GTA: San Andreas – Definitive Edition Review

Nostalgia Meets Modern Expectations

As someone who played *GTA: San Andreas* during childhood, my initial experience was very different from what I have now. Back then, I didn't fully explore the story and wasn’t deeply invested in the game's narrative. Like many others, I used cheats to have fun in the massive open world. I remember a particular mission that I found incredibly difficult at the time, but now, as a more experienced gamer, it’s become one of my favorite tasks—easy and enjoyable.

As a devoted fan of the series, I decided to purchase the **Definitive Edition** to see whether this game, which holds so many memories, still stands the test of time. Was it worth the time and effort? Here’s my journey through *San Andreas*, without cheats and with the goal of achieving 100% completion.

The Switch from Cheats to 100% Completion

When I first started playing the *Definitive Edition*, I, like many nostalgic players, resorted to cheats for old times' sake. However, I soon discovered that using cheats prevents you from unlocking achievements, which took away some of the excitement for me. I deleted my save file and decided to restart the game with a new challenge in mind—completing the game to 100% without cheats.

This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in gaming. For the first time, I played the game the way it was intended—without shortcuts, without skipping sections, and with full attention to the depth of the story and gameplay. Achieving 100% completion turned into one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I've had in gaming.

Story: A Tale of Loyalty and Betrayal (10/10)

The story of *San Andreas* is one of its strongest aspects. From CJ's return to Los Santos to the reuniting of the Grove Street Families gang, all the way to the collapse and ultimate rebuilding of CJ’s power, the narrative is compelling throughout. Characters that initially seem minor or even forgettable—like Emet or OG Loc—end up having surprising significance. One of the game’s strengths is how it weaves these characters into the larger story in unexpected ways.

The progression from street-level gang disputes to high-stakes political intrigue is handled excellently. Watching CJ evolve as a character and navigate both personal and criminal challenges is both engaging and immersive. It’s a classic rise-and-fall tale that continues to resonate, even years later.

Characters: Memorable but Occasionally Inconsistent (9/10)

The game is filled with memorable characters, each adding their own flair to the story. CJ is a fantastic protagonist—relatable, grounded, and motivated by loyalty to his family and friends. His dynamic with his brother, **Sweet**, is one of the strongest parts of the narrative. Their relationship feels authentic, driven by brotherly love and the shared goal of bringing Grove Street back to its former glory.

However, some characters left me confused. For instance, **Ryder**—initially portrayed as just another gang member who smokes a lot of weed—makes a sudden, unexplained shift in loyalty. His betrayal felt underdeveloped, as the game doesn’t offer enough insight into his motivations or reasoning. Similarly, **Big Smoke**'s arc, while iconic, could have used more depth to fully explain his turn against the gang.

Despite these minor issues, most of the main and supporting characters are well-developed and engaging. Characters like **Officer Tenpenny** are unforgettable, and CJ’s journey is filled with colorful personalities that add to the game’s charm.

Main Missions: Fun and Challenging (9/10)

The main missions in *San Andreas* are where the game truly shines. The variety is excellent, from gang warfare and car chases to casino heists and government conspiracies. The missions manage to balance both over-the-top action and grounded storytelling, making for an engaging experience from start to finish.

Completing these missions without cheats made me appreciate their design even more. Some are challenging, but they never feel unfair. Every mission contributes something meaningful to the overarching story, making each step toward 100% completion feel rewarding.

Side Missions: Surprisingly Fun (9/10)

For the first time, I completed all of the side missions, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed them. In my previous experiences with *San Andreas*, I often ignored them, but this time around, they became one of the highlights of my playthrough.

Whether it was firefighting, taxi driving, or paramedic missions, each side activity was surprisingly enjoyable. Some were difficult—especially those requiring precision, like the **Zero RC missions**—but overcoming these challenges added to the overall sense of accomplishment.

Graphics and Effects: A Mixed Bag (8/10)

The **Definitive Edition** brings with it a significant graphical overhaul. Compared to the original 2004 release, the visuals have improved drastically in some areas—lighting, reflections, and environmental textures look far more modern. Driving through the cities, watching sunsets, or simply wandering through the countryside feels more immersive than ever before.

However, there are still a few odd visual glitches that take away from the experience. For example, CJ riding a motorcycle sometimes results in awkward animations, making him appear hunched. While these minor issues don’t ruin the game, they can occasionally pull you out of the otherwise immersive world.

Final Thoughts:

Despite some minor flaws and dated mechanics, *GTA: San Andreas – Definitive Edition* still stands as one of the best open-world games ever made. The sheer amount of content, the deeply engaging story, and the freedom to play as you like make it a must-play for both new and returning players.

My journey to 100% completion was full of nostalgic moments, new discoveries, and challenges that tested my skills. If you're a fan of *GTA* games, or open-world games in general, this version of *San Andreas* is absolutely worth your time.

Overall Rating: 9/10

I highly recommend it to any player, especially long-time fans who want to relive the classic in a more modern setting.

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