Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

K. Fields
2019-11-12T16:47:31-05:00
Video Games

After finishing another baseball season, I started playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. I really enjoyed the previous games in the series, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto III and expected much of the same with San Andreas. Although I've had quite a bit of fun with it, I must admit it hasn't grabbed me like the other two games did. Perhaps I just need more time with it. However, I suspect the newness of GTA has worn off for me. I am only partway in what looks to be a fairly long game and I may not commit to finishing it.

You play Carl "CJ" Johnson, a former gangster who returns home to Los Santos after he learns his mother was killed. Although I haven't made it out of Los Santos yet, there are two other fictional cities (San Fierro and Las Venturas) that are featured later in the game. Although the gameplay is similar to the other GTA games I played, there are a few new wrinkles. CJ has several attributes that are tracked: fat, muscle, respect, sex appeal, and stamina. He also has skills for various vehicle and weapon types. Some of these are improved through use and experience while others can be explicitly trained. For example, you can go to a gym to improve physical skills.

GTA: San Andreas only allows saves at certain locations, such as your house. Unfortunately as with other games with a similar save system, that can lead to frustration. I replayed a particular mission several times without success. That as much as anything probably sapped my desire to continue playing the game.

Carl "CJ" Johnson