I have had the luxury of playing this game before it was released. Let me tell you if you were a fan of Vice City this will blow you away.
Let me start by talking about the setting. You come back to your home town ghetto and meet up with your old gang. The setting is dark a gloomy just how a ghetto should be. And yes they talk ghetto as well, not for the squimish. You do the normal mission routine by visiting you gang member friends. They range from chasing someone in a motorcycle to breaking into a Amry Reserve building. One mission was to beat up everyone in a crack house. Each mission so far has been hilarious. With RockStar you get new game innovations. A major one is the ability to break into house and steal thier valuables. This gives you another way to make some extra cash. You can also buy properties were you can save your game. This is good because you dont have to go across town to your save locations. Another is the drive-by ability. You drive past cars and rival gang members while your boys gat away out the windows. There is a racing section for extra money. You can maximize your strength and stamina by working out at the gym. You can increase your health by eating at Pizza Parlors and Taco Stands.
The soundtrack is amazing. It features Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine.. Basically the 90s radio stations. The gangster rap is perfect for the missions.
Since I haven't gotten too far in the game im sure the best is yet to come. So far I give the game a perfect 10/10.. The setting makes you feel like your a real gang banger. It is very challanging. Do not pass this game up. The best GTA yet!!