10 Best GTA Games - Ranked

2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Like splitting the atom and deciding on a favourite half (or something, I'm not a scientist), Rockstar's output after GTA III was in another galaxy of incredible. Both games took huge leaps in all the right directions, with the teams themselves only growing, maintaining their youthful rebellious spirit but being able to expand what GTA "was" entirely of their own accord.

In San Andreas' case, two prior games saw them devote more time to role-playing elements, amping up customisation through body types and clothing options for protagonist CJ. There were more weapons, cars and items than ever, with the biggest open-world gaming had ever seen.

Not content with only bombing around cityscapes, San Andreas also took us to a number of forest and wilderness areas, peppering them with secret vehicles and truly embracing the lampoon-inviting qualities of the American midwest.

The downside to all this rampant expansion was an absolutely ludicrous story. One that was fun and memorable, sure, but saw CJ go from gang-filled suburbs to the tops of mountains, down into science labs and even into the depths of high-rolling casinos.

San Andreas is very much Rockstar throwing every single idea at the wall and forcing them to stick. Many - including myself - love how completely insane the full picture of San Andreas looks, but there is a better overall Grand Theft Auto game.