GTA San

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Rating

Graphics and Sound

Controls

Gameplay

Lasting Appeal

Expansive Open World
- The game offers a massive and diverse map, including cities, countryside, mountains, and deserts.
- Players enjoy unparalleled freedom to explore and interact with the environment.
Engaging Storyline
- CJ’s journey of family, loyalty, and revenge is both gripping and emotional.
- Themes like betrayal and ambition make the narrative complex and relatable.
Gameplay Variety
- Includes numerous activities like gambling, racing, skydiving, and gym training.
- Missions range from action-packed heists to stealthy infiltrations, ensuring no monotony.
Character Customization
- Players can personalize CJ’s appearance, skills, and fitness level, adding depth to the character.
- Options like hairstyles, tattoos, and clothing reflect individuality.
Iconic Soundtrack
- Features a wide range of music from the 1990s across multiple genres.
- Radio stations with humor and commentary add to the immersion.
Modding Community
- A rich modding ecosystem extends the game’s lifespan with enhanced graphics, new missions, and custom features.
- Fans continue to create fresh content for nearly two decades.
Innovative Features for Its Time
- Introduced swimming, climbing, and RPG-like elements to improve skills.
- Groundbreaking AI and environment interactivity compared to other games of the era.

Aged Graphics
- Though groundbreaking in 2004, the visuals feel outdated compared to modern games.
- Remastered versions have not addressed all visual shortcomings.
Clunky Controls
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as aiming and movement, can feel awkward or unresponsive.
- Vehicle handling, especially for aircraft, is notoriously challenging.
Repetitive Side Missions
- Certain side missions, like courier jobs or collectibles, can feel tedious over time.
- Lack of variety in some activities may reduce replayability.
Controversial Content
- The game’s depiction of violence, crime, and mature themes has sparked criticism.
- Issues like the “Hot Coffee” mod scandal drew significant backlash.
Inconsistent Difficulty
- Some missions have unpredictable difficulty spikes, causing frustration.
- AI behavior can sometimes be erratic, leading to unfair challenges.
Bugs and Glitches
- Players often encounter bugs, ranging from amusing to game-breaking.
- The remastered editions have been criticized for introducing new issues.
Limited Multiplayer
- The multiplayer mode is local and lacks online functionality, which limits co-op experiences.
- The feature feels underdeveloped compared to the rest of the game.