Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 497525 226099883 2008-07-16T20:41:18Z Y2kcrazyjoker4 1835211 {{ Infobox VG | title = Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | image = [[Image:GTASABOX.jpg|256px]] | caption = North American PC version box art | developer = [[Rockstar North]] | publisher = [[Rockstar Games]] | distributor = Rockstar Games (retail)<br />{{vgrelease|JP=[[Capcom]] (retail)}}[[Valve Corporation]] (Download) | series = ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' | engine = [[RenderWare]] | platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Xbox]] | released = '''PS2'''<ref name="ps2release">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for PlayStation 2 – Release Summary |accessdate=2008-02-03 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CNET Networks]]}}</ref><br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[October 26]] [[2004]]}}{{vgrelease|PAL=[[October 29]] [[2004]]}} '''Windows'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/gta4/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for PC – Release Summary |accessdate=2008-02-03 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CNET Networks]]}}</ref><br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[June 7]] [[2005]]}}{{vgrelease|EU=[[June 10]] [[2005]]}}<sup>[[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]]</sup> [[January 4]], [[2008]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Twelker |first=Eric |title=Rockstar Games Brings Full Line-up to Steam |work=Steam |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]] |date=2007-01-04 |url=http://steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=news&archive=yes&id=1395&cc=GB |accessdate =2007-01-05}}</ref><br /> '''Xbox'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/gta4/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for Xbox – Release Summary |accessdate=2008-02-03 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CNET Networks]]}}</ref><br />{{vgrelease|NA=[[June 7]] [[2005]]}}{{vgrelease|PAL=[[June 10]] [[2005]]}} | genre = [[action game|Action]] | modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer]] | ratings = [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]: 18<br />[[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]:<ref name = "ratings">{{cite web | url = http://www.mobygames.com/game/grand-theft-auto-san-andreas/rating-systems | title = GTA San Andreas's Ratings Information | work = [[MobyGames]] | accessdata = 2006-08-28}}</ref> * Original: M * Re-rating: AO * Re-release: M [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: * Original: MA15+ * Updated rating: RC * Re-release: MA15+ [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|OFLC (NZ)]]: R18<ref name = "OFLC (New Zealand) rating">{{cite web | url = http://www.customs.govt.nz/nr/rdonlyres/8e792e51-f13f-465d-8147-9d15035ae3b8/0/decisionslist.pdf | title = OFLC (New Zealand) Rating | work = [[New Zealand Customs Service]] | accessdata = 2006-08-26}}</ref><br />[[Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 18+<br /> | media = [[DVD]], download | requirements = '''PS2''' * [[Memory card#Memory cards in video game consoles|Memory card]] '''Xbox''' * Some free hard disk space '''PC'''<ref name = "windows system requirements">{{cite web | url = http://www.take2games.com/index.php?p=games&title=gtasa | title = Windows System Requirements | work = [[Take-Two Interactive]] | accessdata = 2006-08-29}}</ref> * 1&nbsp;[[Gigahertz|GHz]] [[Intel Corporation|Intel]] [[Pentium III]] or [[AMD]] [[Athlon]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]] * 256&nbsp;[[megabyte|MB]] [[Random Access Memory|RAM]] * 8x DVD drive * 3.6&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] [[hard disk]] space * 64&nbsp;MB [[DirectX]] 9.0-compatible [[graphics card]] * DirectX 9.0-compatible [[sound card]] * Windows [[Windows 2000|2000]]/[[Windows XP|XP]]. | input ='''PS2 and Xbox''': [[Gamepad]]<br />'''Windows''': [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]], gamepad (optional) }} '''''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''''' is a [[Sandbox (video games)|sandbox-style]] [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[computer game|computer]] and [[video game]] developed by [[Rockstar North]]. It is the third [[3D computer graphics|3D]] game in the ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' [[video game franchise]] and fifth original game overall. Originally released for the [[PlayStation 2]] in October 2004,<ref name="ps2release"/> the game has since been ported to the [[Xbox]] and [[Microsoft Windows]], and has received wide acclaim and high sales figures on all three platforms. ''San Andreas'' was succeeded by ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' and was preceded by ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]''. The game is set in the fictional state of [[San Andreas (Grand Theft Auto)|San Andreas]], comprised of three metropolitan cities. Set in late 1992,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.supercheats.com/playstation2/walkthroughs/grandtheftautosanandreas-walkthrough71.txt| title = Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Game Script |accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> ''San Andreas'' revolves around gang member [[Carl "CJ" Johnson]] returning home from Liberty City to [[Los Santos, San Andreas|Los Santos]] after learning of his mother's murder. CJ finds his family and his old gang, the [[List of gangs in the Grand Theft Auto series#Grove Street Families|Grove Street Families]], in disarray. Over the course of the game, CJ gradually unravels the plot behind his mother's murder while reestablishing his gang and exploring his own business ventures. Like other games in the series, ''San Andreas'' is comprised of elements from [[driving game]]s and [[third-person shooter]]s, and features "open-world" gameplay that gives the player more control over their playing experience. The game adds several features, such as gang wars, car customization, and character personalization. Much like the previous entries in the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series, ''San Andreas'''s critical and commercial success has not been without controversy. The most notable controversy was over the explicit [[Hot Coffee minigame controversy|"Hot Coffee" sex minigame]], which was disabled but left within the game's code. Its discovery led ''San Andreas'' to be [[Video game content rating system|re-rated]] briefly as an [[Adult video game|adult game]] and pulled from retailers' shelves. == History == Following the success of ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]]'', many gamers anticipated a new ''Grand Theft Auto'' game on the [[PlayStation 2]] in late 2003. The first concrete evidence of a new installment came on [[October 29]] [[2003]], when [[Take-Two Interactive]] announced that an untitled ''GTA'' game was set for release in the "later half of the fiscal fourth quarter 2004".<ref>{{ cite web | first = Douglass C | last = Perry | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/457/457293p1.html | title = GTA 4 Date Confirmed | publisher = IGN | year = 2003 }}</ref> Although no further information was available at that point, as to the setting or plot of the new game, there were rumours that it would be based in either the fictional city of San Andreas, California or a Las Vegas-themed Sin City, Nevada.<ref>{{cite web | title=New Evidence of GTA: Sin City | work=uk.ps2.ign.com | url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/449/449151p1.html | date=[[2004-01-05]] | accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref> On [[March 1]], [[2004]], Take-Two announced in a press conference that ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' would be released on [[October 19]] [[2004]] in North America, [[October 22]] in Europe, and [[October 29]] for [[Australia]].<ref>{{ cite web | first = Stephen | last = Coleman | url = http://wire.ign.com/articles/495/495833p1.html | title = Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | publisher = IGN | year = 2004 }}</ref> The first news of the game's content was revealed on [[March 11]], when it was divulged that San Andreas would not be a city, but rather an entire state consisting of three whole cities and the surrounding territory. On [[September 9]], [[2004]], in Take-Two's third quarter financial results for 2004, it was announced that the release date would be pushed back by a week. In the same release, Take-Two announced the Microsoft Windows and Xbox versions of the game. ''San Andreas'' was released for the PlayStation 2 on [[October 26]], [[2004]] in North America and on [[October 29]], [[2004]] in Europe and Australia. It was released in Japan on [[January 25]], [[2007]].<ref name="japanrelease"> {{cite web | title = GTA: San Andreas Released in Japan | publisher = TheGTAPlace.com | url = http://www.thegtaplace.com/news/9463/GTA-San-Andreas-Released-in-Japan | accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref> The Windows and Xbox ports were released on [[June 7]], [[2005]] in North America and [[June 10]], [[2005]] in Europe and Australia. == Gameplay == [[Image:GTASA PC Gameplay Mountain Bike.jpg|thumb|left|[[Mountain bike|Mountain biking]] up Mount Chiliad, PC version.]] ''San Andreas'' is structured similarly to the previous two games in the series. The core gameplay consists of elements of a third-person shooter and a driving game, affording the player a large, open environment in which to move around. On foot, the player's character is capable of walking, running, swimming (the first ''GTA'' game in which swimming is possible), climbing and jumping, as well as using weapons and various forms of hand to hand combat. Players can steal and drive a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, boats, airplanes, helicopters, trains, tanks, motorcycles and bikes. Players may also import vehicles rather than steal them. The open, non-linear environment allows players to explore and choose how they wish to play the game. Although storyline missions are necessary to progress through the game and unlock certain cities and content, they are not required, as players can complete them at their own leisure. When not taking on a storyline mission, players can free-roam. However, creating havoc can attract unwanted and potentially fatal attention from the authorities. The more chaos caused, the stronger the response: police will handle "minor" infractions (attacking people, pointing guns at people, stealing cars, killing a few people, etc.), whereas [[SWAT]] teams, the [[FBI]], and the military respond to higher wanted levels. The player can also partake in a variety of optional side missions. The traditional side missions of the past games are included, such as dropping off taxi cab passengers, putting out fires, driving injured people to the hospital and fighting crime as a [[vigilante]]. New additions include robbery missions, [[pimping]] missions, truck and train driving missions requiring players to make deliveries on time, and driving/flying/boating/biking schools, which help players learn skills and techniques to use in their corresponding vehicles. Unlike ''Vice City'' and ''GTA III'', which needed loading screens when traveling between different districts of the city, ''San Andreas'' has no load times when the player is in transit (which is notable, given how much larger the in-game map is than in the previous games). The only loading screens in the game are for cut-scenes and interiors. Other differences between ''San Andreas'' and its predecessors include the switch from single-player to multiplayer Rampage missions (albeit not in the PC version), and the replacement of the 'hidden packages' with spray paint tags, hidden camera shots, horseshoes, and oysters to discover. The camera, fighting, and targeting controls were reworked to incorporate concepts from another Rockstar game, ''[[Manhunt (video game)|Manhunt]]'', including various stealth elements,<ref name="GameSpotRobbery2">{{cite web|author=Greg Kasavin|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/preview_6104797.html?page=2|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Weekend Update: Robbery and Home Invasion|publisher=GameSpot|pages=p. 2|date=[[2004-08-13]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> as well as improved target crosshairs and a target health indicator which changes colors from green to red to black depending on the target's health. In addition, players can swim and climb walls for the first time in the series.<ref name="GamespotReview"/> The ability to swim has a great effect on the player as well, since water is no longer a viable barrier to the player and can no longer instantly kill the player (although it is possible to drown). For greater firepower, players can also wield dual firearms or perform a drive-by shooting with multiple gang members. Also, due to the immense size of San Andreas, a waypoint reticule on the HUD map can be set, aiding the player in reaching a destination. The game's [[artificial intelligence]] was also improved. No longer can the player beat a pedestrian to death on a busy street in broad daylight and have bystanders not respond. While most pedestrians will flee or duck for cover, some armed civilians such as drug dealers and enemy gang members will attack CJ, and friendly gang members will shoot at and pursue his opponents. Cops will now chase other rival gang members who are committing crimes, instead of just the player. ===RPG features in character development=== Rockstar has emphasized the [[personalization]] of the main protagonist by adding many [[Computer_role-playing_game#Character_development|RPG features]]. Clothing, accessories, haircuts and tattoos are now available for purchase by CJ, and have more of an effect on [[non-player character]]s' reactions than the clothing in ''Vice City''. CJ's level of respect among his fellow Grove Street gang members varies according to his appearance and actions, as do his relationships with his girlfriends. Players must also ensure CJ eats to stay healthy and also exercises properly. The balance of food and physical activity has an effect on his appearance and physical attributes.<ref name="GamespotReview"/> ''San Andreas'' also tracks acquired skills in areas such as driving, firearms handling (when skills are high enough, double-wielding of certain weapons is possible), stamina, and lung capacity, which improve through use in the game.<ref name="GamespotReview"/> CJ may also learn three different styles of [[hand-to-hand combat]] (boxing, martial arts and kick-boxing) at the gyms in each of the game's three cities. CJ can also speak with a number of pedestrians in the game, responding either negatively or positively; Rockstar claims that he has a total of about 4200 lines of spoken dialogue.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/preview_6111263.html Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Weekend Update: Street Talking], [[GameSpot]], October 23, 2004</ref> ===Vehicles=== In total, there are nearly 200 types of vehicles in the game, compared to the approximately 85 in ''GTA III''. New additions include bicycles, dune buggies, trains, a combine harvester, a street sweeper, a hovercraft, and many others. Car physics and features are similar to the ''[[Midnight Club]]'' series of street racing games, allowing for much more midair vehicle control as well as nitrous oxide upgrades and aesthetic modification. There are several different classes of vehicles that serve different purposes. Off-road vehicles perform better in rough environments, while racing cars perform better on tracks or on the street. Jets are fast, but usually need a runway to land. Helicopters can land almost anywhere, but are slower. While previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games had only a few aircraft that were difficult to access and fly, ''San Andreas'' has 11 airplanes and 9 helicopters and makes them more integral in the game's missions. Several boats were added, while some were highly modified. ===Other additions and changes=== Other new features and changes from previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games include: *'''Gang wars''': Battles with enemy gangs are prompted whenever the player (either alone or accompanied by fellow Grove Street Families members) ventures into enemy territory and kills 3-4 gang members. If the player then survives multiple waves of enemies, the territory will be won and fellow gang members will begin wandering the streets of these areas. The more territory owned by the player, the more money that will be generated. Occasionally, your territory will come under attack from enemy gangs and defeating them will be necessary to retain these areas. Once all marked territories are claimed for the Grove Street families, they no longer come under attack. *'''Car modification''': Most automobiles in the game can be modified and upgraded at various garages. All car mods are strictly visual apart from a [[nitrous oxide]] system which gives the car a speed boost when activated; and hydraulics, which lowers the car's height by default and allows the player to control various aspects of the car's suspension. Other common modifications include paintjobs, rims, body kits, side skirts, bumpers and stereo system upgrades. *'''Robbery''': Continuing the series' tradition of controversy, [[home invasion]] is included as a potential money-making activity.<ref>Greg Kasavin, [http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/preview_6104797.html Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Weekend Update: Robbery and Home Invasion], GameSpot, August 13, 2004</ref> By stealing a robbery van, CJ is able to sneak into a residence at night, and cart off valuables or shake down the occupants. *'''Minigames''': Numerous [[minigame]]s are also available for play in ''San Andreas'', including [[basketball]], [[pool (game)|pool]], [[Music video game#Rhythm games|rhythm-based]] challenges (dancing and 'bouncing' [[lowriders]] with hydraulics), and video game machines that pay homage to classic [[arcade game]]s. In addition, there are the aforementioned casino games and methods of gambling, such as betting on virtual [[horse racing|horse races]].<ref name="IGNReview"/> *'''Money:''' The money system has been expanded upon, compared to previous titles. Players can spend their cash on gambling, tattoos, meals, etc. Excessive gambling can force the player to sink into debt, which is shown in red negative numbers. When the player leaves a safehouse, CJ gets an unexpected call and a mysterious person tells him about his debts. Four gang members suddenly appear and shoot Carl on sight if he does not erase the debt when the mysterious person calls him a second time. *'''Automatic Stop:''' When getting to a destination marker, the car will automatically stop when getting to it, unlike previous GTA games when you have to stop on the marker. This feature was standard for later GTA games. ==Synopsis== ===Setting=== {{main|San Andreas (Grand Theft Auto)}} ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' takes place within the fictional state San Andreas, which is based on sections of [[California]] and [[Nevada]]. It is comprised of three major fictional cities: '''Los Santos''' corresponds to real-life [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]]; '''San Fierro''' corresponds to real-life [[San Francisco]]; and '''Las Venturas''' and the surrounding [[desert]] correspond to real-life [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and the Nevada and Arizona desert.<ref name="GamespotReview"/> Players can climb the half-mile (800&nbsp;m) tall Mount Chiliad (based on [[Mount Diablo]]), [[parachute]] from various peaks and skyscrapers, and visit 12 rural towns and villages located in three counties: Red County, Flint County, and Bone County. Other notable destinations include Sherman [[Dam]] (based on the [[Hoover Dam]]), a large secret military base called Area 69 (based on [[Area 51]]), a microwave dish, and many other geographical features. San Andreas is 13.9 square miles (36 square kilometers),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/gta4/news.html?sid=6126774|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Q&A - Under the Hood, ''GameSpot'', June 1, 2005|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref> almost four times as large as [[Vice City]], and five times as large as the ''GTAIII'' rendition of [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]]. While its predecessors' areas were limited to urban locations, San Andreas includes not only large cities, but also the rural areas between them. ====Los Santos==== [[Image:GTASA PC Los Santos from Idlewood.jpg|right|thumb|Los Santos, as seen from the low-income district of Idlewood.]] Like its real-life counterpart of [[Los Angeles]], Los Santos is comprised of several diverse areas. This includes the gang-ridden neighborhoods of Ganton, Willowfield, Jefferson, Idlewood and East Los Santos, based on their actual counterparts of [[Compton, California|Compton]], [[Willowbrook, California|Willowbrook]], [[Watts, California|Watts]], [[Inglewood, California|Inglewood]], and [[East Los Angeles (region)|East Los Angeles]], respectively. Also located in the city is a busy downtown section based on [[Downtown Los Angeles]]; the wealthy Rodeo and Mulholland districts (Rodeo based on [[Beverly Hills]] and named after [[Rodeo Drive]]); the beach-side districts of Santa Maria Beach and Verona Beach, representing [[Santa Monica]] and [[Venice Beach]]; and the glitzy Vinewood and the giant Vinewood Sign are based on [[Hollywood]] and its [[Hollywood Sign]]. Los Santos features landmarks reminiscent of Los Angeles, which include the [[Watts Towers]], the [[Los Angeles Convention Center]], the [[Capitol Records|Capitol Tower]], the [[Los Angeles City Hall]], the [[U.S. Bank Tower]], the [[Griffith Observatory]], the [[The Forum (Inglewood, California)|Forum]], the [[Santa Monica Pier]], the [[Vincent Thomas Bridge]], Rodeo Drive, the [[Hollywood Walk Of Fame]], the Westin [[Bonaventure Hotel]], and [[Grauman's Chinese Theater]]. ====San Fierro==== [[Image:GTASA PC City View San Fierro Gant Bridge.jpg|right|thumb|Gant Bridge, modeled after [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]]'s [[Golden Gate Bridge]].]] Like its real-life counterpart of [[San Francisco]], San Fierro is characterized by a prominent [[San Francisco cable car system|cable car system]] and hilly [[terrain]]. San Fierro features several interpretations of many of San Francisco's districts and landmarks, including the [[Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California|Haight-Ashbury district]] (''Hashbury''), the [[The Castro, San Francisco, California|Castro]] district (''Queens''), [[Chinatown, San Francisco, California|Chinatown]], and the [[Golden Gate Bridge]] (''Gant Bridge''). Several other familiar landmarks have been recreated, from the [[Embarcadero, San Francisco|Embarcadero]] clock tower and the [[Transamerica Pyramid]] (''Big Pointy Building'') to [[Lombard Street, San Francisco|Lombard Street]] (''Windy Windy Windy Windy Street''), and the [[San Francisco Bay Bridge]] (''Garver Bridge''). San Fierro's City Hall closely resembles San Francisco's ornate [[San Francisco City Hall|city hall]]. San Fierro also contains remains of the [[Cypress Street Viaduct]] which collapsed in 1989 during the [[Loma Prieta earthquake]]. There is also an [[aircraft carrier]] in San Fierro, docked at the naval base. ====Las Venturas==== [[Image:GTA SA Las Venturas casino.jpg|right|thumb|A casino on Las Venturas' main strip.]] Like its real-life counterpart of [[Las Vegas metropolitan area|Las Vegas]], Las Venturas is home to legalized gambling and several [[casino]]s. In these casinos, the player can partake in [[blackjack]], video poker, [[roulette]], or play [[slot machine]]s. In addition to gambling, [[strip club]]s are also prevalent in Las Venturas. Many real [[Las Vegas Strip]] casinos are faithfully interpreted on Las Venturas' Strip, including the [[Excalibur Hotel and Casino]] (''Come-a-Lot''), the [[Sphinx]] and pyramid of the [[Luxor Hotel]] (''The Camel's Toe''), [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino|Treasure Island]] (''Pirates In Men's Pants''), [[The Mirage]] (''The Visage''), [[Circus Circus Las Vegas|Circus Circus]] (''The Clown's Pocket''), [[Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas)]] (''V-Rock Hotel''), [[Flamingo Las Vegas]] (''The Pink Swan''), [[Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino|Imperial Palace]] (''Four Dragons Casino''), and [[Caesars Palace]] (''Caligula's Palace''). Other casinos are the Starfish Casino, the High Roller, and the Royal Casino. Other landmarks include a replica of the [[Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign]] and interpretations of [[Vegas Vic]] and Vicki as ''Vice City'' characters [[Avery Carrington]] and [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City#Candy Suxxx|Candy Suxxx]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agilitynut.com/signs/nv.html|title=Super Signage - NEVADA (page 1)|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Suites in several of the hotels are available for purchase. Additionally, Las Venturas features a large surrounding desert region, residential areas, and strip malls, as well as a seedy area (''Old Venturas Strip '') with several strip clubs and gambling parlors based on the Old Vegas Strip. ===Characters=== {{main|List of characters in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|List of gangs in Grand Theft Auto series}} The characters that appear in ''San Andreas'' are relatively diverse and relative to the respective cities and locales which each of them based himself in. This allows the game to include a significantly wider array of storylines and settings than in ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' and ''Vice City''. The player controls Carl "CJ" Johnson, a young [[African-American]] gang member. The Los Santos stages of the game revolve around the theme of the Grove Street Families gang fighting with the Ballas and the Vagos for territory and respect. East Asian gangs (most notably the local [[Triad society|Triads]]) and an additional Vietnamese gang are evident in the San Fierro leg of the game, while three Mafia families and the Triads who all own their respective casino are more prominently featured in the Las Venturas section of the game. Like the previous two GTA games, the voice actors of ''San Andreas'' include notable celebrities, such as [[David Cross]], [[Andy Dick]], [[Samuel L. Jackson]], [[James Woods]], [[Peter Fonda]], [[Charlie Murphy]], [[Frank Vincent]], [[Chris Penn]], [[Danny Dyer]], [[Sara Tanaka]], rappers [[Ice T]], [[Chuck D]], [[Frost (rapper)|Frost]], [[MC Eiht]] and [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]] and musicians [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]], [[Axl Rose]] and [[Shaun Ryder]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402224/fullcredits|title=Full credits for ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' (2004)|publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]|accessdate=2007-01-19}}</ref> [[Young Maylay]] makes his debut as the protagonist, Carl. ===Plot=== After living in [[Liberty City]] for five years, Carl "CJ" Johnson returns home to Los Santos for his mother's funeral. There, he finds his family and gang, the Grove Street Families, in disarray. While ironing out issues with his fellow gang members and fighting enemy gangs for territory within the city, Carl begins to bring the Grove Street Families back to prominence. However, with the Families on the cusp of retaking control of Los Santos, he discovers that his best friends, Big Smoke and Ryder, are working with the crooked Officer Frank Tenpenny and Grove Street's rival gang, the Ballas. Smoke and Ryder set a trap and help the Ballas ambush Sweet, Carl's brother. Tenpenny sends the police to arrest Sweet and kidnap Carl, whom Tenpenny ditches in the distant rural countryside. Carl, realizing Tenpenny is his only hope of staying out of jail or getting Sweet released, continues to run the cop's crooked errands, in the process killing or discrediting people involved in building a criminal case against Tenpenny. Carl steadily befriends new allies, among them blind Chinese Triad leader and businessman Wu Zi Mu, an old hippie called The Truth, and Cesar Vialpando, a Hispanic gang member who, like Carl, has been betrayed by his old friends. Carl and his friends open a garage in San Fierro while they wait for an opportunity to return to Los Santos. After finding and killing Ryder, Carl becomes immersed in the affairs of a shady government agent, Mike Toreno, who implies that he will release Sweet if Carl helps him with his covert operations. Then, Carl works alongside Wu Zi Mu to promote the growth of a new casino in the mafia-run Las Venturas. Carl also aids a failed famous rapper Madd Dogg back on the spotlight by becoming his manager (since he caused his career's downfall). Consequently, Carl enjoys newfound wealth and eventually returns to Los Santos. Toreno makes good on his earlier promise to release Sweet, but much to Carl's surprise, his brother wants no part of Carl's new lifestyle. Sweet insists on returning to the hood and working to reestablish the GSF rather than rest on the laurels of Carl's success. Tenpenny goes to trial for several felonies, but the charges are dropped for lack of evidence, as all the prosecution's witnesses are either missing or dead. Tenpenny's release sends the citizens of Los Santos into a citywide riot, similar to the [[1992 Los Angeles Riots]]. Fueled by Sweet's resolve to topple Big Smoke, who has become the city's biggest drug kingpin, Carl reacquires lost gang territory and hunts down the traitors responsible for pushing drugs that destroyed the Families. He kills Big Smoke in a shootout, escapes from the burning crack palace and Tenpenny shows up and flees with Smoke's drug fortune. Carl pursues Tenpenny through the streets of Los Santos in a car chase while sweet hangs on to the end of the ladder. Tenpenny loses control of his firetruck, and he drives it off a bridge. Carl is about to shoot him, "just to make sure it's finally over," but is stopped by Sweet. Sweet simply tells him, "It's just a cop that died in a car accident." Tenpenny then dies from his injuries. The final scene shows the Johnson family reunited. As his friends and allies celebrate their success, Carl turns to leave. When asked where he's going, he replies, "Fittin' to hit the block, see what's happening." ====Continuity with other ''Grand Theft Auto'' games==== Many characters, locations and fictional elements from previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games reappear in ''San Andreas''. Catalina, the main antagonist in ''GTA III'', accompanies CJ on a number of robbery missions. [[Claude (Grand Theft Auto)|Claude]], ''GTA III'''s protagonist, also makes a brief appearance as Catalina's new boyfriend after she dumps Carl. They proceed to compete in a street race, which Claude and Catalina ultimately lose. Catalina hands Carl a deed to a garage in San Fierro instead of the car's pink slip, stating that, "He needs his car to get to Liberty City". In a bit of an inside joke, numerous remarks are made about Claude's apparent muteness, due to the fact that he had no spoken lines in ''GTA III'' ("That mute asshole" and "That fuckin' snake without a tongue"). [[Ken Rosenberg]] and [[Kent Paul]], from ''GTA: Vice City'', feature prominently in several Las Venturas missions in connection with [[Salvatore Leone]], the Liberty City mob boss featured in ''GTA: III'' and ''Liberty City Stories''. Maria, who later becomes Salvatore's girlfriend, also appears as a waitress in Caligula's Palace. CJ also mentions that he worked for Joey Leone, Salvatore's son. Jethro and Dwaine also appear in San Andreas, they were seen when Tommy Vercetti buys a boat yard in Vice City, The Truth mentions that their business was bought by the Mob. According to interviews with the developers, ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', ''Liberty City Stories'', ''Vice City Stories'', ''Grand Theft Auto: Advance'', and ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' are considered part of the ''Grand Theft Auto III'' canon, while ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' marks the beginning of a new series canon where different game play rules are observed. For example, motorcycles were supposedly banned from Liberty City in ''GTA III''; however, in ''GTA IV'' this restriction does not seem to exist. == Soundtrack == <!-- This section is meant to be a BRIEF preview of the artists featured on the game's soundtrack, not a comprehensive list of all music from the game (that is what the San Andreas soundtrack article is for). DO NOT ADD any more artists to this section. --> {{main|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Soundtrack|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Soundtrack Box Set}} Just like the previous two entries in the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series, ''San Andreas'' has an extensive amount and variety of tracks taken from the time period the game is based in. Notable inclusions to the game's soundtrack include [[The Who]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Faith No More]], [[Depeche Mode]], [[James Brown]], [[Soundgarden]], [[KISS]], [[Rage Against the Machine]], [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], [[Cream (band)|Cream]], [[Alice in Chains]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[N.W.A.]], [[2Pac]], [[Ice Cube]], [[Dr. Dre]], [[Eazy-E]], [[Stone Temple Pilots]], [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]], and [[Ozzy Osbourne]]. San Andreas is serviced by eleven radio stations; WCTR ([[talk radio]]), Master Sounds 98.3 ([[rare groove]], playing many of the old funk and soul tracks sampled by 1990s hip-hop artists), K-Jah West ([[Dub music|dub]] and [[reggae]]), CSR ([[New Jack Swing]], [[Modern soul|Modern Soul]], [[Hot Adult Contemporary]]), Radio X ([[alternative rock]] and [[grunge rock]]), Radio Los Santos ([[gangsta rap]]), SF-UR ([[House music|house]]), Bounce FM ([[funk]]), K-DST ([[classic rock]]), K-Rose ([[classic country|country]]) and Playback FM ([[golden age hip hop|classic hip hop]]). The music system in ''San Andreas'' is enhanced from previous titles. In earlier games in the series, each radio station was essentially a single looped sound file, playing the same songs, announcements and advertisements in the same order each time. In ''San Andreas'', each section is held separately, and "mixed" randomly, allowing songs to be played in different orders, announcements to songs to be different each time, and plot events to be mentioned on the stations. The Xbox and Windows versions of the game include an additional radio station that supports custom soundtracks by playing user imported [[MP3]]s.<ref name="GamespotXboxReview1">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox/action/gta4/review.html?mode=gsreview|author=[[Jeff Gerstmann|Gerstmann, Jeff]]|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas review for Xbox|pages=p. 1|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=[[2005-06-07]]|accessdate=2008-03-21}}</ref> == Reception == {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; float:right; text-align: center; width:50%; margin: 5px;" |-{{Unicode|}} ! style="background:#ddddee;" colspan="2" | Awards |- |style="width:35%"|[[IGN]]'s Best of 2004 |PlayStation 2 Game of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/18.html|title=IGN's Best of 2004: PS2 Game of Year|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Best PlayStation 2 Action Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/|title=IGN's Best of 2004: PS2 Action-Adventure Game|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Best Story for PlayStation 2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/14.html|title=IGN's Best of 2004: PS2 Best Story|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> |- ||GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004 |Best PlayStation 2 Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day5w_8.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004: Best PlayStation 2 Game|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Best Action Adventure Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_2.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004: Best Action-Adventure Game|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Readers' Choice - Best PlayStation 2 Action Adventure Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day7_08.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004 - Reader's Choice: Best PS2 Action Adventure Game|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Readers' Choice - PlayStation 2 Game of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day7_12.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004 - Reader's Choice: PS2 Game of the Year|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Best Voice Acting,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_14.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004: Best Voice Acting|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> Funniest Game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_26.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2004: Funniest Game|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> |- ||[[2004 Spike TV Video Game Awards Results|2004 Spike TV Video Game Awards]] |Game of the Year, Best Performance by a Human (Male), Best Action Game, Best Soundtrack |- |} Prior to its release for the PlayStation 2, ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' was one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2004, along with ''[[Halo 2]]''. ''San Andreas'' met most of these expectations, as it was praised as one of the PlayStation 2's best games, with an average review score on 95%, according to [[Metacritic]],<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/grandtheftautosanandreas GTA: San Andreas (PS2)] at [[Metacritic]]</ref> tying for the fifth highest ranked game in PlayStation 2 history. [[IGN]] rated the game a 9.9/10 (the highest score it has ever awarded to a PlayStation 2 game), calling it "the defining piece of software" for the PlayStation 2.<ref name="IGNReview">{{Cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/559/559560p1.html|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas review|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=[[2004-10-25]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] rated the game 9.6/10, giving it an Editor's Choice award.<ref name="GamespotReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/review.html|author=[[Jeff Gerstmann|Gerstmann, Jeff]]|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=[[2004-10-25]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> ''San Andreas'' also received an A rating from the [[1UP.com]] network<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=2018918&type=game&sec=REVIEWS|title=GTA: San Andreas reviews|publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> and a 10/10 score from [[Official PlayStation Magazine|Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]. Common praises were made about the game's open-endedness, the size of the state of San Andreas, and the engaging storyline and voice acting. Most criticisms of the game stemmed from graphical mishaps, poor character models, and low-resolution textures, as well as various control issues, particularly with auto-aiming at enemies. Some critics commented that while a lot of new content had been added to ''San Andreas'', little of it had been refined or implemented well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/39128.shtml|title=GamePro review|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> === Sales === By [[March 3]] [[2005]], the game had sold over 12 million units for the PlayStation 2 alone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=157255 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2005 Financial Results |accessdate=2007-11-01 |date=[[2005-03-03]] |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]]}}</ref> As of [[September 25]] [[2007]], ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' is the [[2007 in video gaming#United States|best-selling video game in the United States]] with 8.6 million copies sold, ahead of its predecessors ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' and ''Grand Theft Auto III'', according to the [[NPD Group]].<ref name="USsales">{{cite web |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070925-9999-1n25halo.html |title=Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales |accessdate=2007-10-29 |author=Jonathan Sidener |date=[[2007-09-25]] |publisher=[[Signonsandiego]].com}}</ref> As of [[September 26]] [[2007]], ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' has sold 20 million units according to [[Take-Two Interactive]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Take-Two Interactive Software at Piper Jaffray Second Annual London Consumer Conference |publisher=Thomson Financial |date=[[2007-09-26]] |url=http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/confLobby.zhtml?ticker=TTWO&item_id=1642557 |format=[[Webcast]]: Windows Media Player, Real Player |accessdate=2007-10-29 |quote=Grand Theft Auto III launched in 2001 and sold over 12 million units. We then shipped another sequel in 2002 which sold over 15 million units, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. And then in 2004 we shipped Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which sold a remarkable 20 million units...}}</ref> As of [[March 26]] [[2008]], ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' has sold 21.5 million units according to Take-Two Interactive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://taketwovalue.com/documents/TTWO_Value.pdf#page=12 |title=Recommendation of the Board of Directors to Reject Electronic Arts Inc.'s Tender Offer |accessdate=2008-04-01 |date=2008-03-26 |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.]] |pages=12 |format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> ==Hot Coffee controversy == {{main|Hot Coffee minigame controversy}} {{wikinews|Video game's secret sex scenes spark outrage}} In mid-June 2005, a [[software patch]] for the game dubbed the "[[Hot Coffee mod]]" was released by Patrick Wildenborg (under the Internet alias "PatrickW"), a 38-year old modder from the Netherlands, who had reverse engineered the code.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} The name "Hot Coffee" refers to the way the released game alludes to the unseen sex scenes. In the unmodified game, the player takes his girlfriend to her front door and she asks him if he would like to come in for "some coffee". He agrees, and the camera stays outside, swaying back and forth a bit, while moaning sounds are heard. After installing the patch, users can enter the main character's girlfriends' houses and engage in a crudely rendered, fully clothed sexual intercourse mini-game. Later in June 2005, a console 'hacker' known as Jay "FNG" released an "[[Action Replay]] Power Save" for the Xbox console, enabling the "Hot Coffee" mini-game. On [[July 12]], [[2005]], Jay "FNG" released codes for the Action Replay game enhancer that allowed the scenes to be accessed in the PlayStation 2 console version. The fallout from the controversy resulted in a public response from high-ranking politicians in the United States and resulted in the game's recall and re-release. {{wikinews|Stores drop game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" after given 'Adults Only' rating}} On [[July 20]] [[2005]], production of the game was suspended and the game received a revised [[ESRB]] Rating of Adults Only, making ''San Andreas'' the only mass-released AO console game in the US. Rockstar has given distributors the option of applying an Adults Only ESRB rating sticker to copies of the game, or returning them to be replaced by versions without the Hot Coffee content. Many retailers pulled the game off their shelves in compliance with their own store regulations that kept them from selling AO games. Rockstar North released a "Cold Coffee" patch<ref name="coffee">[http://www.nomorehotcoffee.com/ No More Hot Coffee], ''[[Rockstar Games]]'', 2005</ref> for the PC version and re-released ''San Andreas'' with an M rating. The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions have also been re-released in a "GTA Trilogy Pack"<ref>Tim Surette, [http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/09/23/news_6134252.html GTA gets trilogized, San Andreas special edition], ''GameSpot'', September 23, 2005</ref> for Xbox, and a Special Edition for PlayStation 2 that includes the documentary film ''[[Sunday Driver (film)|Sunday Driver]]''. On [[8 November]] [[2007]] Take-Two announced a proposed settlement to the class action litigation that had been brought against them following the Hot Coffee controversy. If the proposed settlement is approved by the court, neither Take-Two nor Rockstar would admit liability or wrongdoing. Consumers would be able to swap their AO-rated copies of the game for M-rated versions and may also qualify for a $35 cash payment upon signing a sworn statement.<ref>{{cite web | last =Androvich | first =Mark | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Take-Two settles "Hot Coffee" lawsuits | work = | publisher =[[Gamesindustry.biz]] | date =[[2007-11-08]] | url =http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=30468 | format =HTML | doi = | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }}</ref> A report in ''The New York Times'' on [[25 June]] [[2008]] revealed that a total of 2676 claims for the compensation package had been filed. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/technology/25settle.html?_r=4&pagewanted=1&oref=slogin&oref=slogin</ref> == Myths == Shortly after the release of the game, several message boards sprouted claims of alleged [[Bigfoot]] sightings, [[UFOs]], [[Leatherface]] ,[[ Jason Voorhees]] ,[[Freddy Krueger]], [[Loch Ness Monster]], CJ's mother's [[ghost]] and [[ghost cars]]. Several photographs were released, purporting to support the myths, but none have ever proven to be real. Rockstar addressed the rumor of Bigfoot in the game in an article in the January 2005 edition of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''; Rockstar CEO Terry Donovan is quoted as saying, "There is no bigfoot, just like in real life."<ref>Electronic Gaming Monthly - January 2005 ([http://x402.putfile.com/3/5908144758.jpg scan])</ref> == ''The Introduction'' == ''The Introduction'', an in-engine video, was provided on a [[DVD]] with the ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Soundtrack]]'', as well as the ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Special Edition'' re-release for the PlayStation 2. The 26-minute movie chronicles the events leading up to the events in ''San Andreas'' and provides insight on the development of the characters of the game, to the point when Carl learns of his mother's death in a phone call from Sweet and returns to Los Santos. == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == {{wikiquote}} * [http://www.rockstargames.com/sanandreas Rockstar Games' Official ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' website] * {{StrategyWiki}} *{{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Driving_and_Racing/Combat/Grand_Theft_Auto_Series/Grand_Theft_Auto_-_San_Andreas|''{{pagename}}''}} <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})============================ | PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. 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