I'd have to add another vote for Riddick, Goldeneye and Scarface, Scarface in particular managed to be a really enjoyable GTA Clone, with a great feeling of progression.
Essentially, you play Tony, who escapes from the police siege at the mansion at the end, and has lost just about all his friends, money, estate, everything, and is holed up in some grubby hideout apartment, with nothing but a pistol, and you swear to get revenge on those who wronged you and take back Miami, and you really feel the growth over the course of the game.
Essentially, you play Tony, who escapes from the police siege at the mansion at the end, and has lost just about all his friends, money, estate, everything, and is holed up in some grubby hideout apartment, with nothing but a pistol, and you swear to get revenge on those who wronged you and take back Miami, and you really feel the growth over the course of the game.