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Games : For Fans Only
Ranking:
Release Date: October 26th, 2014 Movie Release Year: 2014

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Remastered Edition)

Overview -

'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' was first released On October 26th, 2004 for the PlayStation 2. It has been re-released several times since then on various platforms, including on the 360 as an Xbox Original in 2008. This version, released ten years to the day after its first version, has been given a graphical upgrade, mission checkpoints, and achievement support. Note that this version of 'San Andreas' is not compatible with saves from the Xbox Originals version.

OVERALL:
For Fans Only
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Video Resolution/Codec:
720p
Release Date:
October 26th, 2014

Video Review

Ranking:

This edition of 'San Andreas' comes with a 720p resolution, sharper edges and textures, and an increased draw distance. While all of this is true, there's only so much polish that can go into a 2004 title without completely overhauling the engine. It is certainly better than it was ten years ago, but still looks ancient. Gone is the yellowish, washy saturation from the original, and the fuzziness has been cleared up as well. Graphical bugs are far less common than they are with the audio.

Audio Review

Ranking:

Like any 'GTA,' Rockstar spared no expense with 'San Andreas' in-game radio stations. The soundtrack is a brilliant representation of early 90s culture. The centerpiece is gangsta rap, which is fitting given CJ's profession as a gangbanger. The stations are rife with the likes of N.W.A., Dre, Eazy-E, and 2pac. Other stations include classic rock, dance, soul, and even country. Many artists recording during that timeframe were hired to voice DJs, such as Axl Rose, Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe, Chuck D, and reggae pioneers Sly and Robbie. Also included is a talk radio station that serves as a caricature of 1992 and frequently spoofs political pundits, Hollywood celebrities, TV, and video games.

The voice acting is similarly good, with my personal favorite being Samuel Jackson as the voice of incredibly corrupt LSPD officer Tenpenny. David Cross and Peter Fonda have hilarious turns as the nerdy Zero and conspiracy theorist The Truth respectively. Many other celebrities contribute their voices, such as Charlie Murphy, The Game, William Fichtner, and James Woods.

Despite the production value, the game's bugs seem to plague the audio more than any other area. Pausing the game at any time while the radio is on will completely disorient it, leading to skips and starts and replayed segments. The voice acting is poorly synced, and occasionally during cutscenes the audio will drop out completely.

'San Andreas' is a pleasant walk down memory lane for true fans of the 'Grand Theft Auto' franchise, but may not sit well for those without the patience for its clunky mechanics and myriad bugs. Achievement hunters will likely be pleased by the addition of achievements to CJ's world, but the new checkpoint system is more trouble than its worth. The storyline, characters, and soundtrack are enjoyable, and through the retro visuals and dated shooting there is something awesome here.