GTA San Andreas is easily the most playable and most wanted of the GTA Trilogy Remasters, but before you jump in... here's what you need to know:
If you clicked on this article, you either already bought the GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition, or are thinking about it. Let's get you clued-up on what you need to know before you start your gang sh*t.
GTA San Andreas Is Free on Game Pass
Right off the bat, you need to know that GTA San Andreas is free on Game Pass. That means, if you're unsure about shelling out for a game that is essentially 20+ years old, well... you don't really have to. Seriously, even if you don't have Game Pass, you can get it for $1, so you should really consider the option. Also, Game Pass is a nice way to play GTA San Andreas on the go (ok, there's the mobile version too, but... come on). So if you do have Game Pass already, or are on the fence, don't go spending your money on San Andreas just yet, because it might not be the remaster you were thinking it is, because...:
The Gameplay & the Mechanics Are Unchanged
Man, the game really feels as old as it is. Yes, the graphics are pretty, and the reflections in the car are nice, but CJ still moves like a video game character from the early 2000s. The shooting feels unimpactful, as does the punching, and basically anything else. Forget about ragdolls, or good vehicle physics... this game has a retro charm, and whether or not that's charming is entirely up to your tastes.
The Voice Acting & Mission Design Feels Old
Similar to the gameplay, the entire sound-design is very dated. Voices feel like they're hovering somewhere above the character and cut-scenes sometimes have no sound whatsoever. Even more jarring: Before any mission you'll have to stand in place in a certain circle, and after an (un)dynamic cutscene, you'll be right there, stiff af. Basically, nothing really matches: The voices themselves are great, but don't fit the action on the screen, while the action on the screen seems disconnected and scripted, all the while it has terrible atmosphere due to, well... non-existent atmosphere sounds.
There Is Some Content That Was Cut
There is some music that was cut from the game, due to licensing issues, and that mostly affects Rage Against the Machine's Killing In the Name. This might seem like an odd point, but you should be aware that the music was a major aspect of what made the original San Andreas so special, and it's sad to see - and important to know - that some of it is no longer there.
The Story Is Amazing
I know I listed a lot of negatives, but here's the deal: Behind all the rust, the GTA San Andreas story is still amazing, and one of the best open-world stories ever told. The emotions you go through in San Andreas where unprecedented at the time, and if this game was recently released, we would be talking about a story and an emotional rollercoaster that could put Red Dead Redemption 2 to shame.
I'm aware that I mentioned the sh*tty sound-design, but that doesn't affect the performances we get in this game: The voice-acting is impeccable, and every character has a legit personality. It really is a shame that this game is dated in so many other areas, because it is still world-class in terms of story, character- and world-building.