Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (USED) - PS3 (RESTART)

Americans like to do things 'big' - cars, hamburgers, waistlines - and there is no bigger game than Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas . The series of GTA It was probably the biggest event to hit the gaming world since the release of Space Invaders, and this latest one is turning things up to the max.

The free-roaming, car-stealing adventure enjoyed in Vice City moves from the 80s to the early 90s, and has expanded from a single giant city to fill an entire state - San Andreas. As petty criminal Carl Johnson, you must start your own criminal enterprise, forming a gang to climb the grimy ladder of criminal success until you've achieved absolute domination of the territory.

This time around, you'll have three entire cities to plunder - Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturra - with all the sprawling countryside in between. In addition to the cars, motorcycles, boats, and helicopters of Vice City, San Andreas expands your transportation options to include bicycles (you couldn't 'relive' the '90s without BMXs, right?) and the popularly requested ability to swim.

But a large, unregulated play area requires more than just new ways to get around. San Andreas boasts new ways to stimulate budding virtual criminals, like burglary and receiving stolen goods.

Of course, there are plenty of things to spend your dollars on. During the lean years, you can buy clothes at a reasonable price at the 'Binco' store, but 'SubUrban' is where every self-respecting gangster should go to dress sharp.

Make sure Carl is the best looking gangster by having him get a haircut from the most renowned hairdressers in SA. And by the way, tight braids and a fancy shave are other options to consider, because the better Carl looks, the more respect he will earn from his followers.

But as 'bad' as San Andreas may be, developer Rockstar doesn't forget the irony, and while Carl's activities are reprehensible, a rich vein of black humor runs throughout the game - just take a look at the name of the sports shop, ProLaps (smirk).

Since the release of GTAIII , the series has become synonymous with killer soundtracks and San Andreas is no exception. With the entire 90s catalog at your disposal, you can be sure to find some rap legends, a rock classic or some Mad-chester classics by messing around with the in-car stereos.

Welcome to San Andreas.

Characteristics:

• Last appointment with GTA , a series of astronomical popularity.
• No longer just a city, but an entire state to 'play' in.
• Hire members for your gang to help you in your criminal activities.
• Customize your anti-hero with clothes, hairstyles and jewelry that will earn him the respect of his 'team'.
• Stellar soundtrack composed of the greatest hits of the 90s.