Liberty City

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“...During the war... we did some bad things, and bad things happened to us.

War is where the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other. I was very young, and very angry. Maybe that is no excuse...” - Niko

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- The Cousins Bellic. • 2008

After seven grueling months residing in smugglers haven Platypus ship; Niko Bellic has arrived in Liberty City.

Niko’s cousin Roman being the only family to accompany and welcome him to the United States in open arms.

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Broker • 2008

An ex-city on its own, it maintains a distinct character apart from the rest of the city.

Some areas are distinct for high crime rate.

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- It’s Your Call. • 2008

On top of lying about his wealth, Roman’s also somewhat of a depraved gambler and adulterer.

Niko’s first apparent taste of the 'American Dream' would be protecting his cousin from Albanian mobsters and loan sharks.

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... • 2008

A bomb scare has caused bridges connecting Liberty City to be closed indefinitely as a safety precaution.

On count of Niko not being a legal resident, Roman has advised sticking close to Broker and Hove Beach.

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- Three’s a Crowd. • 2008

It can be lonely out in LC, which is why Roman’s beautiful Mallorie hooks Niko up with Michelle.

Niko’s encouraged to ditch the smelly clothes, but Michelle doesn’t seem to mind.

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- Bleed Out. • 2008

Roman Bellic’s bullied yet again by the Albanian loan sharks. 

Niko proves himself capable when Bledar & Dardan suffer fatal injuries.

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Niko: Bulgarin. He lived on the Adriatic. Believed I owed him money when I did not. He made my life impossible. There was no avoiding him. I had to leave. He is one of the reasons I came here.

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- First Date. • 2008

Niko & Michelle enjoy an evening at the Firefly Island carnival.

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“Now stop fucking staring at me! I mean, I know I'm good looking and everything, but come on.” - Vlad Glebov

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- Easy Fare. • 2008

Taking on scheduled rides for the Bellic cab business, Niko gets in a bit of trouble with the cops.

Jermaine works the local Pay n' Spray, and knows what it’s like needing to shake off some pigs.

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- Jamaican Heat. • 2008

An unexpected cab run forms a friendship to last forever. Niko Bellic meets Jacob Hughes for the first time.

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- Jamaican Heat (cont...) • 2008

Remnants of King Courtney‘s Yardie posse threaten the new ways of Little Jacob & Badman.

Niko efficiently takes down Yardie traitors from above with only a pistol in hand.

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... • 2008

Niko’s taken a liking to working for Roman Bellic Enterprises.

Sure, the pay is crap, but he’s helping his cousin legitimately... and the cab drives provide a better understanding of the city’s layout.

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Roman: Niko, you do not know how great it is to have you here with me. Before you arrived in Liberty City, things were terrible.

Niko: I still remember the emails you sent me, cousin. You should have told me how bad things were in this country before I got here.

Roman: Okay, things aren't easy for us here. But together, we are doing alright. America is an opportunity for a new beginning. You were in need of one.

Niko: There is no such thing as a new beginning, Roman. With every day we live we pick up new baggage, baggage that we must carry with us for the rest of our lives. There's no dropping it and pretending we are fresh and clean just because we get off a boat in a new place.

Roman: Stop being so dramatic, Niko. Time is a healer. We live and we forget the past. Nothing helps a man forget like ripe, round American titties. You have to move on from the things that happened to you and think about all the opportunities in this country. Chances to make lots of money, chances to get college girls into bed.

 

Niko: (Шансе да се претвориш у кретена.)

Roman: I heard that. I haven't forgotten our language completely.

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- Concrete Jungle. • 2008

Jacob is grateful for Niko’s protection. 

The two weed out the ones who turned their drug deal into another ambush. 

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Roman: I hear you are working with Little Jacob. He’s a good man, Niko, a good man.

Niko: I can’t tell what he is saying most of the time, but I like him.

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“People who fuck with me... get fucked WITH!” - Vlad

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- Bull in a China Shop. • 2008

In an effort to pay off Roman’s debts, Niko works as a strong arm for Vlad.

Niko picks up Vlad’s protection money in Cerveza Heights.

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... • 2008

Vladimir Glebov, Russian gangster linked to Mikhail Faustin, is just one dickhead Roman owes money to.

Vlad owns the Comrades Bar in Hove Beach, just across the street from Roman’s apartment.

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Roman: Haha! I’m sitting here with Brucie... we’re sitting here and calling the cops and watching them show up and look around. The fucking stupid bastards.

Niko: You shouldn’t cry wolf, Roman. Who knows when you will really need help.

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- Hung Out to Dry. • 2008

Irony seems lost on Niko Bellic that in few days time with Vlad, he’s become the kind of person who picks on his cousin.

Intimidating laundromat owners for money.

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- Clean Getaway. • 2008

A fancy Blista Compact out in Steinway is stolen and brought to Vlad’s lockup for Mikhail.

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“Bang, bang, you are dead.” - Vlad

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“That prick Vlad making me kill this guy. Man!” - Niko

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- Ivan The Not So Terrible. • 2008

Niko was given the tall order of murdering Ivan Bytchkov.

Fortunately for Ivan, Niko doesn’t respect Vlad nearly enough to go through with such an act just for him. Ivan’s told to steer clear from Hove Beach.

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Niko: You won't be seeing your boyfriend Ivan no more. You going to miss him?

Vlad: No I'm not. I'm getting enough pussy at the moment. I tell you, is so much better if woman already have a man. Because you don't have to deal with all their shit all day. Take Mallorie, for example...

Niko: Fuck you. Say this to my face and I will break you.