9 / 10
11 Feb 2006 at 20:06
Review by: MightyT
Just when you think the Grand Thaft Auto series couldn't get much better, Rockstar North blows you away. Each installment is guaranteed to far surpass the previous, but the level of this accomplishment is rare. Only a few other creative souls have been able to have that kind of success with sequels. San Andreas is the epitome of that accomplishment. From car design to character development, all the way to the rich screenplay and interaction, this game leaves little wanting.
Over the years, GTA has undergone several changes. Anyone who remembers the first two games will think of the aerial view, or the simple graphics. Then one day, Rockstar decided to take their games to a whole new level. GTA 3 was released for the PS2 and it was amazing. In depth story, three dimensions, and a city designed after Chicago(Liberty City). Pure gaming bliss. Along with this new style came a new, unexpected form of gameplay. While the most "elite" gamers handeled the missions with ease, lesser gamers developed the "twitch cheating" style. Most of the cheat codes in the game are easily memorized, and before long, a gamer could initiate full health, excess money, or whatever in an instant. This of course carries on through the rest of the series.
The next breakthrough in the Grand Theft Auto continuity was Vice City. This was a blast from the past, sending the player rocketing back into the shoes of a 1980's mobster. The music, the scene, and the attitude all at your fingertips, but with the GTA taste added to the mix. Turning on the radio in your vehicle of choice will immediately get you in the 80's mood. These weren't the only additions either. New vehicles(including motorcycles), the ability to purchase property, the ability to hold up store clerks, not to mention an all-star cast were just a few more perks. Besides, who wouldn't want to explore "Miami" beach from the comfort of their own living room? There is also a purposeful Scarface feel to the game. At one point you can even own a mansion that has very similar qualities to Tony Montana's.
Which brings us up to date with San Andreas. San Andreas first steps up to the plate with an intense storyline. As we delve further and further into the plot, we notice something amazing; no loading screens! The entire game is unhindered free roaming. Not only that, but it takes place in three major cities! You start out in Los Santos (Las ANgeles) as a street thug named Carl Johnson, back in town for his mother's funeral. But home isn't what it used to be, as he soon finds out. So C.J. sets out to clean up his home. ALong the way, you get to take him to San Fierro(San Francisco) and Las Venturas(Las Vegas). Also included are a few back-woods towns and rich countryside. New additions include bicycles, better property, weapon and vehicle skills, gang recruitment, turf wars, vehicle mod shops, casinos, dance clubs, airplanes, jetpacks, and new dating scenarios. There is literally something for everyone in this game, even an all new multiplayer function. If all that doesn't make you happy, there is even a nostalgic mission, where C.J. takes you back to Liberty City one last time.
In closing, Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas is a must have. It has an incredible storyline, good quality graphics, an all-star cast, and much more. Now all that we can hope for is a GTA:Final Fantasy crossover. Well I can dream can't I? Oh, and for those of you out there opposed to all the violence in these games; please don't play.
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