Good Times
I am about halfway thru now and will definetly agree it is inferior to the amazing GTA SA, the graphics are little weak (as always) the soundtrack isn't nearly good as the past two GTA games, but it isn't bad.
My biggest complaint about the GTA series is that the difficulty is very inconsistant, one mission is a breeze, the next one will make you wanna rip your hair out. Same with the mini games, some are fun and just the right challenge, whereas others are just too difficult and suck some of the fun out of the entire experience.
Overall it is without doubt worth the $20 price for anybody who has enjoyed the series in the past or would like to try it out for the first time :-)