Info about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition:

Official game description:
Experience the blockbuster classic, updated for a new generation with across-the-board enhancements including brilliant new lighting and environmental upgrades, with high-resolution textures, increased draw distance, Grand Theft Auto V-style controls and targeting, and much more.  
Five years ago, Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson escaped the haze of Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs, and corruption. Now, it's the early 90s. CJ’s got to go home - his mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart, and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster. On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of cops frame him for homicide, forcing CJ on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets in the next iteration of the series that changed everything.  
Developed by Rockstar Games, adapted by Grove Street Games.

Release date: 19 Jan, 2023

Categories: Open-World Exploration, Single-player Story, Third-Person Shooter, Vehicle Piloting, Character Progression, Mini-game Collection, Customization


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Remastered Version is Enjoyable (weight 0.79): Players widely agree that the game, especially after numerous updates and fixes, is now a great and enjoyable experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to revisit a beloved classic with improved visuals and stability, often citing a strong sense of nostalgia.
- San Andreas is a Masterpiece (weight 0.51): Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is consistently hailed as a timeless classic and one of the best GTA games, if not one of the greatest games of all time. Players love its iconic story, characters, massive open world, and the sheer freedom it offers, often preferring it over other GTA titles.
- Vast Open World and Content (weight 0.21): The game's massive and diverse open world, featuring three distinct cities and various terrains, is a major highlight. Players appreciate the immense amount of content, varied missions, and the freedom to explore, which contributes to countless hours of entertainment.
- Engaging Story and Characters (weight 0.2): The game's story is consistently praised as incredible, captivating, and well-written, with memorable characters. Players particularly resonate with CJ's journey and the dynamic cast, finding the narrative immersive and emotionally impactful.

Common complaints:
- High Price for Low Quality (weight 0.96): Many players feel the game is significantly overpriced, especially given its numerous technical issues, lack of substantial improvements over the original, and overall poor quality. The price is seen as unjustified for a 20-year-old game that feels like a rushed, low-effort remaster.
- Persistent Bugs and Poor Optimization (weight 0.88): Players consistently report a wide array of bugs, glitches, and crashes, many of which are carried over from the original game or are new to the remaster. The game also suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to poor performance even on high-end systems, frequent frame drops, and an overall unpolished experience.
- Unsatisfactory Character Models and Graphics (weight 0.78): The character models, especially for CJ and other NPCs, are frequently described as ugly, strange, plastic-like, or cartoonish, often looking worse than in the original. Graphical inconsistencies, blurry textures, and poor LODs also contribute to a visually unappealing experience that falls short of modern standards.
- Poor AI and NPC Behavior (weight 0.63): The AI for both NPCs and enemies is criticized for being broken, leading to illogical behavior, pathfinding issues, and unfair situations. This includes NPCs crashing into players, spawning incorrectly, and police acting erratically, which can disrupt missions and immersion.
- Inferior to Original Version (weight 0.49): A significant portion of feedback indicates that the remastered 'Definitive Edition' is inferior to the original game. Players cite a loss of charm, atmosphere, and core mechanics, along with simplified gameplay, reduced difficulty, and a general feeling that the remaster is a downgrade rather than an improvement.
- Awkward and Broken Controls (weight 0.23): The game's controls, particularly for flying vehicles (planes, helicopters, jetpacks) and certain missions, are widely criticized as being overly sensitive, clunky, and poorly implemented for keyboard and mouse. This makes specific missions frustrating and detracts from the overall gameplay experience.
- Missing Original Content (weight 0.21): The remaster is noted for removing various elements present in the original game, including licensed music tracks, Easter Eggs, and the 'Custom Radio' feature. This loss of content further contributes to the feeling that the 'Definitive Edition' is incomplete and disrespectful to the original.
- Rockstar's Handling of Remaster Criticized (weight 0.14): Players express significant disappointment with Rockstar Games' management of the remaster. Criticisms include the initial buggy release, slow pace of fixes, removal of the original game from stores, and the perception that the project was a cash grab with little care for quality or fan expectations.
- Frustrating Mission Design (weight 0.05): Some missions, particularly those involving flying or specific vehicle controls, are still considered overly difficult, frustrating, or poorly balanced. This can lead to repetitive failures and a negative impact on player progression and enjoyment.
- Comparison to Other Trilogy Titles (weight 0.04): Players often compare this game to other titles in the Definitive Edition trilogy, noting similar issues across all three. Some find San Andreas to be easier or to have different graphical inconsistencies compared to GTA III and Vice City, while others highlight shared problems like poor vehicle physics and antiquated design.

Gameplay feedback:
- Diverse Vehicle & Activity Mechanics (weight 0.09): The game offers a wide range of vehicle mechanics, including flying planes, helicopters, and even jetpacks, alongside various driving options. Players can engage in numerous activities like gambling, basketball, dancing, and street racing, contributing to varied gameplay.
- Gang Warfare & Criminal Activities (weight 0.06): A core aspect of the game involves gang conflicts, territory disputes, and various criminal activities. Players can engage in gang wars, take over hoods, and participate in daring robberies, immersing them in the game's criminal underworld.
- Flexible Game Modes & Features (weight 0.05): The game includes a free mode, mini-games, and an online mode, offering diverse ways to play. It also features a GPS system for navigation and allows for frame rate adjustments, though some missions may require specific FPS settings.
- Classic & New Lighting Options (weight 0.02): The Definitive Edition offers players the choice between classic PS2-era lighting and new Unreal Engine lighting. This allows players to experience the game with either a nostalgic aesthetic or a more modern, realistic visual style.

Performance notes:
- Specific Hardware Performance (weight 0.01): Some players provided detailed system specifications and reported excellent performance, achieving high framerates on powerful modern hardware, indicating that top-tier systems can run the game very smoothly.
- Steam Deck Compatibility Issues (weight 0.01): The game generally runs on Steam Deck, but some users report issues specifically related to the game's launcher, indicating a less-than-seamless experience on the handheld device.
- Display Configuration Issues (weight 0): One user reported a specific, unusual workaround needed to play the game, involving disabling and re-enabling a display, suggesting a rare but frustrating technical glitch for some setups.

Recommendations:
- Buy on Sale, Not Full Price (weight 0.46): A significant number of players strongly recommend purchasing the game only when it is on sale, often suggesting discounts of 50% or more. The consensus is that the game's full price is not justified, but it offers good value at a reduced cost.
- Nostalgia is a Key Factor (weight 0.45): Many players purchase or recommend the Definitive Edition primarily for nostalgia, seeking to relive childhood memories. The game's ability to evoke these feelings is a significant driver for its recommendation, despite its flaws.
- Rockstar Needs to Improve (weight 0.06): Players express disappointment with Rockstar's initial release of the Definitive Edition, citing various issues and a lack of polish. There's a strong sentiment that Rockstar should have done better and should continue to fix remaining errors, with some even wishing for the original games to be re-released on platforms like Steam.

Other player notes:
- Rockstar's Role & Future (weight 0.15): Players express mixed feelings about Rockstar Games' handling of the Definitive Edition, noting the initial poor quality and the involvement of other development teams. There's a desire for continued fixes and remasters of other classic titles, alongside concerns about the future direction of GTA games.
- Platinum Trophy & Completion (weight 0.13): A significant number of players are motivated to achieve 100% completion and earn the platinum trophy in the Definitive Edition. They report spending considerable hours (40-60+) to fully complete the game, often for the first time.
- Playable on Modern Platforms (weight 0.04): Players have successfully played the Definitive Edition on various modern platforms, including Steam Deck, and have experimented with mods and reshade programs to customize their experience. The game is generally considered playable despite its age and initial issues.
- CJ's Iconic Character (weight 0.02): Carl 'CJ' Johnson is highlighted as an iconic and relatable protagonist, with players appreciating his story and character development. His journey from the ghetto and interactions with other characters are considered a strong point of the game.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.28): Players are highly satisfied with the game's significant improvements, particularly in graphics, performance, and overall playability after numerous updates and patches. Many appreciate the quality-of-life features like mission checkpoints and modern controls, allowing them to enjoy the classic game in a more polished state. The engaging story, vast open world, and replayability (especially for 100% completion) also contribute to a positive experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment stems primarily from the remaster's poor initial quality, including numerous bugs, graphical issues (especially character models), and poor optimization. Players are also let down by missing content (e.g., radio songs, custom radio options), the high price for a flawed product, and the removal of original game versions, forcing them to play the 'definitive' but often inferior edition.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration is largely caused by persistent bugs, game crashes, and poor controls, particularly for aircraft and vehicles, which often lead to mission failures and lost progress. Players also express annoyance with optimization issues, clunky mechanics, and the mandatory Rockstar Launcher, which can hinder the overall gameplay experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.11): Nostalgia is a powerful driver, with many players revisiting the game to relive cherished childhood memories and experiences from the original PS2 era. The game's classic elements, iconic characters, story, and soundtrack evoke strong emotional connections, making the replay experience meaningful despite any flaws in the remaster.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Players experience joy from the game's improved quality, engaging storyline, and overall fun gameplay. The ability to replay a beloved classic with enhanced graphics and new features, along with the freedom and variety of activities, contributes to a highly enjoyable and entertaining experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is generated by the game's overall quality, vast explorability, and engaging narrative that keeps players immersed. Many are excited by the prospect of achieving 100% completion, exploring the detailed open world, and experiencing the classic game with modern enhancements, often recommending it enthusiastically to others.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is directed at Rockstar for the perceived poor quality of the Definitive Edition, which many consider a 'disgrace' or 'cash grab' due to its numerous bugs, graphical downgrades, and high price. Players are particularly incensed by the removal of original game versions and the perceived laziness or negligence in development, feeling ripped off by a billion-dollar company.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players find enjoyment in the game's overall experience, engaging story, and diverse activities, especially after patches improved its playability. The ability to explore the open world, complete missions, and appreciate the improved visuals and gameplay contributes to a fun and accessible experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is expressed for the game's enduring status as a masterpiece of open-world design, its ambitious scope, compelling writing, and memorable characters. Players praise its historical impact, lasting legacy, and the depth of its world, often calling it the 'best GTA game of all time'.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief comes from the game finally becoming playable and stable after numerous patches addressed significant bugs and performance issues. Players are relieved by the inclusion of autosaves, mission retry features, and the overall improved state of the game compared to its problematic launch, making it a worthwhile experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's timeless quality, narrative depth, and unique features, along with the efforts made by Rockstar to fix the remaster. The improved graphics, realistic atmosphere, well-written characters, and diverse activities are also highly valued, contributing to a positive overall impression.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from the game's remaining bugs, which are often perceived as funny or absurd, such as flying cars or strange character animations. The chaotic nature of the game, comedic story dialogue, and quirky in-game events also contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- Acceptance (weight 0.01): Players show acceptance by acknowledging the game's imperfections, such as minor bugs or graphical inconsistencies, while still recommending or enjoying it. They understand the target audience and are willing to overlook flaws, especially if the game is purchased at a discounted price or if nostalgia plays a significant role.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for future improvements, bug fixes, and additional features, such as the return of original game versions or multiplayer options. Players anticipate that ongoing updates will further enhance the game's quality and address remaining issues, making it a truly definitive edition.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from unexpected game mechanics (e.g., how to fly cars with cheats), inexplicable bugs (like the gym bug workaround), or the game's surprisingly high graphical demands for certain devices. Some players also express confusion regarding negative reviews, given their own positive experiences, or the illogical wanted level system.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is expressed through deep affection for its high freedom, wonderful story, and memorable characters, often calling it their 'favorite game of all time'. This enduring attachment to the classic GTA San Andreas drives many players to purchase and replay the game.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by the mandatory Rockstar Launcher, awkward airplane controls, and the auto-centering camera, which can hinder gameplay. Players also express irritation over specific completion tasks, remaining bugs, and the perceived pointlessness of certain features like car modding due to deletion issues.
- Surprise (weight 0): Players express surprise when the game exceeds their initial negative expectations, often finding it good despite widespread criticism or negative reviews. The game's visual quality, detailed reflections, and high-quality localization can also be sources of positive surprise, especially after significant patches.
- Caution (weight 0): Caution is advised regarding the game's purchase, with many recommending it only at a significant discount due to its current state and price. Players warn potential buyers to consider the game's remaining bugs and overall value before paying full price.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0): Mixed feelings arise from the game's blend of positive and negative aspects, such as good gameplay marred by persistent bugs, or improved graphics accompanied by questionable character models. Players acknowledge both the enjoyable elements and the technical shortcomings, leading to a nuanced overall impression.}