An amazing step forward
User Rating: 9.6 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas PS2
GTA: San Andreas, is an absolutely phenomenal step forward in the series. The graphics in GTA:SA are top notch. The graphics are about the same as what we've seen in previous PS2 GTA games, but on much more massive scale. More character models, more cars, motorcycles, and the addition of bicycles, add to that the fact that the main character changes appearance with the way you play the game, and it's an astounding feast for the eyes. The sound design is nothing short of exceptional. With screen veterans Samuel L. Jackson, Chirs Penn, James Woods, and Wil Wheaton joined by George Clinton and Axl Rose doing some of the voice work, the voice acting is absolutely amazing. Samuel L. Jackson as Frank Tenpenny plays his part perfectly, and performs as well as he has in any of his films. Other sounds, such as gunshots, footsteps, the "whir" of a BMX bike, and the ever-present chainsaw are realistic and varied. The Tec-9, for example, sounds decidedly different from other SMG's. And, building on what started in GTA 3, then Vice City, the music on the radio is tremendous. Once again they've gone for licensed music, most of which has been talked about by a lot of people. I was honestly surprised by some songs, and radio stations. For instance, K-Rose is a country station with classic country songs from The Statler Brothers, Juice Newton, and Conway Twitty, while K-DST is a classic rock station playing the likes of "Horse With No Name". Of course, all that would mean nothing if the gameplay weren't up to par. San Andreas plays, by far, better than any previous game in the series. Perhaps the best improvement to the game is the idea of skill levels. As you use various weapons, or use different vehicls (Cars, Motorcycles, or Bicycles) your skill with those items will increase and make it easier get through the missions. The storyline is absolutely phenomenal, and is reminiscent of some classic 90's movies, such as New Jack City and Boys In The Hood. Part of the fun of the recent GTA games has been their open-ended nature, but I've had difficulty pulling myself away from the main plot enough to do any free-form roaming. One last thing, if anyone's wondering. The location in San Andreas is absolutely massive. You have the option to by an airline ticket to fly from one city to another in the game, and given the how long it can take to drive from San Fiero to Los Santos, you may find yourself doing that just so you don't take all the time you had set aside for the game to get from one place to another. 
