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Ever since the release of the original "Grand Theft Auto" in 1997 (initially on PC) the GTA series has spawned numerous games over a varying collection of gaming platforms. The content and themes contained in the games have always sparked controversy - not all has been warranted and you can be sure that "Rockstar games" didn't exactly suffer from all the media furore.

The world of GTA revolves around three main cities: Liberty City, Vice City and San Andreas. Each has its own uniqueness but all appear to contain its fair share of denizens, low-lifes and weirdoes. This is the central focus in all the games - to play through the story as a minor character until you become more well-known with increased status and power.

It took the release of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" in 2004 (PS2) to realise the full potential of the GTA world. Not only was the game one of the biggest games - incorporating three main towns spread across the vast San Andreas region - but the choice available to the player to do whatever they wanted was outstanding.

Missions were again lined up in the official story of Carl Johnson (back in San Andreas after his mother's death) but it was easy to get caught up in the varied activities available the deeper you got into the game. One day you could be flying a Harrier jump-jet or chasing down a car-transporter and stealing some bikes, parachuting from a jet, taking a boat out to sea or admiring the view from a hill-top as the sun goes down.

The exploits in San Andreas always felt tongue-in-cheek; never quite taking itself serious despite the violent nature of the game. All gamers like value and "Rockstar" produced a monster; when games are claiming to contain 12-15 hours of gameplay, "GTA: San Andreas" wouldn't be able to put a figure on the game-time. With virtual freedom to pick and choose where to go and what to do, the game never feels like it wants you to "complete" it.

Few games ever have the immersive quality that "GTA: San Andreas" achieved; there can only be copy-cat games ala "Saints Row 2" to follow it. The latest "GTA: IV" (PS3, Xbox360) revisits Liberty city - it may have the benefit of hi-res enhancements and look stunning but it cannot match the sheer scale and scope of its predecessor.

If you've never played "GTA: San Andreas" then you should grab a copy and experience what GTA can do; you'll be surprised where the time has gone after you get distracted by all the things going on in the mad and crazy state of San Andreas.

Learn more about this author, Wayne Reeves.
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