Actually 8.7. Why? Read the review
Story
You play as Cole Phelps, a police officer who later becomes a detective. While working for the LAPD, Phelps discovered that Los Angeles was not what it seemed to be. It was a city full of crime and corruption and it's his job to help make it a better place. At the beginning you're unlikely to feel connected to Phelps however, as the game progresses you start to understand why Phelps's personality is the way he is and you will begin to feel empathy towards him.
Gameplay
The game is a lot more linear than most open world games as it tends to focus mainly on the story and only has one type of side quest. The game focuses on cases and completing them to improve Phelps's rank. You will play most of the game with a partner, this works very well but it would have been better if Co-op were included. In the cases you're briefed by your Captain, you and your partner head off to the crime scene to search for clues. Depending on how many clues Phelps finds will impact the interrogation procedures which can then lead to who gets arrested. Despite the fact you might fail in this area the game will still progress regardless and this makes it a little too easy, even for casual gamers. You also car a notebook which has a list of all the evidence collected which can be used interrogate someone you think might be telling a lie.
You can also drive (or let your partner drive which is much quicker), use guns(Keep in mind you are a good guy and can ONLY kill enemies), change outfits etc. The cars themselves don't drive too realistically but still do a job, the shooting is a watered down version of Read Dead Redemptions but also does a job when applicable. However, the major let down is Phelps's movement. He just doesn't have any sense of speed and general movement doesn't feel as good as you would want it to be.
Graphics and Presentation
They are both amazing in this game although the graphics are not as good as games like God of War3 and Uncharted 2, its presentation and graphics are still top notch. The best thing about the game that is better than others is the presentation. The way the characters speak you can feel the emotion coming out of them. It cannot be described it can only be seen so at least watch some footage. Even the designs of the different racial groups are done to an unbelievable detail never seen in a game before.
Sound
The sound is also top notch as expected with Rockstar's input in Bondi's game. The characters provide emotions that compete with any of the best detective or CSI program. The sound of gunshots, driving and other action even radio project what I would assume it would sound like in 1940s. The only thing that can get a little irritating is the looping in the sounds when searching for clues.
Fun
This depends on the gamer as someone who plays GTA, RDR, Mafia2 etc cannot look at this game and think it will be the same style. Gamers who also like games such as Heavy Rain or detective type programs are more likely to have greater joy. I found this game very fun as it gave me something different from the usual games that involve allot of shooting. The cases can feel like they drag on and have a random feel about it but later on after a drug mission you won't put that controller down.
PS3 owners
Beware as some PS3 owners of the older models (60gb Fat) have had problems playing this game. Those gamers buy with caution.
Overall
To keep this short this game is a great game but could have been much better. The animation, design and acting is practically flawless but the game doesn't provide allot outside the main story. Progression can be too easy and the cases can start to feel repetitive at times BUT, in the later stages you won't be able to put your controller down till the end. It was a long ride but had great intense moments near the end which made me begin to understand why Phelps's is trying to clean the streets of crime. I recommend this to anyone who views the game for what it is and not by the Rockstar name.
8.7/10