Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Epic open world crime saga with sharp controls and visuals

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on handheld devices is still one of the most ambitious open-world experiences you can carry in your pocket. You step into the shoes of Carl “CJ” Johnson, returning to a fractured Los Santos in the early 90s, and are quickly pulled into a gritty tale of gang warfare, police corruption and family loyalty that unfolds across three massive cities and the countryside between them.

The full campaign is here, with over 70 hours of story missions, side jobs and pure sandbox chaos. From lowrider meetups and casino heists to bike stunts in the desert, the variety remains impressive. The writing, voice acting and soundtrack – packed with classic hip-hop, rock and 90s hits – give San Andreas an atmosphere few games can match.

This version benefits from remastered graphics, including sharper textures, improved lighting and more detailed character models. It’s not cutting-edge by modern standards, but the adjustable graphics settings let you balance visuals and performance depending on your device.

Controls are where expectations matter. Touchscreen driving and shooting are surprisingly competent thanks to dual analog stick support, multiple control schemes and customizable on-screen buttons that appear only when needed. Still, intense firefights can feel fiddly, and using a Bluetooth or USB gamepad delivers a far better experience, especially for longer sessions.

Cloud saves via Rockstar Social Club are a welcome bonus, allowing you to continue your progress across different devices. Performance is generally solid on mid- to high-end hardware, though older devices may need lower settings to stay smooth.

Despite its age, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains a landmark open-world game, and this version preserves its scope and personality while adding modern conveniences. If you can live with slightly dated visuals and occasionally clunky controls, it’s an essential crime epic.