This is such an original game. The sheer scope of making a living, breathing city and letting you do almost anything is amazing. Citizens that walk past you make comments. The gangs you piss off will shoot at you as you pass their hood. It really feels like you are in a city!
Besides the obvious story mode, there are so many cars, weapons, and submissions (be a paramedic, firefighter, or vigilante) that will keep you busy and from feeling the game is becoming monotonous. The game's missions are varied too.
It's so fun to cause mayhem and try to outdrive the heat when it comes for you --- and it does come for you, big time!
I also enjoyed the little things, like being able to change the radio station, how different cars really do handle different, all the submissions that don't effect the story, and being able to pick up hookers. Cudos to Rockstar for making such a groundbreaking game! These types of games don't come around often, so you should do yourself a favor and play it (as long as you don't mind violence, cuz there is plenty).