Did most gamers not like Grand Theft Auto 4?

[JUG]

So it seems fair to say that the game has divided opinion.

I'd go back and play San Andreas but I'm worried I won't appreciate it because I'll be used to GTA IV's physics and shooting system - which I gather were much better than previous instalments.

The next GTA I play will probably by Chinatown wars - or has that been overrated too*?

*(Not implying that I thought GTA IV was overrated - just to re-iterate, I loved the game, but I'm starting to wonder whether a lot of that enjoyment was because I'd never played a sandbox before).