One of the first things you'll notice is that the targeting system has been improved, which I think we're all very thankful for. You'll also notice the physics of the veichles have been re-worked, in a good way I might add. Something that I personally think is refreshing is the game is EXTREMELY challenging and long, you will not be beating this in a weekend. There are so many side-quests and secrets that will keep you busy for a long time. Some other cool additions are the ability to give your guy a tatoo, and a haircut. Rockstar also decided to make it so you have to eat to survive, thankfully you can go without eating for a decent amount of time so you won't have to find a restaraunt every few hours.

     Not surprisingly the general core GTA gameplay is still the foundation of the game, but you have to wonder, how long can they keep this up before it gets stale? Look at the Tony Hawk games, the first three were great, but slowly we realized the newer games were the same thing with some minor upgrades to the gameplay. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is dying for decent multi-player in the Grand Theft Auto series. Just imagining the potential for multi-player gets me incredibly excited about(hopefully) GTA 4. There could be cops and robbers, gang battles, even ranks where you can gain different social statuses similiar to that in Fable on the Xbox. I don't know about you guys, but if GTA 4 was a MMO for the PS2 I would gladly pay the subscription fee. Don't get me wrong, San Andreas was probably the best single experience of any PS2 game I've ever played, but I just hope they don't do another 3 GTA's including the lackluster two player added for San Andreas.

     Although a few of the old graphical issues are back like framerate, they all have been addressed and tampered down quite a bit. Luckily the rest of the game is gorgeous, and this over-powers the now minor issues with the graphics. Whether you're running around setting hookers on fire or driving around trying to save lives, the beautiful appearance of the environments will immerse you into the game.

     This time around the game has a great soundtrack full of songs from the 90's. The music matches the theme perfectly as does the sound effects. They're even getting some great voice talent now, they brought in the man, Samuel Jackson. Also I have to admit, I love the cussing from the civilians, reminds me of the good ol' GTA 1 days.

     This is easily the best single player experience you'll have on the PS2. I won't say it's the best game all together on the PS2 as other critics have because it cannot contend in the multi-player arena. Lets just cross our fingers multi-player will be improved in the next GTA.

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