What still makes Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas feel so unique compared to newer open-world games?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been replaying GTA San Andreas recently, and it got me thinking about how different it feels compared to modern open-world games. It’s not just nostalgia — there’s something about the atmosphere, the world design, and even small details like character stats, gang territories, and the way the story unfolds that still hits differently.

One thing I also noticed is how active the modding scene still is. Even today, players are using mods to refresh the experience — from graphics overhauls to gameplay tweaks. I came across some interesting versions through gtasanmod, and it’s surprising how these mods can make the game feel almost new while still keeping its original vibe intact.

I’m curious how others see it. Do you think San Andreas still holds up purely because of nostalgia, or are there specific mechanics and design choices that modern games are missing?

Also, if you’ve played newer GTA titles or other open-world games, what do you think they do better — and where do they fall short compared to San Andreas?