If you can get past the stereotypical story about "a typical "brotha" strugglin' in the hood", then GTA:SA delivers.
Probably one of the most anticipated sequels to the Grand Theft Auto franchise, San Andreas proves to be one of the best GTA games to date. Almost every aspect of San Andreas expands on the vast and sophisticated open-ended gameplay of the previous games, giving gamers an even more realistic, and more difficult life-like simulator. As a matter of fact, gamers will notice an unusual increase of difficulty in this game. As stated before, this game demands a more realistic gameplay, so players (for example) will have to perform certain (and necessary) tasks, such as getting a job to earn money, to more personal things such taking care of their health (eating right, excising, etc.). But of course, that will be the last thing on everyone’s minds, especially when most gamers will just buy GTA:SA solely for the destruction aspect of the game.
Unfortunately, gamers will have a limited opportunity for destruction in the beginning of the game. The first thing many will notice is how huge this game is compared to the previous titles. This game spawns over three different cities: Los Santos, San Fierra, and Las Venturas. In order to gain access to all three cities, gamers have to first complete various side missions in Los Santos, then from there move on to San Fierra and Las Venturas. And yes, there are a lot of side missions, so if any gamers are just planning on creating havoc, their not going to get far.
When it comes to the story aspect of the game, San Andreas doesn’t exactly deliver. The game follows the story of CJ (Carl Johnson), who has come back to his hometown of Los Santos to avenge his mother’s death. From there, the game takes this predictable and stereotypical tone of the “brotha strugglin’ in the hood” formula, filled with drive-by shootings, gangs, and vulgar language. Some critics have even judged this game to be racial insensitive, as it portrays “minorities” in a stereotypical, ignorant, and offensive manner. “The sense of place, peril and pigmentation evident in previews of the game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas underscores what some critics consider a disturbing trend: popular video games that play on racial stereotypes, including images of black youths committing and reveling in violent street crime.” (Excerpt from "The Color of Mayhem, in a Wave of 'Urban' Games" by MICHEL MARRIOTT). Yet regardless of the negative imagery and controversy surrounding San Andreas (I don't think we even need to mention the "hot coffee" mod), this game proves to be an efficient and groundbreaking sequel to the GTA series.