So here are my thoughts so far:
Pros: the game has a wonderful presentation and engaging story. The investigating and clue finding is fun and rockstar spices it up and keeps it exciting with dialogue and musical cues. It really just puts you into the moment and helps you look past the simple game mechanics that are taking place (one of Rockstar's specialties). The P.O.I questioning is also great. Gathering enough clues to be one step ahead of the person you're questioning is a great time. Knowing a scumbag is totally lying and knowing you have the evidence to shove in his face is a great feeling. And speaking of faces, well… you already know how amazing the dialogue animation looks. Using intuition points when you're stumped doesn't detract either, since as a more methodical player, I try to save them for the harder nuts to crack later on. It's a game that demands your full attention and rewards you for your patience. The shooting and driving is all standard, but done right, so no problems here. Cole Phelps is a cool, standup kinda guy. I like getting to know him and his partners. Rockstar is still mastering their craft... but they aint ever leaving their place at the top of the sandbox at this rate!
Cons: Rockstar blew their whole wad on the main "quest" and it shows. L.A. is pretty snazzy lookin, but there isn't much to go do. I understand the dedication to the plot, but in turn it works completely against the open world formula the game has. There is never any downtime, Cole is ALWAYS in the middle of a case (one ends, the next begins), this removes the whole "day in the life" sort of feel found in other Rockstar games. I find myself turning down the dispatch calls and choosing NOT to explore… why? Because there are more important matters at hand! I've got to solve this murder/crime/mystery! Doing the side missions really really breaks the pace of the plot, and in a realistic sense... well.... makes no sense. I just wish there was a downtime period in between cases where you could explore and do side police work at your own leisure... then when the player is ready for the next case... walk up to you desk and press a button (simple right?). Also, stuff like unlocking new suits (with different powers) is a bit odd. I'd like to be able to go and buy a suit... or at least have more to choose from. Why so few? The abilities you say? well those are pointless. I DON'T need more ammo for my guns... I DON'T need better aim. I just want Cole to look different k? Anyway, as I said before, yes I understand their focus on the main plot, but it feels the frills are either pointless or just unrealized. The reason I'd wanna go gamble with Cole, drink with him, bust perps, get suits, do other sidequests is because I really LIKE him and his world im playing in!
I just finished Homicide and am now ready to sink my teeth into Vice. Good times!