[Silent Bob]

So whats everyones first impressions?

Not got very far as I only got to play for an hour or so but the cars are wierd to handle.

[JabbaKane]

I'm struggling to control the cars too. I can't take a corner without either smashing into a shop/wall/lamp post etc or skidding too much and spinning out of control. Very frustrating - especially when you're trying to escape the police.

I was driving down a street and noticed a green triangle (or similar) on the map, which turned out to be a guy just standing around. The map legend said "friend" so I walked up to him. A cutscene showed him bragging about being loaded and then he gave me $100. :)

[manxmike]

I should be getting this today - had a voucher to use so I ordered from sloooow ol' Amazon. Still, means I'm getting it for £25 so I'm not complaining about having to wait.

Been avoiding reading much about the game as my favourite part of the GTA games is the initial sightseeing. I've seen mention of the car handling though. I think some opinions suggest it takes a while to get used to, then you find it's better. Hope so, anyway!

[Silent Bob]

I'm getting used to the cars and bikes now, liking the use of the sixaxis too - but best to turn it off for at least the helicoptors - I've only left it on for reloading.

Had a quick 30 mins in the online mode last night - not bad at all.

Check out this video of using ladies of the night:-

HERE

[Silent Bob]

You can link you PS3 and 360 accounts to the Rockstar Social Club HERE

[manxmike]

I'm really pleased with the game. I honestly found the handling of the cars better from the outset, and the combat system is far better, although - and this should get howls of indignation from the GTA fanboys (I assure you I am one myself!) - I still think the Saints Row system is sweeter.

Although maybe I'm missing something here. Can you actually aim when firing from a car? Or do you have to start spraying wildly and then aim, which is all I've been able to do so far?

Still, it's sooo nice to slide into blind corners and not have a car spawn in your way EVERY SINGLE EFFING TIME like in the GTA3 games. Like the new Police 'zone' system, too. Graphics seemed a bit wimpy to start with, but I suppose I was expecting a bit too much in that regard. Still a nice looking game.

Just 8 flying rats down so far. Need to print out a map...

[Silent Bob]

Not sure with aiming in the car - depends if you are driving or not. There's a tutorial somewhere (multiplayer?) that takes you through it.

As for the graphics - it's naturally 720p and upscales to 1080 - on the PS3 versions it always defaults back to 720p. You can turn the 720p option off in your PS3 settings.

[darkarius]

Originally Posted by manxmike

. Need to print out a map...

could have a look at www.ign.com they have an interactive map on their site somewhere. not too sure if you can print it out though. there is some useful stuff on there, locations of weapons, missions spots etc.

[manxmike]

Thanks for the info!

Bob, that's very useful about the resolution. I looked for options in-game; wouldn't have thought about forcing things in the main settings! I'll do that tonight.

Thanks for the map info darkarius! I'll definitely need one to find all those damn pigeons! ;)

[JabbaKane]

Originally Posted by manxmike

...find all those damn pigeons! ;)

I stumbled across one by accident. I was driving along the same road where Brucie's garage is and saw a small red glow. When I went up to inspect it closer I saw it was a pigeon. Since they don't normally glow red, I assumed I had to do something with it but I couldn't reach it as it was on a higher ledge, so I shot it!

Up popped a message saying that 99 other flying rats still inhabit Liberty City! :)

Haven't found a single one since then though :(