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Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Genre: Action
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 07 Jun 05
User Rating
8.9 (23 votes) -
- The GTA franchise keeps on shining as their Xbox port proves to be just as solid as the PS2 hit, and sporting some nice enhancements.
Overview
There are very few series out there that really can come out with great games one after another. I mean even the iconic Mario had some tough runs like Super Mario Sunshine, which as we all very well know wasn't the best Platformer out there. Well, ever since the Grand Theft Auto series moved onto this generation of consoles, it has been nothing less the fantastic. Each game expands upon the previous, making deeper and even more exciting games. Well now here is the next installation in the series, which is actually a port from the PS2 version - it's Grand Theft Auto San Andreas and it's now available for the Xbox. So does this game keep the GTA series alive and well? Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
In GTA: San Andreas you now take the role of Carl Johnson, a former Los Santos resident who has returned from his five years in Liberty City (found in GTA III). C.J, as they call him in the game, returns home after hearing of his mother's murder, to find his old gang in bad shape. To make matters worse right when C.J gets home he is framed for murdering a cop, and from there the story takes its different twists and turns. The story is told in the same sort of fashion as before; you do missions to advance the plot. C.J is very much a stereotypical gang member type of character, and the language in the game goes hand in hand with that. Never in the game have I seen the "f bomb" been thrown out as consistently as it is in GTA: San Andreas. So before I go any further, this is by far a mature rated game and for good reason. It is much worse in both the sexual, and the language part of the game then it has ever been.
One of the newest features of the game involves C.J and his fitness levels. Throughout C.J's roll through San Andreas, you will have to keep the guy in shape by visiting gyms, making him eat food, getting hair cuts, visiting tattoo parlors, and things of that nature. You know when I first started doing these little side missions/mini-games I was kind of hesitant at first, but the more I played the more I realized that doing these sort of tasks make you even more close to your character then in any other GTA game.
Another new addition to GTA: San Andreas is the addition of the BMX Bike. This made me skeptical at first, as I don't see how it will add to the gameplay. But once again Rockstar proved me wrong by implementing it in a very stylish and distinct fashion. By tapping the X button you will have C.J go in a sprint, which will last as long as his stamina bar lasts.
One of the most welcome upgrades in GTA: San Andreas is the improved car handling, which is much more responsive then ever before. Now the controls feel more like a normal driving game, where the controls is more solid and doesn't go against go like before. Along with that comes better hand-to-hand combat, which is a little deeper this year, and a more distinct gun play system as well. Rockstar this year really took all of their ideas of Vice City and perfected them.
Now for those of you who don't want to run through the game's extremely long storyline, the game is still amazing. You can still do all of the things that you could ever want to do - hold up people, go on rampages - the game is still as open ended as ever. To be quite honest, I am still awestruck with how impressive GTA: San Andreas really is.
When it was all said and done, the Xbox version plays identically to the PS2 version, with really no real differences. I was a little disappointed to see that the game didn't have anymore additions from the PS2 version; even some small extras would have been nice. With that being said the game still plays great and is still a great action game that will keep you busy for hours on end.
Graphics
The Grand Theft Auto series has never been known for its graphical flair but the PS2 version of San Andreas was by far the best looking of the games and for me really impressed me quite a bit. With that being said you would think the transition from PS2 to Xbox would mean the visuals would get better, but in fact the complete opposite happened in this game.
First off the game for the most part looks identical to the PS2 version but you will find throughout the game that it just looks like something is not working right. The game hosts a lot more jaggies on the Xbox version, and for some reason there are some weird animation problems in the game that really tear down this game's visual appeal. I wouldn't say it kills the visuals, but for me I have to admit I was expecting more from this Xbox version of the game.
Fun Factor
The thing about all GTA titles is that it's really hard not to have fun with these games. They are so open ended, enabling you to do whatever you want to do, that it is quite hard not to find things to enjoy in the game. The story line in the game does have a lot of interesting twists and turns that will provide fans of the series a really enjoyable gaming experience. Not to mention all of the different side missions that you can perform throughout the game, will just add onto all of the good stuff in the game. For the most part if you enjoyed the previous GTA titles then you will certainly enjoy GTA: San Andreas.
Overall
San Andreas is still San Andreas, and although the visuals failed to impress the gameplay is still as solid and engaging as ever. I would still consider this a top choice for any Xbox owner, showing perfectly what PS2 owners have been enjoying from the phenomenally successful Grand Theft Auto series. This is one of those games you could play for weeks, take a week off, and play for another month. So if I was you and I didn't have this game yet I would go run out and buy this game right away it is definitely a worthwhile purchase.
- Gameplay
10.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Fun Factor
10.0 - Overall
9.0
