Although this was only a year after GTA 3's release, the development difference is uncanny. The polish, the tweaks, the added mechanics, the depth of the world/writing/characters.
If not for the mandatory grind before the penultimate mission, i would've rated it higher, there was missions later that felt like padding, but i would've accepted it if not for the asset requirements.

Still very fun, just add a few QOL mods and get kicking.