I wanted to fight the war on terror, but I don't read so good
I never hear anybody talk about the social commentary and critiquing in the Grand Theft Auto series. Its detractors, be they Hilary Clinton or snobby game elitists, like to portray it as mindless, wanton sociopathy - and admittedly, if that's what you want to do with the game, it's there. What most interests me in these games, however, is dropping into this little virtual world and appreciating how it all fits together. I actually find it much more intellectually engaging than most games, including the majority of epic RPGs, because it tends to reflect real life minutiae, rather than, say, expansive, indulgent tales of treachery in the Intergalactic Council or whatever. Right-wing 'news', obnoxious cellphonery, embarassing 'urban' soda ad campaigns, paparazzi trash culture. Sure, it might not be in-depth exploration of these issues, but it's far more relevant and far less condescending than most game content.
Also, sweet: GTA4 has a funk and Afro-beat radio station, with some Fela Kuti in there. I'm really looking forward to what else there'll be. I'm hoping for a hipster/indie rock station (lots of territory there, ripe for the mocking), as well as some good talk radio spoofs, which has always been my favorite, since GTA3.
P.S. if you ain't playing Forumwarz, it is probable that you ain't cool.