Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

People tend to dwell on the violent aspects of Grand Theft Auto—drive-by shootings, cop killings, kicking little old ladies to death—but what about the game's more tranquil moments? Like when you’re jamming to “Fantastic Voyage” on the radio while cruising the highway…in the cab you just carjacked. So what if pacifists and parents will have to wait until Rockstar puts out GTA: Switzerland before cozying up to this franchise? Everyone else will be awed. So good that it even drew Axl Rose out of hiding (he’s the DJ on the classic rock station, one of 11 listening formats), San Andreas cranks out even more action than Vice City as you engage in those wacky gang-related adventures you've grown to love in disconcertingly authentic versions of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. The only downside to this title is that the virtual world is so massive (nearly six times larger than any other Grand Theft), you may find yourself giving up your actual life—or worse, other unfinished video games—to play it.