The previous two didn't have enough reason to do independant wandering around the cities (like GTA's "tagging", shooting pigeons, racking up $ in taxis / rescue / fire-fighting / vigilante / pizza delivery missions).
But the series so far has been pretty damn awesome!
Still, I'm in no hurry, it will be released on platinum before I buy it. New release games are just too darned expensive to justify not waiting a few more weeks/months.
Got it yesterday as a 'new job' pressie from the inlaws. Not had a chance to play it yet but I'm itching to try the online multiplayer, hope the sneaking around is as fun as it sounds, I'm used to running around shooting everything that moves with an assault rifle.