



Unlike its predecessor, San Andreas included gameplay aspects that were later used in other games, such as RPG-style mechanics, customization options for clothing and car appearances, a wide range of activities and mini-games, and the inclusion of gambling games. The game contains references to many real-life elements of the world, such as cities, regions, and landmarks, and its plot is heavily based on several real-life events in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, such as rivalry between real-life street gangs, the 1980s and early 1990s crack epidemic, the LAPD Rampart scandal, and the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Carl’s trip leads him across the fictional United States state of San Andreas, which is primarily modelled on California and Nevada and includes three major cities: Los Santos (influenced by Los Angeles), San Fierro (inspired by San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). The plot revolves around Carl “CJ” Johnson, a former gangster who comes home after his mother’s murder and is dragged back into his former gang and a life of crime while dealing with corrupt officials and powerful gangsters. The game is situated in an open-world setting that players can freely explore and interact with.
