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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition similar games & best alternatives

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition

PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 • 2023

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Quick resume

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: It’s the early ’90s. After a couple of cops frame him for homicide, Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.

Global score

79/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Shooter, Racing

Similar games

    Pros

    • Nostalgic and immersive story with memorable characters
    • Large open world with diverse activities and exploration
    • Improved graphics and quality of life features like checkpoints and weapon wheel
    • Extensive character and vehicle customization
    • Engaging gameplay with a mix of driving, shooting, and mission challenges

    Cons

    • Bugs and glitches present, some visual and performance issues
    • Character models and some redesigns criticized
    • No multiplayer or cooperative modes
    • Rockstar games launcher can cause connectivity issues
    • Price considered high unless purchased on sale

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Domination, Violence, Exploration.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to explore a large open world, choose missions and side activities, customize character appearance and vehicles, and decide their own path."

    • Competence
      3

      "Game offers skill-based driving, shooting, and mission challenges with a learning curve; includes checkpoints and quality of life improvements to reduce frustration."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on single-player experience and personal progression; no explicit competitive multiplayer or leaderboards mentioned."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report long playtimes, nostalgia-driven repeated playthroughs, and engagement with story and side content over many hours."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Game is primarily single-player with no cooperative multiplayer elements."

    • Creativity
      4

      "Extensive customization of character appearance, vehicles, and gameplay style; players can modify CJ's physique, clothes, tattoos, and weapons."

    • Domination
      2

      "Some elements of gang territory control and dominance over rival gangs, but interactions are scripted and narrative-driven rather than player-imposed authority."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Strong escapism through immersive open world, nostalgic story, and engaging gameplay that helps players relax and distract from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal desire and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players can try different vehicles, weapons, and mission approaches; exploration and testing of game mechanics encouraged."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Large open world with multiple cities and countryside; players encouraged to discover new areas, secrets, and side activities."

    • Expression
      4

      "Character customization including clothes, tattoos, hairstyles, and vehicle modifications allow for personal expression."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Imaginative crime story with exaggerated characters and scenarios; some unrealistic elements but grounded in a fictionalized 1990s setting."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Primarily a single-player experience with minimal social or community interaction."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills in driving, shooting, and mission strategies; character progression through stats and abilities."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires active engagement and focus; missions and activities demand player attention."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited to scripted character relationships; no social or emotional player-to-player intimacy."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Narrative includes gang leadership and territory control, but player leadership is within scripted story context."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong progression through mission completion, character upgrades, vehicle and weapon acquisition, and territory control."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Players find enjoyment and flow in exploration and gameplay despite some bugs and glitches."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Enhanced graphics, soundtracks, and immersive environments provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

    • Status
      -3

      "Focus on personal achievement and story rather than social recognition or visibility."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative immersion with memorable characters, engaging plot, and well-written dialogue."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Missions require planning, problem-solving, and tactical thinking, especially in gang wars and complex tasks."

    • Thrill
      4

      "High stakes missions, police chases, and gang conflicts provide suspense and excitement."

    • Value
      2

      "Mixed opinions on price; recommended mostly on sale; offers many hours of gameplay and achievements."

    • Violence
      5

      "Gameplay involves combat, destruction, and criminal activities central to the experience."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must manage health, avoid failure in missions, and strategically overcome threats."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026