Fighting hand to hand skills can be very useful while going about your business in GTA IV . To select a target simply hold the L2 button to lock-on to them. There are several different types of attacks that Niko can perform while in a fighting stance.
#1 Kicking: Niko can throw kicks using the square button. Kicks are useful due to their long reach and decent speed. Use the kick when the enemy is too far away to punch or when they are moving in to attack you. Kicks can also be used to close distance to your target, as Niko will throw the kick and move forward quickly afterward. Should you perform the kick too close to your target, Niko’s kick will turn into a quick shin kick. Finally, you can kick the enemy while they are on the ground, and Niko will either kick them in the ribs or perform a stomp.
#2 Punching: Niko can throw two different types of punches. The first type of punch uses the circle button. These punches are jab type punches that are quick, but not very damaging. The other type of punches are punches with the triangle button which are more powerful and can end in Niko head butting the enemy. As with kicks, Niko can punch enemies on the ground for extra damage.
#3 Shoving: Niko can shove opponents by running and pressing the circle button nearby a person. Shoving an opponent may result in them falling over, making them easy pickings for a beating on the ground. Niko is not the only one who can shove however, enemies in combat can also shove Niko which will stun him for a short time and throw him backwards.
Keep in mind that taking damage in fist fights drains your health total, body armor does not absorb damage from punches and kicks. When fighting citizens on the streets of Liberty City keep an eye open for other civilians who may join in the fight and gang up on you. For example, gang members and drug dealers will come to aid their friends, and attacking women can result in a nearby citizen coming to their aid.