Sonic. Mario. Pac-Man. These games and characters are known by just about everyone. Why? Because their respective games provided quality entertainment. GTA: San Andreas does just that and may reach said status, if it hasn't already.
San Andreas is, without hesitation, the biggest game I have ever played, or that can be played, if I'm not mistaken. One might think that is a bad thing; it is not. You have an entire state chock-full of everything a regular state normally would have: many buildings, roads, vehicles, highways, natural sights and oh-so-much more. We've established the size...onto gameplay.
Ah, the precious gameplay. Although the missions can be done, at times, in any order, it's usually linear (you must do one to do the next, etc.) However, the missions vary greatly and you hardly feel like your task is the same twice (except for the repetitive gang wars throughout the game.) The difficulties range on every mission, leaving you hanging right up until the end.
The graphics are the biggest (which is not too big) flaw of the game. They are an improvement, for sure, but certain objects and details are rough or angular. I understand the gigantic size of the game and that MGS3 graphics (probably) cannot be used in such a game.
The sound is outstanding. The music from the 11 different radio stations (of every genre, even country) is great, usually recognizable, and fits the time period of the '90s. The voice acting is the best I've heard, making every character just that much better. Pedestrian voices are awesome and hilarious as well, although you do hear some quotes a little too often (even though thousands of lines have been recorded, supposedly.)
The controls are as always: Very good. They remain the same (why fix what's not broken?) EXCEPT for changing the radio stations. Instead of 1 direction with L1, it's either with up or down on the D-pad. It can be hard to do at times while driving. It also means no D-pad use for driving or running. Not a big deal, but I'd like the option of using either or both. The aiming and shooting system is improved, but the lock-on still can fail to lock-on to enemies, especially when you need it. Like with 15 gang members surrounding you. Come on.
The story is awesome right up until the end. No spoilers in this review.
The almost never-ending EXTRA stuff to do is just amazing. Plenty of vehicular missions, vehicular schools, side missions (like Export/Import and Zero), and screwing around, like dancing, playing pool or hoops, fixing your threads, working out, going on dates, or playing arcade games.
None of the "Sims"-like aspects hinder the game. Eating isn't needed every 4 hours; it's very rare to really need to eat. Without interfering as well, many stats are kept in accordance to what you do. You get more skill the more you do something. Ride a bike, you become better at biking. This applies to swimming, running, driving (numerous vehicles), and shooting.
In conclusion, I have to give this game enormous props for doing so much on such a little disc. The hours you can "waste" on this game could have many figures, if you really took advantage of everything. Hell, you could waste hours screwing around just shooting people (1 or TWO PLAYER!) Or not. Your CHOICE. The beauty of GTA.
GFX: 9
Sound: 10
Control: 10
Gameplay: 10
Replay Value: Very High
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