We know from the trailer that the game takes place in Liberty City
(numerous "Liberty City" references, plus the usual NYC-inspired
scenery including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, etc.)
We also know that the main character is Russian, and from his monolog
in the trailer he appears to be coming to Liberty City to escape his
past:
"Life is complicated. I've killed people... smuggled people... sold people. Perhaps here, things will be different."
Lastly, the game appears to be set in the present day and there is no
indication that it is in another timeframe. Cars and buildings are all
modern.
High-Def Trailer
