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GTA IV episode has new MP modes

Plus new weapons, cars and music.

Rockstar has revealed that the GTA IV downloadable content announced today will include new multiplayer modes, new weapons and vehicles, and a soundtrack with new music.

This morning USA Today revealed that the first of two exclusive Xbox 360 episodes is called The Lost and Damned and will be released on 17th February. Rockstar clarified this afternoon that that's a worldwide date, and pricing will be announced "soon".

The publisher also released the first GTA IV: The Lost and Damned screenshots.

The Lost and Damned stars Johnny Klebitz from Liberty City biker gang The Lost, while Niko from GTA IV itself plays only a small part. Rockstar's Dan Houser said the two characters were "very different", promising "a different side of Liberty City" and "tons of details and mysteries from the main story get explained".

"Making these episodes has enabled us to expand the narrative and the experience of interacting with a game world in really innovative ways," Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser added in this afternoon's official announcement.

"We hope fans of the game enjoy the new way of experiencing life in Liberty City contained in this first episode."