Well I usually write longer reviews but with 100 + on here, I will keep it simpler and get straight to the points that I like/disliked about the game so far. ********************* I am currently only on about 22% completion of the game, which IS kind of far but not the full 100% . I will try to update this as I delve in further ********************* First off - I like the fact that this series does try new things, even if they come in small packages. It essentially is Vice City - with a new storyline - new setting - and a lot of small additions. If you enjoyed Vice City there is NO reason why you shouldn't like this game. Additions I liked - The stats (especially if you play the game without cheating) are a fair addition to the game, although sometimes take a while to increase, but gives the game an overall feel of "Mastery" that anyone who has hours upon hours will love. The addition of a bicycle is ironically a huge addition, as riding around on a bike has its own feel and is very fun to use. Mini games like - basketball, casino, and a video game in your home are always good distracters More of a "Family feel" as your character seems to really grow in this game in your gang/family Things I wish could have been added - Better graphics - there is really not much of an improvement at all to the current graphics. Things still seem way too scripted at times. For GTA to really become a GREAT game in my eyes, on a next gen console they will have to somehow master elements of either randomness or more script options. Very often things in the story don't really go along with what you decide to do. For instance: You get into a car and start driving and the scripted story makes fun of your driving skills, warning you not to damage the car, etc. It is such a small thing to want, but if you actually damage the car nothing is said or done about it. The script just keeps going on no matter what you do. There are a lot of places where there should be something said or changed depending on what you choose to do. Even with times of day - often enough it says "Show up by Night" and like... you can show up ANY nighttime, not just the same day you activate a mission. Another instance is with the NPCs as they do things that just wouldn't happen in a city. Police cars often just sit there while you mug people or you can run them off the road without penalty. When in the country it is very tedious if you lose your vehicle - or if you have a slow vehicle. There should be "Warp" points or something activated if you aren't in a mission. Overall the game is nice. There, for me, just seems to be a lot of improvement (in terms of previous GTA games) and not too much in the revolution department. A good game - yes - but its also a "Safe" game without pushing too many bounds other than more cursing. I am not sure why everyone is going nuts over this game, but I do see why a lot of people like it. I just wish they would do more with the series.
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