Games Guru Review:
“Fun-loving criminals can go wild in this colossal playground of anarchy. The scale is absolutely enormous and the freedom intoxicating. San Andreas contains three massive cities to explore, plus adjoining countryside. The cities mimic the grimy urban sprawl of Los Angeles, the spectacular hilly bayside vistas of San Francisco and the neon-lit excess of Las Vegas. Each offers astonishing diversity and feels like a real place. Early tasks focus on gang warfare while introducing the game’s terrific cast and deep plot. You play CJ, returning to his troubled neighbourhood with his family and friends in turmoil after his mother’s murder. CJ’s appearance and abilities change according to your actions. Eat too much and he will become overweight, work out at the gym and he will appear more muscular and sprint for longer. Weapon and swimming skills also improve with practice, while further customisation is available at tattoo parlours, clothing stores and hairdressers. Weapon targeting and hand-to-hand brawling have been improved, and missions offer more variety. Assignments include drive-by shootings, races, thuggery, chauffeur duties, casino and truck heists, rescue missions, thrilling chases, turf wars, stealth raids and daring thefts. Players can ride bicycles, go karts and motorbikes, drive a train, steal hundreds of fantastic cars, fly planes and helicopters, gamble, play pool and arcade games, buy houses, skydive, dance, drive emergency vehicles and enjoy two-player rampages. Explosive, movie-style set pieces offer further exhilaration. Much of the undeniable thrill comes from experimentation and discovery. San Andreas offers incredible value: countless hours of rewarding entertainment and surprises await. ”