see Roman is heavily in debt to local loan sharks, forcing Niko back into the life of violence he hoped to escape. 4. Technical Atmosphere

: Roman is actually drowning in gambling debt and lives in a cockroach-infested apartment in Broker.

Roman Bellic’s letters promised mansions and sports cars. The reality is a cramped apartment and a failing taxi depot. This bait-and-switch is the heart of the prologue. It mirrors the immigrant experience—finding out the "land of opportunity" is just another place to struggle. Liberty City as a Character

The "prologue" of Grand Theft Auto IV , consisting of the opening cinematic and the first mission is widely regarded by critics and players as one of the most effective and atmospheric introductions in gaming history.