Well,my personal experience could be an example of this,why?
Because I was a first day GTA4 owner and at this day I can't get even the fifth mission because I don't get any appeal for Nico,his history or anything else,I almost regret this buying,I'm thinking in change this for Fallout 3,a more compelling sand-box setting for me.
And I agreed with the most: Vice city>San Andreas>GTA3>GTA4







