I recently got this game via online auction for $10; just curious what all the hype was about. Let's get straight to the point:

The GOOD: Entertaining voice acting by Ray Liotta (Tommy Vercetti the main character), Dennis Hopper (Steve Scott, the porn king), Burt Reynolds (Avery Carrington, real estate mobster), Philip Michael Thomas (Lance Vance, Tommy's buddy), Deborah Harry (Taxi controller), Jenna Jameson (porn star), etc. Facinating storyline with funny plot twists. Open game format allows playing missions in any order you want, do what you want. LOTS of cars, motorcycles, planes, trucks, ambulances, helos, speedboats, RC airplanes, etc. to commandeer and wreak havoc. LOTS of weapons ranging from butcher knife to RPGs. LOTS of 80s music (Blondie, Rick James, A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Michael Jackson, etc) and chat parody on radio stations whenever inside a vehicle. Well plotted out city streets and ability to buy real estate and business properties as the game progresses. Some missions are tough and need careful planning and weapons selection. Add your own MP3s to listen to! You can even pick up hookers if you're driving a nice car. Just too much goodies!!!

The BAD: Awkward 3rd person view of main character (views can only be changed in vehicles) which means sometimes a structure or the back of Tommy's head can be blocking your view of the enemies. Background graphics can become ungainly and bulky close up (Kind of reminds me of old Tomb Raider games). Vehicle dynamics are purely video game style/not realistic simulations. Games can't be saved during missions and can only be done at "save" houses/properties. Vehicles always exploded when turned over even when there's minimal damage.

The UGLY: Game sometimes lock up (at the car dealership) even with video setting at my desktop 1280x1024x32 native resolution. The newest patch didn't help. Last but NOT least: TOMMY CAN'T SWIM!!!

Bottom Line: FUN and entertaining game at parties. NOT for younger kids or the politically correct. The 80's music collection ALONE is worth getting this game!