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Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas

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    If its just a game, then why the **** is everyone going on, bandying the race card?

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      Ok I've posted this up in two other places under my two other names, but I thought I'd share this early experience of mine in SA.

      -----------------------

      Oh my goodness. What a game - it tells it's own story!

      I've not been playing for long, and thus the other cities appear to be off limits. Well they SHOULD be...

      After a bit of a wander I stumble upon a railway bridge that obviously leads on to the next "section/island" if you will. I found this accidentally after losing control of my bike for a second, and falling off a ledge. However, the bridge is boarded up so that the player cannot get past it (and on to the next section too early, no doubt). Fair enough I think.
      I turn around and see...A TRAIN! I hope beyond hope...before wandering up to it and pressing the fabled triangle button.
      YES! I AM IN A TRAIN!

      However I can't go forwards (aforementioned blockade stops me), so backwards it is. Things start off quite slowly in reverse, as to be expected, but pretty soon I'm buzzing along at quite a pace. I keep that reverse button held down, and after couple of minutes, the train starts to shake a bit. Hmm no matter, I think, as all else seems fine.
      Then just as I'm enjoying my reverse ride through the city, the train comes to a self-imposed stop. I've hit the other end of the line. More barriers

      Ah well may as well take the beastie back. So it's another slow build up, and then a few minutes of travelling above and below ground before I come to the original barrier.

      But instead of slowing down for it, the train goes right through it...WOW! I thought. I'd found a top bug here I have access to the second section without any penalty...

      Reality Check ? I?ve suddenly been awarded with Four Stars. Ah. BRAKE...REVERSE...

      Suddenly from the parallel road above the train, a police car steams in...recklessly launching themselves towards me! It bounces off the train. It's joined by another car...and two police helicopters! One starts to fire on the train - argh!

      I edge back towards the barrier I'd passed through before and now can't get back! Crap...
      Only one thing for it then. Full throttle baby!

      The train goes into forward drive again, my only hope to speed away from my pursuers and find a way to loop back around the entire length of track.
      For the first mile or two the police car keeps a pace with me, somehow. Madly driving along on the track, trying to bash me off! I'm not quite sure how he thought he would dislodge a train and three carriages but there you go.

      The car disappears and the copters too. I'm still on four stars, but I'm quite enjoying the scenery (as it flies past). I drive across a lovely big bridge, very scenic that. Even better I pick up a star that takes my tally down to three.
      Unfortunately the authorities do not seem to be fooled, and it's re-raised to four. No escape for me, it would seem

      The train starts to shake again, and I can feel the vibrations on the dual shock pad. Of course I pay it no heed, I'm sure trains shake like that all the time.
      Two minutes later the back carriages snap away from the engine. I'm a bit confused...and suddenly the engine derails!

      At this point I think that's it. Game over man, game over. But I'm not done yet, not by a long chalk.

      The train falls onto it's side, and slides hundreds of metres along the track. As it slows, just clearing another bridge, it slides down a bank into what looks like a small trailer park. I'm hammering triangle to try and escape...at last as the train comes to a halt I break free.

      On foot, miles and miles from home, with only a pistol and a camera for company...I'm just glad I put my trousers and shoes back on earlier, after a fellow gang member inferred I was gay. Bare chested, however, I start for the nearest landmark.

      Because of the difficult terrain there's no police cars on my tail. The only worry is the police copter overhead, alternatively taking pot shots at me and spewing out varying abusing messages as I dodge and weave to try and break any sort of lock they might have on me.

      Already knackered after a minute of sprinting, the landmark is clearer now. It's some kind of oil refinery. The fence is too high to jump so I make my way to the front of the installation.
      Problem - it's near a road. Two cop cars come for me. I manage to feint and weave my way out of their path as they try to run me down. Just as I'm about to enter the Refinery a SWAT type van gives one last attempt to take me down. I narrowly avoid it, and look for shelter. The cars aren't keen to enter here, which suits me just fine!

      My first thoughts on entering the area are "Look for a car". However I then decide to climb one of the towers for a look around. I soon abandon this idea as it puts me nearer the death spitting choppers.
      Then I spy two pick up trucks near the entrance. I've no idea how I missed them first time round. I choose one, and back it up, then drive around to line myself up from the entrance, for a mad max style rush from the place.

      I have a quick thought first - "Plan ahead". I quickly check the map. I?M MILES FROM ANYWHERE, NOT A TOWN IN SIGHT. Great. So once again my thoughts wander and there's only one thing for it...the famous "LET'S OFF ROAD". The basic tactic is to go in a straight line and just hope for the best.

      I fly out of the exit, and just brush a cop car in doing so. It's not enough to stop me though, as the undulating terrain causes me much more consternation. I can hear the cops behind me, and I have to skillfully drive to avoid a dangerous crash with a random building. It's then under a huge oil pipe, and up an incline...towards that small hut over there...and by the hut is...I don't believe it. It's a plane!

      What luck! This could be my ticket back home! I handbrake the car up next to the old red crop duster type aircraft, and jump in. I fire up the engine but...the police are here! Two cars ram me in a pincer movement. I try to accelerate away from them, but I'm blocked from forward movement. Could this be it?
      I refuse to panic. I try to reverse the plane, and sure enough it gives me enough leeway to then move forward and break free of the two cars...just as the helicopters start to close in too!

      The plane does not seem to pick up much speed, and I'm headed for a telegraph pole! But at the last minute it finds it's wings, and I veer manically to the side of the pole...escaping certain death once again!

      Haha!!! I'm free!! Those choppers won't catch me now

      I check the map and decide a due south direction is best - it should take me directly back to the hide out. The plane handles rather poorly, but I soon get used to it. I'm home free now, all that remains is for me to land the thing outside the house, run in and save, and then...

      And then a missile hits the back left hand side of the plane. A jet streaks past me an instant later. B******s! They've even got the Air force after me. It's not like I'm going to fly into a building or anything!

      This is really all a bit harsh for just breaking through a barrier with a train!

      However I'm determined not to be beaten. I've come so far! I think my best bet is to keep the plane low, perhaps I'd avoid radar and/or future strafing runs from the jets.
      I do this as best I can, and no more attacks come at me for about thirty seconds or so - until a second missile smashes into the rear of the plane again.

      Now smoking badly I feel my only choice is to land the thing as best I can and continue the journey back to my crib on solid ground. One more missile and I?m going to be blown right out of the sky.

      Checking the map, I see I'm actually back in "home" territory! The cheeky police haven't rescinded my Stars however. I'm still a long way out, it's still country here, but I'm sure I can keep going.

      The plane lists badly and continues to smoke as I go down for an emergency landing. "Assume the crash position!" I shout hilariously, as the wheels thump into the turf. And the plane explodes. Wasted. Gutted. So close?after all that and a heavy landing cremates me.

      So! An epic tale of planes, trains, and automobiles for you this evening! I doubt I'll get one quite like that again

      Comment


        Originally posted by otaku84
        And you sir, are an idiot.

        So, despite having a variety of global heritages in my blood, and having lived happily all over the world, and am currently studying Japanese (so yes, I bloody well can talk like that), and get along amiacably with the variety of nationalities found at my Uni, I am, in your ever so wise and superior opinion, a racist solely because I choose not to enjoy a particular variety of "culture" that is often associated with people of African descent, but is not exclusive to them?
        You said, and I quote, "Vice City had a much more personaly enjoyable atmosphere that I could relate to... this, is not my cup of tea. For a start, Im not an african/american and I dont talk like that.". What you've just said is you don't like San Andreas because you play a black guy. Are you an Italian American then? You must be, because you can "relate" to the main character in that game. What's more appealing about the mafia, or even the Yakuza, over ghetto culture? They're all pretty nasty.

        Well let me inform YOU, that there are plenty of impovrished white and Asian people in American suburban ghettos, there is a large vietnamese and korean population, not to mention the hispanic population in these poor areas. So well done Popo, YOU are the racist! You have just gone and marginalised every racial group that can be found in such areas into those of African descent, purely to have a racist dig at me.
        See, what you've just done here is reached into your back side and produced a big old pile of crap.

        I, simply do not like the ghetto scenerio, which is what I was trying to say, and was being honest when I told you that I find it difficult to relate to a main character whose background is so wholey different to mine.
        So you related to Master Chief, a cyborg, in Halo? You related to Lara Croft, a woman, in Tomb Raider? What about the Prince of Persia? Ace cop Chris Redfield? If so I envy your worldly experiences.

        If he were Polish I could understand it better, but I believe there would be others would be alienated by this.
        What does this even mean?

        I am always amused when people can jump to such conclusions simply because someone has a different opinion. I don't like urban ghetto culture, get over it.
        You gave me no other impressions that you meant anything else. If you couldn't relate (rolleyes) to the character you would have said simply that, but instead you decided to single out the way he talks and the colour of his skin before going on a little Japanophile rant about how you wanted Rockstar to make a game based in a country where people don't even speak english and aren't white. Blatant hypocrisy. Go back and read what you said and tell me it doesn't come off as racist and I'll tell you you are wrong.
        Last edited by Popo; 30-10-2004, 20:18.

        Comment


          Originally posted by replicant
          What a surprise

          Someone says they dont like the african/american gansta rappa culture and someone waves the race card.

          Still thats what we get for living in a country where you need to conform to ridiculous PC notions. Can't say boo to anyone, without being termed a racist.
          Bull****. You need to take a serious look at what he said. Frankly I was 100% relieved that San Andreas wasn't afraid to say nigger, so don't pull that political correctness ****e with me.

          Comment


            "Just because you got owned by Stu Campbell doesn't mean you can now be a self-righteous bigot too."

            big?ot ( P ) Pronunciation Key (bgt)
            n.
            One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ

            Yes I can clearly see how I am being a 'self-righteous bigot' by questioning a comment which can only be deemed as racist

            back to the game .....

            I love how Rockstar have designed the missions to show you the map bit by bit - even though the game area is 3 times the size of Vice City you never feel over-whelmed since its being shown to you in nice bite-sized chunks - a few missions around your own 'hood', then a few into rival gang's turf ... the pacing (upto now) has been excellent.

            Penguin Lad - good impressions there. makes me wonder what the police will do if you head into water to evade them - if they will call up boats and ships to take you down

            Comment


              What an amazing story Penguin Lad- sounds like alot of fun. Thats what i've always liked about GTA games-the freedom to do your own thing.

              Comment


                I'm finding the game a mixture of complete bliss and absolute frustration. Just when I'm thinking about giving up forever, something will happen that is unexpected and beautifully realised. I still feel that the very original GTA was the best, and if Rockstar wish to fully realise their dream, they need a new engine, new console and raise their game-design standards.

                The game is technically (not graphically; though occasionally it does impress) rather splendid, but it is far too unfriendly and difficult to play. The map is stupidly difficult to read when in game and where the missions rely heavily on retries, it's surprising to see the game be so unhelpful when it comes to failing a mission.

                I do sense the freedom Rockstar have tried to offer me, but I do not feel completely free. I'm restricted by both engine and design, just like I was in the other GTA games on the PS2 - it is time to take the series forward, and let me live in a world they are becoming experts in creating.

                And it is time for me to play some more.

                Comment


                  Originally posted by PeteJ
                  ....I'm restricted by both engine and design, just like I was in the other GTA games on the PS2 - it is time to take the series forward, and let me live in a world they are becoming experts in creating.

                  And it is time for me to play some more.
                  Totally agree, i suspect (and hope) the PC version will do wonders for graphics, framespeeds etc.
                  Last edited by Crossed fingers; 30-10-2004, 20:49.

                  Comment


                    so no 60hz for PAL?

                    Comment


                      Originally posted by NeilMcRae
                      does the US version support prog scan?
                      There's no obvious option for it that I can see, and the manual doesn't seem to mention it, so I don't think it does, no.

                      Comment


                        So! An epic tale of planes, trains, and automobiles for you this evening!
                        That was a bloody excellent read! Pretty much sums up what makes GTA great in my opinion.

                        Comment


                          Yeah, more stories !!!

                          Comment


                            Originally posted by Crossed fingers
                            Totally agree, i suspect (and hope) the PC version will do wonders for graphics, framespeeds etc.
                            I've got to disagree. The conceptual vision in San Andreas is amazing. They've thrown thousands of different things in there, and from a game design point of view, I don't see much more Rockstar North could have added with this current generation.

                            The sheer breadth and span, both in terms of depth, width, and minuteness, is breathtaking to be honest. It's a much more complete game than GTA III or Vice City with regards to what's available, and the way in which all the various strands fit cohesively together.

                            I'm still stuck on the first map, more than 20 hours in (15% complete). That hasn't stopped hundreds of different gameplay elements throwing themselves on top of each other as I expected to leave on to the next though.

                            I thought Sweet's mission of overtaking the Balla's turf would be the end of the initial area, but I was wrong. There's a whole bunch of terrirtories waiting for me to invade and rule, that I can now pay attention to after CJ's girlfriend more or less dumped him following the second date, when I took her to a restaurant she turned her nose up at.

                            Apart from that, today I've been partaking in burglaries at night, pimping in my pimp-mobile, playing pool and shooting hoops in a challenge. To name but a fraction of the things...


                            Content-wise, this level of detail (in terms of the choice the player has inside its framework), is gobsmacking.

                            Comment


                              It sounds wicked, but the big question is, worth a purchase of a PS2 ?

                              Comment


                                weightgain, I'd say if you are patient wait for the ports, however if you are impatient then do it.

                                Penguin Lad - I think you must have got into some army/government territory because when you do your wanted level gets instantly raised to 4*.

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