It has a 99% average on Gamerankings as of now (only 3 reviews though)

I can imagine the reaction if it were to steal the #1 spot from Zelda. It seems entirely possible after reading the early reviews.

 Then we would know the world has lost complete self respect for themselves.  I mean that in the best way possible. 

All I can say is I'm impressed. I really have never been a huge fan of the GTA series, but I'm thinking that this is a game that I can't pass up.

@Zucas

When you have reality shows like Pleasure Island and Joe Millionaire it can be safely assumed that people in general have already lost respect for themselves.

come on....this is overdone!!

we know it's an excellent game, but come on, it cannot be perfect!!
there might be a better game in the future, what rating will GTA V get?? :p

also, the "10" in graphics shouldn't be there because they cannot be perfect!!
they suck!!

If you've seen the graphics in motion, you know otherwise.

The most well-deserved score in years. 

 graphics mean more then just visual appeal. Its also a matter of draw distance. If the game has perfect draw distance then the effect of you being a real person in the game its good.

Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.. a guy who gets paid to write for IGN seems to think it's extremely good.  I've never seen the series' appeal and I've never had any interest in it.. but then again, I didn't really think Zelda: OoT was that great either :p    A score like that will definitely build hype for people who are already looking forward to it, but comparing it to the review score for another game is silly. 

The reviewer for GTA4 liked GTA4 more than the reviewer for.. say, mario galaxy liked that particular game.  I can think of a lot of games I enjoyed more than SMG and I would've rated them higher as a result.  Though I'd have to imagine hype and such will often cause a score to be inflated a bit.. as long as it doesnt turn out to be a disappointment.

On a side note, I don't see Mario Kart really competing much for sales.  The crowd that wants it will buy it regardless.. both are big titles so if someone really wants both, they'll grab both.  GTA4 will sell like crazy without a doubt, in the US especially.

I wish everyone understood that a perfect score does not mean a perfect game. In fact, the review itself states that fact for the millionth time in review history.

IMO, as Ive never been fan of the series the game doesnt deserve a 10.
9 would be the highest if its really impressive from a technical standpoint, but I doubt its the best looking game so far this generation.

GTA is one of the most overrated franchises, plus add the fact that besides some small changes the game is almost the same.

Just fun to run around or drive cars, missions were always bad IMO.