If GTA4 isn't a 10/10 game, why did it get reviews like it did?

[Metallicube]

richardhutnik said:

Metallicube said:
I think it's pretty obvious that reviewers get paid off to jack up the score. Reviews really mean a lot from many gamers.

GTA4, while a fun game, is definitely not a 10. It's a 9 at best. It had plenty of flaws in the game, awkward controls, and had pretty bad replay value.

So, exactly how much did RockStar pay the review of this review, that game the game a 10/10?  I never heard of this reviewer at all, and they go off and give the game a 10/10.  Others in this thread also feel the game deserved a 10/10 to.  So what is up with that?

Um $100,000.. I dunno, what kinda question is that?

I just find it odd that lately it seems more and more games are recieving 9s and 10s, when the quality of games seems to get progressively worse each gen, not better. There are exceptions of course, but I'm just talking in general. Almost EVERY major franchise game that is hyped up seems to get at least a 9 nowadays. It's like you just expect it. This is occuring so much that 9 and 10 ratings are starting to lose their value.

I hear that many mainstream reviewers recieve very nice accomidation when they fly in to test the new big game to come out. Things like a freestay at a nice hotel and free meal, things like that..