What are good open world games for PS3?

I recently found out that the people who were making True crimes Hmong Kong Axed the project I am totally bummed I love those open world type games and I wanted to know of some good titles that are similar to that game with the one player and open environment I went to game stop yesterday and the sales person recommended Grand Theft Auto 4 I don't like that game at all I could never really get into the story of the game. I played GTA1 and GTA3 I know it similar but I don't like those games. I brought Saint row 2 I love it it reminds me of driver games and he also recommended midnight club la I like to drive and beat people up so any suggestions beyond what I already mentioned would be awesome