The roller-coaster street ride is back for more this spring.

Rockstar Games announced the release date today for “Grand Theft Auto IV” as April 29, available for both Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 console systems.

Since it’s five years and a generation of gaming consoles removed from the “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” debut, gamers will be pretty eager to see what Rockstar has in store for Niko Bellic and company (and enemies).

Sure, there’s been some controversy surrounding the GTA series—glorification of violence and criminal activity in video games?!?! (Hey, we love “Goodfellas” and it’s loaded with violence and harsh language.)

But one thing from our perspective probably won’t be questioned, and that’s the heart-racing audio and video presentation gamers will be enjoying on their high-def screens and surround-sound setups when this comes out. Today’s video games are pretty much movies these days with the advanced graphics and soundtracks, and last fall’s record-breaking “Halo 3” release proved they’re just as commercially popular.

We’d love to get your reaction when it is released. Start checking it out at www.rockstargames.com/IV.

Read the entire press release here.

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!