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Playstation 2 - Grand Theft Auto: San...
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kid-kansas's Review
A Game for Mature Audiences with lots of replay Value.
daily computer user, playstation player, a video game addict, impressed with this product
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DEC
31
2007
Playstation 2 - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Special Edition) —
This version of Grand Theft Auto I would say is my favorite of them all. San Andreas was the first in the series to allow you to swim in the game and although it takes a little getting used too it is a load of fun.Game Play
The character you play is Carl Johnson (CJ), an African American who must rid the gangs from his hood and retake what is his. You start off at the airport and must fight your way back home through gang territory and all you have is a bicycle to begin with. You are met by your brother and a friend and begin you journey through the streets that are crawling with gang members who chase and shoot at you. As you ride you gain experience riding a bike and your skill level increases.
You find out that your Mom has been murdered and the corrupt cops are trying to also pin another murder on you. Once in your own hood you are given your Mom's house as your safe house where you can save your game and begin the many missions that will ultimately give you power and the skills needed to regain the hood.
Your brother is not your friend as he blames a lot on you not being there for family or friends while you were in prison. He just thinks of you as a skinny punk who doesn't deserve to be family. You must now begin to prove him wrong and regain his respect and the respect of the entire city filled with a corrupt police department.
You quickly find out that in order to succeed you must learn how to drive, steal and kill your way to the top. My favorite part is riding the many varieties of motorcycles in the game. You can do mini games throughout the game to not only improve your skill level but also your health. You workout in the gym to increase your stamina, muscle and fighting ability.
Some of the mini games are as much fun as the game itself, you can acquire girlfriends that help you get some needed cars and respect. You must take them on dates and if you impress them you go back to their house for a "Cup of Coffee" (that is sex in this game) As you progress through the relationship you not only gain their trust but also the use of different things such as an old Roadster that is fast and mean. One gives you the use of her auto body shop where you can repair the damage on your car/bike/truck for free.
Part of the dating process takes you dancing where you must hit the buttons on the controller to the beat of the music in order to complete the date with success. There is even a mini game in which you are a pimp and must drop off and pick up your girls all over the city, but you must do it against the clock to succeed.
As with any Grand Theft Auto game there is a lot of violence, sexual themes and stealing vehicles. You are at constant battle with gang members, policemen, FBI and even the army. I love stealing the FBI cars as they are fast and durable, but it will take some skill to pull off stealing one. My favorite car is the old convertible that you get to modify into a very cool car with hydraulics. There is even a mini game where you hop your car to the music and compete against other gang members for the title of being #1
You will ride motorcycles, drive cars and trucks and even drive a combine on a farm. You get to Skydive, fly airplanes and ride wave runners all in your quest to win the city back. You even have to complete a mini game where you pick up patients in an ambulance and deliver them to the hospital in one piece. This is made hard by the cops chasing you and can be a real chore to complete.
As you gain territory and complete missions you open more areas and adventures. At one point you must steal a train and control it well enough against the clock to win that mini game. There is so much too do in this game that it almost seems daunting and that you will never finish. But the graphics and trying to be good enough to complete the tasks keeps you coming back for more.
Further into the game you get to fly airplanes in your quest to conquer corrupt cops and drug dealing gangs. Rockstar went all out in this edition of Grand Theft Auto with the addition of Planes and swimming. This has to be the longest game I have ever played, but also one of my all time favorites as well.
You have to eat to maintain your health, eat too much and you get fat and have to work it off. Don't eat enough and you get skinny and weak. It has a lot of realistic touches added that just enhance the game as a whole.
I bet the first time through (yes I have played it many times) it took me better than a month to get through the whole game and complete all the missions and mini games. You not only get new outfits for your character but you can customize your low rider and keep your car collection in the many garages you acquire throughout the game. My two favorite vehicles have to be the Speed bike (crouch rocket) and the Harley look alike. I got pretty darn good on them...lol Where else but a game can you chase a dirt bike through a field on a Harley and actually catch them?
Bottom Line
Although it is a game with a mature theme it is a lot of fun and I am able to work out any stress I might have. Role playing when taken in the proper context can not only be fun but can relieve stress. Even if you are playing a law breaking thug and killing gang members you only need remember. "It's only a game!" You can steal, kill and even become a pimp in this role playing action adventure. But when you turn it off you know it was all in fun.
The riots, stealing, killing is very graphic and not for anyone under 18. For those mature enough to realize it is a fantasy game San Andreas can provide many hours of gameplay. Everyone role plays to some extent or another, whether it is playing a video game or getting deeply involved in a movie or soap opera on television. The game can be addicting but then again so is watching "All My Children" or "Sex in the City" for those that enjoy those shows. I am waiting on more adventures in the Grand Theft Auto Series. I already own GTA, GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas and GTA Liberty City and Love playing them all.
Playstation 2 - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Special Edition) is recommended by kid-kansas
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