I actually really like what I've seen of 4 so far, but it has a weird effect on me, that being that I have such a strong sense of the character I'm playing I feel really bad going out and just running over pedestrians and smashing things. It's a testament to their ability to immerse me into that role, but at the same time it makes me want to assume restrictions on my mode of play that I just KNOW will be fun. It's very bizarre.

Well, that's the trap I suppose - you have to treat 4 differently, but if you're going in expecting mass uncivilized mayhem with few consequences, you'll not get that at all. I think the biggest problem with the whole thing is making it a GTA game. The name evokes that chaos of faceless slaughter and mass destruction, and 4 doesn't want you to get that. I think it can be fun to follow the story though, and the characters are quite well developed (especially considering they're developed at all compared to past GTA games). Personally, I can't wait to see that through to the end. Of course, if that's not what you're in it for, then I can see how the game would be hard to play, but when I drive I go out of my way to be careful of people and even obey traffic laws.

Out of curiousity, have you ever watched Godfather, or the Sopranos (or had any interest in them)? Just wondering if you have no interest in those kinds of mob dramas, in which case that would probably be another point against GTA4.