I'm 14 years old and I've been playing games for 10 years, and never in those 10 years have I experienced a game as well-made as GTA IV. It's nearly flawless if it wasn't for the pop-up horizon issues I've known so well.
GTA's protagonist is what surprised me the most. He's one of the most well-rounded characters I've ever had the pleasure of taking control of in any game. He has a past, a present, and an almost certain future.
I can't rave about this game enough, I'm sure that people have raved about it more then myself. It's an amazing game that deserves to be played by anyone and everyone.
I also bought the special edition. I got a duffel bag, a soundtrack, an art book, and the game. The duffel bag's zippers broke in 1 1/2 weeks, the soundtrack is pretty good and the artbook is worth reading. But you shouldn't waste that time when you have such an amazing game at your fingertips.
Enjoy this game to the fullest, with or without that cheaply made duffel bag.