Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas turned 20, yet it remains a masterclass in video game detail. Rockstar’s ability to push the limits of the PS2 hardware is still astonishing.
Here’s a randomized list of some hidden gems and small details from the game that put even modern titles to shame:
1. NPCs Comment on CJ’s Weight and Appearance
CJ’s physique doesn’t just affect gameplay; it influences how the world interacts with him. NPCs will comment on his size, whether he’s bulked up, slim, or overweight. CJ also automatically replies to these remarks, leading to dynamic interactions that few games have matched since.
2. You Can Shoot Birds Out of the Sky
This detail is simple yet impactful: you can actually shoot birds. They react to bullets and player actions like flying near them. For a game released in 2004, this kind of environmental interactivity remains impressive.
3. Fat CJ Gets a Phone Call from Big Smoke
If CJ becomes overweight, he gets a unique phone call from Big Smoke hilariously suggesting that he hit the gym. It’s not just a subtle nudge toward fitness but also adds a comedic layer to the character relationships.
4. Paramedics Actually Revive NPCs
The paramedics in San Andreas do their jobs: they’ll perform CPR on fallen NPCs and revive them if they’re in time. While hilariously dedicated, they sometimes cause chaos, running over others in their rush to save lives. Modern GTA games lack this level of detail.
5. Grove Street Members Can Take Pictures of CJ
This one is so obscure that many lifelong fans of the game missed it: you can ask your recruited Grove Street members to photograph CJ. A feature like this was years ahead of its time, pre-dating the selfie era in gaming.
6. You Can Go Into Debt and Be Hunted by the Triads
If you gamble too much at the casinos and lose all your money, you can end up in debt. The consequences aren’t just numerical—ignore your debt long enough, and the Triads will send enforcers after you. This mechanic is incredibly rare in games, even today.
7. CJ’s Weapon Skills Physically Change Animations
As CJ becomes more proficient with weapons, his animations change. He goes from holding guns like an amateur to handling them like a pro, depending on his skill level. It’s not just a stat increase—it’s visual storytelling through gameplay.
8. Weather Affects the Environment
Weather isn’t just cosmetic in San Andreas. Wind and rain have tangible effects, such as flags fluttering in the wind. This dynamic environmental detail is still a rarity in many modern games.
9. CJ’s Weight Affects Physics and Movement
CJ’s weight has profound effects on gameplay. It changes his running speed, jumping height, and even how fast he falls from a height. It’s an astonishing level of attention to detail, especially considering the game’s era.
10. Hidden Mission Failure Cutscenes
Failing a mission in San Andreas isn’t just frustrating—it can be entertaining. Famous examples include Big Smoke’s “All you had to do was follow the damn train!” rant. But there are lesser-known ones too. In the mission Stowaway, if CJ jumps out of the plane without a parachute, a unique cutscene plays, cementing Rockstar’s commitment to rewarding players for exploring failure states.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas isn’t just a nostalgic classic; it’s a technical and artistic masterpiece. These details, both large and small, highlight how ahead of its time it truly was—and still is.
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