Hector's Pick #9 - GTA San Andreas

With the Grand Theft Auto franchise already stirring up mounds of controversy, San Andreas continues to throw parents, lawyers and anti-VG groups into frenzies, most have been aimed at makers' Rockstar Games. The uncovering of the "Hot Coffee" Mod nearly gave San Andreas the dreaded "Adults Only" Rating, or in other words, the death sentence for any game. I remember writing an essay in English class about if video games influences people to commit violent acts. Really there is no evidence that says video games directly affect anyone. I can sit here all day and rewrite that essay but this is now about why this game makes it on the list.

Set in the 90's, with the essence of Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" rolled out into video game form, comes the story of a gangbanger who wants to make a name for himself and his gang. Ever since GTA 3, the storyline has become more and more detailed and intriguing. But what really makes this game work is the sheer size of the map, which includes the skies and underwater travelling, and the freedom the game gives you. I really enjoyed the marathon events where you race against other NPC's from one end of the city to the other with bikes, on foot and swimming. I eventually made my own marathon, although I just raced against time, taking you all around the cities in a big loop, my best time was a little over 30 minutes which somewhat puts a sense of how big the map really is into your mind. I am so into this game that I could pop this game in and completely remember where every landmark was. Yikes.