Erm what exactly is wrong with Mass Effect? Unless you consider "being awesome" a flaw I don't get what you're implying.
Some RDR shootout gameplay...what exactly is so clunky about this? Granted, it's not a combat simulation and is more arcade-like, but I never had any major gripes with the mechanics.
The difference between RDR and Mass Effect 2 for gameplay mechanics is mainly that ME2 uses the over-the-shoulder view and has more emphasis on fixed positions/cover. I think it's more about preference, rather than an actual problem with the mechanics of controlling shots or aiming.
I think it's more about Rockstar games in general, in terms of shooting/driving mechanics. Are they really that bad compared to other games that aren't specifically combat or driving sims... IMO, most console games are pretty similar now in terms of mechanics. You move in between cover areas. The enemy moves in between cover areas. The enemy pops out every so often, and you move the reticule and shoot.
The Euphoria engine used in GTA4 definitely made moving from cover to cover a lot more difficult than in that RDR footage you showed. The reticule was also more jittery. Nowhere near as responsive. And RDR is a newer game as well, so fixes will have been made.
I'm sure they'll freshen the gameplay up. Just as epic freshened Gears up. Gears 2 was fAr quicker and less clunky than the original and Gears 3 improved even more.
Just watched the trailer...it's basically an LA/Hollywood setting (Vinewood in place of the Hollywood sign), and involves a bank robbery theme. There's something about the trailer that vaguely suggests a SIMS style element, like perhaps the more successful you become, the bigger the house you buy etc. Economic theme, definitely...trailer has an emphasis on rich/poor. Perhaps you start out as a bank robber and move into other more "legitimate" business areas, similar to the Mafia approach. Bank robber to corporate exec. http://www.rockstargames.com/videos/video/8001#/?video=8001
Looks good to me. Much more variety in vehicles and settings, as well as hopefully having more to spend your money on and expand your empire. I would also assume more variety in weapons. I'm not sure if I'll buy it on launch though or if I will take my chances and wait for a PC launch (and hope there is one). Recently playing GTA IV with the ENB mod makes that trailer look like crap. Of course it doesn't always look THAT good, but there are plenty of times that it does. I've definitely been spoiled by it, but hey, GTA V will without a doubt will have great gameplay so it will be a must buy for me... at some point anyway.