I'm a huge GTA fan and have not played the previous Saints Row game, but it was recommended that I try this one. And I'm so glad I did :) I really didn't know what to expect, but straight away it was clear it's in the same vein as GTA, but it has SO much more to offer. From the start you get to choose how your character looks, so you can base it fairly close to yourself. Everything from skin colour, to age, weight, facial features and voice. Great fun :) From there on, you get to begin free roaming, and this is where GTA 4 loses out. Whereas the graphics in GTA 4 are unrivalled, the game-play was fixed and VERY short lived. But S R 2 is the opposite - there's SO much to do and everywhere to go! On top of which you can customise your look, your cars, your cribs and your crew and partake of loads of missions, side activities and diversions (like ambulance driver, taxi, police woman/man, insurance fraud (so much fun), races, hit-man and more!). It's a truly great game and very underrated and under appreciated. If these guys were to combine this game (or their next one) with more advanced graphics (which are already very good) then they would sure as heck give Rockstar a run for their money. Go get it and have yourself some fun!