As with the GTA Double Pack, an Xbox version of San Andreas was inevitable. The PlayStation 2 version was my favorite overall game of 2005 (Click Here for the review) and San Andreas Xbox now takes its place thanks to various little enhancements. In all honesty, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on both consoles are identical in nearly every way. There's really no sense in going into great depth describing basic game mechanics, storyline and whatnot, since all anyone cares about is the differences between the versions.

Everything that made San Andreas so great to begin with, is there. One of the best video soundtracks of the year, a huge and detailed world, potentially 100s of hours of solid gameplay, a fairly interesting storyline, and some good voice acting. While not either the best looking or playing game out there, the sheer scope of the game, along with everything you can see and do is incredible. The freedom the game provides is really its primary selling point, and there are so many ways to play the game it boggles the mind.

Visually, the Xbox version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is like a half a step above the PlayStation 2 version. When first firing the game up, I was hard pressed to point out the differences, until I turned on the PlayStation 2 version and compared them. I'd have to say the most obvious improvement is the framerate. The Xbox is much more capable of churning out the massive environments, and the framerate remains at a near constant 30 fps without most of the stuttering seen in the PlayStation 2 version. The Xbox version is also quite a bit sharper looking overall, though there are some weird aliasing and interlacing artifacts depending on your TV display mode (480i/p). This sharpness comes with a price... the low polygon characters and occasional so-so quality textures stick out like a sore thumb. Sometimes, scenes that looked "bad" on the PlayStation 2 version come across as downright ugly in San Andreas Xbox, by no fault of the Xbox of course. It almost looks as if the Xbox version has a slightly higher polygon count here and there, but it's difficult to tell if it's due to the increased display clarity or not. The cars still have blocky wheels for example, and there is some popping of objects, large and small, in the distance. The shading is definitely better, and all that ugly dithering on the vehicles and environments is nowhere to be seen. Some textures appear to be of higher quality, but again, it's difficult to pick out the reason why. All in all, the framerate stability and overall higher resolution look are probably the best enhancements.

In regards to the gameplay, I'd have to give the overall advantage to the Xbox version, again, mostly due to the better framerate. Being able to smoothly spin around the camera, in the vehicles and on foot, makes a big difference in how the game plays. I do believe I prefer the PlayStation 2 button mappings, but with the lack of R2/L2 shoulder buttons on the Xbox controller, they didn't have much choice. As a result, the controller layout has been changed somewhat, which is both good and bad. The good is that the gas/brake is now on the analog triggers. The bad is that running is still on the "A" button, while peddling a bike (which requires fast tapping like running) is on the triggers. The PlayStation 2 version had them all on the "X" button, which made it less confusing when going from foot, to bike to car, for instance. Those who have never played the PS2 version probably won't be bothered much. Many things, which were mapped to the PS2's second set of trigger buttons, are now on the black and white buttons. This works fine for cycling weapons, but it's a little bit more difficult for looking to the left or right while firing a weapon simultaneously. Looking behind while in a vehicle actually requires pressing them both at the same time, which is also not that easy.

The audio, for all intents and purposes, is also identical. R* provides the ability to use custom soundtracks, which is a great addition for those who use the feature. The game has such a fantastic and eclectic soundtrack to begin with, I personally didn't even bother with it. But an extra is an extra, and always appreciated when developers take the steps to implement them.

The only other Xbox addition is the instant replay feature. You can basically rewind and view up to 30 seconds of previous gameplay. Whether it be an intense shootout or some insane driving, you can now enjoy the moment over and over again.

If you've played the PlayStation 2 version to death, there is no reason to bother with the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the Xbox. It's the same great game, only with a little bit more visual polish here and there and a couple of extra features. Those who only own an Xbox, or purposely skipped the PlayStation 2 game in anticipation of an enhanced version, will be happy to know that this is definitely the best version. Now there's no excuse. If you haven't played what is arguably the best game of 2005, now's your chance.