Is GTA 5 a Sequel to GTA San Andreas? Unraveling the Grand Theft Auto Universe
The definitive answer is a resounding no. While both Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (GTA SA) are set in the fictional state of San Andreas, and feature the city of Los Santos, they exist in different universes within the GTA series. Thinking of them as directly linked, sequel-wise, is a common misconception. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of the GTA multiverse to fully understand why.
The GTA Multiverse: 2D, 3D, and HD Universes
The Grand Theft Auto series, renowned for its expansive open worlds, satirical storytelling, and over-the-top action, isn’t just a collection of standalone games. Instead, Rockstar Games has cleverly structured the series into distinct universes, each with its own continuity and shared characteristics. This allows them to reboot themes and locations, whilst keeping the narrative fresh.
The 2D Universe
The original Grand Theft Auto and its subsequent titles, Grand Theft Auto 2, and their expansion packs make up the 2D Universe. These games employed a top-down perspective and a more arcade-like feel. They are not connected narratively to later titles.
The 3D Universe
The 3D Universe marked a significant leap forward for the franchise, transitioning to a third-person perspective and introducing fully realized 3D environments. This universe includes iconic titles such as:
- Grand Theft Auto III: Set in Liberty City (New York City)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Set in Vice City (Miami)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Set in the state of San Andreas, featuring Los Santos (Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas)
While these games share a universe, they don’t necessarily follow a direct storyline. Characters from one game may make cameos or be referenced in another, creating a sense of shared continuity.
The HD Universe
The HD Universe represents a further evolution of the Grand Theft Auto formula, boasting enhanced graphics, more sophisticated storytelling, and a greater level of detail. Games within this universe include:
- Grand Theft Auto IV: Set in a redesigned Liberty City (New York City)
- Grand Theft Auto V: Set in the state of San Andreas, primarily Los Santos (Los Angeles)
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars: Set in Liberty City (New York City)
Crucially, GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas are NOT in the same universe. This means CJ (Carl Johnson) from San Andreas does not exist in the same reality as Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips from GTA 5. Although the location of Los Santos is shared between the two, its depiction, its inhabitants, and its story are completely separate.
Why the Confusion? Shared Location, Different Realities
The confusion surrounding the relationship between GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas stems primarily from their shared setting. Both games feature the state of San Andreas, with Los Santos playing a central role. However, it’s important to understand that these are different interpretations of the same location within different continuities.
GTA: San Andreas’s map was much more dense than GTA 5’s.
Grand Theft Auto 5’s map is much larger, meanwhile, which means content is much more spread out.
Easter Eggs and References
While GTA 5 isn’t a sequel to GTA San Andreas, Rockstar Games often includes easter eggs and references to previous titles as a nod to longtime fans. These can range from subtle visual cues to in-game dialogue that hints at past events. However, these references are purely for fan service and do not imply a direct connection between the games’ storylines.
Conclusion: Separate Universes, Shared Legacy
Ultimately, GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas are distinct entities within the broader Grand Theft Auto franchise. They exist in separate universes, with unique characters, storylines, and continuities. While they share a location in the form of San Andreas and Los Santos, these are different interpretations within different realities. The shared location is more of an homage than a direct link. Understanding the structure of the GTA multiverse is key to appreciating each game as its own self-contained experience. Explore the world of games and learning more with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all GTA games connected?
Not all GTA games are directly connected narratively. They are grouped into different universes (2D, 3D, and HD), each with its own continuity. While characters and locations may reappear, their roles and stories can differ significantly between universes.
2. Is CJ in GTA 5?
No. CJ (Carl Johnson) from GTA San Andreas does not exist in the same universe as GTA 5. The events and characters of the 3D Universe are separate from those of the HD Universe. Though, the voice actor for Franklin, Shawn Fonteno, is the cousin of Young Maylay who voiced CJ.
3. Is GTA 5 a sequel to GTA 4?
Yes. GTA 5 is considered a sequel to GTA 4 as it takes place within the same HD Universe. There are shared characters and references between the games, solidifying their connection.
4. Where is GTA 5 located in real life?
GTA 5’s Los Santos is heavily based on Los Angeles and Southern California. Rockstar Games meticulously recreated real-world landmarks and locations to create a convincing virtual representation.
5. Is San Andreas and GTA 5 the same place?
Yes and No. “San Andreas” refers to the fictional state within the game. One of the cities within the state of San Andreas is “Los Santos.” However, the version of Los Santos in GTA 5 is a different interpretation than the one in GTA: San Andreas.
6. Is Franklin CJ’s son?
No. Franklin is not CJ’s son. The games are set in alternate timelines according to Rockstar Games.
7. Why does Franklin sound like CJ?
Franklin’s voice actor, Shawn Fonteno, is the cousin of Young Maylay, who voiced CJ in GTA: San Andreas.
8. Is Franklin in San Andreas?
Shawn Fonteno, the voice actor for Franklin in GTA 5, also provided voices for some minor characters (Grove Street gang members) in GTA: San Andreas.
9. What city is GTA 6 set in?
While not officially confirmed, rumors and reports suggest that GTA 6 will be primarily set in a fictionalized version of Miami (Vice City).
10. Is Sweet older than CJ?
Yes. Sweet (Sean Johnson) is CJ’s older brother and the leader of the Grove Street Families.
11. Is GTA 3 after San Andreas?
No. Chronologically, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City comes first, then Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and finally Grand Theft Auto 3.
12. Is CJ in GTA 6?
While anything is possible, it’s highly unlikely that CJ will make a significant appearance in GTA 6, given the separate universes.
13. Are GTA and Red Dead connected?
There are minor easter eggs and references that suggest a loose connection, but they are not directly related narratively. For example, the Navy Revolver serves as a nod towards Red Dead Online within GTA V.
14. Does GTA San Andreas take place before GTA 3?
Yes. GTA: San Andreas takes place in 1992, while GTA 3 takes place in 2001.
15. Who killed CJ’s mom?
CJ’s mom was killed in a drive-by shooting orchestrated by corrupt LSPD officers Tenpenny and Pulaski. The intended target was Sweet, but she was hit instead.