impressions after 2 hours play:
1. graphics:
very nice for the most part. There is a lot of object variety, each area has a distinct quality, lighting is excellent. The screen is a little blurry on the ps3 version, but I am not sure if this really detracts from the graphics. Framerate is okay, like previous entreys. No loading and the vast scale of the game makes it all the more impressive. Not the best looking game Ive played, but by far the best looking GTA, on release.
2. characters:
Niko is by far the most interesting GTA protaganist, he actually comes across as somewhat sympathetic. I can understand why RS toned down the customizability, they wanted to define their character more concretely.
3. story:
Great intro. Game has been slow since, but havent delved in deeply yet.
4. gameplay:
cars took some getting used to, but driving in first person is really awesome now, some really intense and exhilirating experiences.
Haven't done any shooting yet, but hand to hand is as clunky as ever.
5. soundtrack:
excellent as always, femi Kuti in there is a nice surprise, but am I right in assuming that there is no Gogol Bordello or Balkan Beat Box?!?!?!?!? Two crazy Balkan fusion bands from New York and they aren't represented...? Seems like a lost opportunity, both would fit this game better than alot of the music Ive heard so far.
Overall the game seems great. Its pretty clearly GTA next gen, there has been many improvements, but the formula is pretty much the same. The game hasn't blown me away at all yet, but I am enjoying the experiance, and expected to be suitably impressed the deeper I delve into it. Honestly, this will be the first GTA I finish since 3.