[Dactrius]

To answer your question in the shortest possible way: YES

The map is huge, you heard right, and if you don't have a head for remembering maps in games you probably will get lost. You'll pick it up eventually, but it's a lot bigger than people make out. It is HUGE!

If you're a fan of Vice City, I'd roughly estimate the map is 3 times as big, which should give you a good idea. With a bigger map comes a lot more content such as missions, vehicles, mini-games and weapons. You shouldn't have any regrets buying this one.