Hello once again, fellow gamers! For this issue, I decided to write about a game that I think we’re all familiar with. It may not be a classic, but it’s definitely one we still play from time to time. Just the other day I was conversing with a friend about the good old days: the days when we used to play softball in the backyard, watch Wayne’s World and hop over the airport fence to try and escape the police. Of course, I’m referring to us playing GTA: San Andreas! Who can forget all the possibilities given in that game? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, first of all, shame on you, and second, allow me to introduce one of the most incredible, yet horrendous, games that I’ve loved for so long.
GTA: San Andreas was released in 2004 and was the fifth game in the popular series. It takes place in the early 90s and the playable character, Carl Johnson (C.J.), is on a mission to restore his gang’s reputation and take control of the city. (Classy, I know.) When I first started playing this game, I didn’t care about the plot or the missions. I just wanted to steal a sweet looking car, cruise around town and, occasionally, cause mass destruction, which definitely helps get your aggression out if you’re ever in a bad mood.
So, you want tips on how to play the game? Truth is there are no tips. Since this game technically counts as an RPG, you get to do what you want when you want. But watch out for the police! They will take your money and possessions. If you really want some sort of tips, though, all I can suggest is to use cheats. Cheats make the game more ridiculous than it already is. Want to make cars fly? There’s a cheat for that. Want everyone to be crazy and hostile? There’s a cheat for that. Want to get those cops off your back? There’s a cheat for that, too! As I said before, the possibilities are endless in this game. But it’s up to you to find as many as you can.
Two more things I want to discuss: the weapon choices and the vehicles. The game includes nearly every type of weapon out there that you can think of. You got the shot gun, the pistol, the semi-automatic, baseball bat, machete, bazooka, you name it! It may not be Deadrising, but you can definitely still get a pretty wide variety of weaponry. And the cars? They got ‘em all. The convertibles, the golf cart, the jet, the speedboat, the bicycle and much, much more. There are definitely more vehicles than weapons, and I had a field day with that factor. What I always do is get a hot car, drive it to the airport, fly a jet to a marina, hop on a boat to a train, and then take the train to the skate park...or I’ll just do the cheat for a jetpack and float around. It’s a good time.
Anyway I’ve enjoyed reminiscing with you all. I hope I’ve reminded you that graphics aren’t always the most important thing in the world. Now go home, whip out the PS2 or X-box, and take some time to catch up with your old friend, C.J. In fact, I think I’m going to go for a cruise right now.

Stay golden (or in this case, brutal), gamers! Until next time!