Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Overview

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North Ltd. and published by Rockstar Games Inc.. Released in October 2004, it is the seventh title in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise. The game is set within the fictional U.S. state of San Andreas, which is heavily based on California and Nevada.

A screenshot of a character from the game driving a car in a city environment.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is structured similarly to the previous two games in the series. The core gameplay consists of elements of third-person shooter and a driving game, affording the player a large, open-world environment in which to move around. Players can walk, run, sprint, swim, climb (the first GTA game in which swimming and climbing are possible) and jump as well as use weapons and various forms of hand-to-hand combat.

Plot

The storyline of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas revolves around the character Carl "CJ" Johnson, who returns home to Los Santos from Liberty City after learning of his mother's murder. CJ finds his family and his old gang, the Grove Street Families, in disarray. Over the course of the game, CJ gradually unravels the plot behind his mother's murder while reestablishing his gang and exploring his old stomping grounds.

Development

The development of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas began in 2002, shortly after the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The game was developed by Rockstar North and published by parent company Rockstar Games. It was first released on the PlayStation 2 in October 2004, and later on Microsoft Windows and Xbox in June 2005.

Reception

Upon its release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was met with critical acclaim. It was praised for its story, gameplay, and scope, with many critics agreeing that it pushed the boundaries of what a video game could be. However, the game also sparked controversy due to its depiction of violence and sexual content.

Legacy

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has had a significant impact on the video game industry. It has been cited as a landmark in video games for its far-reaching influence within the industry. The game's depiction of gang warfare and life in an urban, poor neighborhood has been both praised and criticized.