Although it holds true to the film, this game is mediocre. See for yourself, but dont buy it because it will be a waste.
Considering the fact that Grand Theft Auto San Andreas was released way over a year ago, it would be predicted that this would at least compare. It doesn't. First of all, the gameplay is choppy and very robotic. You are constantly reminded that it is a game because the camera angle "cuts" when you turn your character instead of moving slowly so the view can be up kept. You will constantly find yourself limited by the crummy gameplay that gets quite frustrating at times. Also, the vehicles gameplay is quite pathetic. When you are going slow and you try to turn, it feels like you are playing one of those cheap racing games with excessive sensitivity. But when you are going fast, it feels like your controller has broken.
The gameplay isn't all that bad though. When you are in a gun fight, you can lean against that wall for cover and then shoot around it at will. You can also crouch to remain quiet, which comes in handy at times. But here again, the gameplay is unsubstancial. Let's focus on the AI. At times, it is amusing just how undeveloped it is. For example, on one of your last missions, you have to kill the family's Don's. At one of the locations, you are waiting for the guy to come out. You can't go in, because he will be warned and will flee. So you have to stand outside. Interestingly enough, there is two guards waiting by the door. You have a gun in your hand, standing five feet from the exit door, and they just stand their. They don't even activate until you actually shoot at the Don when he comes out. Think for yourself, is that bad or what?
Now the graphics. Good for the most part. The cars and people look good and the cinematic scenes look great as well. But the buildings (the ones you cant access) look unrefined and separate from the picture your percieving. Plus, the interior environments (like the doors and windows) look like they were taken from an old playstation game.
The sound was good. Great character voices, most matching the film's and the weaponry sounded good. But is that what we come to do: listen to the sounds of the game and say "Yes, it is Great!". No. And I cant believe any body at Gamespot gave this game an 8.1 (Great) considering the massive flaws and limitations to the player.
Value: Not worth buying, trust me, or don't. See for yourself that this is a disappointment to anyone's anticipations. When you have GTA SA for XBOX, this game becomes obsolete. This is even less interactive and enjoying than GTA 3 was 5 years ago. Don't listen to the hype, but do find out for yourself. Play a friend's or rent it, but you would have felt better burning your money afterwards if your purchase it. If you don't own GTA SA or for that matter any GTA, look their score up and you will see this game failed in it's genre and failed as a game. period.