San Andreas is still a pretty big deal to most Grand Theft Auto fans. It’s the ten year anniversary of the PS2 classic this year, prompting Rockstar to re-release the game on Xbox 360. Higher resolution, larger draw distance and a few other features have been added, but how much of a difference do they actually make?
Well considering it’s a ten-year old title, the result is pretty great. YouTube channel GTA Series Videos pits all three versions of the game together, comparing the visuals of the HD re-release to both the PS2 and PC iterations. The results are…interesting.
So the bumped up resolution makes a massive difference, as the improved draw distance. It brings San Andreas to life, making it look less like a foggy suburb overridden with pollution. The lighting also seems be be a lot better, even when compared to the PC version.
But what the hell is going on with CJ’s face? The character models have certainly aged really badly, even with the minor touch ups here and there. It’s great to see CJ’s fingers individually now though, even if they still resemble the feet of a large duck.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is out now on Xbox 360, for the low low price of R37.25 on the local Marketplace. Considering I never owned a PS2, I’m tempted to pick it up. Are you planning on visiting San Andreas again soon?
Last Updated: October 27, 2014
Admiral Chief 0
October 27, 2014 at 14:37
GROVE STREET FO’ LIFE!
Matthew Holliday
October 27, 2014 at 15:13
Home is were i left my drugs.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 14:38
The PS2 version seems like I need to put glasses on.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 14:39
PC version seems like I need to put sun glasses on.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 14:40
Xbox 360:
http://i.imgur.com/Ry7Cx7S.jpg
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 14:44
Oh Geralt, you cool cat.
Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)
October 27, 2014 at 14:39
CJ! Monica!
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 14:40
GTA games don’t age too well.
Except for the first. Still love that one to bits.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 15:12
Hammersteyn
October 27, 2014 at 14:46
If you never played it, pick it up now. The graphics didn’t age well yes. But the game is huge. If I had to vote for a GTA sequel that has the original characters and location it would be this one.
Sean Carbutt
October 27, 2014 at 15:15
Amen. San Andreas was a gem, well in it’s day that is. I’m still pissed off that it is not being ported to the PS4. Not bothered with getting GTA V on the PS4 as it is the same basic game with better graphics and still no heists or other stuff that they promised us
konfab aka derp
October 27, 2014 at 14:46
Whatever, seems to be a bit of a jump from the PC version.
Not worth it for me. My netbook runs it flat out.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 14:49
I though the point of this games was to mug a cop, steal a gun and go on a rampage, till more cops showed up with better guns.
I was very surprised to hear that there was a story too.
Pieter Smal
October 27, 2014 at 14:50
Even Bully looked better! How I wish for an HD remake!
MakeItLegal
October 27, 2014 at 14:53
pitty they didn show case pc mods ? like proper ones ? just saying
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 15:08
Hey Cousin. Slap, ouch
Or wrong game?
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 15:15
GTA SA theme song.
Viking Of Divinity
October 27, 2014 at 15:19
can we all just agree that Vice City was the Best Setting, please and thank you.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
October 27, 2014 at 15:24
YOU HAVE MY SWORD.
Corrie
October 27, 2014 at 15:51
Honestly Vice City nailed it on everything, even Vice City Stories did, sure the others are great but cruising around listening to the radio in a infernus = unforgettable memories
CypherGate
October 27, 2014 at 15:20
What i notice from the comparisons is that the original PS2 version has a lot more atmospheric feel to the scenes whereas the others is just updated textures, but you dont have that sunset type atmosphere like the older one. Gives the feel of a hollow empty world.
house_hero
October 27, 2014 at 15:27
SPOILER ALERT!
That moment when big Smoke and Ryder betray you… I was mortified.
Great game, great memories. I highly recommend you play it if you haven’t already.
Corrie
October 27, 2014 at 15:56
Hoping the PC update comes out today, think PS3 owners get it on Thursday( since PSN updates on Thursday)(don’t own a PS so dunno exactly only guessing)
Matthew Healing
October 27, 2014 at 20:34
Yo, San Andreas, I’m really happy for your HD remake, and Imma let you finish, but I just
got to say Vice City was the best GTA there ever was.
Rock789
October 28, 2014 at 07:37
Man, I remember this game. Was SO much fun! Wouldn’t mind picking it up and having another go – especially since it’s only R37!
Brian Blair
October 29, 2015 at 05:43
Vice City is still my favorite, But I love San Andreas almost as much, I also like 3 and 4, And yes I still play San Andreas and Vice City, Those games are just too good to put down simply because they are dated! Also Rockstar screwed up big time with GTA 5! The Characters just suck! The characters in GTA 5 are like douche bags you used to love killing in the older games!