The first thing to notice is the fantastic packaging. It comes in the form of a hard-backed book written like a tourist guide, with the disc at the back. There's also a map to help you find your way around, and as soon as you place the map for Vice City next to the map for San Andreas you will immediately see how much bigger the game is going to be. It's an absolutely massive place to explore. There will be areas that you never see because it's so big.
As with previous GTA games you follow a story carrying out set tasks. In between these you can just travel around doing pretty much whatever you want. Generally this will involve things that are not legal, from spraying graffiti to robbing banks. It is only a game though, and there are other things that can be done, such as picking up fares as a taxi driver, (after you've stolen a taxi), and getting fit at the gym, (so you can beat up bigger guys).
Whilst travelling around you will come across hundreds of things to do. Alternatively, you may just stop to look at and admire things because this game is stunning to look at. Everything looks fantastic, from the characters walking around, to the vehicles, to the buildings, to the sunsets, to the heat haze... everything. And it all runs extremely smoothly. Sound also plays a big part in this game. The voice acting is the best I've heard in a game, with big names such as Samuel L Jackson and James Woods contributing. Even Shaun Ryder, (remember the Happy Mondays front man?), plays a part that he was destined to play. It all makes Driver 3's effort with big name actors look positively 3rd rate. Which brings us nicely to the controls, which in Driver 3 were terrible. GTA SA however, excels itself yet again. Whether you use a joypad, or keyboard and mouse, both are incredibly easy to use.
Then there's the music. Wow! This game is worth buying just for the soundtrack. There's the equivalent of eight CD's included, with everything from rap to reggae, and rock to country music. You can also play your own MP3 files, although cruising through the hood listening to Steps or Kylie may not feel quite as authentic.
Overall this is a superb game and I can't imagine how they can possibly improve on it by any great amount.
One final note - this series of games has always been, and always will be, controversial. It has got an appropriate certificate rating though and parents should think before allowing their little darlings to play it.
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