A fantastic game however it fell short of a few things in my eyes.
GTAIV has got all that plus at certain points in the game the players has to choose the fate of a target, determining future missions. This, although it doesn't add a spectacular impact on the game, does give it you a small feeling of controlling the course of the game and writing a different story to everyone else's.
The story is very good in my eyes because it differs from the previous few. Basically Nikko (you) has come to America (the land of the free) to start a better life, nice aye...? Well no not exactly because he has also come to seek revenge on a certain somebody! I'm not going to go through the story because I don't like spoilers myself and also because I don't want to type it all out,so finish the game to experience the story yourself.
The graphics are great, especially when compared to previous versions and the fact that Manhattan is completely re-made adds a very realistic feel to the game. Details not only with the textures but small things such as people getting things out of their car and workmen digging etc. all give the feeling that your in a real living, breathing city. Only a few minor glitches but nothing to really worry about.
The sound in the game is fantastic as well, along side the visuals again adds depth to your surroundings. The radio stations are excellent, like in all GTA's too.
Gameplay is much improved with the new lock-on system and being able to duck-n-hide, using cars and walls to hide behind. Fighting also feels much more robust and less dopey like the other games.
Finally criticisms! My first major criticism is the multiplayer modes, the lobbies feels deserted and the match making problems as well as the host migration system make it near impossible to play. Once you are in a game however, there is much fun to be had. I am aware though that a new patch has recently been released to fix these issues but I haven't played it since then and so can't comment on that. Another criticism is of the extras in the game. In San Andreas, if you ever felt like taking a moment to just chill and play around in the city, you could go play pool, work-out in the gym, eat and watch your player get fat - or thin, build attributes, buy clothes and jewellery etc. Most of this is gone in GTAIV and apart from maybe going to a strip club, getting a prostitute or getting drunk - there isn't much to do. Basically I enjoyed the RPG-element San Andreas had and miss it in this game.
Overall a great game and a must buy.
Thanks for reading.