4. The Scope
Pushing the boundaries of GTA from one city, to a whole state this game was massive and its brilliance was only aided by its crazy ambition. Seeing battle done in the gritty streets of Los Santos, the sloping roads of San Fierro, the city lights of Las Venturas and the skies of just about anywhere this game pushed the boundaries of sheer scope. Not only in its map size, the level of detail, the appreciation of the environments it was based upon, the size of the story and the highly diverse side missions made this an all encompassing and breathtaking video game experience beyond that of any competitors.
3. CJ
Possibly the most well rounded of all Rockstars GTA characters; CJ is the first really emotional, most easy to connect to character to anchor a GTA game. Feeling regret where other characters had not, having ambitions of escaping places other people he knows are stuck; hes an honest, open character whose journey is believable as he undergoes as many tasks as possible to protect his family, help his friends and escape the hood. Though he does bad things; he does them because he sees it as a way of escaping that which keeps him and his family down and that makes him one of the strongest, most well rounded characters in gaming.
2. End Of The Line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5lj23EUR9U A huge final mission which featured breaking down walls, having floor by floor shootouts, running through firey infernos, car chases and epic cinematics and a conclusion to a huge story which never lost its focus. The games ending was a fitting conclusion to a massive story and put in to perspective all the money and fame you earned wasnt as important as righting the wrongs done against you and preventing a criminal from escaping. The expert back drop of the riots helped make the mission feel more than just a mission of revenge but the saving of a city; it all wrapped together to be the best conclusive mission of all time.