Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Five years ago Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas... a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers. Now, it's the early 90s. Carl's got to go home. His mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster. On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.

By far the most important part of any game, San Andreas really shines through in this aspect. For any fans of the series, though there have been some changes such as an increased amount of mini-games, the loss of hidden packages and rampages, levelling up and the somewhat suspect camera work at times, most things remain the same. This all in all leads to one of the most fun games out there full stop.
The sheer variety of missions and vehicles as well as the general mayhem to be had on any given day is simply phenomenal. There are missions centered around driving, flying, shooting or indeed a combination of all three. The controls are largely very well implemented. Though some people seem to have issues with flying, I would urge everyone using this to consider that with a little practice, this will in fact not be a problem. Flying is a little twitchy at first, for example, but as soon as you have had a little practice on the mandatory flying school, you'll be well away!
As well as the main story which will allow you to sample many aspects of the game, there are a number of side quests such as valet missions, and races as well as collecting oysters, horseshoes and spraying tags (replacing the packages) to name but a few things. Cars can now be modded which is a nice touch and though some things may be a little drawn out, most side missions and extras are quite satisfying and usually result in some sort of reward.