Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (xbx: 2005): Reviews

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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas


8.3

based on 58 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 54 votes
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GAMES:

Official Website

Five years ago Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas... a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers. Now, it's the early 90s. Carl's got to go home. His mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster. On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets. [Rockstar]

PUBLISHER:	Rockstar Games
DEVELOPER:	Rockstar North
GENRE(S):	Action, Racing
PLAYERS:	2
ESRB RATING:	AO (Adults Only)
RELEASE DATE:	June 6, 2005

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Gaming Age

In regards to the gameplay, I'd have to give the overall advantage to the Xbox version, again, mostly due to the better framerate. Being able to smoothly spin around the camera, in the vehicles and on foot, makes a big difference in how the game plays.

100

GameSpy

It looks and sounds better than ever, which more than makes up for the minor control issues. If you've been searching for the best Grand Theft Auto experience around, look no further: San Andreas is the real deal.

100

Stuff

How do you improve on perfection? We’ll tell you how: Take the same genius game that you played last fall on the PS2 and give everything a fresh coat of pixel paint... Then, remove the long load times, allow us to save 30-second replays to the hard drive for those you-won’t-believe-this-booshiz moments and create personalized radio stations by ripping your CD collection to the hard drive.

100

Game Revolution

But unlike the PS2 and PC versions, the Xbox port comes with that rarest of GTA treasures - a replay feature.

100

Detroit Free Press

This is still a four-star title, though definitely not for children. Just don't expect it to be something you can wave in front of your PS2-playing friends' faces.

100

G4 TV

Like Vice City before it, San Andreas features a superb, period-specific selection of licensed music on its many radio stations. And just like Vice City, said selection does a fantastic job of setting the mood.

100

Into Liquid Sky

The guys at Rockstar have really honed their ability to keep the missions fresh. They've managed to make each mission varied and complex without making them brutally hard.

100

Gamestyle

How can Rockstar follow this? San Andreas is a masterpiece; the outstanding gameplay from the first two games has been extended, tweaked and applied to a fresh, original and fascinating setting. There's more than enough meat to keep you going for months, and the sheer variety of gameplay is bewildering.

100

AceGamez

This is arguably the biggest game ever made, and if you were to complete it 100%, it would take you several hundred hours, I'd estimate 400 to 500 at least.

100

Games Radar

What does make it great is that it actually delivers on nearly everything it promises while still being fun to just pick up and play.

Game Informer

A fantastic port of a stellar game. [Aug 2005, p.98]

Next Level Gaming

Music and sound are probably the best of any of the GTA series. As much as the 80's tunes in "Vice City" were awesome, the sheer number of tunes and the variety of them are incredible in San Andreas.

PGNx Media

The game is incredibly fun. It will surely take up hundreds of hours to even the most casual of gamers.

Team Xbox

The sheer scope of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is mind blowing.

XboxAddict

I cannot think of a game series that does a better job in the sound department. The voice talent is tremendous.

GameZone

Not only is it bigger and better, but it looks and feels so good on the Xbox so if you haven’t already bought this game this is the definitive version to own.

Xbox Solution

Gamers will see that the load times are fast, the cut-scenes are well done, and the story is filled with twists that you won't see coming.

AtomicGamer

It's still quite possibly the best game ever made, and Rockstar's done pretty much all they could to make San Andreas the best it could be on the Xbox.

Extreme Gamer

Bigger and badder then ever.

Official Xbox Magazine

It's just that brilliant. [Aug 2005, p.76]

IGN

No competitor comes close in content, story, or style to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Inside Gamer Online

Individually, the components of GTA San Andreas are very strong. When combined, though, the total package makes for one of the best gameplay experiences that has been seen in the gaming world in years.

Armchair Empire

One of the most incredibly engrossing adventures on any system.

Talk Xbox

With its almost unbelievable length, incredible depth, fantastic audio, and just about everything else a good game needs, this game is incontestably worth every penny it costs.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

It’s not perfect – there’s still the odd gripe here and there, and wheeling the same game engine out for the next instalment would be unforgivable – but SA is easily the most polished instalment of the series to date.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

But the move to Xbox feels like more of a formality—you don't really notice the slightly nicer environments, and if ever a game didn't need custom soundtracks, this is the one.

My Gamer

Marvelous.

Gamezilla!

Another major failing of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox is the unnatural controller layout, and it's a fault that can't be too heavily attributed to the developers.

GameSpot

With its strong story, well-written dialogue, terrific voice cast, impressive graphics, and extremely entertaining and varied gameplay, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a stupendous thrill ride that shouldn't be missed.

VGPub

Not everything is so perfect with San Andreas though. First and foremost, the graphics aren’t really Xbox quality.

Worth Playing

This is the definitive chapter in arguably one of the most popular game series of all time. If you haven't ever played a Grand Theft Auto game… well, first of all, shame on you, but more importantly, this is the one to get you hooked.

Gaming Target

Literally one of the biggest games ever created and it will take you weeks or even months just to see everything it has to offer.

Gamenikki

To award a 10 on this well-crafted but by no means revolutionary game would be a disservice to titles that are out there really trying to rewrite our preconceived notions of videogames, but to go for a 9 also seems like lowballing a title that should be a must-own for so many.

GamePro

The most balanced version, combining the best qualities of the PC and PS2 games into one well-rounded offering. [Sept 2005, p.53]

Game Chronicles

While I still prefer "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" to this title, I will say that this is in no way a lesser offering.

Pelaaja (Finland)

Despite the niggles and the fact that the game could be so much more expansive and technically improved on the new platforms, Carl Johnson and his homeboys epic odyssey is something everyone interested in games should check out. [July 2005, p.74]

3DAvenue

Rockstar have captured the lifestyle of the streets perfectly, adding a few colourful characters along the way, humour, plenty of cars and things to do, making this a must have title.

AltGaming

What San Andreas does is take every element from the previous two games and amplifies it. Everything good about the series has become even better, while the bad aspects have become mind-numbingly dire.

Computer and Video Games

It's way more savvy than most movies about gang violence.

DarkStation

San Andreas is still San Andreas, and although the visuals failed to impress the gameplay is still as solid and engaging as ever.

Cheat Code Central

As you can see, the improvements are basically cosmetic and do not affect the gameplay other than to make it look and sound better. If there was ever a reason to replay the game one more time this is it.

WHAM! Gaming

A great game made even greater through its translation to two more powerful platforms. But Xbox owners might be miffed that the long-anticipated improvements are in reality so minimal.

Yahoo! Games

By far the biggest game in the series. Gamers who aren't turned off by the nefarious and illegal activities will find this to be one of the most engrossing games ever produced.

MS Xbox World

I like San Andreas as it offers so much to mess around with on an unprecedented level.

Xbox World Australia

It’s not perfect, and it certainly is beginning to show its age, but the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series is well worth breaking a few laws to acquire!

Xbox Evolved

If you already have the PS2 version or you can find the PS2 version for cheaper, your probably better off buying that, as the game doesn’t really take much advantage of the Xbox hardware.

Kombo

It can’t quite capture the flavor of the previous two. While nothing could be done with the Xbox version to remedy that, the attempts to add new features to the port like instant replay and custom radio stations fall completely flat.

GamerFeed

Although the modifications are great, the game just seems to have some signs of wear and tear with its shift to Xbox. But don't let the minor downgrade fool you. This is still a gangster's paradise.

EuroGamer

Divisive though its hip-hop ideology may be, and under-furnished some areas may feel, it still edges close enough often enough to be worthy of one of our highest marks.

Total Video Games

Of course there are improvements, the draw distance and lighting models have received subtle enhancements, more importantly the frame-rate maintains a smoother pace throughout.

Xequted

With only the control system as a let-down, San Andreas still delivers a quality experience you simply can’t find anywhere else.

TotalGames.net

Xbox owners will always be left with the bitter feeling that this game should have been so much more on their console.

GameBiz

There is the slight hint that it may need a bit of a fresh direction if the GTA series is not to become just another set of endless and ever-increasingly bland sequels.

PALGN

The best GTA experience and the best open-ended console gameplay experience you can have offline.

1UP

The experience is still amazing... and that the gameplay is still really, really broken in many areas. Each new port brings with it a handful of new features, yet none of them are anything more than mere tweaks.

Boomtown

It's good, and will hold your interest, but with some slightly frustrating controls that aren't customisable, driving Duke owners to desperation, or a new controller S (effectively making it into a £55 game) it's only really slightly improved over the PS2 version.

Gamer's Hell

An absolute blast to play, if you can forgive it for not offering anything especially new to the franchise, and only if you can truly invest the time that it requires.

Play Magazine

There's a ton of mission variety, but whatever your pleasure, you're going to be doing a lot of driving to specified points on the map and entering a lot of red circles to initiate a lot of scripted events. [Aug 2005, p.48]

The average user rating for this game is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 54 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Alec B. gave it a5:
I thought it was a decent game but I like others a lot more. To me this GTA stuck out because every other GTA game is with the mob and real gangs. This one is all about street gangs that nobody has heard of.

Jake P. gave it a10:
I own GTA: San Andreas and I am happy. It is always fun and you never lose interest and there is so much to do. Its wide open space gives lots to explore. Very creative and entertaining, a must buy for all Xbox owners.

natassa gave it a10:
One of the best games I've ever experienced!! Congratulations to the rockstars game team!

Pimp Player gave it a10:
Phenomenal this game is Awesome n Crazy in a good way.The freedom that you have is very cool.Plus the features in this game (working out,eating,go to barber shop,)feels like you are in a real life situaiton fighting your rivals to take control over the land and to gain respect is just phenomenal.Every GTA fan or better said everyone needs to play this REAL GTA GAME.

Ceasar_Swamp bubblehead gave it an8:
they still havent improved on using weapons, when multiple enemies aproach you from different direction while pressing right trigger to draw your weapon and then press B button to fire , it locks on to a target, and then after you killed one of the five enemies approaching you the aiming swings badly to diff. direction wildly, from auto-target to manual aiming , doesnt anyone else gets pissed when this thing happens( it also happens often when other gang member tries to beat you up with melee combat, being beaten onesided even when your down they still beat you up, also works other way around when you beat them up) it still rely on old school shooting which by the way was so 2001, it already passed the days of it glorious g.t.a3 (move on, for gods sake those days were fargone already, many games already improve the controls for shootings yet g.t.aS.A still suffering from previous gta syndrome. Lets talk about the new stuff in San Andreas, muscle , during the beginning of the game i go to the gym everyday to built up those biceps and i did built it up to maximum limit, but when i explored the game it didnt really changed how you play the game. it more of a gimmick thing even the gaining of respect does not really affect how you play the game. The explorations in the game though is so massive finding oysters,photos, horshoe will take a whole month or two , to have the 100% of the game, thats about the only compliment i can give. It still a very flawed game glitches from ps2 version is still there , draw distances still suffers, heavy slowdown during the fog effect during changes of weather, they put volumetric shadows on the character and cars which added to the slowdown during gameplay. Look at the explosions in merceneries, g.t.aS.A could have been better with the weapons and game engine of merceneries. It was flawed and frustratingly difficult game begging to played with a cheat code and strategy guide(they should fire whoevers in charge of weapons and aiming) The coffe mod is both lame and useless. the dumb australians thinks its pornographic, it wont even be categorized into softcore. while terminator 2 s violent nature is ok( by the way theres also a sequence in the G.t.aS.A) theres also an appearance of tommy vercetti in farewell my love mission. Anyway the game is fast becoming cartoon violence, other games flourish with the latest game engines, while g.t.aSA suffers on bad engine.

Eric S. gave it a9:
This is the first GTA game I've ever played, and I can see what all the hype is about. The world is huge beyond what I expected, and there are constantly new things to do. It was easy to get lost in this complex world for hours on end, do to the sheer variety of things to do. Unfortunately, the incredible mass of content is probably the reason for a few of the game's flaws. For instance, whenever you die during a mission you have to start from the very beginning. Some of the missions are long and consist of a lot of driving from place to place, making it frustrating at times. You also lose all of your weapons, which is a rather extreme penalty for failing a mission. Maybe I'm too used to RPGs, where you often keep your hard-earned gear after death, or at least have a chance to reclaim it. Finally, some of the controls need could have used polishing. This particularly applies to flying vehicles. There was one flying mission fairly early in the game that was almost impossible due to the controls. This was more difficult than some of the game's final missions. GTA was an excellent game (better even than the over-hyped Halo 2 IMO), it could have been even better if the developers had taken the time to fix some flaws. On the PS2 version these flaws were acceptable, but should have been fixed for the Xbox and PC, especially because a lot of people seem to complain about them.

Daz (again!) gave it a9:
OK OK i think my last review may have been a little harsh. Since posting the review i've tried the game again and really got into it now. I think the problem was that the first 10 to 15 missions were relatively boring but as soon as the action goes west or north then the missions are so much better. This game will NOT be going back to the shop for a refund.