Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Review

[Blendo75]

Yep there's 50 oysters (under water) and 100 tags. There's supposed to be 150 more things to collect as well, dont have any idea what they would be though.

[sabre2922]

check out the recent poll at gamefaqs.com on topic and very surprising results so far

[DigitalSpace]

Here's a link to an article on San Andreas that I found on yahoo, if anybody's interested.

'San Andreas' poised for big sales, big debate (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usatoday/20041027/tc_usatoday/sanandreaspoisedforbigsalesbigdebate)

[videogameking26]

Also there are land packages called horseshoes, 50 of them that makes 150 collectables in the game :-P

[digitalpress]

Alright, just started my game last night, so this first impression is after about 3 hours of play.

The most noticeable changes in GAMEPLAY were the ability to climb over fences and walls, the "stats" that measure your muscle, stamina, sex appeal, and the right analog that controls the camera view the way you want it to (not first person-perspective, just move the camera). The aiming is improved, and when you lock onto a target the camera follows the target until you unlock, you can also change targets on the fly. Nice. I also took a dive into the water and lo and behold, I did not die. :) The rest of the game from a gameplay standpoint is like Vice City.

I had heard the graphics are "much improved".I don't see that. The graphics are good and typically GTA-stylized, but not "much improved".

The world is HUGE. After clearing the first few missions I decided to see how far I could go. Naturally I hit the "bridge out" (another signature of GTA) but the quarter of the map I was able to travel was easily as big as all of Vice City. There are zillions of cubby-holes and places to hide potential goodies and hold future missions, I'm pretty excited about the world GTA: SA has to offer.

Ah, the music. This has been discussed here before and all I can tell you is that it FITS THE GAME. Your protagonist is black. His gang is black. Just about everyone in the game who has a speaking role thus far is black. The urban-themed music just goes with the game. I would have been disappointed if there were any less of it and I'm happy that there is a wide variety of this style of music in the game. Bring on da beat!

The missions were still really easy three hours into the game but that's OK; it gives you time to familiarize yourself with your local area. I also like the ability to go to the gym to increase your muscle, perform stunts to improve your car driving skills, and eat to increase your health.

At one point I stumbled upon a 2 PLAYER icon, where the game asked me to plug a controller into port 2. I took note of the location and continued my game - has anyone tried this yet? How does the two player version work?

Overall I like it. It feels like GTA and yet it's so much different. Someone mentioned that the dialogue sounded like it was written by white guys trying to be black, I didn't see it that way. Then again, I've never lived in an urban setting so maybe I'm just missing out. It's fooling me, and the voice ACTING is very well done.

So, from 3 hours of gameplay I'd recommend it, as I would any other GTA title. I'll offer up some more opinion as I get deeper into the game.

[Neil Koch]

At one point I stumbled upon a 2 PLAYER icon, where the game asked me to plug a controller into port 2. I took note of the location and continued my game - has anyone tried this yet? How does the two player version work?

It's like the G-Loc mission -- one person drives a motorcycle and the other person shoots off the back of it.

I finally got the game last night and played it for about 5 hours straight... surprised no one in this forum has mentioned the little video games you can play. In your house there's a system that looks a bit like a Genesis which has a Gyruss-style game on it, and in the nearby bar there's another couple of games.

Man, this game is HUGE. All the time I spent playing and I've barely even gotten out of my neighborhood... been spending my time getting buffed out (stamina/muscle at max) and finding where hidden ammo is (found an Uzi and Body Armor in that ravine behind CJ's house). Also found stuff like the dance club and street racing.

[Nesmaster]

still playing. logged in about 26 hours in 2 days. beat around 50 mission i believe(EDIT: nevermind, i just checked and i did 79 >_>), and all i can say is that some are totally cool. im not gonna spoil it for anyone, but right after you learn to fly, there are 3 awsome missions back-to-back :D

[digitalpress]

surprised no one in this forum has mentioned the little video games you can play. In your house there's a system that looks a bit like a Genesis which has a Gyruss-style game on it, and in the nearby bar there's another couple of games.

I didn't even notice there was one in my house! I did find the two arcade machines in the bar, however. One is a crummy Gradius-style game and the other is a weird game of skill where you guide your fly (hummingbird) around thorny branches gathering flowers. I'll just bet there's something tied into getting a high score on both games. They're not much fun unfortunately.


Man, this game is HUGE. All the time I spent playing and I've barely even gotten out of my neighborhood... been spending my time getting buffed out (stamina/muscle at max) and finding where hidden ammo is (found an Uzi and Body Armor in that ravine behind CJ's house). Also found stuff like the dance club and street racing.

I encountered the LOWRIDER competition for the first time last night and was surprised to see its DDR-inspired gameplay :) but that was nothing compared to the dance competition on the beach which was more Parappa in nature.

Great stuff. I also love the way they've incorporated all different kinds of styles into the missions. I'm about seven hours in now and have hardly had ANY missions where the goal was just to kill the bad (or good) guys. The variety in the early missions is wonderful.

[Nesmaster]

well... 3 days and i just beat the final mission. this game is awsome, and if you take it in little doses it should last you alot longer than 3 days LOL

by the way im nowhere near done with the game :P

and about the minigames, theres also a pong clone, which i found in madd doggs mansion once i took it over. i dunno if it appears anywhere else

EDIT: took me 31 1/2 hours to complete

[jdc]

I'm at least glad that people are liking the game. I do not like rap music....but the game has to have it in order to be correct. Are there any of the talk show channels? I like those.

I'm such a long way off from buying this game...it'll be a Greatest Hits title before I do. You see....I still can't open the second part of the city in Grand Theft Auto 3!!!The guy that I'm lending cover to keeps getting killed because I can't kill the enemies on that freighter fast enough. I should be playing Vice City next summer....lol.

[skoldpadda]

well... 3 days and i just beat the final mission. this game is awsome, and if you take it in little doses it should last you alot longer than 3 days LOL

by the way im nowhere near done with the game :P

and about the minigames, theres also a pong clone, which i found in madd doggs mansion once i took it over. i dunno if it appears anywhere else

EDIT: took me 31 1/2 hours to complete

If you are "nowhere near done" then you have not "completed" it... you've only completed the main missions I take it. Are the main missions fairly comparable to VC and III? Or is there a lot of innovation? Sounds like they have significantly beefed up the mini-games play time.

That is great... lots of playing time! I can't wait until next June or whenever the PC version is out. :-P

[Nesmaster]

well, in hardly done i meant that i wasnt done joyriding and basicaly having simple fun. sure i have done all the missions, but theres a few side ones left to do, such as make progress with a girlfriend to get an access key to a casino. and of course theres the oysters and horseshoes and tags i have yet to do. some of the main missions are familiar to 3 and VC, but theres alot of new stuff, and very cool new stuff(not spoiling :P)

[Neil Koch]

One new thing I do really like are the Manhunt-style stealth kills.


I'm at least glad that people are liking the game. I do not like rap music....but the game has to have it in order to be correct. Are there any of the talk show channels? I like those.

Yes, there's a talk radio station... it has a bunch of different shows on it. Pretty funny stuff.


I'm such a long way off from buying this game...it'll be a Greatest Hits title before I do. You see....I still can't open the second part of the city in Grand Theft Auto 3!!!The guy that I'm lending cover to keeps getting killed because I can't kill the enemies on that freighter fast enough. I should be playing Vice City next summer....lol.


Near the stairs that you climb to get to the roof to start sniping is an adrenaline pill which slows everything down -- makes that mission a bit easier.

[dethink]

i still can't beat the lowrider competition mission - i keep getting all "goods" and the text underneath is saying "dead on", "exact", "you da man" etc. i beat the guy's score, and i LOSE every time.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot???

[Griking]

Are people seriously considering avoiding this game because a significant amount of its OPTIONAL and VAST music selection is of a genre they don't enjoy?

Is music the new graphics? Is that what people are concerned with now?

Yep!

Rap to me is like nails on a chalk board. I'd rather not play the game then listen to it. I'm really into the whole ghetto gang banging thing either.

I know that its personal taste but why is there such an interest in a game like this when a game like Simpsons Hit & Run offers the same kind of gameplay? I'm not a preacher by any means but if you can make a fun game with all of the open endness, and options that the GTA series has but without all of the violence then why wouldn't they?

would there really be that much of an uproar if players don't have the ability shoot realistic looking people in their heads? Would it also be a hardship if their character didn't have a full volcabulary of four letter words and the soundtrack wasn't all about bitches, hoes, gangbanging and my niggas?

I think that it really says something sad about society that people want these things in their GAMES

[Griking]

Edit:

Deleted by me cause it's not worth dragging the soundtrack issue on any further.

[Neil Koch]

i still can't beat the lowrider competition mission - i keep getting all "goods" and the text underneath is saying "dead on", "exact", "you da man" etc. i beat the guy's score, and i LOSE every time.

Is that the one where you go to meet CJ's sister? You have to get a certain amount of points (not just beat the other guy). I did pretty crappy but still got a good score... I've noticed that with this and the dancing that there are certain points where you want to follow the bassline of the song rather than where the buttons/arrows are in relation to the circle.

A lot of people seem to be having problems with those missions, but it only took me a couple of tries each *shrug* right now, I'm on the Big Smoke T2-style mission -- that's some hard stuff there.

[charitycasegreg]

not sure if anyone has asked this, But when does it come out for xbox?

[Nesmaster]

[quote]

A lot of people seem to be having problems with those missions, but it only took me a couple of tries each *shrug* right now, I'm on the Big Smoke T2-style mission -- that's some hard stuff there.

same here. i got the lowrider one on my 2nd try, and the dancing one on my third.

[Kepone]

believe you can turn the radio off
so what's the big deal?

Dammit everyone! You're all lame for complaining about the music in the game. This is GTA for chrissakes!

Put the TV on mute and put on the music you like! It's as simple as that!

[Kroogah]

It's funny how GTA 3 and GTA Vice City were very well received on this message board (with the occasional complaint about violence, but more about the controls or just boredom) but the new GTA features 2 rap radio stations and gangbangers as the main characters and suddenly there is post after post about GTA ruining society.

[Promophile]

It's funny how GTA 3 and GTA Vice City were very well received on this message board (with the occasional complaint about violence, but more about the controls or just boredom) but the new GTA features 2 rap radio stations and gangbangers as the main characters and suddenly there is post after post about GTA ruining society.

Mafia > Gangs.

[Neil Koch]

same here. i got the lowrider one on my 2nd try, and the dancing one on my third.


One thing I noticed on the dancing... if you're wearing better clothes (ie not just gang colors) and have a more expensive haircut, your sex appeal goes up, and you seem to get more points dancing.

Maybe if you put extra hydraulics and pimp out your lowrider, you get more points for that part?

[poe]

I'm picking up the game today and I'm excited that there's all kinds of funk, hip-hop and rap. I'm not particularly a fan of these styles of music but the game is all ABOUT the people who love (and write!) that music. "I'm gonna pop a cap in yo ass" mentality doesn't play right with New Order or Spice Girls in the background, IMO.

Then you, my friend are fortunate to never have heard a complete Spice Girls song. The unquenchable bloodlust that arises in ordinary men subjected to that "music" is the stuff of nightmares.

Someone also mentioned earlier in this thread you couldn't leave the first city right away. Not entirely true. You can do so, (by boat or by jumping the fence of the airport) but one of the cops' warnings about 'not leaving town' comes into play. It's an instant 4 wanted stars. Still, I thought it was a nice break from the flat-out blockades of the other games.

[Jasoco]

I LIKE some Spice Girls songs, Jackass.

[Queen Of The Felines]

Put the TV on mute and put on the music you like! It's as simple as that!

"Yakkity Sax" works wonders.

Kristine

[kai123]

I know that its personal taste but why is there such an interest in a game like this when a game like Simpsons Hit & Run offers the same kind of gameplay? I'm not a preacher by any means but if you can make a fun game with all of the open endness, and options that the GTA series has but without all of the violence then why wouldn't they?

would there really be that much of an uproar if players don't have the ability shoot realistic looking people in their heads? Would it also be a hardship if their character didn't have a full volcabulary of four letter words and the soundtrack wasn't all about bitches, hoes, gangbanging and my niggas?

I think that it really says something sad about society that people want these things in their GAMES

It is GTA, what were you expecting? If you want to go save the stupid ass princess again go play mario or something. Did you ever stop to think that this is how some people lived and are living? Rap isn't some fad or whatever you seem to think it is. Rap helps most young black males identify with their situation.

If this was the stupid ass Mafia BS that we have had for the past two games then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Some people can't stand a black character lead for some reason. I bet this game is almost exactly how gangs would have been in 92 or the present.

BTW games are growing up. So you either need to keep your mouth to the nipple of old gentle games that don't offend you in any way or grow up with them.

Freedom of expression for all art forms is my motto and I will always live by it.

P.S. This wasn't directly aimed at Griking. You just expressed what others had posted as well so I quoted you. :P

[Griking]

I'm not saying that the game isn't realistic and I'm not disagreeing that this isn't the way that 90's gang lifestyle was. I just think that its sad that we glorify this lifestyle.

Don't you feel even the slightest bit dirty when you eagerly run out to purchase and play a game because of "features" such as realistic gang style executions, carjacking and prostitution?

In the past I've never really had a problem with violence in games. Mortal Kombat for instance; sure it was extremely violent to rip out someone's spine, but this was still obviously a fantasy game. The violence that this game encourages isn't fantasy but in fact very real. Just watch the local news and you can hear about plenty of this games "features" as they play out in real life.

I knew what to expect in this game, but just because you CAN do something doesn't necessarily mean that you should. IMHO this game just hits a little too close to home for me.

[Spartacus]

If this was the stupid ass Mafia BS that we have had for the past two games then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Some people can't stand a black character lead for some reason. I bet this game is almost exactly how gangs would have been in 92 or the present.
:P

I was in an EB store a fews weeks ago, browsing used PS1 and Dreamcast games, when three young fellows strolled into the store. Two split off for the back of the store and one goes up to the store employee and starts asking questions about pre-ordering San Andreas. I can hear him asking a lot of questions about how he's heard the game is very customizable and just how customizable is it? The helpful clerk is describing how you can change cloths, cut your hair, yadda yadda, and the young fellow keeps coming back to HOW customizable is the game. The clerk adds more details about custom tattoos and gang signs and rambles on quite knowledgeably about the game. Finally the fellow blurts out "Do you have to play as a black guy?" The clerk hesitates for just a second to digest this and says yes. The young fellow turns to the back of the store and YELLS to his friends "YOU GOTTA PLAY AS A BLACK DUDE!" They all three scowl and immediately leave the store. No pre-sell for these guys, as apparently it wasn't quite customizable enough for them.

Having not had the chance to play San Andreas yet, I will admit having read about some things I was not looking forward to. Feeding and exercising the guy is a bit SIM-ish and not really why I want to play the game. Now I hear about dancing <shudder>. But tooling around a huge world sounds like fun and hopefully I'll run across a golf club somwewhere. I do so love to whack people in the head with a golf club. And if they've improved on the weapons control/aiming issues, maybe I'll get to swing for peoples knee caps. Now THAT would really be fun!

[Nesmaster]

Having not had the chance to play San Andreas yet, I will admit having read about some things I was not looking forward to. Feeding and exercising the guy is a bit SIM-ish and not really why I want to play the game.

For what its worth, the food and exercising isnt as bad as i thought. exercising takes like 30 seconds, and at the very least the food provides you with energy if you are running low. its also not like you have to eat every 5 minutes :P

oh, and the dancing is one single mission, that is all.

[digitalpress]

I'm not saying that the game isn't realistic and I'm not disagreeing that this isn't the way that 90's gang lifestyle was. I just think that its sad that we glorify this lifestyle.

We've also "glorified" the lifestyles of pirates, vikings, thieves and more. What makes this any different other than your personal connection to it?


Don't you feel even the slightest bit dirty when you eagerly run out to purchase and play a game because of "features" such as realistic gang style executions, carjacking and prostitution?

No. I play video games to escape my personal realities. Guilty pleasures are very much a part of that for me, and I suspect, for many others who enjoy gaming.


In the past I've never really had a problem with violence in games. Mortal Kombat for instance; sure it was extremely violent to rip out someone's spine, but this was still obviously a fantasy game. The violence that this game encourages isn't fantasy but in fact very real. Just watch the local news and you can hear about plenty of this games "features" as they play out in real life.

If your mind can't sort out "real" from "unreal" as it applies to your own behavior outside of the game, it hardly matters if you're ripping out someone's spine or clubbing them to death on a golf course. It's a game. You would do neither in real life. I hope.


I knew what to expect in this game, but just because you CAN do something doesn't necessarily mean that you should. IMHO this game just hits a little too close to home for me.

It's OK. No one is forcing you to buy it or even play it. There are lots of other threads in these forums that would appeal more to your gaming tastes.

[Griking]

I'm not saying that the game isn't realistic and I'm not disagreeing that this isn't the way that 90's gang lifestyle was. I just think that its sad that we glorify this lifestyle.

We've also "glorified" the lifestyles of pirates, vikings, thieves and more. What makes this any different other than your personal connection to it?

Because I highly doubt that anyone on this board knows of someone assaulted by a pirate or viking lately. (If anyone had their ship boarded and hijacked by pirates lately then I apologise in advance) I on the other hand know of someone who was killed by gang members and I'm sure that plenty of people here know of someone who's live was ruined by drugs.

Let me ask it this way, if any of the memebers here have been or had a loved one raped (and I apologize for bringing it up if you have) how would you feel about people running out to the store eager to pick up a game that glorified or even let you play the role of rapists? What about child molesters? Probably not. But why? Its apparantly ok to glorify thugs and gangbangers who sell drugs to your schoolchildren and kill to defend their turfs. Why not rapists and child molesters? (/sarcasm off) Again, I grew up in a large city and this hits a little close to home. Pirates and Vikings while once real and probably very violent and evil are still fantasy characters in my eyes. Perhaps I'll reconsider these feelings if they ever make a comeback. Besides, it isn't pirates that I've run into holding up my local package store though you may think otherwise because of the bandanas. Gangs and drugs (which I'm assuming are a part of this game if it aims to be realistic) on the other hand are very real and not fun and games.

I'm going to drop it at this point since I never intended this to turn ugly. I suppose this is just a side effect of games becomming more realistic and sometimes too life like.

[ManciGames]

Because I highly doubt that anyone on this board knows of someone assaulted by a pirate or viking lately. (If anyone had their ship boarded and hijacked by pirates lately then I apologise in advance) I on the other hand know of someone who was killed by gang members and I'm sure that plenty of people here know of someone who's live was ruined by drugs.


Griking, I think your points are all valid, and I am sympathetic to your viewpoints. That being said, that there are a LOT of possible ways to offend someone by bringing up a subject. Rape, murder, cancer, surgery, impotence (hey, not me!), being poor, etc. Yet, there are commercials, movies, and songs that mention this stuff on the public airwaves everyday. It's called life. And we've all got to deal with it. If we censored every single "bad thing" from our entertainment...well...our entertainment would become very boring. There are no highs without lows.

The funny thing is, I knew this kind of thing was going to happen as soon as I heard SA was going to feature black characters. I thought it would be more of the black community griping about the portrayal of blacks more-so than the white community being made to feel uncomfortable.

Here's the thing: There were a ton of movies in the early '90s that chronicled this same type of lifestyle in the same way "Scarface" chronicled the mob lifestyle in the 80's. GTA III and VC both focused on the mob, and as someone else already mentioned, having a third straight game focus on it would get a little tiring. So, the only other option left is gang wars circa 1992, right? I mean, you can't make "Grand Theft Auto: Viking Explorer," can you?

I also figured that there would be some prejudiced people (maybe not even racist...just prejudiced, if there is a difference) who would not buy the game because they "would have to play as a black guy." Hey man, whatever. People are who they are (ignorant or not), and you're not going to change it.

The interesting thing is that some redneck might get the game just because he loves GTA so much, play as the black guy and in some way relate to his situation by the end of the game. The story so far seems to be straight out of Menace to Society (i.e. it's not strictly exploitive) and seems to actually tell a good story.

It's a good thing that most people know that the GTA series (can) involve blowing people's heads off, running them over, and blowing them up. Those people offended by it can stay away. And parents who care about their kids can notice the big "M" on the cover and not buy it for them.

I've said before that the GTA series is (IMHO) the best set of games out there. I play the missions and then I just wander around exploring the city. That's the beauty of these games. You don't have to snipe a single person if you don't want to. You can just explore the city and listen to the radio...

[poe]

And parents who care about their kids can notice the big "M" on the cover and not buy it for them.

Agreed. I can appreciate the fact that, at least where I work, the cashiers and other employees, regardless of lost revenue, can actually be fired for letting explicit material be sold to minors without a parent's permission. On launch day, we actually turned away a couple kids wanting GTA who couldn't produce IDs showing they were over 18. One came back with his mom in tow, but at least we gave her the opportunity to say "no you really can't put this into a healthy perspective" before we sold it to him.

[Griking]

Here's the thing: There were a ton of movies in the early '90s that chronicled this same type of lifestyle in the same way "Scarface" chronicled the mob lifestyle in the 80's. GTA III and VC both focused on the mob, and as someone else already mentioned, having a third straight game focus on it would get a little tiring. So, the only other option left is gang wars circa 1992, right? I mean, you can't make "Grand Theft Auto: Viking Explorer," can you?

I think that the difference between games with this kind of subject matter and movies is that the movies usually portray the killers and rapists as the bad guys and generally you feel sorry for the victims. In these games you're cast in the role of the killer and the game not only allows you to, but encourages you to kill people and do things that would normally destroy lives.


I've said before that the GTA series is (IMHO) the best set of games out there. I play the missions and then I just wander around exploring the city. That's the beauty of these games. You don't have to snipe a single person if you don't want to. You can just explore the city and listen to the radio...

Don't you think that a person looking for a game like this would be more likely to pick up something like Need for Speed Underground? I don't believe for a second that people buy this game for any other reason than to be violent. There are many other (and better) alternatives to the non-violent portions of these games.

As someone said in an earlier post, people know what they're getting in this series. I just find it extremely sad that they look for this kind of "entertainment".

[digitalpress]

Because I highly doubt that anyone on this board knows of someone assaulted by a pirate or viking lately. (If anyone had their ship boarded and hijacked by pirates lately then I apologise in advance)

I knew you would say this - it's so predictable - but what you questioned was the LIFESTYLE, not the actual stereotypes. My point, lost on you, was that these LIFESTYLES are no more unbecoming to someone who is afraid to play games depicting them.

[ManciGames]

I think that the difference between games with this kind of subject matter and movies is that the movies usually portray the killers and rapists as the bad guys and generally you feel sorry for the victims.

Have you seen any of those movies I'm talking about? Boyz in the Hood, Menace 2 Society, Juice, New Jack City, etc.? I'm not slamming you, I'm just asking. From those statements, I assume that you haven't, but you know what they say about assuming.


Don't you think that a person looking for a game like this would be more likely to pick up something like Need for Speed Underground? I don't believe for a second that people buy this game for any other reason than to be violent. There are many other (and better) alternatives to the non-violent portions of these games.


Have you played both GTA and NFSU? If so, I don't see how you could even begin to make that comparison. Again, I don't mean to sound like I'm slamming you, but I just don't understand...

I don't think 13 million people bought Vice City just "so they could be violent." Okay, maybe a bunch of 'em bought it for that, but they kept playing it for reasons other than that.

[Promophile]

I don't play games for morals, I play them for fun. If they made a game called "Super Happy Baby Kicking Fun Time" I would buy it, if it was fun.

[Ninja Blacksox]

I don't play games for morals, I play them for fun. If they made a game called "Super Happy Baby Kicking Fun Time" I would buy it, if it was fun.

As long as it didn't have rap music in it.

Or soul.

Or funk.

-A Boy

[dethink]

finally got past that lowrider mission... :)

i'm really loving this game. the last 2 GTAs didn't do a thing for me, after the first few hours of play...this one just seems so alive in comparison, and the illusion of freedom is much more fleshed out - you're not just running around in a city full of mindless bumper fodder pedestrians and traffic. the missions are varied. the other 2 still felt like they were on rails a bit; the character development really makes the game shine since there are now actual incentives for straying from the main path.

the whole thing is such a great hodgepodge of all forms of gaming, i can't believe people on here won't at least give it a shot.

we've been getting so many promises of these 'go anywhere, do anything' games since the N64, and now FINALLY we've got one where nothing feels deliberately tacked on or half baked - while a lot of the side elements aren't perfect or as good as standalone games they're trying to emulate, GTA: SA comes a heck of a lot closer to getting it right in one fell swoop than anything before it. i can't wait to see what they have in store next-gen for this series and games like it.

my only real complaint is the awful arcade games. LOL anyone else think it would be really cool if rockstar put their heads together with other game companies to use emulated versions of classic games in the next installment? i'm sure some sort of licensing/royalty agreement could be worked out much like they have with the record companies for the soundtrack.

[petewhitley]

In these games you're cast in the role of the killer and the game not only allows you to, but encourages you to kill people and do things that would normally destroy lives.

That's a common misconception about the GTA games. The mission-directed reasons for killing anyone in these games are no different morally than the reasons you kill in Goldenye, Tomb Raider, etc. etc. Complaints such as this are obvious tip-offs that the complaintant hasn't actually played GTA significantly.

[Neo-Jorge]

Whew what a long read lol, Anyway I cant See why so many people are fussing over the soundtrack, I love the soundtrack It totally fits the game. The choice of rap songs were perfect those were some of the best rap songs of the 90's. If you people really dislike the music so much all you have to do is Turn it down and pop some headphones on your walkman and your good to go.

Having Lived and grown up in many urban areas around L.A .and Chicago I can really identify with the music because it's the kind of music I would always hear and listen to. The main thing about this game is that it's flat out fun and in my opinion that's all that matters to me. I did not buy this game because of it's soundtrack, alot of folks are not into 80's music and they still got vice city and had a blast so what makes this one any less fun? How about when the 1st Gta came out to ps2 We didnt know what to expect from the soundtrack and It turned out to be a good game regarless of it's Scarface soundtrack.

I cant really believe some people will not give this game a chance because you have to play as a black man that has to be the stupidest thing I have ever read. I dont Care who you are if you live in the usa at one point in your life or another your going to run into someone other then your own race and then what are you going to do run away because he says hello lol.


I really have to give rockstar 2 thumbs up on this game because they took a chance on all this controversy and things that have yet to arrise because of this games hype. I really See these games as kind of a timeline everytime a new one comes out because it at least gives some people (the younger Crowd) sense of what life kinda was by this I mean the trends, clothing, slang. or the themes associated with those times. I think that is really Cool if you can buy a game and come out with something a little more out of it you were not expecting, you may even learn a new appreciation for a type of music you thought sucked or was silly to you.

All in All if a game like this Can bring us all together to talk about it and discuss it I really think It has done more then a good job in bringing us closer as people no matter what race or color you are. Have Fun people That's all it is ment for.


Thanks

[brykasch]

Just picked up the game yesterday (gamestop gives 20% off the guide when you buy the game btw). Anyways I am enjoying this so much more than the first two so far. I just can't believe the borderline racist responses this game has brought out on other sites, it makes me sad in alot of ways, do these same people not play any sports games either, they feature alot of black people and hip/hop style music as well, but I guess it just shows how far this country needs to go, but thats another topic in and of itself.

On to the game, I am loving it so far, the weightlifting, and eating sections were alot less tedious, and more beneficial (restore health, build up melee strength). Soundtrack is killer imho on all stations. Just wish they had a deluxe box set this time around instead of just the two disc interscope set.
Yeah not alot of great rides to jack, but then remember the area you are in at the start. Love the tempest game in the living room of the house as well. Watch out for the females in this game, they have automatics out of no where, hapened to me twice, went to beat up a couple after playing some basketball (needed some money) and got laid out quick. Citizens are alot tougher in this game.

And as far as violence and what not, this hits me more than prob 90 % of people buying it as a kid I grew up in the projects on the south side of chicago, and saw alot of messed up things happening, but you know what its a game, and besides they aren't always doing bad things. One of the first missions is busting up a crack house and putting the dealer down. You know we can make games, movies, music whatever, sacchrine sweet, but the fact is life isn't that way.

Only have finished about 10 missions so I have along way to go but I am loving it so far. Will be playing this till next monday night:) But damn that guide is huge. The size of the double pack guide at least.

[suppafly]

I know a friend too, who is a huge GTA fan. he actually finished both GTa 3 and GTA Vice city...

and he keeps saying he wont buy the game, because he doesnt want to play like a black guy.....I think thats a racist comment...but i dont want the game either, because its just boring after 15 mins....

[jerkov]

I know a friend too, who is a huge GTA fan. he actually finished both GTa 3 and GTA Vice city...

and he keeps saying he wont buy the game, because he doesnt want to play like a black guy.....I think thats a racist comment...but i dont want the game either, because its just boring after 15 mins....

Concerning your friend, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever read. San Andreas takes the GTA thing WAY further than 3 or Vice City and is a game that should not be missed. I'm not a fan of rap music, nor am I a fan of those "gansta" type of movies, yet I've found the story very engrossing and its the perfect setting for this type of game. It's sad that a GTA fan won't play this masterpiece because of the skin color of a fictional character.

As far as the game, I've put at least 15 hours into it so far, and I haven't been bored at all. Rather, I can't wait to delve even further into it.

[ManciGames]

I know a friend too, who is a huge GTA fan. he actually finished both GTa 3 and GTA Vice city...

and he keeps saying he wont buy the game, because he doesnt want to play like a black guy.....I think thats a racist comment...but i dont want the game either, because its just boring after 15 mins....

I think Rockstar needs to be commended for throwing a black main character into what is arguably one of the most popular games of all time.

A lot of people don't even think that racism still exists. This game will probably go further in pointing out that it is still out there than anything else in the last decade. For that, it should be recognized. Wonder if the media will pick up on *that*?

[suppafly]

I know a friend too, who is a huge GTA fan. he actually finished both GTa 3 and GTA Vice city...

and he keeps saying he wont buy the game, because he doesnt want to play like a black guy.....I think thats a racist comment...but i dont want the game either, because its just boring after 15 mins....

Concerning your friend, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever read. San Andreas takes the GTA thing WAY further than 3 or Vice City and is a game that should not be missed. I'm not a fan of rap music, nor am I a fan of those "gansta" type of movies, yet I've found the story very engrossing and its the perfect setting for this type of game. It's sad that a GTA fan won't play this masterpiece because of the skin color of a fictional character.

As far as the game, I've put at least 15 hours into it so far, and I haven't been bored at all. Rather, I can't wait to delve even further into it.


Yes, i agree with you too about my friend. I wish i could agree with you about the game....maybe i will pick it up again and give it a second try...

[Promophile]

I don't play games for morals, I play them for fun. If they made a game called "Super Happy Baby Kicking Fun Time" I would buy it, if it was fun.

As long as it didn't have rap music in it.

Or soul.

Or funk.

-A Boy

I may not like the music or setting, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the game.

[Promophile]

I know a friend too, who is a huge GTA fan. he actually finished both GTa 3 and GTA Vice city...

and he keeps saying he wont buy the game, because he doesnt want to play like a black guy.....I think thats a racist comment...but i dont want the game either, because its just boring after 15 mins....

I think Rockstar needs to be commended for throwing a black main character into what is arguably one of the most popular games of all time.

A lot of people don't even think that racism still exists. This game will probably go further in pointing out that it is still out there than anything else in the last decade. For that, it should be recognized. Wonder if the media will pick up on *that*?

Yes there is lots of racism still, but most of it I see, at least in my area, is black on white and black on mulatto. The news media NEVER covers it, but it's there. Our society has gotten WAY too politically correct. For example, if someone says they don't like a game because the main character is a black gangster, people assume they are racist. Some people want a character they can relate to physically and mentally. IE the main character running around and calling white people crackers when he jacks their cars takes some people out of the game. Personally I don't really give a damn. I may not like the ghetto or the music, but I won't let that keep me from playing a good game.

[Raedon]

A lot of people don't even think that racism still exists. This game will probably go further in pointing out that it is still out there than anything else in the last decade. For that, it should be recognized. Wonder if the media will pick up on *that*?

It's not "back of the bus" racism though.. Not at all, that sort of Racism is only perpetuated by those old enough to remember those days or the really really dumb under 30's.

-- This is actually the rub you are looking at --

It's the thought that Gangsters like the Godfather, Tony Soprano or any other white organized criminal is almost like a super hero.. They have the balls we wish we had, the money the women.. You know, and they all may die quick, but at least they died with their face in the cocaine and at the top of their game. They were, "the contender" if only for the length of the movie.

This is where GTA:SA bites, it's about organized minority crime. This is different the the Suit and Tie Casino world. It is a world that has not been glamorized in hollywood. We have all been tought that Gangs (bloods/crypts etc) are worst the drugs on the streets. That they have huge gang wars but don't actually produce any money.. just death.

, but really they are just like any other organized crime family. The diference is what the Media has told you.

If it's racist at all it's because you believe TV and movies as being the angel/devil on your shoulder. You have failed as a rational being at that point.

[jerkov]

Yes, i agree with you too about my friend. I wish i could agree with you about the game....maybe i will pick it up again and give it a second try...

I love the GTA series because, to me, it's the ultimate release. You can walk around a huge fictional world and do whatever the hell you want. Not only is it a great stress reliever, but it's very engrossing and a lot of fun. The driving, combat, and other factors are all done very well and there is just tons of stuff to see and do.

But, if it's not your cup of tea, then it's not your cup of tea. I know a lot of people are excited over things like Halo and Madden, which are two games that I couldn't care less about...

[SMB]

If this was the stupid ass Mafia BS that we have had for the past two games then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Some people can't stand a black character lead for some reason. I bet this game is almost exactly how gangs would have been in 92 or the present.
:P

I was in an EB store a fews weeks ago, browsing used PS1 and Dreamcast games, when three young fellows strolled into the store. Two split off for the back of the store and one goes up to the store employee and starts asking questions about pre-ordering San Andreas. I can hear him asking a lot of questions about how he's heard the game is very customizable and just how customizable is it? The helpful clerk is describing how you can change cloths, cut your hair, yadda yadda, and the young fellow keeps coming back to HOW customizable is the game. The clerk adds more details about custom tattoos and gang signs and rambles on quite knowledgeably about the game. Finally the fellow blurts out "Do you have to play as a black guy?" The clerk hesitates for just a second to digest this and says yes. The young fellow turns to the back of the store and YELLS to his friends "YOU GOTTA PLAY AS A BLACK DUDE!" They all three scowl and immediately leave the store. No pre-sell for these guys, as apparently it wasn't quite customizable enough for them.

Having not had the chance to play San Andreas yet, I will admit having read about some things I was not looking forward to. Feeding and exercising the guy is a bit SIM-ish and not really why I want to play the game. Now I hear about dancing <shudder>. But tooling around a huge world sounds like fun and hopefully I'll run across a golf club somwewhere. I do so love to whack people in the head with a golf club. And if they've improved on the weapons control/aiming issues, maybe I'll get to swing for peoples knee caps. Now THAT would really be fun!

Those little racist bastards :/

[Raedon]

"you got to play as a black dude!" doesn't mean they were being racist. I was at Hastings the other day and these teens were doing Nigger bits from the Chappelle show.. it wasn't racist to them, but if there was a black person in the area and saw some kids saying nigger then obviously they would think the kids were racist.

I think the kids story is BS. I've never met a pre-13 year old racist in my life unless his dad was shaved and made a point of pointing out the "fags." It the story has any merrit it's that the kid said "black dude" loud and no one cared but the clerk.

I can't even believe this sort of trypish thread crapping is even being discussed on Digital Press.

[Kepone]

If this was the stupid ass Mafia BS that we have had for the past two games then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Some people can't stand a black character lead for some reason. I bet this game is almost exactly how gangs would have been in 92 or the present.
:P

I was in an EB store a fews weeks ago, browsing used PS1 and Dreamcast games, when three young fellows strolled into the store. Two split off for the back of the store and one goes up to the store employee and starts asking questions about pre-ordering San Andreas. I can hear him asking a lot of questions about how he's heard the game is very customizable and just how customizable is it? The helpful clerk is describing how you can change cloths, cut your hair, yadda yadda, and the young fellow keeps coming back to HOW customizable is the game. The clerk adds more details about custom tattoos and gang signs and rambles on quite knowledgeably about the game. Finally the fellow blurts out "Do you have to play as a black guy?" The clerk hesitates for just a second to digest this and says yes. The young fellow turns to the back of the store and YELLS to his friends "YOU GOTTA PLAY AS A BLACK DUDE!" They all three scowl and immediately leave the store. No pre-sell for these guys, as apparently it wasn't quite customizable enough for them.

Having not had the chance to play San Andreas yet, I will admit having read about some things I was not looking forward to. Feeding and exercising the guy is a bit SIM-ish and not really why I want to play the game. Now I hear about dancing <shudder>. But tooling around a huge world sounds like fun and hopefully I'll run across a golf club somwewhere. I do so love to whack people in the head with a golf club. And if they've improved on the weapons control/aiming issues, maybe I'll get to swing for peoples knee caps. Now THAT would really be fun!


They didn't look 18 did they?

Seriously, I could care less what the color of the lead character is. I don't see why it should matter. It fits the frame and style of the game.

I feel sorry for today's generation of teenagers. They really have no clue what the hell they are doing. I've dealt with teens on other gaming forums who are racist, homophobic and show fascist tendencies.

[Jasoco]

You know, not playing a game that stars a black guy just because you're not black is like not playing Beyond Good and Evil because you're not a woman. Or not playing Super Mario Bros because you're not a man. Or not playing Katamari Damacy because you're not a 5cm tall green hammer headed alien. Or not playing Pac Man because you're not a yellow pizza-shaped circle.

It's just stupidity.

If I were in that store when the kids yelled that, I would have been like "Why? What's your problem with the main character?" just to get a reaction from their sorry asses. They obviously like the GTA series, so not wanting to be a black guy obviously means they are racist. Seriously. Racist people suck.

[Kepone]

I think it would be a refreshing change of pace from all the mobster overtones of the past two GTA games, to get a feel of what goes on in the world of gangs. I don't like gangs. I never did. But to play a game where it gives you an idea of what gang life could have been like (or really was like), is a good experience to have.

I didn't like Tommy Vercetti anyway. Too cliched. I thought the nameless guy from GTA3 was a lot better.

[Promophile]

I think it would be a refreshing change of pace from all the mobster overtones of the past two GTA games, to get a feel of what goes on in the world of gangs. I don't like gangs. I never did. But to play a game where it gives you an idea of what gang life could have been like (or really was like), is a good experience to have.

I didn't like Tommy Vercetti anyway. Too cliched. I thought the nameless guy from GTA3 was a lot better.

Vercetti is the man and could kick Carl Johnsons ass. I haven't beaten the game, but so far Carl Johnson has been the "muscle", and hasn't made plans like Vercetti did. He's more like a Lance Vance then a crime boss.

[ManciGames]

Yes there is lots of racism still, but most of it I see, at least in my area, is black on white and black on mulatto. The news media NEVER covers it, but it's there.

Oh, no doubt. It definitely flows both ways...

[gleavepaul]

Got the game on friday afternoon

Its ok, not keen on the music but meh only a small gripe. It may be my ps2 but it suffers from mega slow downs :hmm:

iim still not sure about the game yet...

[Kepone]

I think it would be a refreshing change of pace from all the mobster overtones of the past two GTA games, to get a feel of what goes on in the world of gangs. I don't like gangs. I never did. But to play a game where it gives you an idea of what gang life could have been like (or really was like), is a good experience to have.

I didn't like Tommy Vercetti anyway. Too cliched. I thought the nameless guy from GTA3 was a lot better.

Vercetti is the man and could kick Carl Johnsons ass. I haven't beaten the game, but so far Carl Johnson has been the "muscle", and hasn't made plans like Vercetti did. He's more like a Lance Vance then a crime boss.

That's because you haven't gotten that far in the game.

Beat the game and then come back and say that Tommy's the man, etc.

[zmweasel]

Its ok, not keen on the music but meh only a small gripe. It may be my ps2 but it suffers from mega slow downs :hmm:

The game suffers from a fluctuating framerate because it's pushing the PS2 as far as it can go. San Andreas has the biggest virtual game-world in console history, and yet it never takes a load-screen breath. The Xbox and PC versions, when they arrive, should run more smoothly.

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

The game suffers from a fluctuating framerate because it's pushing the PS2 as far as it can go. San Andreas has the biggest virtual game-world in console history, and yet it never takes a load-screen breath. The Xbox and PC versions, when they arrive, should run more smoothly.

-- Z.

That's definitely my biggest gripe. After playing the XBOX versions of III and VC for so long, SA is virtually unplayable to me at this point, mostly due to the horrible framerate. Maybe I'll just finish up some other games and hope that the XBOX SA is out by the time I'm done.

[Sph1nx]

Apparently, Al-Quida (spelling?) is an additional hidden gang in the game.
A plane randomly smashed into a building. Stuff was exploding everywhere.
It was great!

[Jasoco]

Apparently, Al-Quida (spelling?) is an additional hidden gang in the game.
A plane randomly smashed into a building. Stuff was exploding everywhere.
It was great!Has it been 22 years already?

[abdul]

:angry: I am having a huge amount of trouble with Zero's first mission " Air Raid"

anyone got any tips on beating this mission?

[zmweasel]

:angry: I am having a huge amount of trouble with Zero's first mission " Air Raid"

anyone got any tips on beating this mission?

Never let go of the X button. Your fuel ticks off at the same rate regardless of your speed.

Fly across the park and hit the solo courier, then come back to hit the two near the starting point, then go after the final two.

Use L2 and R2 to steer with the rudder.

The couriers don't shoot at you until you shoot at them, so don't shoot from long range. Get up close. You might even want to land and shoot for maximum accuracy.

If you're attacking a van, head for the next target as soon as the van starts flaming. Don't waste time waiting for it to explode.

This is the hardest mission in the game, without question.

-- Z.

EDIT: I just realized you're talking about "Air Raid," the gunnery mission (for which I have no better advice than "aim and shoot"), and not "Supply Lines...", the mission after that, and the one to which I was referring. If you think Air Raid is hard, just you wait.

-- Z.

[kainemaxwell]

I love the GTA series because, to me, it's the ultimate release. You can walk around a huge fictional world and do whatever the hell you want. Not only is it a great stress reliever, but it's very engrossing and a lot of fun. The driving, combat, and other factors are all done very well and there is just tons of stuff to see and do.
Couldn't agree more. After a tough day dealing with people nothing says relaxing then blowing them up. ^^

[DigitalSpace]

I wish there was an option to walk bikes. It's a bitch getting a bike up a big hill.

Mountain bikes would have been cool too. The BMX bike looks cool in the city, but it's kinda awkward seeing someone riding one down the highway in Red County.

I've come across a couple glitches. One time I parked a BMX in a garage in one of my safe houses and it was really close to the car that was parked there. I got off the bike and next thing you know, I was about a block away from the safe house. WTF?

Another time, I went into a safe house, saved and then got back into my car. The radio was off, and for some reason, I couldn't switch to any stations. Note that I had the radio on before I saved. I got in another car, and I couldn't turn the radio on in that car either. I couldn't even listen to anything on the pause screen! I decided to reset my PS2 and after that, the radio worked fine. :)

[zmweasel]

I wish there was an option to walk bikes. It's a bitch getting a bike up a big hill.

Mountain bikes would have been cool too. The BMX bike looks cool in the city, but it's kinda awkward seeing someone riding one down the highway in Red County.

I've come across a couple glitches. One time I parked a BMX in a garage in one of my safe houses and it was really close to the car that was parked there. I got off the bike and next thing you know, I was about a block away from the safe house. WTF?

Another time, I went into a safe house, saved and then got back into my car. The radio was off, and for some reason, I couldn't switch to any stations. Note that I had the radio on before I saved. I got in another car, and I couldn't turn the radio on in that car either. I couldn't even listen to anything on the pause screen! I decided to reset my PS2 and after that, the radio worked fine. :)

My favorite glitch so far: I triggered a gang war in a coastal area, and the enemy gang members spawned on the bottom of the ocean. I couldn't shoot them, but they shot at me when I dove down to look at them. I got a good laugh out of that one.

I do wish that [SPOILER ALERT] the girlfriend/dating aspect was better implemented. It's sloppy, confusing, and repetitive as is, my least favorite aspect of the game.

EDIT: I forgot to mention the floating tree near Blueberry. Drive north out of Blueberry onto the highway and turn east. As "Red County" appears on the screen, turn right and drive toward the tree in the grassy field. Note that it's hovering several feet off the ground.

-- Z.

[jerkov]

Mountain bikes would have been cool too. The BMX bike looks cool in the city, but it's kinda awkward seeing someone riding one down the highway in Red County.

There are mountain bikes in the game. I think they're harder to find than the BMX or the regular Bike, but you can definitely get one at the top of Mt. Chiliad.

[DigitalSpace]

There are mountain bikes in the game. I think they're harder to find than the BMX or the regular Bike, but you can definitely get one at the top of Mt. Chiliad.

Thanks. Looks like I may have to keep a couple in a garage then.

And I'll have to check out that floating tree too.

[sisko]

I picked up the game last night and logged a couple of hours on it so far. honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it.

The color scheme is horrible. Everything is orange grey and brown.
Walking, driving, etc into the sunset is impossible.
The same camera issues that plagued III and VC are still present
The language is a bit too much, even for me.
The plethora of racist comments and slurs really get under my skin too.

However:

I like the overall game play.
Adding a bicycle was a cool idea.
The map is friggin huge.
The character stats is a neat add on.
You can fly a Cesna/Leer
and I like the ability to jump fences.

*edit*

I also like the implementation of a full scale freeway as it makes for fast and easy access to the major parts of town. I only wish the signs were easier to read.

[Nesmaster]

Did anyone ever give CJ a heart attack? I was walking around one day and he fell dead on his fat ass.

True story.

[duffmanth]

Maybe the greatest game from the last generation of gaming...

[DigitalSpace]

The $49.99 I paid for San Andreas the week it came out is still the most I've paid for any single game. Best Buy had a deal going on - purchase GTA: SA and you could also get a GH game for $5. I bought the last copy of Kingdom Hearts.

I've probably spent more time with San Andreas than any other PS2 game... but I have yet to beat it. I'm a few missions away from the ending (and I still haven't completed Zero's pain-in-the-ass side missions... doubt I ever will unless I decide to go for 100% completion).

I bought the guide a few years ago, and here's a true story from that afternoon: I decided to leaf through it while waiting for the bus. A kid sees me reading the guide, tells me that he thought the game was awesome and starts talking about his favorite missions. I nodded a few times until the kid went back to his parents. He looked no older than 7.