Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Game Info

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar North

Platform: PS2

Genre(s): Action, Racing

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: AO (Adults Only)

Release Date: October 26, 2004

Intro:
The intro to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is rather nondescript.  Random snapshots of gangster-type personalities flash across the screen as music plays and the credits roll.  The player becomes aware that San Andreas will be about gangs, but while the mostly Hispanic shots give away the ethnic diversity of the game, they fail to show the true ethnicity of it.  As is usual, so far, in GTA games, the intro bears little remarkable resemblance to actual gameplay and so does little to actually draw the player into the game.  My only complaint was that I couldn't skip the intro when going back into the game. 

Getting Going:
Instead of getting into a car and taking off immediately, the story begins with a back-story told in a brief cinemagraphic. This is the first GTA to actually offer any sort of real back-story so the amount of character development in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas begins to shine through immediately.  For perhaps the first time, an ethnically diverse and rich character is introduced in the form of CJ, an African-American who left San Andreas to go straight in Liberty City.  After 5 years, he returns to mourn the death of his mother and is immediately framed for murder by corrupt police who leave him in the midst of gang country, trying to find his way home.  Thrust right back into the gangs, the player is prompted to grab a nearby bike and pedal home.  Immediately noticeable on the bike are the phenomenally improved physics.  The controls are smooth and CJ will even bunny hop or stick a foot out to stop and turn. 

Fun:
For the first time, I found a GTA game that is both fun to play and fun to watch.  The visuals are a tremendous improvement and the physics are so immensely improved that playing is now a pleasure instead of an exercise in frustration.

Visuals and Controls:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas demonstrates a dramatic improvement in visuals over previous GTA games.  The physics are so smooth in this game that, instead of fighting the controls, players can now focus their attention on graphic improvements such as car hopping and motorcycle moves.  When the player backs up on a motorcycle or bike, the movements are natural and familiar.  Planes can be flown and take off in predictable ways.  Weather now includes dense fog and blinding sunlight.  Maps are more clearly designed.  In addition, cheat codes abound for players that wish to take greater advantage of the sandbox style of gameplay instead of moving through the story line. Your character is still unable to jump or climb, something an average person can do, which can frustrate gameplay at times.

Sound:
Music has returned to GTA in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.  The famous and familiar songs that were missing in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories are present here and, once again, it is easy to change channels with the simple push of a button.  The engines of various vehicles have noticeably different sounds, making it abundantly clear that someone was listening to players along the way. 

Intelligence:
Players have to navigate a city inhabited by gangs and gang warfare; they are shot at, chased by police and dragged from cars.  Getting police attention is easy.  Losing police is an almost impossible task.  And, running over a pedestrian is very noticed by non-player characters in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.  There is no doubt that the game offers challenge and plays well against you.

Immersion:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas seems to offer more story in its cinemagraphics than previous iterations.  The missions carry more meaning in the overall story and therefore seem less forced and lame.  Character development is clear in the non-player characters as well as in the player character which offers a richer player experience.  Players can still avoid the story or play it alongside many other diversions in the game but, either way, the game offers a rich player experience which allows them to play for hours and lose track of time.

Win/Lose States:
As in previous versions, if you are wasted, you will be sent to the hospital or the police department, depending on the circumstances of your death.  You lose some money and any weapons you are carrying.  Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas offers updates of your stats for performing well.  Riding a bike for some time over various terrain will improve your riding skills, for instance.  Food improves your stamina and, if you don't eat, your stamina will decline. 

Cameras:
The camera offers four quick views.  Cinematic overhead gives a wide shot from behind.  There is also a close-up behind shot and a first person view.  Moving about returns the player to normal view and does not offer the ability to stay if any of the previous views.  Still, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas offers smooth camera control and a 360 degree view.

Ideas:
I was impressed with the rich, ethnic character development and story line in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.  It offered an entirely new player experience that was at once refreshing and yet somehow familiar.  CJ is a character players could identify with even though they may never have experienced his lifestyle or culture.

Memory:
For the first time, I've played a Grand Theft Auto that I didn't hate.  This game changed my feelings about the franchise completely.  Rockstar has taken a franchise that I'd felt was more controversial than quality and stayed true to it by keeping the sandbox quality that players have loved from the beginning and fleshing out a real character and story.  They've improved the controls and added fascinating visual elements to create a remarkable play experience.  This is the best GTA to date for me, prompting me to buy it alongside Grand Theft Auto IV.