The Good:
Well constructed storyline. Niko Bellic is a very likable protagonist. Liberty City has been implemented to look more like modern New York City.
The Bad:
Driving mechanics are very slippery, feels like driving on ice. Missions take over 20 minutes and could've used a checkpoint system for every time you die.
Intro:
Niko Bellic is searching for the American Dream. He finds this as he moves to Liberty City, along with meeting up with his cousin Roman. As soon as they arrive and get an apartment in Bohan. Niko makes a living for himself by working for mob bosses and along the way: earning money, meeting girls and facing a new villain named Dimitri (who Niko was working with at one point).
Game play:
Game play is pretty much what you expect if you're a veteran of the "GTA" series. You beat people up, steal cars, doing missions, etc. Some new elements have been added to the game play. One prime example is choosing decisions that affect the storyline, like say towards the end of the game where you choose either "Deal" or "Revenge" mission. Choose "Deal", and do Jimmy Pegarino's deal for him and Roman dies or choose "Revenge" take your girlfriend "Kate's" advice, kill Dimitri on the boat, where he's dealing heroin with his bodyguards, and Kate unfortunately dies at Roman's wedding. Another prime example is now using a cell-phone to use whatever you like: Contacts, Camera, etc.
Graphics:
Due to the game running on a new powerful engine, the graphics and visuals have been improved greatly. Character models are realistic this time and Liberty City itself is more like New York City now, boy has it changed a lot since 2001.
Controls:
Left top joystick for moving Niko. A for running. X for jumping. Y for getting into cars. L trigger for brakes and reverse, for when you're in a vehicle. R for accelerate, for when you're in a vehicle. Up D-pad for accessing your cellphone.
Music and Sound:
Music score is fantastic as composed by Michael Hunter. The song "New York Groove" performed by "Hello" sets the ending of this game perfectly.
Lasting Appeal:
I really appreciate the game for it's story, setting, and updates from previous games in the series. It feels like a new era has arrived in the "GTA" series. Although the game has minor flaws, but overall, this game is perfect and I can't wait for "GTA V". 10 out of 10.