GearCrave Interview: Niko Bellic of Grand Theft Auto IV
By Mike Payne
“It is strange place, Liberty City. It sometime remind me of back home, in some places. But this American Dream is alive in very ugly ways, yet I am fixed to it as much as the next thug.” We’d hardly call Niko Bellic a thug. The star of Grand Theft Auto IV is a smart, humble, no-nonsense guy with a surprising touch of heart. While Niko does carry a heavy history, his wisdom and optimism carry him through a bold, new world of glitz, glamour, crime and punishment. For those who have spent some time with GTA IV, Niko is instantly engaging and fun. GearCrave sat down with Niko Bellic for a one-on-one interview to discuss his new life in the streets and alleys of Liberty City.
For those who have not yet met you, tell GearCrave a little about yourself.
I am Niko Bellic, of Serbia, and recently move to Liberty City to take part in my cousin Roman’s business empire. It turns out Roman’s bullshit got the best of me, and I move all the way from home country to find that he’s got his share of serious problems. Instead of living high life in America, I spend my time cleaning up after Roman’s mess.
Too bad to hear about your cousin. What sort of things was he promising you?
Roman tell me he runs business empire, he drive cadillac, own mansion and condos and have the most beautiful women in Liberty City. What do I see when I arrive? A roach infested apartment, a broke down taxi and smeared posters of old supermodels all over the walls. I must say I love my cousin in spite, and hope to make a life for myself in America anyway.
Has it been difficult to adjust to life in America?
It is different, but same. Same criminals, same creed, just higher stakes. I’ve met some interesting people so far. I have girlfriends, I have associates, I have Roman. The hardest part for me is that I was hoping to escape the brutality of life when I leave Bosnia. I come here and find myself in a similar mess.
How was life brutal for you in Bosnia?
I don’t talk about that with you. I was veteran of Bosnian war and saw very difficult things, even did some of them myself. If I can take away anything from it, it does make me better to handle things here in America. I don’t take shit from nobody, and I don’t let nobody take shit from me.
In spite of all that, you seem to stay optimistic about your life.
Of course! I am loving America so far. I meet pretty ladies, I make money. I drive nice cars, I do exciting things.
What sort of cars do you drive?
All sorts. I have nice collection, so to speak.
And what sort of exciting things do you do?
I work in interesting business. I solve problems for people for fees. I’m kind of like consultant, but much of my work is very hands on. Whether my hands be on the wheel or the trigger, I get things done for my associates.
Fascinating. Have you visited any other cities in America yet?
No, but want to. I hear nice things about Las Venturas, Los Santos, Vice City and more. I want to see them all, but am too busy with work here in Liberty City for me to make time. We used to hear so many stories back home about these places, they were like magic to me as child. Things not as magical as I expect, but I am quite happy.
Do you have any advice to offer friends and family back home about America?
Yes. First, don’t listen to Roman’s bullshit. Second, when you get here– get yourself a gun. Third, buy nice clothing right away, or pretty girls don’t look at you. You can have anything you want here in America, you just have to take it. American dream is pretty amazing, I think.
Thanks Niko, its great to talk with you. We wish you the best of luck in Liberty City and with your new business. Let us know when you make it out to Los Santos, we’d love to show you around. For those interested in getting to know Niko a little better, check out GearCrave’s product shot on Grand Theft Auto IV.
