From a purely gameplay standpoint, Rockstar perfected the GTA formula with San Andreas. The last of the golden era of GTA games.
The amount of customization you can do with the main character CJ is astronomical in comparison to the previous titles. Improve his strength and muscular appearance by hitting the weights at the gym, improve stamina by running, get fat by eating at Clucking Bell one too many times...
Driving/shooting/weapon stats can also be improved throughout the game - and there are many clothing/tattoo/hair styles that can be changed to create your very own version of CJ.
The game's map felt enormous back in the mid-2000s. 3 distinct cities (mirroring real life cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas) the countryside, mountains, and desert areas in between made traversal a blast. The soundtrack/radio stations reflects the 90's era, in which the game is set, and the diverse locations perfectly.
There are so many mini-games too that can keep you occupied throughout the game - turf warfare, billiards, all the casino/gambling games, arcade machines, etc.
The voice talent on display here is AAA level - who can ever forget Officer Tenpenny being voiced by Samuel Jackson as the primary and stand-out antagonist throughout the game.
An overall amazing gameplay experience, that I cannot believe is close to turning 20 years old...
The amount of customization you can do with the main character CJ is astronomical in comparison to the previous titles. Improve his strength and muscular appearance by hitting the weights at the gym, improve stamina by running, get fat by eating at Clucking Bell one too many times...
Driving/shooting/weapon stats can also be improved throughout the game - and there are many clothing/tattoo/hair styles that can be changed to create your very own version of CJ.
The game's map felt enormous back in the mid-2000s. 3 distinct cities (mirroring real life cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas) the countryside, mountains, and desert areas in between made traversal a blast. The soundtrack/radio stations reflects the 90's era, in which the game is set, and the diverse locations perfectly.
There are so many mini-games too that can keep you occupied throughout the game - turf warfare, billiards, all the casino/gambling games, arcade machines, etc.
The voice talent on display here is AAA level - who can ever forget Officer Tenpenny being voiced by Samuel Jackson as the primary and stand-out antagonist throughout the game.
An overall amazing gameplay experience, that I cannot believe is close to turning 20 years old...
Reviewed on Mar 11, 2023