Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

 Xbox
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 212 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 183 out of 212
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 212
  3. Negative: 20 out of 212
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  1. natassa
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    One of the best games I've ever experienced!! Congratulations to the rockstars game team!
  2. JakeP.
    Jul 3, 2006
    10
    I own GTA: San Andreas and I am happy. It is always fun and you never lose interest and there is so much to do. Its wide open space gives lots to explore. Very creative and entertaining, a must buy for all Xbox owners.
  3. OmarC.
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    Wow......
  4. [Anonymous]
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Awesome!!!
  5. HJ
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    I've only played this game for 2 days now, but will say that its probably one of the best games Ive played on the Xbox. Brings back memories of my Vice City days. The map is huge and graphics are awesome. Definitely a well spent purchase and highly recommended.
  6. MatC.
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Yes, it's essentially the same as the PS2, but the x has a huge advatage -- that's the analog triggers. It's not a button for the gas, it's a trigger that much closer allows you a "gas pedal". This along with the better graphics are a big plus. Graphics off in the distance are drawn a lot sooner, a lot farther away. It lets you drive better than the PS2. Yes, there are Yes, it's essentially the same as the PS2, but the x has a huge advatage -- that's the analog triggers. It's not a button for the gas, it's a trigger that much closer allows you a "gas pedal". This along with the better graphics are a big plus. Graphics off in the distance are drawn a lot sooner, a lot farther away. It lets you drive better than the PS2. Yes, there are still problems. It's not perfect, but no game is. GTASA is still the largest, most open, most dynamic game ever created for console. Maybe some MMORP is bigger, but this isn't swords & dice. If you have it for PS2 already, you're probably used to those controls. Don't bother for just the replay mode; save your $50. It's the same game. If you haven't indulged in this game before, you are really, really missing out. Back to the 'hood, 1992 style. Keep Bangin', Big Balla.… Expand
  7. PimpPlayer
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    Phenomenal this game is Awesome n Crazy in a good way.The freedom that you have is very cool.Plus the features in this game (working out,eating,go to barber shop,)feels like you are in a real life situaiton fighting your rivals to take control over the land and to gain respect is just phenomenal.Every GTA fan or better said everyone needs to play this REAL GTA GAME.
  8. MattJ.
    Jun 17, 2005
    10
    Awesome game just about pefect. Cant wait till xbox 360 comes out and we see this kind of game with photo relestic grafix.
  9. PigBodine
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    Learn to fly Carl, learn to fly... Grove Street for life... The sunset as you drive that beat up old VW over the hill, the smell of burning weed filling your senses as you cruise to Freebird... Something special was injected into every copy of this game...
  10. aerozol
    Aug 29, 2011
    10
    What is there to say? This game is a beast.
    Even today, the amount of content it offers rivals many full fledged releases- and much of it rates highly- perhaps not in finesse, but definitely in the fun factor. If you don't like the shooting, you'll probably like the driving, if you don't like the main missions: be a taxi driver, race motorbikes, put out fires, play dress-up...
    If you can't    What is there to say? This game is a beast.
    Even today, the amount of content it offers rivals many full fledged releases- and much of it rates highly- perhaps not in finesse, but definitely in the fun factor. If you don't like the shooting, you'll probably like the driving, if you don't like the main missions: be a taxi driver, race motorbikes, put out fires, play dress-up...
    If you can't find something fun to do in GTA:SA, something's wrong. And not with the game.
    Fine, some of the controls are less than intuitive, some of the missions are pretty tedious, and Carl takes some getting used to. But it will be a long time before you can't just pick up this game, jack something fast, and feel like you're really going somewhere. And this transcends demographics- from hard-core gamers, to lazy stoners, this game has plenty of appeal.
    Impressive.    … Expand
  11. RustyBoots
    Jun 29, 2013
    10
    The best game of all time.
    It has everything.
    Very memorable and very fun, i would rather play it than most current games. There's so much to do and the radio stations are amazing. Much better than GTA 4
  12. bradtheman123
    Jun 12, 2014
    10
    This game really brings back some good memories. What I liked the most about this game was that there was so much you were able to do. Like jetpacking around the city or, just going on a complete rampage against the cops. The graphics part of the game were basically amazing because it looked so real at the time and it looked like you were literally in an entire new world (which you kind ofThis game really brings back some good memories. What I liked the most about this game was that there was so much you were able to do. Like jetpacking around the city or, just going on a complete rampage against the cops. The graphics part of the game were basically amazing because it looked so real at the time and it looked like you were literally in an entire new world (which you kind of were in). It was by far one of the best in the GTA series, and if not the best. The newer ones like GTA5 are still really fun and amazing, and have a lot better graphics (At the time). But I still feel like San Andreas brought back better memories. This game was something very, very special.… Expand
  13. gstiker5
    Apr 16, 2013
    10
    THE BEST GRAND THEFT AUTO GAME AND OPEN-WORLD GAME EVER EVEN WITH THE OUTDATED GRAPHICS A huge world THREE CITIES,TOWNS AND EVEN A TON OF COUNTRYSIDE IT'S ALSO FUNNY I got the XBOX Originals version and I think it's the best version way better than the PS2 version Get it on Xbox Live If You Have A 360 It's The Best Xbox Original.
  14. LongSlayer
    Jul 27, 2014
    10
    Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas takes the series to a whole new level. All of the missions are exciting and action packed and some are a bit more challenging. The characters are well done each with a unique personality. The biggest aspect of San Andreas is the amount of activities outside the missions. There are so many things to do like racing, buying new clothes and property, turf wars,Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas takes the series to a whole new level. All of the missions are exciting and action packed and some are a bit more challenging. The characters are well done each with a unique personality. The biggest aspect of San Andreas is the amount of activities outside the missions. There are so many things to do like racing, buying new clothes and property, turf wars, and just exploring the entire state. It's impossible to get bored from this game even if you have it 100% complete. It was amazing when it came out, it's amazing now, and it will be as amazing in years to come.… Expand
  15. Guo56
    May 15, 2020
    10
    If I had to sum up the game in three words, it would have to be “ Just get it”.
  16. TEMP0
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    Honestly one of the best video games I've ever experienced!!!

    Warning: you will be addicted to this game
  17. Cementer200
    Sep 28, 2020
    10
    Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a masterpiece. GTA San Andreas is a open world game set in the state of San Andreas during the 90s. The main story is great and the side missions and activities are also great.
  18. BustaCapInIT
    Jun 10, 2005
    9
    Excellent game. Live the life of a Gangsta in the hood.
  19. ERICR.
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    Great game just needs to be longer.
  20. FPSMaster
    Jun 12, 2005
    9
    Whoever down below said this game needs to be longer needs to actually PLAY this game and stop whining about something you have never tried. And play through everything, not just the missions you casual gamer. Saying this game needs to be longer is like saying Legendary on Halo 2 needs to be harder. This is the biggest game ever made outside of The Elder Scrolls 3 and has some of the best Whoever down below said this game needs to be longer needs to actually PLAY this game and stop whining about something you have never tried. And play through everything, not just the missions you casual gamer. Saying this game needs to be longer is like saying Legendary on Halo 2 needs to be harder. This is the biggest game ever made outside of The Elder Scrolls 3 and has some of the best gameplay elements from many genres put together to give everyone something to have fun with. The graphics, control's, A.I., draw distance, textures and framerates have been improved upon in the PS2 version, making this one of the best game purchases an Xbox owner could make so far this year. Other than HL2 coming out later, GTASA on Xbox along with SCCT and UC2 WILL BE the games in the runnings for Xbox game of the year. If anyone thinks this game needs to be longer or bigger, I suggest you actually play the damn thing and stop lying.… Expand
  21. KyleM.
    Jun 25, 2005
    9
    WTF is Jon and Daz talking about.This game is awsome.Not perfect,but near it,and sure as hell is worth your money$$$$$$
  22. EricS.
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    This is the first GTA game I've ever played, and I can see what all the hype is about. The world is huge beyond what I expected, and there are constantly new things to do. It was easy to get lost in this complex world for hours on end, do to the sheer variety of things to do. Unfortunately, the incredible mass of content is probably the reason for a few of the game's flaws. For This is the first GTA game I've ever played, and I can see what all the hype is about. The world is huge beyond what I expected, and there are constantly new things to do. It was easy to get lost in this complex world for hours on end, do to the sheer variety of things to do. Unfortunately, the incredible mass of content is probably the reason for a few of the game's flaws. For instance, whenever you die during a mission you have to start from the very beginning. Some of the missions are long and consist of a lot of driving from place to place, making it frustrating at times. You also lose all of your weapons, which is a rather extreme penalty for failing a mission. Maybe I'm too used to RPGs, where you often keep your hard-earned gear after death, or at least have a chance to reclaim it. Finally, some of the controls need could have used polishing. This particularly applies to flying vehicles. There was one flying mission fairly early in the game that was almost impossible due to the controls. This was more difficult than some of the game's final missions. GTA was an excellent game (better even than the over-hyped Halo 2 IMO), it could have been even better if the developers had taken the time to fix some flaws. On the PS2 version these flaws were acceptable, but should have been fixed for the Xbox and PC, especially because a lot of people seem to complain about them.… Expand
  23. Daz(again!)
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    OK OK i think my last review may have been a little harsh. Since posting the review i've tried the game again and really got into it now. I think the problem was that the first 10 to 15 missions were relatively boring but as soon as the action goes west or north then the missions are so much better. This game will NOT be going back to the shop for a refund.
  24. Jack
    Feb 24, 2005
    9
    All i have to say is good game.
  25. AaronA.
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    Graphics could have had abit more of a boost for the xbox but this is still the best current generation game by miles. bring on the xbox 360!!!
  26. M9ki
    Jul 11, 2013
    9
    Holy I love this game I cant wait for the new one coming out and taking place in san andreas Omg.......This game is a masterpiece the cops are so fun to screw with as well. This is one of those hard games to come by these days when ever you can command gang members or your crew like socom it makes a great game.
  27. evolution98
    Nov 12, 2017
    9
    One of the most influential and overrated video games of all time.

    Here is why: The graphics: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City had the best looking graphics so far of the series. When this game came out, the character models and environment looked so ugly. The graphics were just terrible. On this version the environment, textures for buildings, cars, reflections and character models look    One of the most influential and overrated video games of all time.

    Here is why:

    The graphics: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City had the best looking graphics so far of the series. When this game came out, the character models and environment looked so ugly. The graphics were just terrible. On this version the environment, textures for buildings, cars, reflections and character models look somewhat better but that's not saying much.

    The soundtrack: As much as I love this game, the soundtrack just couldn't match the perfection of Vice City. The best radio stations are K-DST, Radio Los Santos and Radio X. The rest are all disappointing.

    The sound is really low just like Vice City and 3 on the Xbox. It just wasn't right.

    The voice acting is fantastic and comes from some of my favorite actors like Samuel L Jackson, James Woods and Peter Fonda. Vice City had more noticeable star-power and fit the game better.

    Other great things about the game: The RPG elements in the game were fun for the most part, it had much more interact-ability than Vice City perhaps too much, it gave us the swim ability for the first time, better fighting mechanics, customization for cars and CJ, gang wars, burglaries, a plethora of mini games and side missions, importing cars, more property assets to buy and a LOT of collectibles to find.

    The combined world of Los Santos, Las Venturas and San Fierro was amazing to explore and so cool. It captures the real world areas of Las Vegas, Los Angeles and California to perfection. The story is so good, you will want to play the game over and over like Vice City and GTA 3.

    The difficulty curve is slightly better than GTA 3.

    The things I can't stand about the game is the emphasis on collectibles in the three cities to unlock weapons, stats and money. The games before San Andreas did it way better by just having one main set of collectibles. The controls aren't great on this version and the interact-ability with the environment and buying properties is very expensive, time consuming and tedious. Money is a big problem which will occur when you get through half of the game to buy properties to progress. The girlfriend activity is fun but will get very annoying quickly.

    Overall it's a fantastic game but I love Vice City more.    … Expand
  28. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 28, 2022
    9
    The Xbox edition of San Andreas looks noticeably better than the PS2 game. It has improved textures, a better draw distance and a much smoother framerate. Also, the hazy orange tint featured on the PlayStation version has been removed. It has been replaced with a "cleaner" and sharper look. Visually, it's on par with the PC port. The exclusive features are a replay option and the abilityThe Xbox edition of San Andreas looks noticeably better than the PS2 game. It has improved textures, a better draw distance and a much smoother framerate. Also, the hazy orange tint featured on the PlayStation version has been removed. It has been replaced with a "cleaner" and sharper look. Visually, it's on par with the PC port. The exclusive features are a replay option and the ability to customize the soundtrack. I would rate this with a 9.3 out of 10.… Expand
  29. MauryEdson
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    que jogo bom, joguei graças a retro do xbox one, para mim é o melhor gta, recomendo muito
  30. FadedInMN
    Dec 16, 2020
    9
    My personal favorite GTA although I do believe they keep getting better. I love the story line in this gang, I love the fighting over gang territories, the customization of Carl. I wish GTA would go back and do another game based more around gangs. My #1 classic for video games.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox Game of 2005
15
#15 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 58
  3. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. GameSpot
    92
    With its strong story, well-written dialogue, terrific voice cast, impressive graphics, and extremely entertaining and varied gameplay, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a stupendous thrill ride that shouldn't be missed.
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  2. Gamezilla!
    92
    Another major failing of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox is the unnatural controller layout, and it's a fault that can't be too heavily attributed to the developers.
    Read full review
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    But the move to Xbox feels like more of a formality-you don't really notice the slightly nicer environments, and if ever a game didn't need custom soundtracks, this is the one.
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