San Andreas is the GTA that tried to be everything at once: gang drama, three cities, countryside, a gym, a barber, and an actual plane. Somehow it all works, and it’s why people still bring it up in every best-game list.

The loop is classic GTA. You take missions as CJ, mess around between them, and slowly open up the whole state. It’s easy to jump into, though the old mission design can feel stiff if you’ve only played modern open-world games.

What works is the sheer variety and personality. The story hits hard, the radio is a character on its own, and the three-city map still feels huge. The little RPG touches, like stats and clothes, make CJ feel like your guy.

How it runs: Performance depends on the version. The original is easy on hardware, while the Definitive Edition is heavier and players report bugs and visual quirks, although a patch improved lighting and weather. Plenty of PC players still prefer a modded original.

Downsides: the controls and shooting feel dated, some missions are annoying, and the Definitive Edition changed or removed things that fans loved. Many players call it inferior to the original, so check which edition you’re buying.

But honestly, that’s not really the point.

The game works because it has soul. The story, the characters and the world still land, and it’s a big part of why the series became what it is.

Verdict: Absolutely worth playing, but pick your version carefully: modded original for the classic feel, Definitive Edition for convenience. As for “best GTA,” it’s at least a top-tier contender.