Sure, the Grand Theft Auto franchise features wall-to-wall violence, sex and drugs, but there s quite a message buried under all of that vice. Game-Brains review of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas sees the game as high art, a satiric commentary on America s damaged morality and myopic world view.

The Grand Theft Auto games are not only works of art, but are among the most politically engaged pieces of mainstream art to come along in the last ten years. Through developer Rockstar North's brilliant integration of anti-establishment themes into their plots, world design, and gameplay, the Grand Theft Auto series has delivered a powerful message to millions of gamers around the world. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the masterpiece of the series. Its depiction of the United States through the fictional state of San Andreas presents a scathing critique of American consumer culture, the horrible social inequalities that it perpetuates, and the damage it causes to the rest of the world.

The review explores the messages delivered through the game s radio shows and plot, messages that mock the United State s love of perfection, hatred of anything not commercialized and the growing chasm between the rich and the poor. Just read this snippet from one of the in-game ads.

Man from Audience: "Mr Andrews, I've had a run of bad luck and I was wondering if the state could help me get back on my feet?"

Andrews: "This is the negative kind of self-obsessed greedy talk that doesn't help anyone. My program will teach you a new outlook on life. Instead of complaining about being poor, enjoy it. Watch TV. Don't vote. Who cares?"

It s an interesting read, that perhaps, exposes Rockstar as something more than a company out to make a quick buck on the gaming world s love of sex and violence.

Bloody Well Done [Game-Brains]

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