Was GTA San Andreas Actually a Good Game?

Summary

In a nostalgic revisit of *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas*, the speaker reflects on the game's impact during their childhood. They highlight its rich variety of activities, RPG elements, and expansive map featuring multiple cities, which create a sense of adventure. Despite acknowledging dated graphics and control issues, they express that the game remains enjoyable and culturally significant. Personal memories tied to the game add emotional depth, emphasizing its lasting influence. Ultimately, the speaker confirms that *San Andreas* is just as good as they remember, inviting viewers to share their own experiences with this iconic title.

Takeaways

• 😀 *GTA: San Andreas* is the best-selling PlayStation 2 game of all time, with nearly 17.4 million units sold worldwide.
• 😀 The game offers an astonishing variety of side activities, mini-games, and missions, surpassing even the *Mario Party* series.
• 😀 RPG elements enhance gameplay, allowing players to develop skills and customize their character's weight and abilities.
• 😀 The game features an impressive 212 unique vehicles, each with distinct designs and driving physics that still feel engaging today.
• 😀 The driving mechanics are considered superior to those in *GTA IV*, making for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.
• 😀 The expansive map design, which includes multiple cities, gives players a true sense of travel and adventure.
• 😀 The story and character development are strong, creating emotional connections with characters like CJ's friends.
• 😀 The review acknowledges some weaknesses, such as the clunky control scheme and dated graphics and physics.
• 😀 NPC behavior can lead to unrealistic situations, causing chaotic and frustrating experiences during gameplay.
• 😀 The lasting cultural impact of *GTA: San Andreas* is highlighted, as it remains relevant in contemporary meme culture.

Q & A

What is the significance of *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas* in gaming history?

It is the best-selling PlayStation 2 game of all time, with nearly 17.4 million units sold worldwide, showcasing its massive impact and popularity.

How did the speaker's childhood experience with the game shape their perception of it?

The speaker played *San Andreas* as a child after convincing their mother to buy it, leading to many nostalgic memories and a strong emotional attachment to the game.

What types of side activities does *San Andreas* offer that contribute to its gameplay depth?

The game includes a wide variety of side activities such as casino games, vigilante missions, gang wars, basketball, dating, and even health management through eating and exercising.

How does the game incorporate RPG elements into its design?

Players can level up various skills and manage CJ's body weight, creating a deeper connection with the character and providing a sense of progression.

What makes the vehicle variety in *San Andreas* noteworthy?

With 212 different vehicles, each featuring unique designs and handling, the game sets a high standard for vehicle diversity, which the speaker believes rivals modern games.

How does the speaker compare the driving mechanics of *San Andreas* to those in *GTA IV*?

The speaker finds the driving in *San Andreas* to be more enjoyable than in *GTA IV*, describing cars in the latter as feeling like 'land boats' with poor traction.

What is the speaker's perspective on the game's map design?

The speaker appreciates the map's design, noting the inclusion of multiple cities creates a sense of travel and adventure, contrasting it with modern games that often feel empty despite their size.

What emotional connection does the speaker have with the game's characters?

The speaker feels a strong attachment to CJ's friends in the game, expressing sadness after completing the game due to missing those relationships.

What are some of the criticisms the speaker has regarding the game's controls and graphics?

The speaker criticizes the control scheme for being clunky and notes that the graphics and physics are dated compared to modern standards, although they acknowledge these issues are typical for the game's release period.

What does the speaker conclude about the overall experience of revisiting *San Andreas*?

The speaker affirms that *San Andreas* remains a cherished part of their life, filled with nostalgia, and while it has flaws, it represents a significant and memorable gaming experience.