Decoding Liberty City: What is the Canon Ending of GTA IV?
The question of Grand Theft Auto IV’s canon ending is one that has sparked debate among fans for over a decade. Unlike its successor, GTA V, which has a widely accepted canon ending, GTA IV presents a binary choice that significantly alters the fates of its key characters. The short answer is: the “Revenge” ending is generally considered the canon ending for GTA IV. This means Niko Bellic chooses to kill Dimitri Rascalov, leading to the death of Kate McReary at the hands of Jimmy Pegorino.
While the game itself doesn’t explicitly state this choice as the ‘correct’ one, several factors within the GTA universe, as well as narrative and thematic consistency, strongly suggest that the Revenge path is the canon route. The alternate ending, where Niko chooses to do a deal with Dimitri, results in the death of his cousin, Roman Bellic, which sits in direct conflict with the broader GTA story, as will be discussed in more detail below.
Why is Revenge Considered the Canon Ending?
The primary reason the Revenge ending is favored as canon comes down to its implications for the future of Niko’s narrative. While the “Deal” ending eliminates Roman Bellic from the narrative, Niko is not alone in the “Revenge” Ending. Roman Bellic is still alive and the life he had hoped for throughout the game seems on an upward trajectory. Though heartbreaking, losing Kate McReary is a sacrifice that fits into the overall gritty and often tragic themes of the Grand Theft Auto world, especially concerning a character like Niko. The core focus of GTA IV is about a man trying to escape his past, and the revenge option is a fitting consequence of his violent lifestyle.
The Deal ending also presents a major narrative hurdle. The death of Roman Bellic removes a central character who continues to feature in the broader GTA mythos. It also undermines Niko’s initial motivation for seeking a better life in America. By choosing revenge, Niko is living by the sword and as such the consequences of that violent choice also have to be dealt with. While a sad end to their romance, the death of Kate McReary leaves Niko in a world of consequence, similar to his prior life in Eastern Europe, whereas if Roman dies, this leaves Niko with little to no reason for being in Liberty City.
Furthermore, subtle clues within later GTA installments and in-game lore hint at the validity of the Revenge ending. While not as explicit as the Deathwish ending in GTA V, the emphasis placed on the themes of consequence, and the impact of Niko’s decisions aligns more closely with the “Revenge” path.
The Two Endings of GTA IV
It’s important to understand the details of both endings to fully grasp why the Revenge ending is considered canon.
The Deal Ending: “If the Price is Right”
In the Deal ending, Niko chooses to work with Dimitri and his criminal enterprise, opting for financial gain instead of confronting his past demons. As the wedding of Niko and Mallorie Bardas-Bellic approaches, Dimitri sends an assassin to kill Niko. However, when the assassin misses his mark, he kills Roman instead. While Niko completes the job by killing Dimitri, the outcome is deeply tragic, leaving Niko without his beloved cousin and with more blood on his hands. While he completes his tasks with his fellow gangsters, he ultimately does it alone.
The Revenge Ending: “A Revenger’s Tragedy”
Choosing revenge sees Niko confront Dimitri, leading to a final showdown. In the immediate aftermath, Niko is at Roman and Mallorie Bardas-Bellic’s wedding, where Jimmy Pegorino launches a drive-by shooting. During this chaos, Pegorino mistakenly kills Kate. This devastating loss solidifies the theme of loss and consequence that permeates the narrative. Although he loses Kate McReary, Niko is still surrounded by those who care for him, with Roman and his wife still alive. Though his life is marred by tragedy, he is able to move on with the life he has built in Liberty City with his surviving friends and family.
GTA IV’s Legacy and the Canon Choice
The ambiguity of the ending allows players to explore the depths of Niko’s complex character, and to understand what they truly believe about the world. The choice of revenge often feels like the more fitting, if not more painful, conclusion to his story. However, it’s vital to note that neither ending is inherently “good” or “bad.” Both are marked by tragedy and loss, showcasing the harsh realities of the criminal world. The fact that Niko does not get a happy ending in either choice speaks to the overarching narrative of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the canon ending of GTA IV and its implications:
1. Does GTA IV have multiple endings?
Yes, GTA IV has two main endings, determined by a player’s choice on the penultimate mission: “Deal” or “Revenge”.
2. Which ending results in Roman’s death?
The “Deal” ending results in Roman Bellic’s death.
3. Which ending results in Kate’s death?
The “Revenge” ending results in Kate McReary’s death.
4. Can you save both Roman and Kate in GTA IV?
No, you cannot save both Roman and Kate. The game forces you to choose between them.
5. Is the Revenge ending the true ending of GTA IV?
While the game doesn’t officially state it, the “Revenge” ending is generally considered the canon ending.
6. What is the significance of the Revenge ending?
It reinforces the themes of consequence and the destructive nature of violence that are prominent within the GTA IV story. It also allows Roman Bellic to remain a part of the story of the overall GTA universe.
7. Why is the Deal ending not considered canon?
The Deal ending results in Roman’s death, which contradicts later references to him and his continued existence.
8. How does the “Revenge” ending affect Niko Bellic?
It leaves Niko with the loss of Kate, a woman he cared about, further solidifying his world-weariness and the personal price of his lifestyle.
9. How does the ending affect Niko’s future?
The ending does not explicitly define his future, but hints at the challenges he will continue to face despite his attempts to create a new life. He is still haunted by his past and by the violence around him.
10. Are there any references to the ending in other GTA games?
While there aren’t overt references to the specific ending, the wider GTA canon incorporates characters from GTA IV, suggesting the “Revenge” outcome is more in line with the wider narrative.
11. Can you play after the ending?
Yes, after either ending, you can continue to explore Liberty City and complete side missions. However, Kate is unavailable as a romance option, regardless of whether or not you choose the revenge route.
12. What happens to Niko’s girlfriend after Roman’s death in the deal ending?
After completing the “Deal” option, Mallorie will never be seen again. This further strengthens the “Revenge” outcome, as Mallorie is seen and interacts with the main protagonist.
13. What are the rewards for each ending?
Both endings give players money, but no other in game rewards. The value is the same at $250,000.
14. Can you date Kate after Roman’s death?
No, you cannot date Kate after any of the endings. Her dialogue makes it very clear she feels betrayed and does not want to see Niko again.
15. Is Niko in GTA 5 or GTA Online?
Niko Bellic does not appear in GTA V or GTA Online. While characters from other GTA titles have appeared, Niko has not, keeping his story in GTA IV, without any further changes or additions.
In conclusion, while both endings in Grand Theft Auto IV present compelling narratives and consequences, the “Revenge” ending stands as the more logical and canon outcome. This choice aligns with the overall themes of the game, maintains key character arcs, and allows for a greater sense of narrative consistency within the wider GTA universe. The loss of Kate McReary is tragic, but it reinforces the harsh realities of Niko Bellic’s world and serves as a fitting end to his Liberty City chapter.