I used to be an avid gamer when I was younger but have found myself in the same old rut of getting a game only to play it for a few hours and then not touch it again.
This is exactly what I did with SR3. I did the first mission, drove around for a bit and then put it down.
9 months later however on the off chance I picked it back up and started playing and basically did not stop for a couple of days. It was like I was young again, I really wanted to do the next mission as soon as I had completed the last. Now I have completed the story mode I even want to go and do the extra bits, which I almost never do anymore (Batman a huge example)
The game itself is basically GTA4 but with less optional extras (such as playing pool / darts, getting drunk, having a girlfriend) however does stuff so much funnier. It really lets itself go and doesn't take anything seriously.
The story mode is good with a variety of different things to do and does not seem to get repetitive (even though obviously it is mainly driving to and from places and shooting lots and lots of people)
As I know a lot of people get hung up on graphics, they are decent in the cut scenes and generally good in play although nothing special and there are a few glitches and pop up which are very noticeable however do not get in the way of the gameplay.
My main gripe is that I think it could have explained the controls better as I did spend a little time at the beginning aimlessly wandering around as did not know there was a map and GPS (however that is probably my fault as it probably did explain 9 months ago when i started plus there is always the manual if i wanted to read that)
I have given it 5 stars just to make people notice. In reality i do not think it is a 5 star game as there are other out there that are better however it is a great addition to anyone's collection.