9. The Customization
One of the main criticisms levelled at GTA 4 was for its lack of player customization in relation to San Andreas; however its unfair to compare the two as SA gave you the freedom to create a player almost entirely in your own image short of being able to graft your actual face on to his. You could choose what cars, what colour the cars were, what houses you lived in, what you wear and what colour you want your hair to be. This was the ultimate in character freedom short of being able to design the character yourself which is a good thing, as it allows you to have your CJ in the same character story that the game tells. This level of freedom but also the detail it gave (different clothing shops to different tastes) helped make this a constantly interesting and fun feature in the customization of your CJ as you saw fit.
8. Pier 69
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JPRzdkskHM Revenge is a dish best served on a speed boat in San Fierro bay...Or something like that. A huge mission in terms of CJs character as he finally gets vengeance on Ryder whilst also helping bring down the drug group hes infiltrated; this mission is big in terms of story but also in terms of character as we see CJs regret and sorrow over being forced to kill Ryder. The mission itself is fun, youre sniper, then youre a foot soldier, then youre an Olympic swimmer on top of being a speed boat racer and killer. San Andreas knows when its big missions have to be big, and this carries the right level of circumstance for whats happening in the story.
7. The Opening
For simple tone setting and character introduction; the opening cinematics of San Andreas were a tremendous introduction to a brilliant game. The introduction of Tenpenny and Pulaski and their approach to CJ and his past gives you indications on what kind of characters these are and where they may take the story; the mention of CJs mums death and the amount of time hes spent away from home give indications as to how the family may be set up on arrival. In terms of setting up a story this gives clear directions as to where youre beginning from; and the drive through Los Santos is a wonderful introduction to the city youre now in.
6. Tenpenny
What a villain, from the excellent vocal casting to his excellent script, Tenpenny manages to keep you on edge even though you know that you could probably take him in a fight (yes, I mean you literally, look at him hes tiny). The structuring of his cinematics and the simple way they kept him ever present in the game made him a villain you hated; but was always wary of.
5. A Home In The Hills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MojJzFpxBy4 Whats the best way to return to your home town? Quietly driving in through the back door? Or parachuting on to a Vinewood mansion and having a out and out war with drug dealers? The latter... Definitely the latter. A homecoming fitting the mantle of the gameplay and which sees parachute management, gun fights and car chases. Everything you could possibly want for a mission.