Grand Theft Auto has taken gamers in the past to some interesting places. One good example is Vice City which captured the look and feel of the 80’s perfectly. From the cars and clothing right down to the soundtrack, it made gamers really feel they had entered this time period. Anyone who has played any of the previous GTA games knows its not just the violence and over-the-top missions that make it appealing. GTA is set-up so gamers can have the freedom to wonder and do other missions then go back and play the main storyline on the fly so to speak. Also the series has always let the gamer decide just how to play the game. In short you are not trapped playing the game one way.

You could play the entire game, only to go back and play it again and find something you never saw before. It’s been this formula, as well as its over the top nature, that has made the series one of the top selling (and most controversial) series ever to be made for a video game console. Now San Andreas takes the GTA formula and adds a whole new twist by creating a virtual state set in the early 90’s. We were lucky enough to get a chance to play a build of the game back in May and walked away impressed. Now that the final retail version arrived the question remains is it still impressive? Did it capture the 90’s and more importantly how does it play? Take out your favorite early 90’s music mix, pop it on and crank up the volume as I give you the lowdown on Xbox version of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas!

Gameplay

If you missed our hands on preview of the game, let me give you a short recap of the storyline. You play as Carl Johnson “CJ to his friends,” a young man who fled the mean streets of San Andreas and the life style. Now a death in the family brings CJ back to the streets and the turf he tried to escape from. He soon learns while he has changed, the old timers and his family have not. He also learns very quickly that the streets have become worse and if he wants to make good for running from his family, he needs to prove himself once again. He has to gain the street rep he once had but the streets are now more deadly. What once could be solved by a threat or just seeing a baseball bat has been replaced by Uzis and drugs. The rest of the story gamers will want to learn for themselves, so I will not go into detail and ruin it for anyone.

GTA SA has some new features, as well as some improved features; this is by far the biggest GTA game ever made and saying this still will not do the game justice. It would not be an untrue statement to say you could put the whole GTA double pack released on the Xbox and still need to add another game to match everything found in San Andreas. When you pop in the game for the first time, this will be the longest load time you will go through. We talked about the fast load times previously, and each mission loads exactly as promised. Gamers will get right into the action after the intro and be greeted by having to ride a BMX Bike. It is petty cool and handled just like a real bike might. At times when you are hit by a moving car or truck, it’s funny to see the way the bike will roll and then be in working order. This is the only vehicle that does not seem to take damage in the whole game. To be honest it was made this way to set-up the game and also introduces the other new features.

In past GTA game time may have changed but the main character stayed the same except for the gun shot holes, death scenes, and the trips to the hospital. This time you need to work out, eat, and stay in shape. It makes the game more realistic and also creates more of a relationship between CJ and the player. You also will need to get a decent hair style to fit in, the right clothes, and the right colors, thus earning extra attribute points and experience points throughout the game. This option alone provides for some very funny moments you can have with a serious game. You can eat all you want and will soon see CJ gain weight. The heavier he gets the slower he becomes. It works the same way if you don’t eat; you will lose energy and stamina needed in most of the missions.

Its the 90’s remember and this means marking your turf with spray paint, drive by shootings, and gun runs to mention a few. Then there are the other missions like cab runs, vigilante missions and rescue missions. The cab runs can help you earn some easy money and help you when you first start the game. If you thought Vice City had some cool vehicles, check this, the ones in SA can be pimped out. They also included every possible vehicle you could ever want a chance to operate. Helicopters, motorcycles, low riders and even monster trucks respond great, possibly a bit more realistic this time. The maps are huge and you can get lost pretty easily, setting markers up really helps.

The weapons are also more advanced and the targeting system has been revamped to be more accurate. In short this game has found a way to revamp almost everything in the GTA world and for the better. In short the game proves that bigger can be better if done right. The fact you can take a break (and at times you will need to) and go on another mission for cash or exercise is definitely cool. For those wondering, yes, you can still pick-up a “date” if you get the urge.

Control / Playability

Controlling the action is pretty much like the other games in the series with a few new added features. It is set-up very well, but you will need to take time and get familiar with every option and action. The learning curve is about a half hour, and can go to about 45 minutes for those new to the series. The advanced controls are really learned while playing and will take a few times doing each action to remember the control. The controls have been tweaked to include a better targeting system, and better advanced controls while not messing up what worked well in the past. Overall controller response is good and everything can be changed at a push of a button. There still is a learning curve adjusting to each vehicle or weapon since each one has their unique elements when used or driven.

Graphics / Presentation

Graphically, San Andreas looks really good on the Xbox, the game is almost the way it was intended to be, barring limitations from even the Xbox hardware. During the day the area looks one way and at night completely different, with the neon lights, car lights, etc.; the whole area is lit up and looks great. Every character has a distinct look and the facial expressions seem very life-like. When you get a tattoo or a haircut, the graphics change instantly and there is no delay. They also added some nice effects when doing a drive-by mission or where you need to save your vehicle. It will show the windows crack, doors jar open and the engine will smoke. When you get to the night clubs and the casinos, its almost like you’re really there and again the “High Rez” graphics shine.

The weapons and vehicles look realistic. They paid attention to the old country roads and the water effect is done very well. While each character has a great look, they did keep that “GTA Look” that fans of the series have grown to know. Special mention needs to be made at the way they made CJ appear. The fact he looks buff during the game and then can also look heavier makes the game more interesting. You will also notice some nice effects when flying aircrafts, and of course Rockstar threw in their logos throughout the game as a running gag. The most impressive part is that with all of these added details the load times are very quick and the camera does not become a problem.

GTA San Andreas Xbox Screenshot GTA San Andreas Xbox Screenshot GTA San Andreas Xbox Screenshot

CJ Pops a Cap in Some Unlucky Fool In Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
CJ pops a cap in some unlucky fool!

View all Grand Theft Auto San Andreas Xbox Screenshots in the XBS Gallery

Audio

It seems that since this is the largest game of the series, it also has the largest soundtrack. The amount of songs is impressive; there is also the new feature where you can use your custom soundtrack and still hear those great commercials that range anywhere from funny to demented. The voice-overs are great and each voice seems to fit the character perfectly. They seem to have added more street talk from people walking around during the action and it seems more life-like. Axl Rose as the shock rock was okay, but it was hard to tell it was actually him at first. At times he manages to make fun of himself and at times he is actually funny. The big named stars all did well in the roles including Chris Bellard “CJ”, Samuel L Jackson, Chris Penn, Charlie Murphy and the other talented actors. The sound effects of each vehicle and weapon is sound realistic and worth mentioning.

Replay Value

As mentioned before the simple fact of being able to do pretty much anything you want adds so much to the replay value of this San Andreas; its not just do this and go there sort of gameplay. Players have found ways to jack trains and locate vehicles more quickly as well as pimping out rides. The game is loaded with hidden items and it is worth replaying the game again. The core game will take anywhere from 25-35+ hours to complete. The commercials and phone callers’ comments are insane, in fact at times during the game you may laugh so hard you blow a mission or overlook something important.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 9.6/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

While this may not everyone’s type of game, it is a blast to play. It also shows how much time was spent on the smallest details to make the game the best it could be. Gamers will see that the load times are fast, the cut-scenes are well done, and the story is filled with twists that you won’t see coming. Throw in the fact you can play the game in co-op mode in certain areas, this one clearly has plenty of replay value. Its hard not to like this one, the music is great and even without having the custom soundtrack on there has something for everyone’s musical taste. The voice acting was well done and helps the gamer believe the roles. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas was a bold and ambitious idea that paid off great due to the hard work of the developers and their teams.

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