Rockstar North. (2004). Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [Video game]. Rockstar Games.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a 2004 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, which encompasses three major cities—Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas—the game follows protagonist Carl "CJ" Johnson. After his mother's murder, CJ returns home to find his former gang, the Grove Street Families, in disarray. Throughout the narrative, he works to rebuild the gang, confronts corrupt officials, and uncovers the truth behind his mother's death.

The game is played from a third-person perspective within an expansive open world, allowing players to explore urban centers, rural landscapes, and deserts. Players can navigate the environment on foot, swim, or utilize a variety of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. The gameplay incorporates a blend of main missions that advance the storyline and numerous side activities, such as burglary, firefighting, and vigilante missions, providing a diverse and immersive experience.

A notable feature of San Andreas is its role-playing elements. Players can customize CJ's appearance with different clothing, hairstyles, and tattoos, and influence his physical attributes by managing his diet and exercise routines. Skills such as driving, weapon proficiency, and stamina improve with practice, affecting gameplay performance. Additionally, players can engage in relationships with various in-game characters, further enhancing the interactive experience.

The game's development drew inspiration from real-life events and locations, particularly those in California during the early 1990s. The narrative reflects issues like gang rivalries and systemic corruption, contributing to its depth and realism. Upon release, San Andreas received critical acclaim for its expansive open world, engaging storyline, and complex characters. It became the best-selling PlayStation 2 game, with over 17.3 million copies sold, and remains a significant title in the history of video games.