Do you want to feel really old again? Rockstar Games’ open-world action-adventure Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released 20 years ago today, on October 26, 2004, in the USA.
The game made its debut on Sony’s PlayStation 2, with versions for the PC and Xbox not following until June 2005.
GTA San Andreas: CJ turns 20 years old
After its release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quickly became one of the most successful and influential video games of the early 2000s. It quickly enjoyed cult status among fans.
San Andreas was not only characterized by its open world, which integrated elements of California and Nevada into a fictional state. Such freedom didn’t exist in many games back then. The game sold over 27 million copies worldwide and set new sales records. An enormous success, even if from today’s perspective it almost pales in comparison to the sales figures of GTA 5 (more than 200 million).
One reason for the success of San Andreas was its complex story, in which you take on the role of Carl “CJ” Johnson. After his mother’s death, he returns to his hometown and has to deal with gang wars, police corruption and personal drama.
The story is based on real social and cultural tensions of the 1990s, with Rockstar Games placing great emphasis on details, both in terms of character development and narrative structure.
At the same time, San Andreas impressed with its technology. You could do that in the world and act as you wished. Aside from the main story, there were also many side missions and various activities that you could get involved with. There was also a suitable soundtrack with hits from the 90s, including songs by Rage Against the Machine, Cypress Hill, 2Pac and Faith No More.
Slightly improved new editions were later released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which can be played on Xbox One and PS4 via backwards compatibility. In November 2021, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition with GTA 3, San Andreas and Vice City was released for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
When did you last play GTA: San Andreas and what memories do you associate with the title?
