GTA: San Andreas shows how far Rockstar has come in 22 years
22 years later, San Andreas still captivates with its characters and atmosphere. But returning to the game reveals that some of its mechanics have withstood the test of time worse than its story.
A Polygon author revisited GTA: San Andreas as part of The Definitive Edition and encountered an unexpected contrast. Reconnecting with CJ’s home neighborhood still evokes emotions, while the controls regularly hinder enjoyment.
The OG Loc mission proved particularly telling. CJ and his friends meet Jeffrey, recently released from prison, who is trying to earn a reputation as a criminal. Behind the characters’ jokes lies a rather sober view of outlaw romance: a man who had the chance to choose a different life is consciously seeking trouble.
However, the conversations give way to a chase after Freddy—and the focus shifts from the story to the motorcycle. Narrow passages, collisions, and falls turn the pursuit into a struggle with the controls. While the protagonist gets up and returns to the road, the target manages to drive farther away.
It is here that the game’s age becomes especially noticeable. The characters and dialogues continue to work, but the vehicle handling and cumbersome aiming require patience.
At the same time, it is important to consider the conditions: the author played the remaster using a keyboard, so they describe a specific experience rather than all versions of San Andreas. Their return demonstrates why a beloved classic can simultaneously delight and frustrate: a strong story retains its appeal longer than the once-familiar ways of interacting with it.
