Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Download GTA: SA and experience the legendary open-world adventure! Explore the sprawling city, build your criminal empire, and take on daring missions. Dive into the unforgettable world of San Andreas and play now!
a game by Rockstar Games
Platforms: XBox, XBox 360, PC, Playstation 3, Playstation 2
Editor Rating: 9.1/10, based on 6 reviews
User Rating: 6.9/10 - 1191 votes
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See also: GTA Series, Grand Theft Auto Games, Demolition Derby Games

Although still only officially announced for PlayStation 2 this October, we'll challenge Tommy Vercetti to a chainsaw duel if we don't see Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on PC by this time next year. Here's the major revelation - San Andreas is actually a huge US state similar to California, with three fully-rendered cities the same size as Vice City - Los Santos (Los Angeles), Las Venturra (Las Vegas) and San Fierro (San Francisco). Not only that, but you have all the countryside in-between, with mountains, strange locals and a definite road movie feel.

Crips And Bloods

San Andreas is set in the early 1990s, complete with those infamous period radio stations. You play through the game as Carl Johnson (CJ), a street kid who's recently returned to his home of Los Santos to find in-fighting in his family and his gang, the Orange Grove Families. CJ is soon dragged back into the gangsta lifestyle when a couple of bad cops get on his tail and everything goes tits-up.

Rockstar has included more real estate to buy, including casinos, and many more interiors of buildings have now been fully modelled - important, as you can now go robbing houses for money. CJ has to eat to maintain his stamina meter, but don't go scoffing too many burgers and fries or you'll put on weight, affecting speed and strength. If you're getting too porky, it's time to get down to the gym and slim down.

San Andreas also promises new vehicles including bicycles, more satisfying weapons with ragdoll physics, improved NPC Al and the ability to recruit gang members for four-way drive-by shootings. By our reckonings, this is going to be B.I.G.

Download Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

XBox

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
XBox 360

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Playstation 3

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Playstation 2

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

As Proud PC gamers, you may feel a little aggrieved to be reading this review now, rather than nine months ago when this game first reared its tabloid-baiting head on the PlayStation 2.1 myself crumbled in typical lily-livered fashion, holding out until around last Christmas, at which time I decided that I couldn't wait another half a year for a game that all and sundry were raving about. And I had a blast with the PS2 version. I really did. But now I wish I'd had the patience to wait that half a year, because after spending time with this version I'd much rather be playing San Andreas through for the first time on my PC.

Unless you've been squatting in a Saddam-style hidey-hole for the past ten years, I'm going to assume you know what the GTA games are all about. But here are the revision notes for anyone who may have recently awoken from a coma: you're a career criminal in a fictional city (although one that's clearly inspired by a real-life metropolis) filled with people and vehicles, any of which you can kill/drive (delete as appropriate). You have the option of undertaking missions - some of which keep the story ticking along, some of which don't - but you are also free to roam around the city if you wish; the game world is very much your oyster. Embark on the sort of whore-murdering rampage that recently got Hillary Clinton's knickers in a public twist, or simply cruise around town looking cool - the choice is yours.

California Love

Rockstar North's latest sticks closely to the formula. The main departure is that instead of being given the freedom to roam around a single city, you get a whole state in which to indulge your gangsta leanings. Inspired by California (and a certain neon-lit corner of Nevada), the game world is huge. Fully five times bigger than Vice City, it's home to three cities and numerous small towns, with plenty of redneck-packed, hillbilly countryside in between.

But as with other GTA titles, you can't see everything right from the start. Wisely, Rockstar feeds you fresh slices of San Andreas as you advance through the game's story, opening up routes to new areas as you progress. The plot is pretty much thus: it's the early 1990s, and you're Carl CJ' Johnson, a Los Santos native who's spent the past few years thugging it up out of state. Dragged back to the hood by the death of your mother, you start running with your old homies once more. It's not the most interesting of hooks -although there's a pleasing amount of backstabbing, betrayal and brotherly love thrown in - but it works, and the promise of new areas to explore helps drive you on.

Menace Ii Society

The core gameplay has changed hardly at all from Vice City. A typical mission might see you tasked with beating up a drug dealer. So you jump in a car, bum it round to the crack den and proceed to knock seven shades of shit out of your target with the baseball bat you looted from the corpse of an earlier victim. Other mission types include illegal street races, heists and lowrider bouncing contests.

But if you're thinking that this is simply a rehash of earlier GTA games with a bigger map, think again. San Andreas adds an incredible amount to this core gameplay, and it makes the game feel even vaster. For instance, CJ can get tattooed, have a haircut, bulk up in the gym and buy clothes. Hell, you can even trick out your ride in several garages dotted around the map. None of this is purely cosmetic: changing your appearance gets the cops off your back, while weightlifting increases the amount of damage you deal in a fight. We haven't even mentioned the numerous girlfriends you can squire, the burglaries, the fat stat or the properties available for purchase. There's a mind-boggling amount of stuff to do.

Role With It

Other additions include RPG-style skills, which become improved through practice: bump up your rifle skill and shooting becomes sharper: increase your motorcycling proficiency and you won't tumble off as often. Another important stat is Respect', which rises as you plough through missions. The higher it is, the more gang members you can entice into your entourage.

San Andreas has a turf war system that requires you to grab rival gangs' territory and claim it as your own. Any areas you control will be populated by recruitable thugs who follow you around, attacking enemies and performing drive-bys. While not the best fighters, they do provide a welcome extra dimension to GTA's combat. Ah, combat. This brings me nicely to the point I touched on earlier. Like I said, I wish I'd waited for this version of San Andreas before picking up my digital Glock and embarking on a pixellated life of crime, as the newly arrived PC version is better than the PS2 version in a couple of significant ways.

Thanks to the mouse and keyboard combo, combat is vastly improved. You can actually manually aim the guns accurately and quickly, which is nigh-on impossible to do on the PlayStation 2. Gunfights are more tactile, enjoyable and far, far less frustrating. Then there's the visual side of things.

Oh You Pretty Thing

You can probably tell from the screenshots that San Andreas is not particularly impressive when compared to the likes of Half-Life 2 - most of the textures are blurred and fuzzy, and none of the latest graphical effects have been implemented. But it's still far superior to the PS2 version: the draw distance is further, the frame-rate is better and the resolution is higher. Realtime shadows replace indistinct blobs. All told it's a smoother, slicker-looking game. Rockstar has also thrown in some new features for the PC. Photos and stats can be exported, there's a 30-second replay function, and should you get bored of the ludicrously fantastic soundtrack and fancy yourself as a bit of a Dave Lee Travis, you can create your own radio station using MP3s. Commercials are even spliced in between tracks to create a more authentic feel, and the game is now moddable -something that will open things out even more.

One thing that's missing is the co-operative two-player mode of the PS2 version, which Rockstar claims wouldn't work given the PC's control options. Debatable perhaps, but it was a pretty insignificant part of the game to begin with, so it won't be missed too strongly.

So has San Andreas on PC been worth the wait? Well, yes, quite frankly: it's a marked improvement on what was already a bloody brilliant game. If you've played through the PlayStation 2 version then we wouldn't suggest spunking another 35 notes on it, but if you've been more patient than stupid old me, go out, buy it and play on, playa.

Acting Up

Rockstar Hits Its Voice Acting Marks Again

Let's face it: for the most part, voice acting in games is pitiful. Whether it's due to the quality of the actors (if you can call them actors), or simply the amateurish directing, it's a fact. Thank god, then, for games like GTA: San Andreas. Rockstar might have the sort of budget that sends most developers greener than a leprechaun on St Patrick's Day, but it also knows how to use it We're willing to bet that a big slice went on hiring some real talent to provide the voices.

San Andreas' cast boasts such stellar names as Samuel L Jackson, James Woods and Peter Fonda. Then there's support from the ever-reliable likes of Chris Penn and Frank Vincent, while Danny Dyer and Bill Fichtner reprise their roles from Vice City. Fittingly, the cast also features a slew of West Coast hip-hop stars, all the way from the old school (MC Eiht, Ice T) to the new breed (The Game). And nobody does a bad job. Look to Rockstar, developers, and take a lesson in how to produce voice acting that won't have us reaching for the mute button.

Grand Theft Auto. I know what it is, you know what it is, and more likely than not, even your mom knows what it is. In our community of gamers, it's known for the immersive and innovative gameplay that gives the player freedom unlike any other game out there. In the mainstream media and everywhere else, it's known as that one game that teaches kids how to hijack cars and pick up hookers. Rockstar Games, however, not one to disappoint, satisfies both camps by offering up plenty of innovative and immersive gameplay that'll be rife with controversy with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, in many ways is two games in itself. There's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the actual game, that's complete with missions, side missions, and everything in between. By and large, the missions have been improved upon, and there are some definite 'holy crap, that was awesome'? moments laden throughout the game. However, some of GTA's core mechanics still suffer from the same problems that have plagued the series since Grand Theft Auto 3, like the sometimes screwy targeting system and the steep, steep difficulty level.

Then there's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that you, the gamer, are free to interpret. San Andreas is basically your virtual playground, filled with fast cars and deadly guns, and it's up to you to decide how you want to spend your time in San Andreas. By giving you a huge, sprawling environment to cause havoc in, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a game that's entertaining to just explore, or slowly destroy if that's more your thing. Some people are content just lazing the day away, accomplishing nothing but havoc and mayhem in San Andreas, and in this respect, Rockstar has really improved upon the series. San Andreas is absolutely huge, with each city feeling uniquely different and filled to the brim with things to check out, and by throwing in some gameplay elements that are quite similar to the Sims, there's less of an emphasis on actually pushing through the game.

When you take the scope of the entire game into considerations, San Andreas is a real technical feat. Some of the textures don't look too hot and there are a few prominent visual bugs, but just about everything else has taken a step up from Vice City. Likewise, the audio presentation is probably the best yet in the series: the voice-acting is impeccably convincing, the dialogue smartly written, and the diverse music fits in perfectly with the gang-bangin' theme of the game.

Ask yourself this one question: did you like Grand Theft Auto 3 or Vice City? If your answer is anywhere from an enthusiastic "hell yeah" to a wishy-washy "kinda" than you should probably be playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas right now. However, if you're in the minority and your answer is a "no, not really" then you should probably still give it a rent. Nothing in the series has changed drastically, but there's so much more content that even without a major face lift, San Andreas just might win you over.

Not too long ago, it seemed doubtful that the Xbox would ever receive the Grand Theft Auto treatment that the PlayStation 2 reeled in success from. With the announcement of the Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack for the Xbox however, the horizons brightened for Xbox owners as two of the finest titles in the PS2 library finally made its appearance on the Xbox, cementing the possibility of future Grand Theft Auto titles.

And lo and behold, just half a year later after the initial appearance on the PlayStation 2, the Xbox gets the royal treatment with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which ultimately turns out to be a straight-up port of a fantastic game.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the same game it was on the PlayStation 2, and as such, there's no point in going over my rambling drivel when you can just read it in my original PlayStation 2 review. However, if you want the long and short of it, here it is: San Andreas is a lot of fun, and so filled to the brim with content, that even if you didn't dig Grand Theft Auto before, it's worth checking out now.

With that said, the difference between the Xbox and PS2 version of San Andreas is largely cosmetic. The Xbox version definitely looks sharper with a cleaner textures and HDTV support, but strangely, the load times are no better, and in some cases worse, than the PS2 version; makes you wonder what that hard drive is for, doesn't it?

Another major failing of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox is the unnatural controller layout, and it's a fault that can't be too heavily attributed to the developers. The PS2 version of San Andreas utilized every single button on the PS2 controller, with the especially important four shoulder buttons in constant rotation, and since the Xbox has only two shoulder buttons, this creates an issue. Drive-bys, for example, are only possible with a contortionists flexibility, making the already tough game quite a bit harder.

Make no mistake, it's still a pleasure to cruise down the streets of San Andreas, but if you've cruised down the streets via your PlayStation 2, then not enough has changed to warrant cruising down them again via the Xbox. However, if you haven't experienced the simple pleasures of high speed chases on the hilly streets of San Ferrio or the thrills of re-experiencing the 90's in a violent fashion, then don't hesitate to check out Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Grand Theft Auto. Arguably, one of the most well-known and hyped game series of the past few years. San Andreas, the third title in the GTA series, puts you in the shoes of Carl Johnson, a former die-hard street hood looking for a new life away from his old neighborhood in Los Santos. When his mother is killed and C.J. returns for the funeral, he is drawn back into the life he once left behind. But will it be for revenge, or redemption?

Disclaimer: I feel it only fair to point out that I wasn't very enthusiastic about playing/reviewing this title. Frankly, most MA/AO rated titles seem to be based on the same principle of straight-to-video soft core porn flicks: No substance, and all about the 'titillation factor'?, using cheesy gimmicks like language, violence, or nudity to appeal to the teenage male demographic. So please bear with me, as this was the expectation I had going in to this review.

The first thing that caught my eye with GTA: San Andreas was that it feels like a direct port from a console gaming system. Controls, video, and the like all seem to be not much better than your average gaming console's, which is quite obviously the case. However, where many 'ported'? PC titles seem to tweak the graphics or other items to better utilize the power/flexibility of a PC, GTA: San Andreas seems to be an almost direct port from the gaming systems, with little to no additional 'eye candy' or upgrades.

However, bad graphics I can forgive if a game has other worthwhile aspects. GTA: San Andreas has this in spades in some departments. The audio is top notch, with excellent voice acting, simply fantastic music, and well-used sound effects. The stereo effects in vehicles makes me feel like I'm back in a big city again, complete with the fast-talking DJs and gritty, urban tracks.

GTA: San Andreas also boasts a HUGE playfield area, where, in addition to playing through the storyline, you'll be able to experience the many sights, sounds and activities that the several cities in the state of San Andreas has to offer. Check out how the other half lives in the swanky parts of town, or slide into the gutters where the dregs of humanity lives, it's all represented here in GTA, and in great detail.

Still, with the amount of hype this game's getting, it seems people are afraid to mention the many flaws that GTA: San Andreas has. And there are many. First off, the physics of the game are so bad it's almost unplayable at times, especially early on. For example, your character seems to do a lot more damage with his fists than with the 9mm Beretta he steals from an unconscious cop; I beat down a gangbanger with a few well placed punches and kicks, but when I tried to put the hurt down on one of his buddies with my pistol, I emptied a clip right in to him and did fairly little damage. That's some screwed up physics there.

With the advances gaming systems are making in graphics and animation, you'd think that the cut scenes in GTA: San Andreas would be top notch, right? Well, it's a mixed bag. In some cases, cut scenes and animation in game look to be quite polished and well designed, but in others there's very little detail or complexity to character's movements and actions. In fact, there were some parts in this title that were done at a level lower than Half-Life, which came out several years ago.

In conclusion, and to be honest, I'm really wondering what the hype is all about. GTA: San Andreas for the PC just seems to be a poorly designed port of a rather good console game. I'd say that's my main complaint, after all the hype and build up: GTA: San Andreas is merely a good game, and not a great one. This is a perfect example of a Fans Only title. The simple fact is, there are games out there that do it much better, including previous GTA titles.

People say:

9

My "to do" list...first, I need to run to the clothes store to get a new shirt (the boys in the hood aren't digging my raggedy wife beater). Then I need to get a new chrome bumper installed on my hooptie ride, meet up with Georgy to play a couple games of pool, grab something to eat before I lose all my energy, go work out so I don't turn into a fat slob...then finally, pick up my brother so we can crack open the heads of some rival gangstas. These are just some of the possibilities in the first couple hours of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The biggest, baddest, most ambitious game ever (with the possible exception of fantasy role-player Morrowind) hits the Xbox in (mostly) fine form. Live the life of a street thug like you've never imagined, from rags to riches, from a fictional Los Angeles to San Francisco then finally Las Vegas, with enough gang (or even totally innocent) activities to keep you busy for over 200 hours if you wanted. A little suspension of disbelief helps--the graphics are ugly and the cut-scenes are rough (though well acted)--as does having a tolerance for a sloppy control scheme. But unless you're averse to crime/drug/violence themes, you can't go wrong here. San Andreas is a brilliantly crafted videogame whose scope and scale will remain unparalleled for a long time to come.

9

Xbox gamers whose lives weren't jacked by the San Andreas phenom on PS2 will probably wonder what all the fin' fuss is about when they take to this game's mean, ugly streets. And I do mean ugly--despite minor improvements over the PS2 version, San Andreas is not a good-looking Xbox game. And who is this scrawny CJ guy? Why is his car fishtailing everywhere? Why do I need three hands to handle a simple drive-by shooting? Some of the answers are up to you, because what this game lacks in looks, it makes up for in personality--one that you define. Beef CJ up at the gym, head to driving school to boost his wheelman skills, and eat, eat--you're skin and bones! All these extracurricular activities are outside the meaty story portion of the game, which eventually veers away from gangland territory (you'll get to jack a jetpack and a jump jet). Sure, San Andreas is rough around the edges--distant vistas pop up, computer-controlled allies aren't too bright--but no other console game lets you live a life this large.

9

Even now, more than six months after it made its real impact, San Andreas is still one of the most ambitious games ever made. But the move to Xbox feels like more of a formality-- you don't really notice the slightly nicer environments, and if ever a game didn't need custom soundtracks, this is the one. Unlike Crispin, I actually quite like the car handling, but I had a much harder time with the combat here than I did on PS2. Blame the Xbox pad; I do. Think of it like one of those DVD rereleases of a classic movie. It's still great, but 8 million of you have already seen it once.

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