Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Special Edition) [PS2]

What specifically caught my eye about the world of San Andreas, though, is the fact that it's a true mini-society. The dynamic climate, for example, differs quite drastically from area to area. The San Francisco-inspired city of San Fierro, for example, is frequently cursed with a mixture of fog, rain, and overcast afternoons. Los Santos, on the other hand, is surrounded by a constant haze brought on by the area's terrible level of pollution, while Las Venturas is almost always sunny thanks to its arid climate. These weather patterns behave just as they do in real life too, which means climates change from time to time. DJs on the radio will even mention these weather breakups and inform players when they can expect to see alterations.

But there's more to recreating a mini-society than just simulating a bunch of weather patterns. Rival gangs, for example, are at constant war with one another -- so don't be surprised if you see members of the Orange Grove Families blasting away at rival Ballers while you drive through the city streets. Cops will stop and bust them for their crimes just as quickly as they'd bust you as well, making it easier to get away with robbing or killing if they've already got their hands full with somebody else. Additionally, people on the streets will make comments to CJ based on his appearance. If Carl's fat and out of shape, for instance, he'll be ridiculed. But if he's buff and well-dressed, on the other hand, the townspeople will recognize that too. Of course, this is just one example of how the world is alive, as you can also expect to see drug pushers making deals, citizens running for their lives from criminals, and normal everyday fender benders happening between AI drivers.

But that's only scratching the surface: cars can rust and get dirty the more you use them unless they're washed; traffic flows more heavily during the morning and evening hours to mirror real-life rush hours; pedestrians change clothing styles and speech patterns based on the towns they live in; construction workers holler and whistle at women as they walk by; and cops make a much more concerted effort to follow their targets until they're completely out of sight. Sure it may not be The Sims, but for what it is it's damn extensive.

How Do U Want It? Naturally, it would only make sense to allow CJ to be just as alive as the world in which he lives; and that's exactly what Rockstar has enabled him to do. By far one of the most dramatic improvements that have been made since Vice City, the ability to customize CJ is more than just presentational -- it also has a direct effect on how you can play. Cycling, driving, holding your breath underwater, and riding motorcycles are all skills that can be improved upon by doing them more often. And the more you do them, the easier they become. What's so cool about this is that none of these skills have to be worked on in order for CJ to be successful; your own ability with the dual shock and some determination is really all you need. For those of us that enjoy role-playing-type games, however, it's a great incentive to try things we normally wouldn't.

These kinds of improvements aren't just limited to how responsive your vehicles control either. Dressing well, keeping fit, and increasing the amount of respect that you have in the eyes of other thugs can be improved upon as well. Should you let yourself go and become a fat slob, for example, you'll be less likely to earn points for your Sex Appeal stat in order to woo the ladies for those always-fun girlfriend side-missions (plus it'll be harder for you to increase your stamina attribute). If you head to the gym and jump on the treadmill or bench-press, however, you can burn the fat consumed by eating food and turn it into muscle and increased stamina. Your new buff bod not only makes you more attractive to the ladies and better respected by your homeboys, but it also makes your melee attacks more powerful and your ability to sprint last longer. There are a number of other customizable goodies at CJ's disposal as well. Clothes can be bought at several different garment stores, Haircuts and tattoos can be added, and depending on the quality of your appearance, you'll evoke bigger reactions out of women and fellow gang members.