In 2001 Rockstar unveiled grand theft auto 3. This game raised the bar in everyway we could think and then some. Following on the success, in 2002, grand theft auto vice city was released. It is arguable that gta3 is better than vice city but for this review that is irrelevant. Grand theft auto: san andreas was released in fall 2004 and was arguably one of the most hyped titles ever.
The freedom the game offers is second to none. It expands on the previous gta games and just goes one better everywhere. If you are the casual gamer who just wants to have fun, you are in for a treat with hundreds of vehicles (many of which you've never seen in the series), new weapons, a map that is almost way too big, multiplayer and a host of new mini games. If you are the hardcore gta fan (which a lot of you are) you, in my opinion have the most to look forward too. There's a very deep story mode that is arguably weak in points, but, is diverse and fun enough to keep you interested the whole way through. Rockstar found ways of getting you to drive, fly and swim all around san andreas and still keep the story real. (at this point I would like to say I will not give any details about the story away as it is best for the player to find out and not no too much about it). There are many sub plots and other objectives that can also seamlessly reel in the hours without you even noticing. There's so much to do, so much variety. That's why this game has been such a success. If you didn't dance, play pool, play arcade games, drive rc toys, parachute of buildings, drive freight trains, shoot down planes, start gang wars, mod your car, gamble, buy hundreds of clothing items, get tattoos, get your haircut and ride down a mountain on a pedal bike, (phew), you would still have a game twice as big as the previous gta games. I think there's still a lot on that list that I've left out. Yes I remembered: (the list goes on..) swim, drive lorries, export vehicles, recruit gang members, rob houses… yes and then there's all the other R3 missions as well. Size, freedom and exploration is what this game is all about in my opinion and it delivers extremely well on all fronts.
Graphics: The graphics engine is the still the same from gta3 and vice city, but, in the extra year that Rockstar had for developing this game they improved car, building and character models very well. Lighting also got a big overhaul, and it's in the transition between night and day that you see this. The graphics however are not outstanding and have not come on as much as many expected. There are a few glitches, pop-up and jagged edges here but you really overlook this badness eventually and you just except the game for what it is. Visually it's a very expectable game and if it tried to be too real I feel it wouldn't have been as nice.
Overall: 8.9
Presentation: There was so much hype about this game that everyone knew what to expect. The characters in the game are well played by their actors and there is nothing cheesy at all here. You should by now no what to expect from a gta game, but this is better than you could expect. There are no start up menus. When you pause the game you are give a choice of menus and it is easy to find and change what you want. The same goes for when your buying anything or there are on screen instructions. Everything is user friendly. All that's here seems very professional and I cant find any points to argue.
Overall: 9.0
Gameplay: Nothing can beat the gameplay of gta games. It is amazing. You go from a gun fight, to a street race, to a game of pool, to a swim to a helicopter flight and this is all the one game. Everything is so well blended together. There are no loading times or anything along those lines. Its just so smooth. Driving physics are okay and the targeting system is much improved. There is a seamless transition between different genres in this game and that is why this is such a popular, fantastic game. There are hardly enough buttons on the ps2 joy pad to operate everything and Rockstar out done themselves with making everything easy to get used to for the player, be they veteran or newbie. Its not hard in anyway to do what you want. If you can imagine it, there's a good chance you can do it. Overall one of the most playable games to ever grace a console.
Overall: 10.0
Sound: The series is also renound for the sound elements. The radio is what is so popular. When I first heard the songs in san andreas is was a little bit uneasy about some of them. But after a couple of weeks they grow on you. There is one station I hate which is SF-UR. All it plays is mind numbing house crap. Other than that everything most rocks. My favourite stations are K-DST, K-ROSE and Radio los santos. The talk shows are back and some are excellent. I still feel that chatterbox from gta3 is the best though. Some of the ads on the radio are also classic and hilarious. If this game didn't have a good radio selection you could easily get fed up a lot quicker. If you feel like your getting board you may hear something on the radio that keeps you for longer. The storyline script is very well written and all the voice actors do a great job. It really is believable thanks to them. I feel that something could have been slightly better in the sound department but you cant have it everyway.
Overall: 8.9
Lifespan: Way too long (in a good way). Gta3 and vice city had a habit of keeping you coming back after a while not playing it. This is no different. When you finish it the first time you may find yourself making a fresh start a couple of weeks/months later. To get 100% is one though goal and in my opinion is near impossible without a guide. You surely can not be expected to find everything on your own. It just wouldn't happen. The story is quite long and its better if you don't rush it. You should go do some side missions when you finish a couple of story missions. Seriously for the happy go lucky type person this game has infinite lifespan (ie. will last you as long as you want it too). Few console RPG's manage to rival the amount of hours spent at this game. Impressive doesn't some it up.
Overall: 10.0
The verdict. If you don't have this game I presume its because, 1. You don't have a ps2, 2. You are waiting for the pc or xbox version or 3. You're an idiot. You need this game in your collection. Its vital and will bring way too many hours of enjoyment. I'm not going to say another word. OKAY THEN .. GET IT!!!!!! NOW!!
Overall: 9.6
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