I must start with a comment about the install for this game. It takes hours. I lost count of the amount of verification I went through, not being a big fan of Windows LIVE the fact that I had to do a disk verification check, online check and release date check is like voluntary root canal surgery... long, painful and unnecessary. With no hardware check at the end, before booting the game to a black screen, it will leave 'un-tech' people floundering, wondering why the game can't do a simple 'install and check' or run with the on the box specs.
The driving style of the vehicles really suited me. It reminded me of 'Flat Out 2' with older vehicles suffering from soggy suspension, blowing exhausts and, eventually due to shoddy driving, crumpled crumple zones. But there is this element of thoughtlessness to the game. I'm following a dealer through a network of quiet alleys to the secret den, when my 'friends' all decide to ring to ask me to escort them bowling or buying food. Is there no silencer on the phone? Does it not turn off? This kind of programming deserves a slap to the back of the head. The conversations left me feeling flat too. Some of the characters lacked depth and felt like cardboard props. One minute I'm arguing with my cousin, the next he cheerfully phones me to invite me to a bar?... add to this the flat greys the world renders in and horrific fight mapping. I'm left with a washed out feeling, like Rockstar have already partied and I'm playing the morning after hangover!;)
EDIT; After playing for a short while (40% game) I ran into a long mission. There are no save points in mission. This means if you get 70% through a mission and die, you restart... at the start or reload a previous save (you did save, right?;). Annoying doesn't cover this!
In short, I like this game. It looks great and plays great, but it will leave me with the feel that Rockstar could have tried better. With the promised coming of 'Saints the Third' Rockstar could be losing their crown...
