An open-world action-adventure set across the state of San Andreas in the early 1990s, following CJ’s return to Los Santos amid gang conflicts, corruption, and family ties.
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Release: 2004 • Platforms: PS2 (initial), later PC, Xbox, mobile, remasters
- Genre: Open-world action-adventure
- Notable mechanics: RPG-like stats (stamina, driving, shooting), extensive customization (clothes, gyms, haircuts), territory wars, bicycles/jetpacks, three cities + countryside/desert
- Reception: Massive commercial success and critical acclaim; regarded as a sandbox milestone