This Zero Punctuation review of Saint's Row 2 I believe explains why people don't like GTA4:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/312-Saints-Row-2
The summing up of players who play sandbox games is of particular note. I believe GTA4 went the serious game route, and that upset a bunch of fans. I believe the mayhem went into the multiplayer mode.







