Editor Reviews

You’re Carl “CJ” Johnson, back home after your mother’s murder to find your family falling apart and your old gang, the Grove Street Families, losing power. The game drops you into early '90s Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas—fictional cities packed with crime, dirty politics, and unpredictable chaos. This isn’t just about shooting and stealing cars—it’s about survival, family, respect, and building an empire from the ground up.

The story unfolds as you reconnect with old friends, take orders from shady figures, and build your influence through missions that range from drive-bys to heists to turf wars. Every choice you make has a ripple effect—how you trust others, what you wear, and how much you eat or work out all affect how people treat you. The world reacts. It's alive.

The driving mechanics feel solid but not perfect. Some missions can be unfair, but the sense of scale and freedom is hard to match. There's a rawness to the dialogue, the setting, and the missions. It pulls you into a stylized world yet remains grounded enough to feel real.

Customization runs deep for a 2004 game. You can hit the gym, change your haircut, buy clothes, or eat at a fast-food joint. CJ's look and stats shift depending on how you play. Guns have skill levels. Cars can be modded. Territories can be taken over and defended. It's a sandbox with attitude.

Combat fits the game's pace—quick, responsive, and satisfying enough to keep you in control, whether it's a turf battle or a solo mission. The gang mechanics bring a sense of teamwork, allowing you to lead and rely on others during intense street fights. A few games from that time made you feel like part of something bigger.

What stands out is how much freedom the game gives you without losing direction. There’s always a sense of momentum—whether you’re building muscle, taking over neighborhoods, or just cruising to the next mission. San Andreas doesn’t just give you space—it fills it with things to do, people to meet, and choices that matter.

How to Play?

Step 1: Start the game and wait for the opening cutscene to begin. Once it ends, you'll find yourself as CJ, the main character, arriving in Los Santos. Use the left analog stick or WASD keys to move him around. Use the camera stick or mouse to look around.

Step 2: Follow the on-screen prompt to get on the bike. Press the button that appears (usually labeled "Enter" or "F" on a PC) to ride. Pedal by tapping the forward button. Ride to the CJ house marked on the map with a green square.

Step 3: Once at the house, go inside to save the game. This creates a checkpoint. To save, walk into the red marker and choose a slot. Saving helps if you fail a mission or need to quit.

Step 4: Walk outside and follow the “R” icon on the mini-map to start your first mission with Ryder. Stand in the red circle to begin. Each mission will have voice instructions and text prompts—follow them closely.

Step 5: Use vehicles by pressing the same button used for the bike. Drive carefully—too much damage will make it explode. Follow the GPS path on the mini-map to reach mission locations.

Step 6: To fight, press the punch or shoot buttons. Lock on with the aim button. You can collect money, weapons, or items dropped by others.

Step 7: Keep completing missions from characters like Big Smoke, Sweet, and Cesar. New parts of the map unlock as your progress grows. Use safe houses to save and avoid losing progress.