Well, yes and no. There seems to be more civilians than previous installments (bars, parties with 10-20 NPCs), but less guards and/or police. Also, guards tend not to stay still for more than a few seconds, and not always in the place that is convenient to you.
As for crowds, there's a mission that takes place in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras parade. That enough for you?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
is it realistic about mardi gras with you hucking beads?
And is it as disjointed as contracts?