Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the last of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy. Starting the game off, I realize I am CJ, a former gangmember returning to my hometown of San Andreas after being away for a few years. I've played some of GTA: San Andreas before so I'm familiar with some of the characters voices. Samuel L Jackson plays a dirty cop for one and there are some voices from the Boyz N Da Hood movie in GTA as well, which helps to sell the video game a little bit because of the authenticity of the 'gangster' voices.
While first playing the game, CJ was faced with a lot of violent situations. This may not be out of the ordinary to him but to the average person this would be very tramatic. For example, as soon as you land at the airport, you're greeted by cop that take your money and abuse you. To top it off they drop you off in a rival gangs neighborhood which is something you see a lot of during a lot of hardcore gangster movies. CJ is immediately thrown into the action by having to find his way back to his home turf to avoid being hurt by rival gangs. After visiting the cemetary, he's forced to escape with the rest of his friends from the gang that is chasing them, on bikes!!! When confronted by friends, CJ decides to stay and help. While playing I was wondering how could this be the norm for a person? It's as if there's is no idea of a better life, there's only survival. The only values CJ knows are loyalty and an 'eye for an eye'. Anything that has to be done to protect yourself and your family is done without thought. Unfortunately, that is the way things are in some parts of the country. It literally can be a warzone in some neighborhoods with constant harassment by gangs and where the phrase 'survival of the fittest' really does apply. In a real life situation, CJ would have a choice to go back to Liberty City, stay in San Andreas and fight or try to make peace with those that are giving him problems. But in the game there is no choice, there is only retaliation...
add a comment
|