Based on the number of story missions left, I'm pretty close to the end of the main game, but have been holding off for the last few days because I'm having fun doing the collectables, weapon missions, and even some of the trophies for particular kills. That said, I'd like to wrap up the story as well. I suspect the answer is 'yes', but I just want to check if the game drops you back into the world after finishing the story missions.

It does. I beat the game within the first couple of days and kept playing it for another week to get my platinum trophy. Great open world to hang out in.

I thought I was done wit this game after the "end", but I jumped back in last night to check out the added content and I ended up still having a really great time and ended up getting platinum. I mostly gave up chasing achievements on 360 last gen, but this game was really good enough to inspire me to just go for it.

I finished eveything in the first area last night. Good to know I don't have to do 12 more rescue missions before seeing the end.