Why does everyone hate this game?

User Rating: 8.1 | DRIV3R PS2
I have been reading some reviews of this game, and almost everyone hates it. I don't get it... this game really isn't that bad. Everyone keeps comparing it to GTA but how about we just look at it in its' own respects. First of the gameplay is fun and quite challenging. The graphics are beautiful and the cars all bash up quite nicely. There are 3 huge cities to explore, and lots of different cars to steal. The music that plays during the cutscenes is awsome but the sound is pretty lame in the game. Since you can pick up this game for $15 at EB Games I think that you should at least give it a shot. But remember, buy the PS2 or XBOX version of the game, because the PC version really stinks (big time). In the end I give DRIV3R an 8.1/10