perfect DLC
The graphics are not stunning because they are exactly the same as the original GTA IV which was made over a year ago. That being said they are not bad because GTA IV had insane graphics plus the frame rate rarely ever drops.
The gameplay has been freshened up with all new guns, my favourite being the shotgun with explosive shells--AWESOME MUCH!?!? You can now parachute, have multi-vehicle races and even dance at nightclubs. And I agree with Gamespot's reviewer that the new mission checkpoint placements make the game less frustrating.
The story follows Luis Lopez, the Dominican-American bodyguard of Anthony Prince aka Gay Tony. The story starts with a cut scene from the big bank heist from GTA IV but in Luis' perspective and pretty much goes on from there. And of course the dialogue and new characters are funny.
Replayability is very high now because you can use your phone to play any main mission again and try to earn a better score. It took me under 8 hours to finish the story which is very good for a DLC--longer than half the full priced games out there today.
The Ballad of Gay Tony is much harder than the original GTA IV, just a heads up. Online has separate lobbies from GTA IV and The Lost and Dammed but is more zany fun.
Story/Characters: 9
Fits in perfectly
Graphics/Sound: 8
Same as last year
Gameplay/Replayability: 9
Spiced up gameplay and high replay value
This DLC was a lot better than The Lost and Dammed DLC. I highly recommend getting the twin pack if you were a fan of the original GTA IV--it's worth it.