you're comparing the graphics of a last gen game to a current gen game? wow

I can't agree. The city is too realistic. There were also tons of funny things in the previous GTA games. The only thing I can think of in GTA IV is just that heart in the statue of Liberty....

The story is ok, but the missions are sooo repetitive. GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas had much more depth in their missions.

My conclusion: GTA IV isn't a real sequel, because Rockstar failed to continue the awesomeness of the previous games. If you want to play a real Grand Theft Auto game, then go and buy Saints Row or wait for Saints Row 2. I know it's funny to say this but sadly it's true.

To make that clear: GTA IV is a good game, but it should have an other title.

I would think that you would have trouble telling the difference.

GTA Vice city was the DADDY of GTA games.... the look, the feel, the atmosphere, the music.... and great actors like Ray Liotta, Burt Reynolds, Lee Majors and Danny Dyer all had big roles in it.... hell... it even had Jenny Mccarthy in it playing candy suxxx ..... GTA Vice city had more comedy moments and more charisma than GTA San Andreas and GTA IV put toether

I like this post. Simple, to the point, and absolutely true.

The humor in VC was spot. With GTA4 they tried to walk between the mostly serious story and the same old over the top satire the series is known for. I didn't think they did so well with that. Plus there were times when the humor seemed a little too forced and way to overt. 

I agree with your topic title OP but for different reasons. The cover system really made this game great, the driving (while slower) was better in it's own way, it just felt better over all. There is more substance in GTA4 (more variety of people and conversations, everywhere you go looks different, the ability to redue missions immediately, instant traveling, a more intuitive way to be a cop with a computer system, the list goes on).

The only complaint I have is the lack of a jet pack and a jet itself.

Since when does a good story have to be "socially redeemable"?

You play GTA for the story?

I agree that Vice City was also my favorite. I do agree on most points, but I find that the separate parts of GTAIV are better than the sum, and the opposite is true for Vice City.

Sure, GTA4 is TECHNICALLY better, but IMO previous GTAs got the INTANGIBLES down better. Stuff like atmosphere and pacing and character development and sense of freedom. It's the same reason that many still think MGS1 is the pinnacle of the series.